Final Up to date on: November 1, 2022 by Crystal Uys
Welcome to our common “Ask the Cat Behaviorist with Mikel Delgado” section. As soon as a month, we’ll put up a reminder so that you can put up your questions for Mikel. She’ll reply as lots of them as she will every time, and I’ll publish her solutions in a subsequent put up.
Mikel is a Licensed Cat Habits Marketing consultant at Feline Minds, providing on-site consultations for cat guardians, shelters, and pet-related companies within the San Francisco Bay Space, and distant consultations world wide. She obtained her PhD in Psychology at UC Berkeley, the place she studied animal conduct and human-pet relationships. Mikel is co-author of Jackson Galaxy’s forthcoming e-book, Whole Cat Mojo: The Final Information to Life with Your Cat.
Cat buries her meals dish after consuming
Hello! Multi-cat family and one in all our 4 kitties relentless buries her meals dish when she is finished consuming. She’s going to bury something close by (toys, blanket edges, and many others.) into the dish, making a giant mess. And this isn’t like a number of paw swipes at it and he or she strikes on – she’s going to go on for some time at completely different angles and bury, bury, bury. Even once we attempt to cease her (redirect her consideration or shake the spray bottle), she continues or stops solely momentarily and goes again to it like she is in some type of OCD mind lock.
Why would a cat do that? The opposite cats have realized this conduct from her now and can take a number of swipes to bury their dishes too, although with a lot much less fervor.
She is a ten yr outdated calico who was discovered as a kitten along with her litter on a farm with no momma cat and we adopted each her and her sister. They’re each very candy and this one is particularly cuddly.
May it’s some type of safety factor from an unsafe kittenhood? (Nicole Hatton)
Nicole,
Such an fascinating query! That is a type of cat behaviors that we don’t have a stable agreed-upon cause for. There are a number of completely different theories about why cats do that – some suppose the cat is saving their meals for later, others suppose they’re hiding a scent which may appeal to predators or different animals. No matter it’s, that is in all probability a conduct that helped cats survive all through their evolutionary historical past, even when it doesn’t serve a lot of a operate now (and as you have got described, could be messy and annoying!).
Anytime I’ve a cat who’s “obsessed” with one thing, I take into consideration how we can provide that cat different issues to do – and naturally my favourite issues can be so as to add extra interactive play – notably earlier than her meals, to see if that helps her settle afterward. You might attempt feeding a number of smaller meals per day so there are not any leftovers for her to bury. I’d additionally suggest attempting meals puzzles along with her! There are various choices obtainable that may work with each moist and dry meals. See foodpuzzlesforcats.com for tactics to get began!
Cat assaults tip of his tail
My cat retains attacking the tip of his tail (Elaine Hughes)
Elaine,
Tail-attacking can have a number of completely different shows. In some circumstances, it’s only a very younger playful cat who wants extra interactive play and enrichment to maintain him busy. However with some cats, it may be fairly severe. The cat may appear obsessive about or upset by his tail – you may even hear some growling. Some cats will even begin to injure their tail. This tail obsession could be brought on by ache or a situation known as feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) – a situation that sadly shouldn’t be nicely understood. We predict it’s a neurological situation, however typically it’s a analysis of exclusion – that means different issues are dominated out, and what we’re left with is FHS. I might begin with a vet go to to see if every other causes could be dominated out. The remedy for FHS typically contains medicine, however different stress-reducing interventions, reminiscent of elevated train and enrichment, and offering your cat with as a lot routine as attainable, may help.
Cat stopped utilizing the litter field
One in all my furbabies has abruptly stopped utilizing the litter field and I don’t know why (Tracy Bayne)
Tracy,
There are a number of causes that cats can cease utilizing the litter field, so I’d want much more info to give you a helpful modification plan. Step one can be ensuring your cat will get a clear invoice of well being out of your veterinarian, particularly if they’re older and extra vulnerable to sicknesses reminiscent of diabetes or kidney illness which might affect litter field conduct.
The second factor I might suggest is taking an extended, arduous have a look at the litter field and ensure it fits your cat’s wants, not simply yours. Do you have got sufficient bins for the variety of cats you have got? Are they giant and open and never all clustered in a single location in your own home? Is there a field on each flooring of your private home and are they simple on your cat to entry? Do you utilize a gentle, clumping, unscented litter? Do you clear them often?
The third step is ensuring your cat resides a comparatively stress-free, enriched life. Play, routine and different types of environmental stimulation are necessary to cats. If there may be pressure in any cat relationships (or with anybody else within the dwelling) – you’ll wish to resolve that – presumably with an skilled and certified cat conduct advisor.
Cat with PICA
I had a cat with PICA. In fact again then we didn’t know something about it. However she appreciated fibers and buttons. She would pull blankets and rugs aside to eat. One time I took some garments to a consignment retailer and was known as to select up the broken issues. It seems as she hid in her favourite sleeping spot within the closet, she was chewing on the bottoms of my garments. She pulled strings out, ate beading and buttons. Fortunately she by no means had any blockages. (Janine)
Janine,
Thanks for sharing your expertise. It factors out the significance of figuring out your cat’s favourite spots and habits! Many individuals don’t understand that their cat chews on non-food objects till they turn into sick and have an x-ray! I’m so glad your cat by no means had a blockage!
Hyperthyroid cat received’t eat
My cat is hyperthyroidism and just lately hypertension after I attempt all of the pres, freeze dried whipped, mouse excessive finish meals she received’t eat them. She loves her fancy feast. Teega is 6lbs a tiny 14 yr outdated feral runt.. can anyone speak to her. Thanks LISA
Hello Lisa,
I don’t “speak to cats” within the sense I’m not an animal communicator. I consider in taking a behaviorally-based strategy to conduct points. That stated, I’m undecided that Teega has a conduct subject. It feels like you must work together with your veterinarian to ensure her remedy is working for her. Maybe an urge for food stimulant would assist; what many individuals suppose is simply “snubbing” meals could be indicators of nausea or digestive upset that may be managed with medicines. When cats are older and have medical points, I additionally suppose you must feed them…just about no matter model of cat meals they like, so long as your vet says it’s okay!
Demanding, harmful, aggressive cat
My cat is dangerous with me, my husband and our dwelling. He calls for affection (he rubs in opposition to us, quite a bit), however once we pet him he bites ultimately. We tried to show him to keep away from locations (just like the desk) utilizing water on a sprig bottle, however he broke the bottle, two of them! We tried to make use of the tape technique to maintain him away from stuff, however then once more, performed with the tape and ignored it. If we attempt to preserve him away from locations just like the mattress or a window, he rapidly goes again to THAT place and appears at us, like difficult us.
He bites randomly, scratches drawing blood, I’ve had bruises from his bites. He additionally tries to destroy every thing, he makes glasses fall, scratches the couch and curtains (they’re ruined now), the mattress, my plushies, however he additionally has some toys: a scratching put up, catnip determine, balls, a factor with balls that transfer; his cat litter is the very best quality I may discover the place I dwell, will get cleaned every single day, the home additionally may be very clear, he has two beds, a fountain with operating water, and the very best quality meals I can afford. However for the sake of me, I can’t get him to be calm. He abruptly runs across the complete condo, along with his eyes dilated, his claws at its most, I simply need him to be at peace with us, and play with us, and never chew on a regular basis. He’s round 10 months outdated, he’s adopted and we’ve got round 3 months with him. Will this cease? Ought to I do one thing completely different?
We additionally began to get him into his cage to eat or do stuff that provoke him. Please, assist! (Elia)
Hello Elia,
It feels like you have got an adolescent! Identical to the human type, teenage cats are infamous for his or her button-pushing, excessive vitality, consideration looking for behaviors. I see this typically in my consulting follow! Typically the very best answer is a kitty companion of an identical temperament, however that isn’t attainable for everybody. However usually, quite than being “twice the work” – it finally ends up being a lot much less work than coping with a singleton who’s bored!
What your kitty doubtless wants is extra train and psychological simulation. I might begin with two or three intense play session a day, the place you utilize completely different interactive toys to get him stalking, operating, chasing and pouncing! Attempt toys like a feather wand, cat dancer, or every other toy with a string or wire that YOU transfer like prey to get him engaged. After play, attempt a meal or snack to assist him settle down. He may additionally profit from meals puzzles to get him working for his meals! Additionally, it’s necessary to not use your arms as toys, as a result of that sends blended messages to your cat – typically arms are for mild issues, and typically they’re for biting and scratching. So no tough housing please!
You didn’t point out any vertical house in your house, however you want a number of cat condos or cabinets, and they need to be positioned in areas the place they serve a goal, reminiscent of giving him a view of a fowl feeder or the surface world. Concerning the petting, with younger cats, they’ll go from relaxed to wound up in a flash, and even when they’re soliciting consideration, they could abruptly attain a threshold for petting tolerance and chew. One of the simplest ways to stop one of these biting is to once more, tire him out with as a lot train as you may present, after which watch out to restrict the petting. All the time cease earlier than he will get irritated, so he’s left wanting extra, not much less consideration. Should you watch rigorously, it’s possible you’ll discover some delicate indicators that he’s getting overstimulated – reminiscent of ear actions or muscle tightening. These are your cues that it’s time to cease petting – NOW!
When he broke your spray bottle, he was sending you a message: one of these punishment is ineffective! I spend a number of time convincing my shoppers that the spray bottle isn’t going to get them what they need. Some cats don’t thoughts the water, however what typically occurs is that it simply breaks the bond between you and your cat and doubtlessly makes your cat much more cautious of you.
As an alternative, I prefer to concentrate on clicker coaching and optimistic reinforcement to inform him what behaviors you DO LIKE, as an alternative of specializing in “NO!” and “get down from there.” A “NO!” isn’t useful, as a result of it doesn’t inform your cat what to do as an alternative…however if you happen to clicker practice him to sit down, or go to a mat, or roll over, you’re telling him what you want, and what is going to get him the rewards he desires, reminiscent of consideration.
For counter browsing, you need to use a greater sort of “distant punishment” – that means the punishment shouldn’t be related to you. Double sided carpet tape could be sturdier than business merchandise designed to discourage cats. The motion-sensitive air cans are additionally efficient for preserving cats off counters.
Excessive vitality kitten causes hassle
KITTEN TROUBLE!!!! I discovered a stray kitten on our doorstep about 4 months in the past and he received’t cease being simply downright naughty. He flings filth out of pots so we spray this cat deterrent factor and he doesn’t care a lot. He assaults our different three cats (I do know we shouldn’t have that many however we do have a big home) so we play with him and play with him nevertheless it’s by no means sufficient and it’s inflicting a number of stress so we needed to go to squirt bottle. He knocks every thing over and he’s obsessive about going into any open door reminiscent of cupboards and the entrance door. He wakes up my father who works arduous nights along with his meowing and stampeding throughout the halls like a bat outta hell. He’s not afraid of something however automobile rides and he’s inflicting numerous stress. So what ought to we do? I perceive he has a number of vitality however I don’t wish to throw him again out on the road. Please assist. I wager it isn’t the best life for him both. (Leah Bonetti)
Leah,
Thanks for taking in a homeless kitten!! (see my response above to Elia about having an adolescent!). He does sound a little bit bored (which can have extra to do along with his character than what you’re offering – some cats simply NEED far more play and stimulation than others).
Identical to with Elia’s kitty, I might suggest specializing in optimistic reinforcement, and distant punishment for the naughty behaviors. For the dirt-digging, cowl the filth with giant rocks to remove that temptation. Childproof your cupboards to stop him from opening them.
So far as his relations together with your different cats, he may want an age-appropriate playmate, playtime with you, or some solo time to stop him from driving your different cats nuts. Attempt to carry him along with the opposite cats when he’s had playtime, adopted by a hefty meal, to assist him quiet down and be extra calm.
The kitten may additionally profit from meals puzzles and computerized toys. He wants loads to maintain him busy. I’m not normally an enormous fan of the automated toys, and so they actually can’t change interactive play with you, however they’ll complement it. The Hexbug Nano is my favourite, however there are many choices on the market today.
Lastly, take into account how one can add some vertical house and different enrichment, reminiscent of a fowl feeder that attaches to a window, to entice him to look out the window and get some psychological stimulation whereas studying to sit down again and loosen up a little bit!
Additionally, I don’t suppose 4 cats is just too many 😊! All of it will depend on what you may present for them, and the way nicely they get alongside!
Cat wakes guardians up at evening
Each evening round 1 am and once more at 5 am our cat comes into the bed room and knocks issues down and scratches on the furnishings, preserving us awake. She’s completed this now and again ever since we adopted her, nevertheless it’s been a few month now that she’s been doing it each single evening. We spray her with water which makes her run away however she comes proper again a minute later. Now we have an computerized feeder that now has been set to feed her at 1 and 5 am, however she eats after which comes proper again to doing it. (It didn’t begin out feeding her at these occasions so I do know it’s not optimistic reinforcement inflicting the issue.) We additionally play along with her at the least half-hour each night (we play till she’s drained) with a fishing pole toy. We are able to’t shut her out of the bed room as a result of it’s the place we preserve her litterbox, and if we put the litterbox someplace else and shut the door she’ll scratch on the door all evening which our downstairs neighbors can hear and so they already hate us. I’m truthfully out of concepts and am determined for an answer. I’m so bored with dropping sleep. Please assist! (Caroline)
Caroline,
Your criticism is a typical one, actually, I’m fairly positive I’ve answered it in a earlier column! I’ve already commented this time round on how I really feel in regards to the water bottle. I’m not a fan.
Cats wake their people up through the evening as a result of they get one thing out of it!! Fixing this drawback normally requires a two-pronged strategy: altering the cats routine so they’re up extra through the day and sleeping extra at evening, after which altering YOUR conduct so your cat doesn’t get consideration for her midnight antics.
To get your cat in your schedule requires extra psychological stimulation and exercise through the day. The fishing pole toy within the night is nice – however you must take into account the remainder of the day when she might be asleep (little question exhausted from her nighttime antics!). Attempt meals puzzles to get her working for ALL of her meals. Vertical house close to a window will enable her to people- or bird-watch through the day. Should you’re not feeding your kitty on a schedule, I like to recommend switching to scheduled feeding, or at the least withdrawing a few of her meals within the later a part of the day, so you may put down a last meal at your mattress time. I do know you talked about that even with the automated feeder she continues to be waking you up, however the aim is to get her to settle at evening. One other nice solution to get cats to settle is a heated cat mattress that you just solely activate at evening.
Now comes the robust half. We all know that greater than meals is motivating this. Which means the eye you give her – even when to you it appears “unfavorable” – is reinforcing the conduct. You must utterly ignore her nighttime conduct. COMPLETELY. Should you break down after 2 hours or 2 days, you’ll have taught her that if she tries lengthy and arduous sufficient she’s going to break you down (and sure, she’s going to in all probability attempt even tougher to get you up earlier than she provides up).
I’m not against giving her a room of her personal at evening for a number of weeks to interrupt the behavior. If that’s what it takes to cease you from waking up and responding to her nighttime exercise, then that may be a significantly better short-term answer that may result in long-term conduct change. A chunk of cardboard with double-sided carpet tape hooked up to the door in addition to on the ground by the door is one solution to cease cats from scratching on the door.
Sleep is basically necessary to me so I utterly empathize together with your state of affairs. Sadly, that is one conduct drawback that requires as a lot human conduct change as kitty conduct change! The excellent news, is that if you happen to persist with this system, she’s going to cease preserving you awake!
