Top 5 Bad Habits Cats Develop & How to Tackle Them

1. Addressing the Issue of Urinating Outside the Litter Box

Cats may urinate outside their litter box due to various reasons, such as heat cycles, health issues, stress, or an unclean litter box. It's crucial for pet owners to identify the root cause of this behavior before implementing a solution. For kittens that haven't yet learned to use the litter box consistently, training is key. Take your kitten to the litter box whenever it shows signs of needing to go, and repeat this process to reinforce the correct location. With time and patience, your cat will learn where to go and avoid inappropriate urination.

2. Cats' Obsession with Scratching Furniture

Cats naturally enjoy scratching, which can lead to them damaging furniture if they don't have appropriate outlets. If this behavior is not corrected early on, it can become a persistent problem. To prevent this, provide your cat with several scratching posts and place them in areas where your cat likes to spend time. Encourage your cat to use these posts from a young age. If the habit persists, you can deter your cat from scratching furniture by spraying citrusscented water, like lemon or orange, around the areas they tend to target. Cats generally dislike these smells and may eventually stop the unwanted behavior.

3. Cats That Like to Scratch and Bite

Cats may naturally scratch and bite, but these behaviors can become problematic if not addressed early. If a kitten is not taught proper boundaries, it can be challenging to correct as an adult. Whenever your cat scratches or bites, gently swat its mouth to reinforce that this is not acceptable. Regularly trimming its nails can also help prevent injuries. Remember, you're the one who will end up hurt if you don't take action.

4. Cats' Compulsion to Flip Over the Trash Can

Cats are often drawn to trash cans due to their curiosity and the potential for finding treats. However, this can lead to ingestion of harmful items, which can cause poisoning or gastrointestinal upset. It's best to keep trash cans out of reach or immediately address the behavior when it occurs. Use deterrents like water sprays, doublesided tape, or citrus peels to discourage your cat from accessing the trash. Consistency is key to breaking this habit.

5. Midnight Meowing

Cats may meow at night for various reasons, such as hunger, boredom, or a desire for attention. This can be disruptive to your sleep. To help, play with your cat for a few minutes before bed to bond and exhaust it. Alternatively, offer a treat to keep it satisfied. These simple steps can help manage your cat's energy levels and reduce nighttime disturbances.

6. Cats on the Dinner Table

While some people may indulge their cats by allowing them to eat human food, it's important to consider the health risks. Cats can suffer from health issues if they consume certain human foods, and it can also be offputting to guests. If your cat attempts to join you at the table, gently guide it away or use a firm but gentle approach to discourage the behavior. Cats are not designed to eat the highfat, highsodium foods we enjoy, which can strain their digestive systems. It's best to keep your cat on a balanced diet of highquality cat food, ensuring it receives the nutrients it needs for a healthy life.