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Cats are wonderfully complex creatures, which can make understanding their various behaviors difficult for pet owners. To ensure any potential problems are addressed efficiently and effectively, cat owners should be able to recognize the signs of behavioral issues to provide early intervention. There are steps that can be taken to prevent or address these issues, and with the help of your veterinarian, your beloved cat can live a healthy and happy life free of any behavioral problems. In this article, we'll cover the most important issues surrounding cat behavior, including signs of stress and pain, how behavioral problems are diagnosed, how to address them best, and the importance of early detection of behavior issues. This will provide cat owners with a better understanding of how to care for their feline companion and the steps to take if they have any concerns.
What is the Most Important Thing to Know About Cat Behavior?
One of the hardest things about cats is that they can be very good at hiding when something is wrong.
In the wild, cats occupy a unique position: they are predators, but they can also become prey. Showing obvious signs of weakness can make an animal more vulnerable, so cats have evolved to be very subtle when they aren't feeling well. That means the first sign that something is wrong may not be an obvious symptom. Sometimes, it's simply that your cat isn't acting like themselves.
Learning what cat behaviors mean allows owners to recognize signs of stress, fear, or illness so they can be quickly addressed.
What does a healthy cat look like?
Every cat has their own personality. Some cats want to be in the middle of everything, while others are perfectly happy watching the household from a comfortable spot across the room.
What's important is knowing what is normal for your cat.
A healthy, comfortable cat will generally be well-groomed and interested in their environment. They may play, explore, cuddle with you, follow you around the house, or simply hang out nearby. The important thing is that they are continuing to do the things they normally enjoy.
That's why subtle changes can be so important.
Maybe your cat used to jump onto the back of the couch to greet you, but suddenly isn't doing it anymore. Maybe they used to climb to the top of their cat tree and now they stay on the bottom. Maybe they're spending much more time hiding or seem less interested in the family.
Those changes may seem small, but they can be some of the earliest clues that your cat isn't feeling well.
Stress and illness can look like "bad behavior"
Cats can show stress in lots of different ways. You may notice:
- Hiding more than usual
- Grooming excessively—or stopping grooming altogether
- Purring much more than usual, which can sometimes be a self-soothing behavior
- Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
- Losing interest in normal activities
- Becoming less interactive or withdrawing from the family
- Scratching or damaging furniture when they haven't done so before
- Becoming irritable or aggressive
- Suddenly not wanting to be picked up or handled
The tricky part is that many of these behaviors can have either medical or behavioral causes.
For example, imagine your cat develops irritation or inflammation in their bladder. Urinating becomes uncomfortable, and your cat begins to associate the litter box with that discomfort. They may start urinating somewhere else—not because they are being spiteful or "forgetting" their litter box training, but because they are trying to avoid something that they have learned is painful.
The sooner we identify and treat the underlying problem, the better chance we have of preventing that association from becoming a long-term habit.
This is one of the reasons we don't recommend assuming that a sudden behavior change is "just behavioral." When your cat suddenly starts doing something differently, we want to make sure there isn't a medical reason first.
Is it Possible to Fix Behavior Issues in a Cat?
Cats can learn!
Cats absolutely can be trained and learn to correct behavioral issues. They may just learn a little differently than dogs do, and some cats are more enthusiastic students than others!
Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to teach your cat what you do want them to do. Rewarding behaviors you like, using clicker training, offering acceptable alternatives, and providing environmental enrichment can all be incredibly effective.
Aversive techniques—such as spraying your cat with a water bottle, yelling, making loud noises, or scolding them after the fact—don't teach your cat what you want them to do. Instead, they can increase fear and stress and may damage the trust between you and your cat.
If your cat is scratching the couch, for example, the goal shouldn't simply be "make the cat stop scratching." We want to give them an appropriate place to scratch and make that option more appealing.
The same principle applies to many other behaviors: give your cat a behavior you like, make it rewarding, and make the environment work for them.
Even 10–15 minutes of intentional play or interaction each day can make a meaningful difference. It may take your cat a little while to figure out that this is now part of their routine, so don't worry if they're not immediately enthusiastic.
And remember that every cat is different. Some cats love chasing a wand toy. Others would rather solve a puzzle toy or hunt for treats. The goal is to find enrichment that makes your cat's brain and body happy.
When cats don't feel safe
Stress can also come from social conflict within the home.
Your cat may feel uncomfortable around another cat, a dog, children, or even a particular person. If they don't feel safe, you may see hiding, avoidance, irritability, aggression, or a sudden reluctance to be touched or picked up.
This is where positive associations can be incredibly helpful.
We want your cat to learn, "Good things happen when this person is around." Treats, play, and other rewards can gradually change how your cat feels about an individual or situation.
However, if your cat's behavior has changed suddenly—or if aggression is significant—it's important to involve your veterinarian. Pain and illness can also make cats less tolerant of handling or more likely to lash out.
Why does my cat scratch the furniture?
Scratching is one of those behaviors that can be frustrating for humans but is completely normal and important for cats.
Cats don't scratch simply because they're trying to destroy your furniture. Scratching helps maintain their claws, provides an opportunity to stretch and exercise, and also serves as a form of scent marking.
Cats have scent glands in several places on their bodies, including their paws, cheeks, and chin. When your cat scratches a surface, they're leaving both a visual mark and their scent behind. When they rub their cheeks or chin against your furniture—or against you—they're doing something similar. Thus, when your cat rubs their face all over you, they're basically saying, "You smell like me now, you belong to me and my territory."
The goal isn't to eliminate scratching. We want to redirect it to places where scratching is appropriate.
Start by keeping your cat's nails trimmed and providing scratching surfaces that closely resemble the surfaces they already prefer.
If your cat loves scratching carpet, try a flat carpeted scratcher.
If they prefer scratching the corner of your couch, try placing a tall, sturdy sisal scratching post directly next to that area. You can praise or reward your cat when they use it, and once they are reliably choosing the scratching post, you can gradually move it if needed.
The scratching post also needs to be stable. If it wobbles or falls over every time your cat uses it, there's a good chance they're going to decide that your couch is the better option!
Give your cat something to do
Indoor cats have plenty of opportunities to become bored, especially if their environment doesn't give them many ways to climb, explore, hunt, scratch, or solve problems.
Environmental enrichment doesn't have to mean buying a house full of expensive cat toys, either. Sometimes the simplest things can be incredibly interesting to a cat.
Boxes, paper bags, food puzzles, hiding places, climbing opportunities, window perches, and rotating toys can all give your cat opportunities to explore and use their natural behaviors.
The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative has some excellent resources on enriching the lives of indoor cats, including ideas that use things you may already have around your home.
And don't underestimate the value of simply spending time with your cat. A few minutes of intentional play every day can be much more valuable than having a giant basket of toys that never changes.
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What are Signs and Symptoms of Cat Behavior Problems?
According to the ASPCA, common signs and symptoms of cat behavior problems include inappropriate elimination, aggression, excessive vocalization, and destructive behaviors such as scratching or chewing. Inappropriate elimination involves cats urinating or defecating outside the litter box and can be caused by stress, medical issues, dirty litter boxes, or territorial disputes. Aggression is another common behavior problem in cats, which may be caused by fear, territorial disputes, or medical issues. Signs of aggression include hissing, growling, swatting, lunging, and biting. Excessive vocalization is when cats meow more often than usual, which can indicate that they are stressed or ill. Destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture or chewing on objects may also indicate boredom or dental issues.
When Should I Bring My Cat in to See a Veterinarian to Discuss Behavior?
If you notice a significant change in your cat's behavior that lasts more than 12 to 24 hours, it is important to bring them to the veterinarian for a check-up. Cats are creatures of habit, and any changes in their routine can indicate an underlying problem. It is also essential to have regular check-ups for your cat, even if they seem healthy, as cats are good at hiding illnesses until they are quite sick. A healthy adult cat should have a check-up at least once a year, while senior cats should be seen every six months.
How Would a Veterinarian Diagnose Behavior Problems in My Cat?
First, we want to make sure there isn't an underlying medical problem. Cats can develop pain, hormonal disorders, urinary problems, high blood pressure, cognitive changes, arthritis and many other conditions that may initially show up as a behavior change.
For example, an older cat who suddenly starts wandering around the house and loudly vocalizing at night could be experiencing cognitive dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or another medical problem. It shouldn't automatically be dismissed as your cat simply "getting old."
Your veterinarian will start with a thorough history and physical examination. Depending on what you're seeing, they may recommend bloodwork to evaluate organ function and hormone levels, including thyroid hormone, or a urinalysis to look for evidence of urinary inflammation or irritation. X rays are used to look for arthritis or spinal changes, and ultrasounds can screen for more significant internal causes of pain, such as organ dysfunction or cancer.
Once medical causes have been ruled out—or treated—we can work on the behavioral side of the problem. The veterinarian will consider the antecedents (what happens before the behavior), the behavior itself, and the consequences (what happens immediately afterward) to determine a diagnosis. Once we have this information, we can create a treatment plan for your cat, including recommendations for training, environmental modification, nutritional supplements, and in some cases, medication to help make the process more successful.
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What are Some Possible Health Concerns that Can Arise from Cat Behavior Problems?
Health issues are the leading concern when a cat is brought to a veterinarian with behavior problems. Inappropriate elimination can be caused by a variety of medical issues, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or gastrointestinal problems. Aggression can be linked to medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, dental disease, and central nervous system problems. Excessive scratching may indicate skin allergies or flea infestations. Chewing on inappropriate items can lead to ingesting foreign objects, which can cause blockages or other complications. Nighttime activity may be a sign of an underlying health issue such as hyperthyroidism or cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Stress and anxiety can contribute to the development of health issues such as lower urinary tract disease, gastrointestinal problems, and a weakened immune system.
Why is Early Detection and Diagnosis so Important for Cats with Behavior Issues?
Early detection and diagnosis of behavior issues in cats are essential to prevent worsening of the problem and ensure the well-being of both the pet and its owner. It helps in identifying underlying health issues and allows for timely intervention by veterinarians. Early detection can lead to early diagnosis of diseases, which helps in avoiding unprepared loss or sudden euthanasia of a pet. Noticing the first subtle signs of sickness can help pet owners take appropriate action. Early intervention is also crucial for cats with behavior issues since untreated aggression may escalate over time, making it harder to manage. Identifying and addressing aggression early can prevent harm to the pet owner, other pets, and the aggressive cat itself. Cats are known for being stoic animals that keep to themselves, so they can be much sicker than they appear. This makes early detection and diagnosis of any behavioral issues even more crucial for their well-being.
Learn More About Your Cat's Specific Behavior
Behavior is communication. Your cat is always telling you something through what they do, and our job is to figure out what they're trying to tell us. It's important for pet owners to recognize signs of behavior problems in cats and address them early. Veterinarians can play an essential role in helping to diagnose and manage these issues, so it is important to make an appointment with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's behavior.
At North Powers Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (719) 212-1857, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!