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Does your cat seem upset or anxious? Do his
body signals seem negative or is he engaging in inappropriate toilet habits?
What bothers your cat could very well be something that bothers you. From dirty bathrooms to spoiled food to music that’s too loud, cats and people share more pet annoyances than you might think. And believe it or not, you could make some mistakes as an owner and unknowingly cause these top things that cats can’t stand. Don’t worry – we’re here to help – here’s how you can take action.
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not loners! It’s true that you can leave your cat alone longer than you can a dog, but kittens crave attention, companionship and love just like any other furry friend – or human. If left alone for long periods of time, he may become restless and develop feelings of anxiety and even depression.1
If you have a busy schedule, consider taking a few minutes every day to spend quality time with your cat. Even 15 minutes of play time every few hours will keep him happy and healthy. An even better solution? Consider adopting another cat so that it has a full-time companion. Otherwise, get used to them accompanying you to the toilet.
Using a dirty toilet – in public or at home – is pretty gross, right? Well, cats feel the same way about dirty litter boxes.
It’s important to clean your cat’s litter boxes every day, or at least every other day, depending on the number of cats you have and their toilet habits. Don’t want to shovel poop every day? Consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box.
Keeping a clean litter box isn’t just about scooping. Depending on the type of litter you use, the frequency with which you scoop it, and the number of cats in your household, the litter should be replaced approximately every two weeks.
You probably don’t want to dig into a big plate of spoiled food – and surprise! – Neither does your cat. Raw or spoiled food not only tastes bad, but it can also make your cat sick.2 Bacteria like salmonella and staph can multiply in food that has been exposed to food for too long, especially in the warmer months.
When serving meals to your cat, be sure to check the expiration dates of both wet and dry food. If you keep a lot of leftovers after your cat’s meals, you may need to estimate how much he actually needs to eat. Your veterinarian can help you decide based on their breed, age and activity level.
When you’re feeling bad, the last thing you want to do is take disgusting-tasting medicine. And the same goes for your cat too. When taking medication, many cats foam at the mouth or simply spit it out.
Whether your cat needs medication for a cold or infection, or has a chronic condition that requires constant administration of medication, it is important to make the experience more comfortable for the cat.
First, train your cat to be comfortable with handling his face and mouth. Associate the sensations with something positive by rewarding them with a small reward. Then create a medication schedule so the doctor knows what to expect and when.
If you still have trouble giving pills, there are many soft treats with pockets for the pills.
If you have a cat, you know that there are only certain areas you’re allowed to pet her – and if you pet the wrong part, she’ll hiss, scratch, or bite. Cats can be extremely sensitive to tactile stimuli. Therefore, it is important to be careful where and how you pet her.3
Do you want your cat to be happy? Cats groom each other’s heads and necks – and really don’t like it when pets move their entire bodies along their backs – so try to focus only on the areas around the head and neck. Pay close attention to his behavior and body signals to recognize acceptable and unacceptable petting.
Whether it’s food, space, toys, or attention from their humans, cats can become jealous of each other. Unfortunately, in some cases this jealousy or resource conservation can manifest itself as aggression and, depending on the situation, as misdirected aggression.3
Example: If a domestic cat feels threatened by an outdoor cat but is unable to attack it, the domestic cat may redirect its aggression towards another cat in the house.
From thunderstorms to arguments to fireworks, lots of loud noises and excitement can seriously distress your cat. And chronic stress from loud noises can cause a range of behavioral and health problems, including restlessness, aggression or depression, as well as hair loss, loss of appetite and excessive grooming.4
It can be difficult, but try to limit your cat’s exposure to loud noises. Keep it in a quiet, safe place when guests are visiting or in bad weather, and avoid playing very loud music or turning up the volume on the TV.