Did you know the most common reason for seeking out a cat trainer is to solve an existing problem rather than for prevention or to train a new behavior. Here are two of the most common places many behavior issues come from.
Not Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering is the best way to alleviate, and sometimes completely solve, many behavior issues in cats. Male cats, in particular, who are neutered at a young age are much less likely to show aggression, sexual behavior, and urine marking. Spaying and neutering can reduce excessive vocalization, roaming, and aggressive behaviors.
In both male and female cats, spaying and neutering removes the risk of reproductive cancers. There can be serious uterine infections in female cats which are prevented by spaying. Spaying and neutering not only solves many behavior issues, but promotes the wellbeing of cats in general through better health, longer life, as well as by helping to reduce the population resulting in fewer homeless cats.
Declawing
This actually involves the amputation of the last bone on each toe of a cat’s paws. This changes the structure of the cat’s foot and walking can become permanently painful. Declawed cats can also develop joint problems, have trouble grooming themselves, have obesity issues due to lack of movement, and other physical problems. There are a whole host of behavior problems that can come from declawing as well. Litterbox aversion can be caused by the tenderness of paws. Anxiety disorders arise from removing a cat’s first line of defense. Biting then becomes a way to defend without the ability to extend claws as a warning. An alternative to declawing are claw caps that can be glued onto a cat’s nails to prevent scratching while working behavior modification for scratching issues. Claw caps are not recommended for cats who have access to the outdoors.
Prevention is the best way to manage behavior problems. Giving your cat ways to express normal cat behaviors in ways that work in our human world is the best prevention. Cats need to scratch, play (hunt), climb, have stimulation, nap, feel safe, enjoy a regular routine, and have your companionship. All of these can happen in non-destructive and cooperative ways that do fit your lifestyle.