Why is my cat doing that?
Cats are unique creatures and they will occasionally display certain behaviours that you need to watch out for as it can be an indication that something else is going on.
Here are a couple of behaviours to be aware of:
- Spraying urine
The act of spraying involves a cat backing up to a vertical surface such as the wall, a piece of furniture, or curtains (usually about 20cm from the floor). The cat will quiver his raised tail and tread with his back feet as urine is directed backwards.
Stress can bring on spraying and it is often associated with territorial or competitive behaviour.
If you notice this behaviour, a check up with us is essential. Once we’ve ruled out any medical problems we can help reduce your cat’s anxiety and manage feline spraying. Ask us for more information.
- Scratching the furniture
Scratching allows your cat to sharpen their claws and also helps them to leave scent markers or a “calling card.”
Unfortunately, some cats will choose to sharpen their claws on furniture and think that the back of the sofa is just one giant scratching post!
What to do if your cat is damaging furniture:
Place a scratching post right next to the furniture the cat is currently scratching
Offer a variety of scratching substrates; don’t offer just one carpeted scratching post – try cardboard, logs of wood
Deter the cat from scratching furniture by placing double-sided sticky tape on it. Many cats find the stickiness of the tape unpleasant
If you’re worried about your cat’s behaviour you should always ask us for advice.