Feline Behavior Modification
The Use of Environmental Enrichment to Stop Cat Behavior Problems
Apr 6, 2009
Many of the common feline behavior problems seen in cats are caused by stress. Environmental enrichment can help reduce your cat's stress, thereby reducing cat behavior problems, such as spraying.
Like humans, cats have several basic needs which must be addressed. If these needs are not met, feline behavior issues are likely to surface.
Providing a Personal Space for Your Cat will Help Control Feline Behavior Problems
Your cat's personal space should be a room or space which belongs solely to your cat. This space should include necessities such as:
- a food dish
- a water bowl
- a litter box
- a cat bed
- a window to enjoy
- toys to play with
Properly Locating Food and Water Dishes and Litter Boxes can Help Avoid Feline Behavior Problems
Food and water dishes and litter boxes should be placed in an area where the cat will not be startled or frightened. Do not place them near appliances or other household machinery which is likely to start without warning and make loud or unexpected noises.
Care should be taken to ensure that family members or other pets cannot sneak up on and startle the cat while he is using his food dish, water bowl or litter box.
Food and water should be kept appealing by cleaning the dishes and filling them with fresh food and water often. Litter boxes should be kept clean and sanitary.
Provide Scratching Posts to Modify Feline Behavioral Problems
For cats, scratching is a natural behavior. Providing scratching posts where your cat can express that behavior is important to keep your cat from scratching in inappropriate areas.
Provide both vertical and horizontal scratching posts for your cat to use. Make certain that the posts are covered in a thick, rugged material that your cat will enjoy scratching. Sisal is often a good choice, but you may need to experiment a bit to find your cat's individual preferences.
Provide Perches for Your Cat to Provide a Safe Retreat as Well as Entertainment
Make certain your cat has plenty of perches within your home. Cats generally feel safer when able to look down from above. Your cat may feel less vulnerable sleeping on an elevated perch.
Perches can also allow your cat to enjoy looking out a window. Watching birds, butterflies, bees and other visitors outside will entertain your cat and prevent boredom.
Avoid Sudden Changes in Your Cat's Routine
Cats do not appreciate change in their lives. Most cats find change stressful and sudden changes in your cat's routine can trigger feline behavior problems.
When introducing your cat to a new diet, new cat litter, new toys or any other new addition, introduce the new item alongside the older more familiar item. For instance, if introducing your cat to a new diet, place the new diet in a food dish next to the old food and food dish. Allow your cat to make the change at his own pace.
Providing Toys to Entertain Your Cat Provides Environmental Enrichment and Lowers Stress
Toys come in many different shapes and sizes. Here are some to try:
- Sticks or wands which have toys hanging off the end. These allow interaction with your cat as you move the wand around so your cat can chase the toy. Do not leave your cat unsupervised with these toys though.
- Balls - especially those which can be filled with food or treats
- Catnip toys - toys filled with catnip
- Simple household items such as tabs from milk bottles, Q-Tips, paper balls made from crushed paper, bottle caps, the cardboard inserts from inside a roll of toilet paper or paper towels
These are only a few of the toys available to entertain cats. Visit your local pet store for more ideas or get creative and make your own cat toys from things around your home.
Punishing Your Cat for Undesirable Behavior is Inappropriate
Punishing your cat for doing something you do not wish him to do will only cause your cat to become frightened of you or of his environment. It will not solve the problem at hand.
If you see your cat doing something you would prefer he not do, distract him by making a loud noise or throwing an object across the room. Do not throw anything directly at your cat. You want to distract, not injure your cat.
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