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BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN CATS

This is a pretty big topic; as veterinarians we are happy to help you and your cat’s behavioral problems but we are not experts in the field.  Our main function is to rule out medical reasons for your pets’ behavior such as a urinary tract infection in the case of inappropriate urination. Some veterinarians enjoy the challenge of behavioral analysis and have spent much time and effort to learn more. If your cats’ problem goes beyond our ability to help you  we can refer you to other avenues of help such as an animal or veterinary behaviorist (in Sydney), reference materials and trainers.

Relatively common behavioral problems in companion cats include a variety of “inappropriate” activities: 1.Toileting and litter box mistakes 2. aggressive play (biting, scratching), aggression (to humans, other animals), furniture scratching,3. fearfulness (“scaredy cats”) and4.  excessive predatory activity.  To convert the undesirable component(s) of each of the behaviors to a socially acceptable form, it is important to appreciate the development aspects of normal cat socialization, beginning in kittenhood. Likewise, it is important to remember there are genetic components as well as environmental that affect cat interactivity with other cats, pets and humans.

Some solutions for the above common behavioural problems include:

  1. Give cats privacy and an escape route from their litter tray. Multi-cat households need multi litter trays. Sometimes, we may recommend a calming agent such as the female pheromone Feliway for multi cat households. Further details can be obtained from www.virbac.com.au
  2. Satisfy hunting and scratching behaviour with well placed scratching posts and toys
  3. Give your cat high vantage points to view the world – they like heights and this helps them get used to your lifestyle and noises if they are “scaredy cats”.

USEFUL CONTACTS

  1. Dr. Kersti Seksel
  2. Dr Jo Righetti

Seaforth Veterinary Hospital

55 Ethel street
SEAFORTH NSW

Website: www.petproblemsolved.com.au