8 Common Cat Problems and How to Solve Them || Grooming Pets
8 Common Cat Problems and How to Solve Them
When our feline companions brush against our legs, knead our laps, or look us in the eyes and purr, we adore them. However, we may not always agree with our four-legged companions. Not when they run around the house at 3 a.m. or refuse to use a perfectly clean litter box.
The good news is that almost every common cat problem can be solved with little assistance. That's why WebMD consulted with pet experts to find answers to some of the most frequent kitten problems.
8 Common Cat Problems and Their Solutions
Litter box problems
According to Linda P. Case, MS, author of The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health, this is "numero uno by far" of the issues individuals describe with their cats. And it's not surprising. When your cat thinks that the litter box is off-limits, it may be quite aggravating. But there's generally a reason why cats avoid their litter box, and thankfully, there's a lot you can do about it.
- .First, consult with your veterinarian. Bladder stones, urinary tract disorders, and crystals in the urine are all possible causes of your cat avoiding the litter box. To rule out these and other health concerns, have your cat examined by a veterinarian.
- .Each cat should have at least one litter box. If your cat has to wait in line to relieve themselves, they may prefer to take their potty break somewhere else. Try out different types of litter and litter boxes. Some cats like covered boxes, while others don't, and some cats prefer one litter over another.
- .Keep the litter box clean at all times; even clumping litter has to be replaced regularly. As a general guideline, clean the litter box at least once each day, twice if there is more than one cat in the house.
Scratching.
It may appear that kitten is clawing your couch and curtains to bother you, but they are doing so to burn off energy, play, establish their territory, and even get rid of frayed claws. "Scratching is simple to avoid," Case tells WebMD. So you don't have to settle with shabby furnishings or prevent your cat from expressing natural behavior. To avoid scratching, take the following precautions:
- _Purchase one or more scratching posts for your cat, then smear some catnip on them to persuade your feline companion to utilize them.
- _Cut your cat's claws. Trimming may appear intimidating, but it is easier than you think. Get a brief lesson from your veterinarian, who can probably complete the job in 10 seconds or less – a skill that can be taught.
- _Use colored claw caps to transform your cat into a fashion plate (also called nail caps). These tiny, vinyl sleeves slip over the kitty's claws, stopping them from scratching.
Aggression in cats.
A cat can become violent for a variety of causes, such as sickness, overpopulation, a lack of socialization, parental protection, or simply plain play. To assist you in dealing with cat aggression:
- _Talk to your vet about your cat's aggressiveness. Because pain and illness may put anyone in a foul mood, you should rule out any physical causes of the kitty's bad temper before doing anything else.
- _Unfixed male cats are more aggressive than other cats, and it only takes one intact male to influence the behavior of all the other cats in your home. The remedy is straightforward: spay or neuter your feline companions.
- _If your animal family is always bickering, it might be because there aren't enough supplies to go around. Make sure there are adequate litter boxes, food and water bowls, toys, beds, and perches, and then distribute them about the house to avoid overcrowding.
- _You never want to beat an angry cat since it would just make it more aggressive, but you do need to halt a catfight in progress. Squirt the cats with water, make a loud noise, or throw anything soft at them to do this. Never try to separate battling cats.
- _If you and your veterinarian are unable to determine why your cat is acting aggressively, see a veterinary behaviorist, who may be able to assist you in determining the root of your cat's aggressiveness.
There is just too much nocturnal activity.
- _If your cat is just boisterous at night, a good play session before bedtime will help exhaust and relax them.
- _Make sure your cat's surroundings are enriching so that there is much to do during the day, which will encourage your cat to sleep at night. You might build a cat enclosure, provide your cat with a range of toys, hang bird or squirrel feeders near a window where your cat can see out or set out objects for your cat to explore, such as boxes, bags, and packing paper.
- _If your feline acquaintance is the sociable kind, buy them their kitty partner to play with.
- _Feed your cat its biggest meal at night because cats tend to sleep after a large meal. You may also keep them entertained at the food bowl by purchasing a timed feeder, which opens at certain intervals. Your cat is amused by monitoring their bowl and waiting for their breakfast at 3 a.m., while you are deep in slumber.
Biting and scratching as a result of play.
- _Provide plenty of enrichment for your cat, such as toys, perches, and outside enclosures, as well as paper bags and boxes to investigate. You may even consider buying your cat a kitty buddy.
- _Play for at least 10 minutes with your cat twice a day. Use dangly toys, balls, catnip toys, wadded-up paper, or anything else you can think of.
- _Don't let your cat play with your hands or feet. Kittens who grow up playing with and nibbling on their parents' fingertips are more likely to grow up to be strong cats who play-bite — hard!
- _Do not penalize your cat for play bites and scratches; kitten may interpret a smack as harsh play or develop scared of you.