Cat Behavior

You would go crazy trying to make an analysis of cat behavior and trying to figure out every quirky thing your beloved pet does. However, cat behavior can give you a keen insight onto what is going on with your cat. An understanding of common cat behaviors and what they mean can help you watch out for problems.

Kitten behavior is often vastly different that that of an adult cat. They tend to be more active and inquisitive, and are quicker to bite or use their claws. This behavior is really a way of learning about the world around them, much as babies explore their world. Correcting cat behaviors that you do not like is most easily done while they are young and learning what is acceptable and what is not.

As adults, the behavior of cats can vary greatly. Some cats may be very active, while others prefer to lie around and sleep. Male cat behavior will differ from female cat behavior if the animal has not been neutered. Intact males tend to be more aggressive, inclined to wander, and more apt to spray. Intact females will go into heat, where they may become more affectionate or more aggressive, more vocal, and more intent on escaping.

One of the most common of the cat behavior problems involves the litter box. If the cat behavior about the litter box has changed, in can be indicative of a health problem. Cats may also shun a litter box that is too dirty, or one that has been used by another cat. Keeping adequate amount of clean litter boxes can cut down on bad cat behavior.

House cat behavior problems are also common. One unpleasant cat behavior is clawing screens. Cats may like the feel of the screen as a scratching post, or may be making an attempt to get outside and chase after a bird, squirrel, another cat, or something else that has caught his eye. With multiple cats, behavior can also change. An addition of a new cat to the household should be done with care to avoid any unwanted behavior problems.

Some people are concerned about the dog and cat and the behavior between them. Dogs and cats can often get along quite nicely if they are brought up together. If a dog is already present in the home, consider a kitten that can be brought up around the dog or an adult cat that has lived with dogs previously (or the converse if a cat is brought into the home) and introduce them slowly to avoid behavior problems. To avoid unwanted behavior, cat and dog should be separated when you are not at home.

When it comes to health, cat behavior can be a good indicator of how a cat is feeling. A cat that stops eating or eats way more than normal may be ill, as might a cat that is normally active starting to sleep all the time. Any unusual changes in cat behavior should be evaluated by your veterinarian.