Your Cats Behavioural Problems

It can be difficult to see signs of stress in a single cat. Some breeds are generally more nervous than others. For example, Oriental cats can react very badly to strange situations, and even a visit to a familiar cattery can cause a complete personality change. Cats show stress more than dogs, but the first signs can be too small for us to notice.

When a cat feels vulnerable it will withdraw into itself, and this is one of the first signs that something is wrong. When a cat is distressed, the fur is flattened, the tail is curled round and the cat crouches. If this continues the cat may start to shake. Salivation, vomiting and defecation can also be signs of nervousness and tension.

A cat may react when it is frightened. Normally, the pupils are dilated, the back is arched, the hair stands on end and it will hiss. If you try to comfort your cat it may react aggressively.

Some time symptoms of fear can be harder to see. The cat may hide, or try to appear smaller by pulling its ears back and not moving. A timid cat may do this at the smallest noise. This may be because it was abused as a kitten or because it wasn't socialized properly. If you breed cats, you must make sure that it is ready for everyday household life.

An owner may help the cat overcome mild fear. A timid cat will need a quiet place to retreat to, such as a covered bed. Don't force attention on your cat, wait for it to come to you. Move slowly, speak softly and keep strangers away until it has become more confident.

It's important to find out what is causing your cat's fear so that you can deal with it. This can sometimes be very hard. There may be an ongoing situation, such as teasing by a small child, noise or confinement. Once you have discovered the cause you must remove it straight away, so as to regain the cat's confidence.

You may be able to persuade your cat to overcome its fears. A cats first reaction when it is threatened is to retreat and get away. You may be able to control this by using soothing words or gradually making the cat aware that it doesn't need to be afraid, by exposing it to the problem little and often.

After the shock reaction, cats often settle down in catteries or veterinary hospitals after about 48 hours. If they are handled during that time, they may associated being handled with the fear, and will be aggressive towards everyone. Left alone they normally calm down.

If a cat is normally calm, and suddenly starts to scratch and bite, it may be ill, bored or frightened, and you should find out what the problem is. It is important to train from a kitten that aggressive behaviour is not acceptable. A firm no, immediately stopping play and a light tap on the nose when ever it scratches or bites should correct this behaviour. You must remember that a cat likes its independence, and if you try to impose your attention on to it, it may react aggressively.

Often cat owners need help with cat behaviour problems which your vet may not be able to help you with. Or there are so many common cat behaviour problems you are unsure as to where to start.

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