Does Your Cat Have Bad Behavior?
Do you know what to do if you are having a behavior issue with one of your cats? Many people believe that cats can’t be trained, but that’s not true! There are many things you can do to modify or change your cat’s negative behaviors.
The trick is knowing the how, the when, and even the why of these changes. Let’s examine what is usually done to address bad cat behaviors, why that likely won’t work, and how you can find what does work for you!
What I Usually See Happen in Cat Owners
When a cat starts acting up in ways they don’t understand, cat owners often reach out to family members or friends to ask for help. They may ask Facebook groups or even random strangers on the internet how to address the issue. Many will suggest buying things like Feliway sprays, collars or supplements to help correct behaviors. You may also have many that suggest change the layout of or performing other modifications in your home.
This usually ends in the cat owner wasting time, money and resources on methods that won’t work to change their cat’s behaviors. Unfortunately, this also usually leads to a frustrated owner with little energy to continue to address the problem.
Why These Methods May Not Work
While friends, family, and Facebook groups are great places to connect with other passionate cat owners, it is not the best place to go for advice on an animal’s behavior. I’m sure Aunt Vicky meant well when she suggested the Feliway plug-ins, but without a thorough investigation into the root cause of the issue it may not help.
Animal behaviors are incredibly complex and subtle. It takes trainers and behaviorists years of research and observation to speak a dog or cat’s language fluently. When you run into problem behaviors with your pet, knowing the exact reason they are behaving this way if the only way you will be able to identify the best method to changing their behavior.
What Method Does Work to Address Bad Cat Behaviors?
There is no one answer to this question. As stated above, knowing the exact cause of the behavior helps you address it at the source. Since this source will differ with every cat and every situation, it’s impossible to say what the best method of correcting cat behavior is.
This is why it is so important to get in touch with a cat behaviorist! They can examine your cat’s behaviors, ask the right questions, and give you a step-by-step solution to the problem behaviors. They are super easy to find with an online search, and often offer virtual sessions so you don’t even have to leave your house. In the end, investing in a professional will save you lots of time, money, and frustration!
Check out our friend's over at Feline Behavior Solutions for help today!
Keep giving your pets the best of the natural life!
~PetCoachApril
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H
