Behavioral problems in cats are one of the most common reasons that cats are seen as nuisances. This behaviors had overtime need unfounded dislike for cats in Nigeria. For most people, cats are seen as the embodiment of evil entities, thanks to unfounded myths and superstitions.
Like humans, cats experience fear, pleasure, hunger, anxiety, frustration, and many other emotions that may affect their behavior.
When it comes to Feline behavior problems, some cat parents tend to make assumptions, over-complicate or under-evaluate. In other words, we tend to think we know why the cat is misbehaving and then we create our own solution to the situation. The problem with this plan is that some pet parents misread the behavior and as a result, the solution becomes either ineffective or counter-productive.
Don’t wait on a behavior problem with the hope it’ll resolve itself. You won’t be able to successfully solve the behavior problem unless you know what’s causing it.
Physicsl punishment is never a good option. This will only serve to elevate your cat’s stress level. It doesn’t send the message to the cat the behavior he displayed was unwanted. It sends the message he should fear his owner because of the threat of physical pain.
Signs of behavioral Problems in Cats
It is normal for kittens to have increased energy. It is not normal for them to terrorize the home and its inhabitants. Signs to look for include:
- Scratching with claws out
- Bites that break the skin
- Unsolicited attacks on people or other animals
- Excessive stalking, chasing, attacking or pouncing
- Intense running over furniture through the night
- Deliberately knocking objects off shelves or counters
- Damaging furniture (scratching)
- Dilated pupils
- Piloerection (hair on back standing up)
- Flattened ears
- Hissing
- FleeingÂ
- Hiding
Some Common Behavioral Problems in Cats
The good news is that just about every common cat problem can be managed with a little help. Some of them include;
- Urine Marking or Spraying
- Scratching; on carpets, drapes or furniture
- Playing rough; swat, scratch, and biting
- Separation Anxiety
- Vocalization; Howling, crying or meowing at night
- Aggression towards other pets and people
Treatment of behavioral Problems in Cats
Some behavioral issues stem from a cat’s instincts. It is best to begin by ruling out medical problems with your vet. If you suspect your cat is ill or in pain, seek veterinary care or contact an animal behaviorist for advice.
Habituation
Habituation is a simple form of learning that involves no rewards. It is merely the ending of or decrease in a response to a stimulus that results from repeated or prolonged exposure to that stimulus.
For example, a cat sitting by a window might startle at the sound of traffic passing the house. Eventually, the cat ignores the traffic as it learns there are no consequences to the sound.
Positive Reinforcement Trainings
When positive reinforcement (a reward) is used in training, there is a positive relationship between the behavior and its consequences. The more the pet does a behavior, the more it gets positive reinforcement. This makes that behavior increase.
It’s helpful to work with behaviors that are less than desirable. You can teach fun tricks like wave and fetch, or teach him a range of useful behaviors like sit, stay and to come when called.
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