Cats… We are their humble servants, and we love them, but we sometimes don’t like what they do to our living spaces. Is there a way to improve this? Or is it just part of living with cats?
The first step is recognizing that some of what we consider “unwanted behaviors” are actually normal cat behaviors that can’t be trained away. Instead, we can focus on providing more acceptable outlets for these behaviors and enrichment that will keep our cats happier and better adjusted to coexisting with us.
Let’s start with scratching. This is a normal cat behavior that allows cats to “mark” their territory with the appearance of scratch marks and the scent left from the glands at the base of their footpads.
Since this behavior can’t be stopped, we need to redirect it to appropriate places. Supplying your cat with plenty of items that are acceptable for scratching is a must. You can spray Feliway (a feline calming pheromone) on these items as well as place your cat’s feet on them to transfer their scent.
Another key step is making the places you don’t want them to scratch undesirable. I usually recommend putting double-stick tape, aluminum foil or plastic in/on these areas. Most cats won’t like the way that substrate feels and will avoid scratching it.
Next up is the litter box. Before we dive into the box, it’s important to note that medical conditions can contribute to cats urinating/defecating outside of their boxes. These conditions should be ruled out before attributing it to behavior.
Cats are very clean, and they are quite particular about their litter boxes. Boxes should be scooped daily as well as fully emptied and cleaned once per week. Your litter boxes should be placed in different, low-traffic areas of the house. As noted earlier, cats are territorial. Ideally, there should be one box per cat, plus one (2 cats = 3 litter boxes), in the home so each can have their own space for litter box duties.
Sometimes, the litter type is the problem. The average cat prefers sand-type litter that is unscented. Some scents, like cedar or citrus, can even repel cats.
After enhancing the appeal of the litter box, our next focus should be on discouraging urination or defecation outside the designated area. A thorough cleaning of the area to eliminate the scent is crucial. Then, we need to make the area undesirable by using the same methods mentioned above to deter scratching.
Now, let’s talk about general enrichment for our feline friends. Cats in the wild spend several hours per day hunting and they also will spend a fair amount of time in trees. It’s important to create opportunities for pet cats to have similar experiences in our homes. This helps with physical and mental stimulation, while also reducing stress.
You could arrange for live mice to be brought into your home and released for your cat to hunt, but a better (and less messy) option would be a cat hunting feeder or a puzzle feeder. An online search for “cat hunting feeder” will point you in the right direction.
The next step to help our feline friends is to get them off the ground and into a more vertical world. Cat trees are a start, but why stop there? There are some creative ways to incorporate shelving, ramps, posts with traction material for climbing, small hammocks and more on walls in your home to give cats the ability to place themselves at comfortable heights. An online search for “cat vertical space” will open the door to a lot of possibilities.
Understanding and appreciation for the unique needs of cats can result in happier cats (and happier cat servants)!
My name is Dr. Heather Smith and I have been a small animal veterinarian in the greater Seattle area for 20 years. I am medical director and veterinarian for Felix&Fido – Issaquah. We are reinventing veterinary care by utilizing technology and leveraging the talents of our DVMs, LVTs and assistants in a way that supports and honors pets, pet parents and the veterinary care team. We look forward to serving you!
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