1. Litter Box Avoidance
Possible causes:
- Dirty litter box
- Stress or territorial issues
- Medical problems (like UTIs)
How to fix it:
- Keep the litter box clean and in a quiet, private area
- Use unscented, clumping litter
- Have 1 box per cat, plus one extra
- Visit a vet to rule out medical issues
🧼 Cats are super picky about cleanliness and location.
2. Scratching Furniture
Why they do it:
Scratching sharpens claws, marks territory, and stretches muscles.
How to fix it:
- Provide sturdy scratching posts or pads (vertical and horizontal)
- Use catnip to attract them to the scratcher
- Cover furniture with double-sided tape or aluminum foil temporarily
- Trim their nails regularly
🪵 Place scratchers where your cat already scratches.
3. Aggression Toward People or Other Pets
Causes include:
Fear, redirected aggression, overstimulation, or lack of socialization
How to fix it:
- Identify and avoid triggers (like rough petting or loud noises)
- Provide vertical space (cat trees, shelves) for escape and control
- Use calming products (like Feliway diffusers)
- Never punish physically—redirect with toys instead
😾 Watch for body language—tail flicks, flattened ears, dilated pupils.
4. Excessive Meowing
Why it happens:
Hunger, boredom, attention-seeking, or medical issues
How to fix it:
- Feed on a schedule, not when they meow
- Play with your cat daily to burn energy
- Rule out pain or illness with a vet visit
🔊 Some breeds (like Siamese) are naturally more vocal.
5. Climbing Where They Shouldn’t (Counters, Tables)
Why they do it:
Cats love height for safety, exploration, and watching activity
How to fix it:
- Give approved vertical spaces (cat trees, window perches)
- Use deterrents like double-sided tape or motion-activated air puffs
- Never yell or spray—redirect calmly
🐾 Make “good” spots more appealing than the forbidden ones.