Loading... Please wait...

test

Blog - cat behavior

​7 Common Feral Cat Behavior Problems (and How to Solve Them)

Posted by

While cats are great and sweet companions to have around, some of their actions can be annoying. In this article, we've compiled some information about the common feline behavioral problems, how you can identify them and resolve them.

1. Aggressive Behavior

Aggression often spotted in play-induced biting and scratching is a tricky and challenging behavior to address in cats. Mood disorders, illness, trauma, anxiety, impulsiveness, or frustration are all leading causes of aggression in cats. If your cat suddenly picks up an aggressive behavior, here are ways to solve it;

  • Talk to your veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They will help you identify what might be causing aggression and recommend ways to treat or address it.
  • Spay or neuter your cats. Unaltered cats are more prone to aggression and may influence poor behavior in other cats.
  • Ensure that your cat is comfortable has enough of the essentials. Place litter boxes, food, and water bowls, toys, beds, and perches all around their living environment.
  • Never hit/punish an aggressive cat. However, make a statement that you have zero tolerance for aggression, especially when breaking up fights in multi-cat households.

2. Excessive Meowing

When your cat occasionally meows, it may seem attention-seeking and adorable. But when it becomes constant and loud, your cat might be trying to tell you something. So, what do you do? The first step to try and control irregular meowing is to try to figure out the root cause.

Cats' meows may either translate to attention, food, or dirty litter boxes. Alternatively, your cat may be in heat — a typical behavior in cats that are not spayed/neutered or suffering from an ailment, injury, or parasites. Don't ignore your cat's meow or punish them! Instead, get to the bottom of the constant meows and address them. If necessary, seek professional assistance from your vet.

3. Destructive Scratching

Scratching is second nature to cats. It allows them to remove worn-out claws, mark their territory while keeping them energetic and healthy. However, if your cat starts tearing up and destroying items, you should be worried.

To prevent destructive scratching, invest in several scratching posts. Apply catnip or other cat-friendly plants to the scratching posts to lure your cat into using them.

4.Chewing/Destroying Plants

Cats are curious creatures, and it's not surprising to catch them probing or feasting on some of your beautiful houseplants. If your cat is fond of chewing and destroying your plants, try spraying them with safe cat repellents.

Alternatively, you may grow some cat-friendly plants like catnip, cat grass, which will shift the attention from other plants. Avoid toxic plants that can be hazardous to your cat.

5.Over-Sleeping and Staying Indoors

Your once energetic kitty doesn't seem interested in doing anything at all. Be it playing, eating, or even going outdoors, they seem uninterested. If you notice such lethargic behavior in your cat, it is a cause for concern. Book an urgent appointment with your vet and notify them of any other confirmed symptoms.

6. Over-Grooming

Unless it's a medical issue, certain over grooming practices like excessive scratching, licking, hair loss, or skin sores may indicate that your cat is infested with parasites. Fortunately, parasites can be quickly dealt with. Talk to your vet about parasite control options suitable for your cat.

7. Sneaking Out at Night

Cats are nocturnal creatures and often have the urge to explore at night. Unfortunately, being out in the dark could put your cat in danger. Here's how to deal with such behavior;

  • Ensure your cat has no underlying medical issues that may trigger such actions.
  • Identify and make the escape route unfriendly and ensure your cat wears outdoor safety gear.
  • Enrich your cat's immediate environment so they're active during the day and motivated to sleep at night.
  • Invest in a cat enclosure and fill it with cat essentials.
  • Feed your cat their main meal at night. Alternatively, invest in a timed feeder — one that dispenses food at preset times and keeps your cat entertained.

Your cat's behavioral issues are best addressed with a consistently disciplined approach. However, should they become unmanageable, it is time to visit your vet. There could be a deeper reason behind your cat's abrupt change in behavior. Your vet will assess your cat's physical and mental health before recommending medication, therapy, or other appropriate actions.

5 Signs Your Cat May Have a Mental Health Problem

Mental health awareness is a hot topic in our culture today. With the alarming rise of suicides, we need to watch for signs of mental health problems in the people around us. However, did you ever suspect your cat of having a mental health problem? Our cats can struggle with depression and anxiety just like [...]

Read More »


How to Comfort a Grieving Cat

"The memories and paw prints of a beloved cat remain in our heart and soul forever." (Anonymous) As a cat parent, you understand the raw grief of losing a beloved kitty. However, did you know that cats grieve, too? Whether they've lost a human family member or a fellow cat, they can experience intense grief. [...]

Read More »


Why Your Cat Wakes You Up at the Same Time Every Day

If you're a cat parent, chances are good that your cat likes to wake you up in the morning. Whether nuzzling your chin, sitting on your chest, or meowing loudly, your kitty wants to make sure you don't oversleep your alarm. Have you ever wondered, "Why does my cat like to wake me up? And [...]

Read More »


5 Common Litter Box Mistakes Cat Parents Make

At first glance, the litter box seems fairly straightforward. However, cats are very particular about their restroom arrangements. If you have placed the litter box in an incorrect location, your cat may not want to use it. And we all know what the alternative is! If you want a happy cat with no litter box [...]

Read More »


5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Furbaby

It's that time of year again...when many of us are making resolutions to eat smarter, exercise more, and spend more time with the people we love. Don't let kitty miss out on the fun! Here are 5 New Year's resolutions for your cat.1. "I won’t scratch the leather furniture."No matter how tempting those luxurious leathers may [...]

Read More »


6 Fascinating Facts About Your Cat’s Nose

It's not just cute, tiny, and oh-so-squishable. Your kitty's nose is also a complex organ that is constantly sending sensory information to the brain.Read on to learn 6 fascinating facts about your cat's nose.It's the most important sense organ in her body.According to Cats International, cats have over 200 million sensory cells in their noses. In [...]

Read More »


Do Cats Enjoy Music?

Most people have a favourite type of music that they enjoy listening to. With a kaleidoscope of musical styles and genres to choose from, there is something for everyone! However, have you ever wondered if cats feel the same way about music as we do? Does Pachelbel's Canon in D strike a chord in their [...]

Read More »


Cat Q & A: How Can I Get a Cat to Like Me?

Whether you’re meeting a friend’s cat or bringing home a rescue cat from the shelter, you’ll want to make a good first impression. But, sometimes, cats feel threatened and run away. They may even bite your finger when you want to pet them. What’s really going on behind those adorable blue eyes? Why won’t they [...]

Read More »


5 Ways to Exercise Your Cat

For every cat parent, there comes a time in your adult cat’s life where you realize that your cat needs some exercise. The kitten stage has ended, and your cat is getting a wee bit lazy. It’s time for some kitty cardio! Here are five fun ways to exercise your cat.1) Walk Your KittyPerhaps your [...]

Read More »




Recent Updates

Sign up to our newsletter