Bad cat behaviour can be mysterious to many people. Many times, changes in your cat’s behaviour can be an indication of an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed and can often be resolved without further behaviour modification techniques. The following are the five most commonly seen behaviour problems in cats:

1. Aggression – This can range from aggression between cats within the same home to aggression toward people. Many aggressive behaviours are a natural part of a cat’s hunting and territorial behaviour. A cat that has recently become aggressive may have an underlying medical illness. Painful joints may also cause your cat to become aggressive when you pet or touch painful areas.
2. Destructiveness – Scratching on furniture is one of the most common cat behaviour problems. These cats are not spiteful or doing it to punish their owner for a perceived wrong. These cats are simply trying to put their scent on and visually mark their territory so other cats know it is their turf. Chewing on items like plastic, plants or cloth are another destructive cat behaviour problem. Sometimes this is breed specific, and as long as they are not swallowing the items causing an intestinal obstruction, are usually not harmful. There are cat grass pots that can be placed in your home to give your cat a suitable plant option for chewing.
3. House soiling – Cats that urinate or defecate outside of the litterbox are telling us one of two things. They either have a medical problem affecting theirurinary tractorintestinal tract, or there is something that is bothering them about their litterbox. These cats need to be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. A cat that is unable to urinate needs to be seen immediately as this can be life threatening.
4. Vocalization – Female cats in heat can display some remarkable behaviours that sometimes result in visits to the veterinarian. The most commonly seen behaviour of a cat in heat is yeowling, rolling on the ground, presentation of the hind end, and extreme affection. Cats will go in and out of heat every two weeks until they have mated or arespayed.Cats will also vocalize with intestinal problems or high blood pressure. These cats need to be seen by their veterinarian.
5. Activity at night – The dusk and dawn times are when your cat wants to be most active. This is prime hunting time! If you don’t want your pinky toe under your bed sheet to be mistaken for a mouse when you want to sleep, you should consider keeping your bedroom door closed at night.

If your cat is demonstrating any of these behaviour problems, pleasemake an appointment with your veterinarian.If there are medical issues causing them, the sooner you get help the better. If the bad cat behaviour is not medically related, your vet can help provide you with advanced cat behaviour modification techniques to minimize it and create a happier home for you and your pet.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley