5 Common Cat Behaviors Issues Explained

As a prospective cat parent, you might daydream about having a cat who is always sweet and cuddly. But cats, like us, are individuals with unique personalities and moods, so this isn’t always the case. Cat behavior issues are one of the top reasons felines end up at shelters. But here’s the thing: These “problem behaviors” actually stem from natural instincts or even health concerns — and not malice. With a little insight, you can learn to address these behaviors and create a happier home for yourself and your future companion. Read on for some helpful tips on how you can address some curious cat behavior. 

Common cat behavior issues 

“Cats went from hunters to city dwellers in 4,000 years,” says Samantha Bell, cat enrichment expert at Best Friends Animal Shelter. That might seem like a long time, but cats still need time to practice their house manners. (In contrast, dogs have been our companions for at least 10,000 years.) “We basically have wild animals living in our homes,” Bell says. 

Most unwanted cat behaviors stem from these instincts. Fortunately, we can help satisfy these urges without sacrificing our sanity, aesthetics, or furniture. Below, we explore common cat behaviors, what motivates them, and practical solutions.

1. Cat behavioral issue: biting

Fact: Cats are hunters and want to bite things that move. This might include fingers, feet, and legs. Cats also bite as a form of self-defense if they feel threatened or overstimulated. 

The solution: Provide appropriate toys, and avoid overstimulation. Using your hands and feet to play with cats, well, teaches cats that it’s okay to playfully attack them. Instead, use wand toys, kickers, or other toys to play with your cat. If biting occurs during play, stop, calmly redirect with a toy, and reward them for using it. 

If your cat bites you while you’re petting them, they might be feeling overstimulated. Cats communicate their limits subtly, so watch for signs they’ve had enough:

• Dilated pupils

• Flattened ears

• Twitching tail

• Stiff posture

Keep petting sessions short, stopping and checking in with your cat often by allowing them to re-engage. 

Another solution? Get your cat a friend, Bell suggests. Many shelters encourage adopting kittens in pairs because the furry playmates can wrestle, bite, and chase each other. In fact, kittens who grow up with a buddy are less likely to develop problem behaviors later in life, says Jackie Noble, senior director of behavior, nursery, and foster at the San Diego Humane Society.

2. Cat behavioral issue: jumping on counters

From a cat’s POV, the counter is an ideal hangout spot. It provides a sturdy, elevated perch that’s perfect for surveying their domain. Even though house cats don’t face real predators, their instincts still tell them that getting to high ground keeps them safe, Bell says.

The countertop becomes even more tempting if a cat’s favorite humans are nearby or if leftovers are out. Plus, jumping on the counter is a surefire way to get attention. Getting picked up and set on the ground is fun or interesting, rather than discouraging, to many cats. 

The solution: Train your cat using positive reinforcement and offer suitable alternatives. It is possible to train cats not to jump on counters, Bell assures. Here’s her step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Grab a stool. Pull up a stool or tall chair near the counter. This is your cat’s special spot: When they jump on the stool they get a special reward. But don’t set them on the stool yourself. “Let them choose to climb onto the stool on their own, and then reward them for doing so,” Bell says. 

Step 2: Practice nonchalant discouragement. It’s normal for your cat to jump on the counter during training. After all, they’re still figuring out this new reward system. “Don’t say anything, don’t look at them, just quickly and gently set them on the ground,” Bell says. Attention (even if it’s negative) can be rewarding to some cats. If your cat is persistent, use their treat to lure them to their stool, where they’ll be lavished in attention. 

Step 3: Wean them off treats. Once your cat consistently uses the designated stool, you can gradually decrease how often they get treats. “If you only reward them here and there, it reinforces the behavior even more,” Bell explains. “It creates that slot machine behavior effect — I’ll keep trying until I win.”  

At the same time, make sure your cat has other perches around the house, like cat trees, window perches, or shelving.

Using positive reinforcement (rewarding wanted behaviors) is a training method that works for other problem behaviors too, such as destructive chewing, getting into the plants, and scratching the furniture. On the other hand, “punishing a cat by yelling or by squirting them with water only weakens the bond and trust your cat has with you,” Bell says. 

3. Cat behavioral issue: peeing or pooping outside of the litter box 

Cats are very fastidious individuals. So when they won’t use the litter box, it’s their way of telling you something’s wrong. 

The solution: Rule out underlying illnesses, then make the litter box appealing. “First and foremost, take your cat to a vet to either rule out or help with medical concerns,” Bell says. Once your kitty gets a clean bill of health, you can start making changes at home.

• Provide one litter box per cat, plus one. If your home has multiple floors, each level should have its own box.

• Place the litter boxes away from high-traffic areas, noisy appliances, and your cat’s food and water bowls. Ideally, the box should have a clear view of approaching visitors 

• Scoop waste daily, and deep clean the box with mild soap and water every two weeks.

• The box should be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably without touching the sides.

• Purchase a litter box that suits your cat’s needs, such as a low-entry box for seniors, cats with special needs, and kittens. 

• Skip litter box liners. “Cats often get their claws stuck in the liner, tearing a hole in the liner, which causes them to dislike the box,” Bell says.  

• Try an uncovered litter box. 

• Swap coarse, scented litters for fine, unscented ones.

• Fill the box with three inches of litter, refilling daily or as needed. 

4. Cat behavioral issue: territorial aggression 

Whether a cat is expressing aggression toward another cat or directing it at humans, fear and anxiety over territory could be to blame. Some cats are simply wired to be more anxious, especially cats who had to compete for resources as kittens, Bell says. 

The solution: First, if aggression is new, take your cat to the vet to rule out any underlying health conditions. Cats in pain can suddenly become bullies. If health concerns aren’t the cause, Bell recommends the following approach.

• Provide more litter boxes, scratching posts, vertical territory, and beds. Spread these resources out around the house, so that the cat feels like they have more control over their territory.

• In multi-cat homes, feed cats at least several feet apart or in separate rooms. While food aggression in cats isn’t common, this can help minimize competition and stress.

• Play with your cat every day. “Play helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and the pent-up desire to attack,” Bell says.  

• Create a calming environment with hiding spots and pheromone diffusers. Remember, cats pick up on our emotions. Staying calm will go a long way in creating a stress-free home.

5. Cat behavioral issue: waking you up

Cats are crepuscular. This means they’re hardwired to be most active at dusk and dawn when hunting conditions are best. If they’re waking you up at all hours of the night, you’re likely responding. Whether it’s a positive or negative response, they perceive it as rewarding, Bell says.  

The solution: If waking you up at night is a new behavior, or if it is accompanied by other changes such as excessive meowing or a loss of interest in typical activities, see your vet to rule out any underlying illnesses. As cats age, it’s not uncommon for them to develop dementia.

If the vet visit doesn’t point to any conditions, Bell suggests two steps to break the cycle. 

1. Change your cat’s routine. Play with your cat often during the day. They'll sleep less and be more tired at night. The most important play session should happen right before bed, followed by a small snack or treat. 

2. Change your behavior. When your cat meows or nudges you in the night, resist the urge to respond. Any attention, positive or negative, reinforces the behavior.

Addressing cat behavior issues 

Thinking of adopting a cat but worried about common behavior issues? Many things that might seem like “problem behaviors” can be addressed by meeting your cat’s natural needs. Before welcoming your new cat or kitten home, prepare by familiarizing yourself with the following toolbox of solutions. You may find that a shopping trip for new cat supplies is needed. 

• See your vet to rule out medical causes.

• Provide appropriate toys for your cat to bite and chase.

• Avoid using your hands and feet as toys.

• Adopt two cats rather than one.

• Provide scratching surfaces like cat trees and scratching posts throughout your house. 

• Use treats and praise to reward your cat for good behavior.

• Resist the urge to give your cat attention when they exhibit unwanted behaviors.

• Offer elevated perches like cat trees or shelves. 

• Provide a clean and appealing litter box environment.

• If you have multiple cats, reduce stress and competition by providing plenty of resources (litter boxes, cat trees, and beds).

• Consider separate feeding areas. 

• Play with your cat daily. 

When to consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist 

If unwanted behaviors continue despite your best efforts, a veterinarian can rule out any underlying medical conditions. A veterinary or animal behaviorist can create a personalized plan to address the behavior itself. In some cases, they may prescribe medication. 

Consider adopting a cat

Before adopting any cat, talk to shelter staff about their personality, behaviors, and history. Getting a detailed account of any behavioral issues can help you realistically decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here are some things to remember when taking a chance on a cat.

• You’re giving a cat in need a loving and stable home. (Spoiler: a stable home might be all they need to banish “bad” behaviors.)

• Many common behavioral issues can be addressed easily with the right tools. 

• Successfully helping a cat overcome behavioral challenges can be a rewarding experience. 

• Being patient is key. Training and addressing behavioral issues takes time and dedication.

• Ask the shelter what resources are available at no cost or for a reduced fee.

References

Behavior Medicine

Development of a Cat Behaviour Issues Assessment Scale (CABIAS) Assessing Problem Behaviours in Cats

Prevalence of 17 Feline Behavioral Problems and Relevant Factors of Each Behavior in Japan

What to Do if Your Cat Is Marking Territory