Understanding cat behaviour

Understanding cat behaviour

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  Destructive behaviour

  We generally associate chewed-up furnishings and general mayhem with mischievous or anxious dogs, but cats can do their fair share of damage too. Claw-scratching not only helps cats to shed their claw sheaths, but also helps leaves a visible and chemical (scent) marker that defines their territory.

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  Spraying and marking

  When a cat sprays, it is leaving a personal cat calling-card. Spraying is very different from urination and is normal behaviour in all cats. In normal circumstances, spraying aids integration with other cats and minimises confrontation. But if it’s becoming a problem in your house, here are a few tips to help you prevent it.

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  Aggressive behaviour

  Aggression is an integral part of animal behaviour. A cat will use aggression in a number of situations, such as to catch and kill prey; to defend itself, its young, its territory and other resources (such as food); and to ward off competitors.

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  Introducing your cat to other pets

  Cats are usually territorial creatures. Their sociability with other animals depends on several influences including genetics, whether they were raised by an experienced mother with siblings or alone, and whether they have had social contact with other animals from a young age. So it can sometimes be a rather unpredictable affair bringing a new cat home to live with an existing resident.

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  Helping cats overcome phobias

  Cats have a natural survival instinct. When startled, most will flee from anything that could pose a potential threat - or find a hidey-hole until it’s gone - and reassess it from a distance rather than stay and face their fear. There are a number of things that can be done to make your cat feel completely safe in her own home.

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  Litter box problems

  Cats are extremely fastidious creatures and their regular toileting routine is easily upset by perceived changes. So it's no surprise that the most common behavioural problems in cats are related to the litter tray. Fortunately, this can usually be remedied fairly easily.

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