Solving Behavior Problems In Your Multi Cat Household

Having multiple cats in your household can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to managing behavior problems. In this article, we will explore some common behavior problems that can arise in a multi cat household and provide effective solutions to help create a harmonious living environment for all your furry companions.

Understanding the Nature of Cats

Before diving into specific behavior problems, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of feline behavior. Cats are territorial animals by nature, and introducing additional cats into their established territories can create tension and stress. It's important to respect their space and ensure that each cat has their own designated areas where they can eat, sleep, and relax undisturbed.

Additionally, cats communicate through various means, including body language, scent, and vocalization. These communication signals play a significant role in establishing hierarchy and resolving conflicts. By being observant and responsive to your cats' needs, you can address behavior problems effectively and promote peaceful coexistence.

ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your Multi-Cat Household

by Amy Shojai (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2034 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	134 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Common Behavior Problems and Solutions

1. Aggression:

Aggression between cats can occur due to territorial disputes, resource guarding, fear, or improper socialization. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of aggression and address it accordingly. Provide separate feeding stations and litter boxes for each cat to minimize competition. Gradually introduce the cats to each other using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats or playtime. Consult with a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist for more guidance.

2. Inappropriate Elimination:

When cats urinate or defecate outside of their litter boxes, it can be a sign of stress or dissatisfaction with the litter box conditions. Ensure that each cat has access to a clean and well-maintained litter box. Consider providing multiple litter boxes in different areas of the house to cater to each cat's preferences. Regularly clean and scoop the litter boxes to encourage proper elimination habits.

3. Spraying:

Unneutered male cats are more prone to spraying urine as a form of marking their territory. Spaying or neutering your cats can significantly reduce this behavior. Additionally, provide vertical scratching posts and adequate scratching surfaces to allow cats to mark their territories in a more appropriate manner. In severe cases, consult with a veterinarian to explore medication options or behavioral modification techniques.

4. Excessive Vocalization:

Cats can use excessive vocalization as a means of communication or seeking attention. Ensure that your cats have enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Engage in interactive play sessions with them and provide toys and puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated. If excessive vocalization persists, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the behavior.

Creating an Enriching Environment

Aside from addressing behavior problems individually, creating an enriched environment can greatly contribute to your cats' overall well-being and minimize the occurrence of behavior problems. Consider the following tips:

- Provide plenty of vertical space for your cats to explore and perch.

- Offer a variety of toys to keep them mentally and physically engaged.

- Establish regular playtime sessions and interactive play with your cats.

- Provide hiding places and secluded areas for each cat to have their private space.

- Use pheromone sprays or diffusers to promote a calming atmosphere in the household.

Managing behavior problems in a multi cat household requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. By addressing conflicts, providing individual resources, and creating an enriched environment, you can help your cats coexist harmoniously. Remember, each cat is unique, so tailor your solutions to suit their specific personalities and needs. With time and effort, you can create a happy and peaceful multi cat household.

ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your Multi-Cat Household

by Amy Shojai (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2034 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	134 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Whether you share your home with a single cat or multiple felines, this new guide by a seasoned cat behaviorist and cat trainer teaches you about cats aggression, cat clawing, litter box problems and more. You’ll find detailed prescriptive how-to advice focused in the most common cat behavior problems found in the multi-cat household from fearful felines and bully cats, to cat food challenges, loud mouth meowing and counter top cruising, and how to introduce cats to other pets and kids. This book addresses every cat behavior question you have.

CAT WRITERS ASSOCIATION MUSE MEDALLION AWARD: 2013 BEST CAT BEHAVIOR BOOK OF THE YEAR!

Cat behavior puzzles the most savvy cat lovers, and cat behavior problems lose cats their homes. Cat behavioral problems arise out of owners not understanding cat language and normal animal behavior. Training a cat helps stop cat biting, for instance, and this book explains the behavior of cats whether you have a single feline or multiple cats.

The United States is home to 86.4 million owned cats, and 52 percent of owners own more than one cat. That means more furry love for owners, but also can put your cats’ tails in a twist over that (HISSS!) new feline friend. From conflicts over favorite sleep spots to sharing potty facilities, adding new pets rubs fur the wrong way and creates hairy situations for everyone—including you.

Use these fun techniques to calm fears, explain cat body language, and strengthen the bond you share with your cats. Step by step tips from this award-winning author and certified animal behavior consultant explain how to:

•Recognize and diffuse cat aggression
•Stop cat bites
•Settle disputes cat territory squabbles
•Solve hit and miss litter box problems
•Cure cat scratching with scratching post training
•Manage cat nutrition and meals
•Soothe cat stress and cat fear
•Reduce bullying behavior
•How to choose pet friends to reduce cat fights
•Learn proper cat techniques
•Introduce cats and a new baby or kids
•Solve common pet peeves: meowing, cat clawing, kitty countertop cruising, feline door dashing and more!
•Understand weird cat behaviors and cat facts: feline phone attraction, kitty mirror fear, “elevator butt” and cat toilet pests

Fun, practical, and eminently informative, ComPETability helps owners devise strategies to prevent, reduce or eliminate cat behavior problems. This also enables multiple cats to live in harmony within the same household. Written by one of America's premier pet experts, the book explains everything the loving cat owner needs to know. Most important, ComPETability provides crucial tips on how to evaluate and match your pets' personalities, improve their relationships, and make your home a sanctuary for cat fun and peace.

For more pet behavior advice refer to:
ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your CAT/DOG Household
ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your Multi-DOG Household

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amy Shojai has been reinventing herself for years. She’s a certified animal behavior consultant, and the award-winning author of two-dozen best selling pet books that cover furry babies to old-fogies, first aid to natural healing, and behavior/training to Chicken Soup-icity. She is the Puppies Guide at puppies.About.com, the cat behavior expert at cats.About.com, and hosts a weekly half hour CAT CHAT radio show. Amy has been featured as an expert in hundreds of print venues including The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and Family Circle, as well as national radio and television networks such as CNN, Animal Planet’s DOGS 101 and CATS 101. Amy brings her unique pet-centric viewpoint to public appearances, nonfiction books and THRILLERS WITH BITE!