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Behavioral Issues
Below are the most common behavioral issues, why they occur, and how to deal with them.
Behavior What does it mean What to do Keep in Mind
Clawing/Scratching Marking territory and cleaning Put a scratching post Use foil, tape, and
dead scales away. near cat's favorite scratching plastic cautiously,
places. Reward when used. they are harmful if
swallowed.
Other options include:
Using foil, double sided
tape, or cat repellent spray.
Ignoring the litter box Cat may have urinary-tract Put litter box in quiet area. Do not punish your cat
Marking/Spraying problem. Marking territory Scoop waste from box daily, for making mistakes. He
by spraying, or had developed replace litter weekly. or she will probably
aversion to some aspect of the For spraying: cover usual still avoid the litter box
litter box. soiling spot with foil or plastic, and may develop more
or soak it with animal neutralizer. behavioral problems.
Never teach your cat
a lesson by rubbing their nose in their feces
or urine.
Finicky eating
Ignoring food
Cat is most likely ill.
Dislikes the new food
you gave him/her and
wants usual back.
Rule out illness; take to vet.
Stop feeding table scraps.
Have private food dish for
each cat and clean daily.
Be sure to have a routine:
feed at the same time
everyday.
Nutritional deficiencies can result if the cat's diet isn't complete and balanced.
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