About Cats

Introduction
Cat behavior basics
Tips for avoiding litterbox problems
If your cat has a behavior problem
Getting to know you: cat introductions
Other feline behavior problems
Recommended reading
Acknowledgements

Introduction

Cats are complex, amazing and lovable creatures, too often misunderstood. My fascination with feline behavior stems from my experience as a Seattle cat sitter and shelter volunteer. I created this page as a service for my Seattle cat sitting clients and others who want to know their cats better. However, I'm not an animal behaviorist. That means I'm not qualified to answer questions about individual behavior problems. To find behavior help and resources, go to "If your cat has a behavior problem" below.

Cat behavior basics

You don't need to be an expert to understand feline behavior. All you need is a cat. The more you know your cat, the fewer behavior problems you're likely to have.

It helps to realize that there is no such thing as bad cat behavior. Good and bad are human concepts. However, there's a lot of unwanted cat behavior.

Some feline behavior basics:

• Cats are intensely territorial, much more so than dogs.
  
• Feline social behavior also is more complex than dogs.
  
• Smell is central to territoriality and social structure.
  
• Cats don't like change. They want stability. They are often disappointed.

Tips for avoiding litterbox problems

The official term for what you just cleaned off the rug is "inappropriate elimination." It accounts for more complaints than all other cat behavior problems combined.

The causes and treatments are too complex to discuss here. But you can reduce the likelihood of problems by following a few tips.

• Scoop often, at least once a day
  
• Keep one litterbox per cat.
  
• Fill the box to a depth of no more than two inches.
  
• Put the box where your cat will feel comfortable. A cat startled or frightened at the box may start eliminating elsewhere.
  
• Avoid scented litter. Your smell-sensitive cat will thank you.
  
• Don't use heavy clay clumping litter with kittens under a year old. It can clump in their tummies, which is a veterinary emergency.
  
• Owners like covered litter boxes because they concentrate the smell in the box. Cats may dislike them for the same reason.
  
• Buy the best litter you can afford; consider alternatives to clay, such as corn- or wheat-based litters.
  
• Avoid chemical or scented cleaners. Try cleaning the box with a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water, rinsing thoroughly.

If your cat has a behavior problem

Millions of cats a year are put down or given to shelters because their owners think their behavior problems can't be treated. My Seattle cat sitting and volunteer experience has taught me that most can.

Among them:

• "Inappropriate elimination" (see above)
  
• Destructive scratching.
  
• Jumping on counters, tabletops, etc.
  
• Excessive "vocalization" - yowling, especially all night

What to do

• Take Kitty to your veterinarian to rule out a physical cause. You can't correct a sick cat's behavior.
  
• The PAWS Behavioral Helpline at (425) 787-2500, ext. 605, is free to all Western Washington residents. You need not have adopted from PAWS.
  
• Consult one of the online cat behavior links on this site.
  
• If all else fails, consult an animal behaviorist. The Humane Society for Seattle/King County at (425) 641-0080 maintains a list and tips for choosing one.
  
• A word on behaviorists: they are credentialed professionals and charge accordingly. However, you may wish to consider how much money, time and emotion you've already invested in your cat.

What not to do

• Never punish your cat.
  
• Punishment does not stop behavior problems. It makes them worse.
  
• A better approach is to reward wanted behavior.
  
• Mild "aversives" such as the squirt bottle are OK as long as the consequences remain merely unpleasant. They should not frighten or hurt Kitty.

Getting to know you: cat introductions

Cats feel uncomfortable with anything new until they have conducted a thorough investigation. That makes for a lot of sniffing.
They don't like changes. So whether the introduction is to a new person, a new pet or a new home, go slowly.

New person
I meet cats constantly as a Seattle cat sitter, so I've learned the importance of a proper introduction.

• First, offer your smell by holding a finger or two near Kitty's nose.
  
• Let him sniff as long as he wants. It may take a while.
  
• A nose touch is a cat's way of saying "Hi." You may now begin gently petting Kitty on the head and chin.
  
• As you continue petting, watch the signals. Turned-back ears and a lashing tail mean enough. Stop. If you don't, he'll likely stop you.

New home
Getting your new cat settled down in her new surroundings and comfortable with your existing pets can take weeks.

• If you've adopted a shelter cat, try to keep in mind that she has already gone through major and traumatic changes.
  
• Keep your new cat in a separate room at first, and make introductions brief and supervised.
  
• New cats often look for a "safe place" in which to hide. Keep food and a box nearby and don't make Kitty come out until she's ready.
  
• If you have a dog, leash him when he meets your new cat.
  
• If you have another cat, expect some hissing. They'll joust for territory and dominance before they settle down.

Other feline behavior problems

Countermeasures: Kitty jumping on the counter? Stack a pyramid of empty tin cans near the edge. The next jump will create an unpleasant surprise.
Common scents: New cat? Rub a towel over the newbie to pick up her smell, then rub the towel over your other pets. Then reverse the process.
Lemon aid: Kitty dislikes the smell of citrus. Put some juice or peels where you don't want her to go.
Midnight serenade: Is her yowling keeping you up? Ignore her. You may need earplugs, but eventually she should give up.

Recommended Reading

All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat, Suzy Becker
The Cat Who Cried for Help, Nicholas Dodman, D.V.M.
Know Your Cat: An Owner's Guide to Cat Behavior, Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.
101 Questions Your Cat Would Ask Its Vet If Your Cat Could Talk, Fogle
The New Natural Cat - A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners, Anitra Frazier
Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat, Not a Sour Puss, Pam Johnson-Bennett
Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems, Johnson-Bennett
Cat vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat, Johnson-Bennett
Cat Confidential: The Book Your Cat Would Want You to Read, Vicky Halls
100 Ways to Understand Your Cat, Richard Tabor
Think Cat: An Owner's Guide to Feline Psychology, David Taylor, D.V.M.

Acknowledgements

The information on this page comes from my reading, research, and Seattle cat care experience. I am especially indebted to the Denver Dumb Friends League, a leader in animal behavior resources and the source of information used by PAWS and numerous other animal welfare groups.