Preventing Behavior Problems in Domestic Cats
Emma K. Grigg
Search for more papers by this authorEmma K. Grigg
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
In many cases, behavior problems in domestic cats can be avoided through conscientious environmental management and enrichment tailored for the needs of this species. This chapter provides an overview of recommendations for new and existing cat owners for avoiding the development of behavior problems. One important tool for preventing the development or exacerbation of behavior problems in cats is an understanding of feline body language, particularly signs of stress in cats. Scratching surfaces and sharpening their claws is a natural behavior for cats, and thus declawing prevents cats from engaging in certain species-typical behaviors. Perhaps the most important piece of advice for current and perspective cat owners is to ensure that the cat's environmental needs are met. The primary reason for neutering cats is to prevent unwanted litters, and the majority of pet cats in the US are neutered.
Sources of Additional Information
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Books
Guidelines
Websites
Cat School https://www.catschool.co – Videos, product, and online courses for clicker-training your cat.
Food Puzzles for Cats http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com Great source for ideas for commercially available and DIY food dispensing toys for cats.
International Cat Care https://icatcare.org – Information on a wide variety of cat-related topics.
The Indoor Pet Initiative at The Ohio State University's School of Veterinary Medicine https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats – Resources for pet owners on a number of cat care topics, particularly identifying and avoiding typical stressors, and enrichment for indoor cats. [Also available in Spanish https://indoorpet.osu.edu/pet-owners/cats-spanish ]
Videos
“ Body language in cats ” (2013) Cats Protection (UK). Available at: https://youtu.be/bvsfB7sf4QU
“ Getting your cat in the carrier ” Fundamentally Feline (2013). Available at: https://youtu.be/b1wDsJ5snFk
“ How to make sure your cat isn't bored ” Howcast.com (2013) with E'lise Christensen, DVM, DACVB https://youtu.be/-KlmRExaBRM
“ Why do cats act so weird ?” Buffington, T. (2016). Available at: https://youtu.be/sI8NsYIyQ2A . [for the complete interactive TedEd lesson on this topic, see https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-cats-act-so-weird-tony-buffington ]
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