by Barbara George, Tellington Ttouch Behaviourist
Cats will be cats; they have different ideas on behaviour and communication to ours. When these ideas clash one party is seen by the other as performing ‘unwanted behaviour’.
Is is essential to catch unwanted behaviour as early as possible for it to be easily resolved; the longer the behaviour persisted the more difficult to change, and resistance, frustration and anger towards the cat makes the situation worse, and a solution less likely to work.
What is ‘normal’ behaviour for cats? Cats eat, drink, use the litter tray or garden, scratch to mark and sharpen claws, play and hunt, sleep, groom, cuddle, vocalise, get ill, grow old, and other activities. Many cats prefer a set routine and do not tolerate change easily. Like us, cats get along with some others, not all, based on behaviour, personality and communication skills
Every family has their own standards of behaviour, what is and isn’t allowed, and under what circumstances. Cats don’t have access to these rules, and must learn them by experience and experiment.
When cats act outside of their normal behaviour, or there is a change in behaviour, it is necessary to look for the reason behind the change. Ageing, change of season, illness or injury, new additions to the family, moving home, and many other events can cause cats to change their behaviour as they adjust to the new circumstances.
If this adjustment is difficult for the cat, he will communicate that via his behaviour, not always in the way we would appreciate. Interpreting the new behaviour can be a challenge, and our reaction can improve or worsen the behaviour.
When the new behaviour is not acceptable, it is necessary to look for help as soon as possible. Allowing the unacceptable behaviour to continue is seen as acceptance by the cat, who sees nothing wrong with his behaviour as he is trying to communicate a message. Until the message is understood, and the relevant steps taken to resolve his issues, the behaviour will continue, possibly escalate, and become a habit – which is more difficult to undo.
The first step should always be a vet check-up to eliminate any medical issues, as these can usually be handled with medication and diet.
Aggression is used as a defence mechanism against threats, so look for areas where these threats may be invoked, often around food, litter, and people, but also around spacial territory such as beds and chairs. Adding more food and litter stations, and more resting and hiding spaces (vertical spaces are good too) can reduce tension.
If neither of these avenues result in happier cats it is time to call in a cat behaviourist to assess the situation and provide options and ideas to help the cats adjust to their environment.
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to identify unacceptable behaviour as early as possible and to take steps to rectify it before it becomes an unworkable situation with neither side, cat or human, willing to make the required adjustment to ensure peace and harmony for all the family.
The first step should always be a vet check-up to eliminate any medical issues, as these can usually be handled with medication and diet.
Aggression is used as a defence mechanism against threats, so look for areas where these threats may be invoked, often around food, litter, and people, but also around spacial territory such as beds and chairs. Adding more food and litter stations, and more resting and hiding spaces (vertical spaces are good too) can reduce tension.
If neither of these avenues result in happier cats it is time to call in a cat behaviourist to assess the situation and provide options and ideas to help the cats adjust to their environment.
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to identify unacceptable behaviour as early as possible and to take steps to rectify it before it becomes an unworkable situation with neither side, cat or human, willing to make the required adjustment to ensure peace and harmony for all the family.
