Cat Behavior Problems
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that each year, 3.2 million cats are given to shelters. Of these cats, 860,000 will be euthanized often because they cannot find a home. Many of these cats were surrendered to shelters due to their behavior problems. Our veterinarians at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Las Vegas would like to share a few tips and solutions to keep in mind when dealing with common behavior problems in cats. Additional resources can be found on our Behavioral Advice page of our website.
Go to a Cat Veterinarian
When a cat shows signs of a behavior problem, it is best to have the pet checked out by a veterinarian. Illnesses can cause problems like aggression, anxiety or not using the litter box. If medical problems are ruled out, then a good cat veterinarian can give recommendations for behavior modification techniques.
Aggression
Has your once-loving cat suddenly become aggressive? This can be due to a medical issue. Pain like arthritis or an ear infection makes a cat grumpy and intolerant. The aggression should improve once the medical problem is treated. There are many other causes of aggression and your vet can help to get to the bottom of the issue.
Aggression While Being Petted
Petting for too long can cause sensory overload for cats. When cats get over stimulated, they often act out with aggression. Cats usually give warning signs before they are about to bite or scratch. These include flipping the tail and/or flattening the ears. Don’t push your luck, stop petting your cat when you see these warning signs.
Handling Litter Box Problems
Make sure the litter box is large enough for your cat, and that it is changed often. You would not want to use an overflowing toilet, so your cat does not want to use a filled litter box. There can be many issues about the litter box that can be off putting to your cat. Its best to get educated about litter box preferences by visiting our Behavioral Advice web page or setting up an appointment with our vet.
Contact Our Veterinarians in Las Vegas, NV
If you still have questions about your cat’s behavior problems and live in or around Las Vegas, our veterinary experts at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital are here to help. Call our team today at (702) 257-3222 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.