Toileting in the home
Is your nose detecting that disturbing scent of stale urine? Are there menacing damp areas on the carpet, ominous dark patches on your curtains and is the cat litter tray suspiciously empty?
If so this might mean that your cat has begun to toilet in areas you may not be happy about.
Inappropriate toileting within the home is a common problem seen in cats and is a distressing time for all. There are many reasons why cats change their toileting habits and the first port of call is to your veterinary surgeon to check for any underlying medical issues that might cause this. It is also important to make sure that it is your cat that who the instigator so set up a camera to find out. Shouting at your cat or spraying it with a water pistol is not advised; as it is likely your cat is anxious about something. Punishment will only make the problem worse and you will damage the relationship you have with your feline friend.
If you are concerned about your cat’s behaviour please contact me if you live in the Channel Islands. If you live in the UK please contact your vet who may refer you a qualified clinical animal behaviourist such as an APBC member or an ASAB CCAB accredited behaviourist.
Fear of going out
Cats enjoy their own space and peace and quiet so if a neighbouring cat invades or next door have begun their latest building project your cat may feel anxious and refuse to go out.
You may also experience a change in your cat’s toilet habits and normal everyday behaviour. For instance they might be spraying on the curtains, using their indoor tray more, are alert and jumpy, or have begun to hide away.
If this describes your cat please contact me if you live in the Channel Islands. If you live in the UK please contact a qualified clinical animal behaviourist such as an APBC member or an ASAB CCAB accredited behaviourist.
Aggressive behaviour towards humans or other animals
Aggressive behaviour is part of a cat’s emotional repertoire. However, when this behaviour becomes an issue for you, your...
other pets or even your neighbours cat then it might be advisable to find out if there is anything you can do to change your cat’s mind about how it is feeling and thus help reduce the amount of hisses, swipes, grabs, bites and kicks that we are often subjected to.
If you are concerned about your cat’s behaviour please contact me if you live in the Channel Islands. If you live in the UK please contact a qualified clinical animal behaviourist such as an APBC member or an ASAB CCAB accredited behaviourist.
Self-mutilation and repetitive behaviour
If you notice that your cat is grooming intensively and may even be pulling or licking away large patches of fur or is staring intently at shadows or lights on walls then make an appointment with your vet.
Your vet may then refer you onto a qualified feline behaviorist such as an APBC member or an ASAB CCAB accredited behaviourist.
If you live in the Channel islands please contact me and we can discuss how to go about getting a veterinary referral.