Cats Behavior: Something To Scratch About
Your normally well-behaved cat has suddenly decided to urinate in the corner of the bedroom closet. Or perhaps the fastidious feline has become so obsessed with grooming that he or she has literally licked the fur off several places, creating bald places. Friends have begun asking if your cat has been receiving chemo treatments to cure a case of feline leukemia.
You can reduce or even eliminate your cats behavior with some simple and gentle behavior modification methods. These techniques when used with compliments and affection will help make your life with your furry friend easier and more relaxed.
Many resources exist to learn about your cat’s behavior, from books that teach you how to train your cat, to magazines that help you correct problem activities, to websites that go into cat psychology. Whether your cat acts like any other cat, or has its own special quirks, there’s something to help you learn why it happens and how to change it.
Cats will often scratch their claws on your furniture and curtains. It is very natural for a cat, it helps keep their claws trimmed and they enjoy the workout. If you view your cat scratch a piece that they should not, the best discipline is to squirt them with water and say “No!” sternly.
A cat will scratch on appropriate objects versus your furniture if they are provided. You can buy prefabricated scratching posts. If you are feeling creative, you can also build one yourself. Cats adore catnip, so rub the post to give it that scent. The scent will wear off over time, but he will get used to using the post. He will eventually learn that he should use the post instead of your furniture when he feels the need to scratch.
It can be very irritating if your cat is keeping you up all night, running around the house and making lots of noise. Cats are naturally night-time animals as they instinctually know that it is best to go hunting in the dark. Some cat owners think that if they get up and play with their cat, then it will get tired and go to sleep. However by paying attention to your cat’s nightly antics, you will only reinforce the behaviour.
If you try to play with your cat as soon as possible when you get back to home in the evening, it will probably trigger in the cat’s routine to begin playtime early. You will then be able to sleep peacefully at night and not be disturbed by the cat.
Some people are under the mistaken belief that a cats behavior cannot be altered as a dog’s can. True, you may not get your cat to speak on command or fetch a brewsky from the fridge, but regardless of your own cat’s naughty habit, there is a way to change it with a little effort and time invested. A well-behaved feline will make home life more stress-free and enjoyable for you both.
If your cats behavior is worsening, it really pays to understand a little cat psychology in order to modify that behaviour. If you see your cat scratch the furniture or pee on the bed, then it is time to consult one of the many books, magazines or websites on the subject. The provision of a scratch post can help save your furniture, while playing with your cat during the day will help teach him that nighttime is for sleeping. Praise and extra attention also go along way to curbing some of your cat’s less desirable personality traits.
- Paul Proctor
