Correct Cat Behavior Problems Using Feline Behavior Modification
Feline behavior problems are a common complaint among cat owners and are also one of the biggest reasons cat owners decide to surrender their cat to a shelter. Fortunately, it is possible to solve many feline behavior problems. However, understanding normal cat behavior is essential. In fact, many (if not most) of the behaviors that we consider to be problematic are actually normal behaviors for a healthy cat.
Normal Feline Behavior Versus Cat Behavior Problems
What is the normal behavior of a healthy cat?
Normal healthy cats sharpen their claws regularly. It is important for cat owners to remember that our cats do not scratch and damage our belongings to be vindictive. Cats use scratching behaviors to mark their territories. They also stretch their muscles while undertaking their scratching behaviors.
Urine spraying is also a normal behavior for a cat. Spraying provides cats with another means of marking their territory. Though this behavior is more common in male cats, female cats also may spray. Again, cat owners need to realize that cats do not spray because they are being malicious. For your cat, spraying is a normal behavior, though obviously a problematic one.
It is also perfectly normal for cats to resent other cats in their space. Cats by nature tend to be solitary creatures. In feral colonies, cats will form a close family group but in most cases, this group will run off any interlopers or newcomers to the group. It should come as no surprise that when we place several cats in the confines of an average size house or apartment, there are likely to be conflicts that may end in cat fights and aggression towards one another. Again, this is a perfectly normal feline behavior. However, most cat owners do not enjoy seeing their cats engaged in violent behaviors toward each other.
These are just a few examples of normal cat behaviors that cat owners see as feline behavior problems. While it should be clear that these behaviors are not abnormal behaviors for a healthy cat, it is also clear that these same feline behaviors are not welcome in the average household. After all, none of us want our cats urinating all over our house and fighting constantly with one another or ruining our fine furniture with their claws. So, even though these behaviors do not present a problem for the cat, they do present a problem for most cat owners.
Using Feline Behavioral Modification to Correct Cat Behavior Problems
Fortunately, there are several changes we can make in our households to encourage our cats to exhibit more acceptable behaviors. Collectively, these changes are known as feline behavioral modification techniques. These techniques, as a whole, are also sometimes referred to as multimodal environmental modification, or MEMO.
At heart, feline behavior modification involves altering the cat’s physical environment in order to provide acceptable outlets for normal feline behaviors, provide mental stimulation and decrease stress for the cat. These modification techniques include making simple changes in the environment in order to make the most out of the available space in the household and they also attempt to provide a sense of security, relieve boredom and reduce the tension between cats in a multi-cat household.
Some of the changes that need to implemented deal with the proper management of litter boxes and other resources such as food and water. Others relate to providing alternative scratching solutions for our cats, providing ample hiding places and perches where our cats can relax and providing plenty of toys that mimic prey and stimulate your cat’s normal predatory instincts. We’ll be talking in more depth about changes we can make in our households in an upcoming blog post. So stay tuned.
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