Behavior Problems in Cats

Aggression due to lack of early handling is an abnormal, out-of-context threat or attack demonstrated by cats toward people when people approach or attempt to handle the cat. As mentioned above, early exposure to people is essential for kittens to develop into friendly adults. However, sometimes these problems are hereditary. In such cases the cat may learn to be friendly with its owner, but not other people.

Status-related aggression is scratching or biting by cats towards people that try to control the cat’s behavior. This is another name for what has been called the “leave-me-alone bite.” Unlike similar situations in dogs, this behavior in cats is not associated with resources such as food, toys, or space.

Other types of aggression in cats, including fear, inter-cat, maternal, pain, play, predatory, and redirected aggression, are similar to the same conditions in dogs (see Behavior Problems in Dogs : Behavior Problems Associated with Aggression).

Aversion to type of litter or location involves consistent avoidance of a litter box location or litter type formerly used for elimination.

Location preference involves consistent elimination in an area outside of the litter box.

Spraying is the elimination of urine through a small stream of urine. It is done standing up, with the tail raised and quivering. The urine is directed onto a vertical surface, such as a wall, curtain, or door. Cats may spray as a form of marking or as a sign of anxiety.

Substrate preference is consistent elimination on a particular surface or substrate (for example, carpet or tile).

Other kinds of behavior problems also occur in cats. Hyperesthesia is a syndrome that is not completely understood. Cats with this problem are overly sensitive to being touched, especially along the back. They may howl or become agitated when handled. Compulsive behavior also occurs in cats. These are otherwise normal behaviors that occur out of context or so often that they interfere with normal activity. The most common types are excessive grooming, and chewing of wool or other fabrics. In many cats compulsive behavior results from stress or anxiety. Chewing wool or other fabrics tends to occur in Siamese and similar breeds and is likely inherited. Your veterinarian can help you with a behavior modification program and medication in order to manage these types of behavior problems.