Cat Behaviour

disorders in cats

Understanding Cat Behaviour

Some Cats are more nervous and timid than others. This might be from when they were Kittens and were treated badly or did’nt get enough stimulation during kittenhood or it may be just the genetic make up of that particular breed.

Cat therapy is designed to encourage calm behaviour in cats. Cats with such anxiety can have treatments that may include behaviour modification, environmental enrichment, or medication. It is possible to make small changes in your environment that can make a big difference even without medication.

An anxious cat might display unusual behaviour, such as fearful or aggressive behaviour. Repeated behaviours can also indicate anxiety as well as urinating and soiling out of the litter box or staying up high and out of the way for long periods.

Domestic cats’ behaviour is an integral aspect of their welfare and it is the responsibility of their owner to understand and help their pet become a contented, happy pet.

The best way to achieve this is through an effective socialization program for the animal from birth; this involves exposing them to new things and people as well as introducing them to favourite activities and places at an early age.

Cat Charateristics

cat behaviour

Compulsive Tendencies

Obsessive-compulsive cats can display a range of behaviours. It could indicate an underlying disorder. If your cat exhibits any of these behaviours, consult your veterinarian. Only treat if there are no other causes. Obsessive-compulsive disorder in cats can make it difficult for owners. Your vet will look at all the factors.

While compulsive behaviour in cats is not linked to age or gender, some breeds are more likely to be obsessive. OCD is more common in indoor cats. OCD can be triggered either by stress or environmental changes.

Why is socialising your cat important?

Socialising your cat is vital for them to learn how to cope with different people, animals and situations they will come across. Without these abilities, your feline friend could lead a lonely life; become anxious, depressed and more susceptible to physical illness. With proper socialization, your feline friend can lead an enriching and fulfilling existence!

If your cat doesn’t receive enough exercise or stimulation, they may feel uneasy and even anxious. This could lead to behavioural issues such as aggression and excessive grooming.

Be mindful of your cat’s body language and if you notice any signs of stress or fear, contact your vet right away. It could be an indication of illness, so they need to see a specialist to rule out other serious medical conditions.

Cats affected by anxiety tend to become fearful of unfamiliar people and objects, as well as aggressive if they feel threatened. This is a widespread issue that arises from how cats were socialised as babies and how they have interacted with people and pets over the years.

Cat Behavioural Issues

cat behaviour

Aggression and Temperament

Cats’ behaviour is highly complex and determined by many factors, from their genetic makeup to the environment they grow up in. Furthermore, cats possess an impressive level of intelligence which they communicate with one another via physical, vocal or chemical cues.

They are highly territorial, often marking their territory with scent and urine – or in some cases even marking objects such as trees and furniture. Additionally, they vocalize through various noises like purring, hissing and meowing.

Some breeds of cats tend to be more social than others and will happily live with children and other members of the family. Unfortunately, some cats may end up in shelters or rehoming centres where they can learn how to get along with other cats and people better.

Cat Personalities

cat behaviour

Control Spaces

Cats can be highly territorial and will attempt to control their own space, leading to issues for both cats and their owners. To avoid further escalation in this issue, it’s best to address it early on.

Cats often scratch to mark their territory, and this behavior is common among both domestic and wild felines. Scratching serves a functional purpose in cat behavior and can be observed in both domestic cats and wild cat species alike.

Be mindful of your cat’s behaviour when they begin scratching to mark, and if you observe damage to other items, this could be an indication of an illness. If this occurs, ask your vet for a referral to a behaviourist who can provide guidance on how best to manage it.

We hope you enjoyed reading this brief article on Cat Behviour and found it useful. Why not read our other useful Cat related pages or find out more about the British Shorthaired Cat there are some interesting snippets on this remarkable Pet Cat.

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