Behavioral Problems of Cats

Categorization of Feline Behavior

• Normal but Undesirable: Behaviors that are natural for the species but problematic for owners, such as climbing, scratching, and nocturnal activity.

• Borderline/Excessive: Behaviors within a normal range but excessive in intensity, like vocalization, play biting, and overexuberant play.

• Abnormal or Pathologic: Behaviors incompatible with the home or pathological in nature, including intercat aggression, compulsive disorders, and urine marking.

Fundamental Behavioral Needs (Prevention & Treatment)

• Feeding and Hunting: Ideally addressed by providing small portions throughout the day and using puzzle toys to simulate hunting (batting, chasing, pawing).

• Environmental Outlets: Ensuring the cat has appropriate places for scratching, climbing, and perching.

• Safety and Play: Providing security and regular play with toys that match the cat’s interest in texture and size.

The Diagnostic Process

• Medical Rule-Out: The first step for any behavior problem—especially housesoiling, aggression, or repetitive behaviors—is to exclude medical causes (e.g., pain, renal disorders, hyperthyroidism).

• History and Environment: A thorough history and a home diagram are essential to determine how the environment affects the problem, particularly for elimination issues.

Specific Behavioral Problems

• Housesoiling

    ◦ Urine Marking (Spraying): Vertical stream of urine with a quivering tail; usually triggered by anxiety related to environmental changes or unfamiliar stimuli.

    ◦ Inappropriate Elimination: Horizontal soiling often caused by avoidance (dirty boxes, painful medical issues, frightening noises) or preferences for specific substrates or locations.

• Aggression

    ◦ Toward People: Can be play-related, predatory, fear-induced, or redirected (e.g., the cat sees another cat outside and attacks the approaching owner).

    ◦ Toward Other Cats: Stemming from fear, play, or status-related control over resources.

• Feline Compulsive Disorders: Abnormal repetitions of normal behaviors (stalking, grooming); includes pica (sucking or eating wool/fabrics), especially common in Oriental breeds.

• Feline Hyperesthesia: Skin rippling/twitching along the back, vocalizing, or dashing away; often occurs when the cat is highly aroused.

• Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): Affects aging cats (>11 years), leading to declines in learning and memory.

Treatment and Modification Strategies

• Environmental Management:

    ◦ Avoidance: Initially preventing access to triggers or problem areas to ensure safety.

    ◦ Resources: Providing more litter boxes, vertical space (climbs/perches), and distributed resources to reduce conflict.

• Behavior Modification:

    ◦ Reinforcement-Based: Using clicker training to reward desirable behaviors while avoiding punishment, which increases fear and anxiety.

    ◦ Techniques: Response substitution (training alternative behaviors like "sit"), desensitization, and counterconditioning (gradual reintroduction using rewards).

• Pharmacology and Supplements:

    ◦ Baseline Medications: SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine) or TCAs (clomipramine) for ongoing anxiety or compulsive issues.

    ◦ Situational/Natural: Benzodiazepines for acute events (car rides); pheromones (F3 or F4) and supplements like L-theanine or alpha-casozepine to reduce general stress.