Cats are just wild creatures; they are not intrinsically evil. Find out how to satisfy their irrational desires while protecting your house and your sanity.

If you want to be a cat guardian, you may imagine a cat that is always cuddly and kind. But much like people, cats have unique personalities and temperaments, so this idealization isn't always accurate. One of the main reasons cats are turned into shelters is because of behavioral problems. In actuality, rather than stemming from malice, these so-called "problematic behaviors" frequently result from natural inclinations or even health problems. With a little knowledge, you can control these inclinations and create a more peaceful atmosphere for your prospective feline companion as well as yourself. For useful tips on dealing with unusual feline behaviors, keep reading.

Frequent Cat Behavioral Quandaries

"Over a span of 4,000 years, cats evolved from apex predators to urban dwellers," says Samantha Bell, a cat enrichment specialist at Best Friends Animal Shelter. Even though this period can seem long, cats still need time to perfect their house manners. (By comparison, dogs have been with humans for at least 10,000 years.) Bell says, "In essence, we have wild animals living in our houses."

These innate tendencies are the direct cause of the majority of unwanted feline behaviors. Thankfully, you may give in to these cravings without sacrificing your decor, peace of mind, or furniture. Here, we explore common feline habits, their underlying causes, and workable solutions.

1. Cat Behavioral Issue: Biting

Fact: Being predators by nature, cats have an innate desire to bite moving objects. This covers the legs, toes, and fingers. In addition, if a cat feels frightened or overstimulated, they may bite as a defensive measure.

Solution: Don't overdo the stimulus and provide toys that are acceptable. Using your hands or feet to interact with your cat during playing may unintentionally educate them that biting is okay. Use wand toys, kickers, or comparable toys instead. If they start biting while playing, stop, gently refocus their attention on a toy, and give them praise for playing with it. 

Your cat may be overstimulated if they bite when you pet them. Watch for cues that indicate a cat has crossed their threshold because they tend to convey their boundaries quietly:

• Dilated pupils
• Ears laid flat
• Flicking tail
• Rigid posture

Keep petting sessions brief, pausing frequently to allow your cat to re-engage on their own terms.

2. Cat Behavioral Issue: Jumping on Counters

A countertop makes for an excellent viewing point for cats. It provides a sturdy, raised perch ideal for surveying their territory. Bell argues that although while domestic cats don't have any genuine predators, their instincts nevertheless lead them to look for shelter in higher territory.

If leftovers are available or a cat's favorite humans are around, the desire to leap onto counters is even stronger. Additionally, jumping on counters is a guaranteed way to get attention, which many cats find entertaining rather than discouraging. 

Solution: Use positive reinforcement to train your cat, and offer appropriate substitutes. Bell says it is possible to train cats to avoid jumping on counters. Here is a detailed how-to:

Step 1: Get yourself a stool. Your cat's special spot should be a stool or tall chair next to the counter; when they climb up on it, give them a treat. Give your cat a treat when they decide to jump on the stool on their own.

Step 2: Use a casual discouragement. During training, it's normal for your cat to hop up on the counter. Refrain from responding by not speaking, making eye contact, or berating them. Place them quickly and gently on the ground. For certain cats, attention—even negative attention—can be reinforcing. If your cat still won't go away, try luring them to the stool with a treat so they can get attention there.

Step 3: Reduce treat rewards gradually. Once your cat consistently urinates on the assigned stool, cut back on the number of goodies given. "Rewarding sporadically enhances the behavior, creating a 'slot machine' effect where they’ll keep trying for a reward," Bell argues.

Make sure your cat has access to different places to perch throughout the house, like shelves, window ledges, and cat trees. Other problems like destructive chewing, furniture scratching, and plant interference can also be effectively treated with positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding desired behaviors. On the other hand, Bell suggests that "punishing a cat through yelling or water spraying undermines the bond and trust."

3. Cat Behavioral Issue: Eliminating Outside the Litter Box

Cats are meticulous animals. There is a problem when cats refuse to use the litter box.

Solution: First, see a veterinarian to rule out any health problems. After addressing any health issues, concentrate on making the litter box visually appealing:

• Give each cat its own litter box in addition to an extra one. A multi-story home should contain a box for each floor.
• Keep litter boxes away from food and water dishes, loud appliances, and busy places. The box should ideally be able to see any incoming guests clearly.
• Every day, scoop waste, and every two weeks, wash the box with a little soap and water.
• Make sure your cat can walk around comfortably in the box.
• Select a litter box that best fits your cat's needs; for example, low-entry boxes are ideal for kittens, elderly cats, and cats with particular needs.
• Steer clear of liners. Bell says, "Cats frequently get their claws tangled in liners, making them dislike the box."
• Rather use an open litter box.
• Instead of using coarse, scented litter, use fine, unscented litter.
• Keep the litter at a depth of three inches, adding more as necessary.

4. Cat Behavioral Issue: Territorial Aggression

Anxiety or feelings of insecurity about one's territory might lead to aggression against humans or other cats. According to Bell, some cats are more likely to experience anxiety than others, especially if they had to compete for resources as kittens.

Solution: See a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns if your cat's hostility is a recent development. Bell suggests the following if health isn't the reason:

• Add more beds, vertical areas, scratching posts, and litter boxes. Place these items all about the house to help your cat feel more in charge of its territory.
• Feed cats in separate rooms or space several feet apart if you live with more than one cat. Food hostility is uncommon, but it can lessen tension and rivalry.
• Take part in playtime every day. Bell claims that "play releases pent-up aggression, tension, and anxiety."
• Use pheromone diffusers and hiding places to create a relaxing atmosphere. Recall that cats are sensitive to human emotions, so keeping a cool head helps create a stress-free atmosphere.

5. Cat Behavioral Issue: Waking You Up

Due to their crepuscular nature, cats are primarily active around dawn and dusk when hunting opportunities are at their best. If they wake you at strange hours, they probably think it's rewarding, says Bell, whether you react favorably or not.

Solution: To rule out health concerns, see your veterinarian if nocturnal disturbances are a new behavior, accompanied by excessive meowing or lack of interest in routine activities. In elderly cats, age-related dementia is not unusual.

Bell offers two approaches in the event that no health issues are discovered:

• Change the way your cat lives. Play with them frequently during the day to help them become less restless at night. Just before bed is the most important time for play, followed by a little snack or treat.
• Change the way you respond. Refrain from responding to your cat when it meows or nuzzles you in the evening. Positive or negative attention of any kind feeds back onto the behavior.

Addressing Cat Behavioral Issues

Thinking considering getting a cat but worried about typical behavior issues? You can reduce a lot of behaviors that appear problematic by attending to your cat's basic requirements. Before you bring a new cat or kitten home, arm yourself with these options. You may have to go on a shopping binge for new accessories for your cat.

• Consult your vet to exclude medical causes.
• Provide appropriate toys for biting and chasing.
• Avoid using your hands and feet as playthings.
• Consider adopting two cats instead of one.
• Ensure availability of scratching surfaces like cat trees and scratching posts.
• Reward good behavior with treats and praise.
• Avoid giving attention when unwanted behaviors occur.
• Offer elevated perches like cat trees or shelves.
• Maintain a clean and inviting litter box.
• In multi-cat households, minimize stress and competition by providing ample resources.
• Consider separate feeding areas.
• Engage in daily play sessions.

When to Consult a Veterinarian or Animal Behaviorist

If bad habits don't go away despite your best attempts, visiting a veterinarian can help rule out any underlying medical conditions. In addition to creating a customized plan to deal with the behavior directly, a veterinarian or animal behaviorist may also recommend medication in certain cases.