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CAT BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
CLAWING FURNITURE
- REFUSAL TO USE
LITTERBOX
EATING HOUSEPLANTS - SPRAYING
CLAWING
FURNITURE
1. Natural instinct to sharpen and keep claws sharp.
SOLUTION
1. Buy or make a scratching post and encourage your cat to use the post by
spraying/rubbing catnip on it and/or by taking your cat's arms and rubbing its claws on
the post.
2. Spay animal repellent on the areas the cat scratches.
3. Use a loud noise, such as a handclap, when your cat scratches on the furniture. This
will alarm the cat and make him/her stop. Next take the cat to his/her post and rub
his/her claws along it.
4. Squirt the cat with water when the animal scratches on something it is not supposed to.
5. Place double faced tape on the area being clawed to discourage the cat from scratching.
You can remove tape when cat has learned to avoid the area.
REFUSAL TO USE LITTERBOX
I. Cat doesn't like type of litter. Many litters have strong deodorants which some cats
don't like. Many cats don't like the green litter.
2. Litterbox is not clean enough.
3. Cat doesn't like location of box.
4. More than one cat uses litterbox.
SOLUTION
I. Try changing the brand of litter.
2. Change the litter every other day; remove droppings daily.
3. Keep litterbox away from food and water bowls, in an accessible area. Don't move it
around.
4. You may need more than one litterbox if you have more than one cat.
5. You may need to confine the cat in a small room until he or she consistently uses the
box.
6. Continuing problems with litter box use may indicate a health problem. Consult your vet
for a thorough exam for your cat.
EATING HOUSEPLANTS
I. Cats naturally like greens.
SOLUTION
I. Plant a special garden in a low, wide pot for your cat. You can grow catnip and plant
birdseed. Supplies can be found in a pet store.
2. Try a loud handclap or a squirt of water from a squirt bottle when you catch you cat
nibbling; then, place your cat in from of his/her own garden.
3. Try spraying the plant(s) with animal repellent or perfume.
SPRAYING
I. Occurs typically in male cats; some female cats.
2. Natural instinct to mark territory.
SOLUTION
1. Have your male cat neutered; you will have best results at curbing spraying if
neutering is done at seven months of age.
2. There is a hormonal treatment available. Ask your vet about this.
3. Ask your vet for other medical possibilities.
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