Getting help with your cat's unwanted behaviour

Unwanted cat behaviour, such as excessive meowing or spraying indoors, is unpleasant not just for you but also for your cat.

What is unwanted cat behaviour?

Your cat's behaviour is unwanted when it bothers you or others. However, much unwanted behaviour is actually natural for cats and is misinterpreted by us. Some examples of unwanted behaviour:

excessive meowing
destruction
spraying
chasing people's feet
aggression towards other cats

Note: Meowing is a call for attention or an expression of pain. Rule out medical causes with your vet first before addressing the behaviour.

Where does unwanted cat behaviour come from?

Unwanted behaviour has various causes. Stress and boredom are the most common. Or perhaps the unwanted behaviour has worked for your cat in the past. By meowing a lot, she finally got your attention, for example. Did you initially accept your cat jumping on the counter but now find it annoying? Your companion has remembered that she is allowed to do it, and it is now a matter of teaching her new behaviour.

Of course you did not consciously teach your cat bad behaviour. Yet the cause of unwanted behaviour can often be found with the owner.

How do I stop unwanted cat behaviour?

First find out where your cat's unwanted behaviour comes from:

Have you been consistent about what is and is not allowed?
How do you normally react to unwanted behaviour?
Is the behaviour natural?
Is your cat getting enough attention?

Once you know the cause, it will be clear what you need to change. From now on, react differently to your cat's behaviour:

Ignore the meowing instead of comforting or scolding your cat.
Keep correcting unwanted behaviour consistently.
Never get angry and stay calm.

Show your cat how to do it right too! Do not only intervene when she scratches the sofa; immediately move her to the scratching post and show her how to use it. Reward her when she subsequently uses the scratching post.

Tips to prevent unwanted behaviour

Provide sufficient entertainment at home.
Give your cat enough attention.
Be consistent about what is and is not allowed, and also in your response.
Socialise your cat well.
Never reward unwanted behaviour — ignore it.
Make sure your cat gets enough exercise.

Can a cat behaviour therapist help?

Cat behaviour is very complex. Sometimes it is not possible to find out where your cat's unwanted behaviour comes from, or to get her to stop it. In that case, call in a cat behaviour therapist. He or she specialises in cat language and behaviour. They will come to your home for an orientation conversation, giving them the opportunity to observe your cat in her familiar environment.