10 Common Cat Behavior Problems and How to Fix Them

Your cat is scratching the furniture, ignoring the litter box, or attacking your ankles at 3 AM. Sound familiar? After working with hundreds of cat owners, I've learned that most behavior problems have simple solutions once you understand why cats do what they do.

Related reading: Check out our guides on understanding cat body language and choosing the right pet for more pet care insights.

Why Cats "Misbehave"#

Here's the truth: cats don't misbehave out of spite. They're responding to their instincts, environment, or health issues.

Common causes of behavior problems:

• Unmet natural instincts (hunting, scratching, climbing)
• Medical issues (pain, illness, aging)
• Stress or anxiety (changes in routine, new pets)
• Boredom or lack of stimulation
• Improper training or inconsistent rules

The key insight: Fix the cause, not just the symptom. Punishing a cat rarely works and often makes problems worse.

1. Scratching Furniture#

Why It Happens#

Scratching is a natural, essential behavior for cats:

• Maintains claw health
• Marks territory (visual and scent markers)
• Stretches muscles
• Relieves stress

Your cat isn't being destructive—they're being a cat.

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Provide Better Alternatives

Get scratching posts that cats actually want to use:

• Height: At least 30 inches tall (cats need to stretch)
• Stability: Must not wobble (cats won't use unstable posts)
• Material: Sisal rope or cardboard (not carpet)
• Location: Near where they currently scratch

Recommended products:

• SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post (32" tall, very stable)
• Catit Scratcher with Catnip (affordable cardboard option)
• PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge (horizontal option)

Step 2: Make Furniture Less Appealing

Temporary deterrents:
- Sticky Paws tape (cats hate sticky surfaces)
- Aluminum foil (unpleasant texture)
- Citrus spray (cats dislike citrus smell)
- Furniture covers during training period

Step 3: Positive Reinforcement

• Place treats near scratching post
• Use catnip to attract them
• Praise when they use the post
• Play near the post to create positive associations

Timeline: Most cats adapt within 2-4 weeks with consistent training.

When to See a Vet#

If scratching suddenly increases, check for:

• Overgrown claws
• Claw infections
• Arthritis (older cats)
• Anxiety disorders

2. Litter Box Problems#

Why It Happens#

Litter box avoidance is the #1 reason cats are surrendered to shelters. Common causes:

Medical issues (rule these out first):

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis (painful to enter box)

Litter box issues:

• Box too small (should be 1.5x cat's length)
• Not enough boxes (need 1 per cat + 1 extra)
• Wrong location (too public or too isolated)
• Dirty litter (cats are fastidious)
• Wrong litter type (cats prefer unscented, clumping)

Stress factors:

• New pets or people
• Moving to new home
• Changes in routine
• Loud noises near box

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Rule Out Medical Issues

Visit your vet if your cat:

• Strains to urinate
• Urinates frequently in small amounts
• Has blood in urine
• Cries when using litter box
• Suddenly changes bathroom habits

Step 2: Optimize the Litter Box Setup

The perfect litter box:

Size: At least 1.5x your cat's length
Type: Open top (most cats prefer)
Litter: Unscented, clumping, 2-3 inches deep
Location: Quiet, accessible, away from food
Cleaning: Scoop daily, full change weekly
Number: One per cat plus one extra

Step 3: Clean Accidents Properly

Regular cleaners don't work—cats can still smell urine:

• Use enzymatic cleaner (Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie)
• Soak the area thoroughly
• Let air dry completely
• Repeat if necessary

Never use ammonia-based cleaners (smells like urine to cats).

Step 4: Retrain if Needed

• Confine cat to small room with litter box
• Gradually expand access as they use box consistently
• Reward with treats when they use box
• Never punish accidents (increases stress)

Success Rate#

With proper setup and medical issues ruled out, 90% of litter box problems resolve within 2-4 weeks.

3. Aggressive Behavior#

Types of Aggression#

Play aggression:

• Pouncing on feet/hands
• Biting during petting
• Stalking and attacking

Fear aggression:

• Hissing, growling
• Flattened ears, dilated pupils
• Defensive posture

Redirected aggression:

• Attacking after seeing outdoor cat
• Lashing out when startled
• Sudden mood changes

Petting-induced aggression:

• Biting after being petted
• Tail twitching before attack
• Overstimulation response

How to Fix It#

For Play Aggression:

Step 1: Redirect to Toys

• Keep toys in every room
• Use wand toys for interactive play
• Never use hands as toys
• Play sessions: 10-15 minutes, 2-3x daily

Step 2: Tire Them Out

• Play before meals (mimics hunt-eat-sleep cycle)
• Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
• Provide climbing structures
• Consider a second cat for companionship

Step 3: Ignore Unwanted Behavior

• Don't react to attacks (no yelling, no attention)
• Walk away calmly
• Resume interaction only when calm
• Consistency is key

For Fear Aggression:

• Identify triggers (loud noises, strangers, other pets)
• Create safe spaces (cat trees, hiding spots)
• Use Feliway diffusers (synthetic calming pheromones)
• Gradual desensitization to triggers
• Never force interaction

For Petting-Induced Aggression:

Watch for warning signs:

• Tail twitching
• Ears flattening
• Skin rippling
• Dilated pupils

Stop petting immediately when you see these signs.

Rule of thumb: Pet for 3-5 strokes, then pause. Let cat initiate more contact.

When to Get Professional Help#

Consult a veterinary behaviorist if:

• Aggression is severe or escalating
• Someone has been seriously injured
• Cat shows aggression without warning
• Behavior doesn't improve after 4-6 weeks

4. Excessive Meowing#

Why It Happens#

Cats meow to communicate with humans (not other cats). Excessive meowing means:

Attention-seeking:

• Learned behavior (meowing gets results)
• Boredom or loneliness
• Wants food, play, or affection

Medical issues:

• Hyperthyroidism (common in older cats)
• Cognitive dysfunction (cat dementia)
• Pain or discomfort
• Hearing loss (meows louder)

Stress or anxiety:

• Changes in environment
• New pets or people
• Separation anxiety

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Rule Out Medical Causes

See your vet if meowing:

• Started suddenly
• Is accompanied by other symptoms
• Occurs mostly at night (could be cognitive dysfunction)
• Cat is over 10 years old

Step 2: Don't Reward Meowing

The mistake most owners make: Responding to meowing teaches cats that meowing works.

Instead:

• Ignore meowing completely (no eye contact, no talking)
• Only give attention when cat is quiet
• Wait for 5 seconds of silence, then reward
• Be consistent (everyone in household must follow)

Step 3: Prevent Boredom

• Interactive play sessions daily
• Puzzle feeders for meals
• Window perches for entertainment
• Rotate toys weekly
• Consider a companion cat

Step 4: Establish Routine

Cats thrive on routine:

• Feed at same times daily
• Play sessions at consistent times
• Bedtime routine (play, then feed)
• Predictable schedule reduces anxiety

Special Case: Nighttime Meowing#

Why it happens: Cats are crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk).

Solutions:

• Play session before bed (tire them out)
• Feed main meal before bedtime
• Ignore nighttime meowing (hard but essential)
• Automatic feeder for early morning
• Close bedroom door with white noise

Timeline: 1-2 weeks of consistency usually works.

5. Jumping on Counters#

Why It Happens#

Counters are attractive to cats:

• High vantage point (safety)
• Interesting smells (food)
• Warm surfaces (near stove)
• Attention from owners

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Remove Temptations

• Clean counters thoroughly (remove food smells)
• Don't leave food out
• Wash dishes immediately
• Store food in sealed containers

Step 2: Make Counters Unpleasant

Temporary deterrents:

• Aluminum foil (cats dislike texture)
• Double-sided tape (Sticky Paws)
• Motion-activated air spray (Ssscat)
• Upside-down carpet runners (nubby side up)

Step 3: Provide Better Alternatives

Give cats what they want (height) elsewhere:

• Cat trees near windows
• Wall-mounted shelves
• Tall scratching posts
• Window perches

Step 4: Positive Reinforcement

• Reward cat for using cat tree
• Redirect to appropriate surfaces
• Make cat tree more appealing than counters
• Never punish (doesn't work with cats)

Realistic Expectations#

Some cats are persistent counter surfers. Focus on:

• Keeping counters clean and safe
• Providing alternatives
• Managing the behavior (not eliminating it entirely)

6. Biting and Scratching During Play#

Why It Happens#

Kitten behavior that wasn't corrected:

• Kittens play-fight with littermates
• Learn bite inhibition from siblings
• Single kittens miss this learning

Overstimulation:

• Too much petting
• Rough play
• Excitement overload

Predatory instinct:

• Moving hands/feet trigger hunting behavior
• Natural stalking and pouncing

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Never Use Hands as Toys

Bad: Wiggling fingers, rough-housing with hands Good: Always use toys for play

Step 2: Redirect Immediately

When cat bites or scratches:

1. Say "ouch" in high-pitched voice (mimics kitten squeal)
2. Stop all interaction immediately
3. Walk away for 5-10 minutes
4. Resume only when cat is calm

Step 3: Provide Appropriate Outlets

• Wand toys for interactive play
• Kick toys for bunny kicks
• Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
• Catnip toys for solo play

Step 4: Recognize Overstimulation

Stop petting when you see:

• Tail twitching rapidly
• Ears turning back
• Skin rippling
• Dilated pupils
• Restlessness

Training Timeline#

• Kittens: 2-4 weeks with consistent training
• Adult cats: 4-8 weeks (harder to retrain)
• Older cats: May never fully stop (manage instead)

7. Spraying and Marking#

Why It Happens#

Territorial marking (different from urination):

• Vertical surfaces (walls, furniture)
• Small amounts of urine
• Tail quivers while spraying
• Strong odor

Common triggers:

• Unneutered males (90% spray)
• Outdoor cats visible through windows
• New pets in household
• Moving to new home
• Stress or anxiety

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Spay or Neuter

• Reduces spraying by 90% in males
• Reduces by 95% in females
• Most effective solution
• Best done before 6 months old

Step 2: Identify and Remove Triggers

• Block views of outdoor cats
• Use Feliway diffusers
• Provide multiple resources (litter boxes, food bowls)
• Reduce household stress

Step 3: Clean Marked Areas

• Use enzymatic cleaner only
• Clean thoroughly (cats have strong sense of smell)
• May need multiple applications
• Consider replacing porous materials

Step 4: Make Marked Areas Unappealing

• Cover with aluminum foil temporarily
• Place food bowls at spray sites (cats won't spray where they eat)
• Use motion-activated deterrents
• Provide scratching posts nearby (alternative marking)

When to See a Vet#

If spraying continues after neutering:

• Could indicate medical issue
• Might need anti-anxiety medication
• May require behavioral consultation

8. Eating Non-Food Items (Pica)#

Why It Happens#

Pica = eating non-food items (plastic, fabric, plants)

Causes:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Boredom or stress
• Early weaning (especially wool-sucking)
• Medical conditions (anemia, diabetes)
• Breed predisposition (Siamese, Burmese)

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Vet Check

Rule out:

• Anemia
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Dental problems
• Gastrointestinal issues

Step 2: Remove Access

• Store plastic bags securely
• Keep fabric items in closets
• Remove toxic plants
• Supervise cat closely

Step 3: Provide Alternatives

• Cat grass (safe to eat)
• Dental treats
• Chew toys
• Puzzle feeders

Step 4: Increase Enrichment

• More playtime
• Food puzzles
• Rotating toys
• Interactive games

Dangerous Items to Watch For#

Immediate vet visit if cat eats:

• String, yarn, ribbon (can cause intestinal blockage)
• Rubber bands
• Plastic bags
• Toxic plants (lilies, sago palm)

9. Nighttime Zoomies#

Why It Happens#

Crepuscular nature:

• Cats naturally active at dawn/dusk
• Hunting instinct kicks in
• Pent-up energy from sleeping all day

Contributing factors:

• Boredom during day
• Lack of exercise
• Irregular feeding schedule
• Attention-seeking behavior

How to Fix It#

Step 1: Tire Them Out Before Bed

The perfect bedtime routine:

1. Play session (15-20 minutes, 1 hour before bed)

   • Use wand toys
   • Mimic hunting sequence (stalk, chase, catch)
   • End with "catch" (let cat win)

2. Feed main meal (right after play)

   • Mimics natural hunt-eat-sleep cycle
   • Promotes sleepiness

3. Grooming time (cats groom after eating)

   • Brush your cat
   • Calm, quiet activity

Step 2: Daytime Enrichment

• Leave puzzle feeders out
• Rotate toys daily
• Window perches for entertainment
• Consider automatic toys

Step 3: Ignore Nighttime Antics

• Don't engage (even negative attention rewards behavior)
• Keep bedroom door closed
• Use white noise machine
• Be consistent

Timeline#

Most cats adjust within 1-2 weeks of consistent routine.

10. Hiding Excessively#

Why It Happens#

Normal hiding:

• New environment (needs time to adjust)
• Loud noises (vacuum, construction)
• Visitors in home
• Feeling unwell

Excessive hiding (concern):

• Hiding for days
• Not eating or drinking
• Not using litter box
• Showing signs of illness

How to Fix It#

For New Cats:

Step 1: Give Time and Space

• Confine to one room initially
• Provide hiding spots
• Visit briefly, don't force interaction
• Leave food, water, litter box

Step 2: Build Trust Gradually

• Sit quietly in room (read, use phone)
• Offer treats from distance
• Use soft voice
• Let cat approach you

Step 3: Expand Territory Slowly

• Open door to one additional room
• Supervise initially
• Provide hiding spots in each room
• Go at cat's pace

Timeline:

• Shy cats: 2-4 weeks
• Confident cats: 3-7 days
• Feral cats: 2-6 months

For Established Cats Suddenly Hiding:

See vet immediately if accompanied by:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Changes in litter box habits
• Vocalization

If medical issues ruled out:

• Identify stressors (new pets, construction, schedule changes)
• Use Feliway diffusers
• Maintain routine
• Provide safe spaces
• Consider anti-anxiety medication

Frequently Asked Questions#

Q: How long does it take to fix cat behavior problems? A: Most behavior issues improve within 2-4 weeks with consistent training. Simple problems like scratching furniture may resolve in 1-2 weeks, while complex issues like aggression or anxiety can take 2-3 months. The key is consistency—everyone in the household must follow the same approach.

Q: Should I punish my cat for bad behavior? A: No. Punishment doesn't work with cats and often makes problems worse. Cats don't understand punishment and will just become fearful or stressed. Instead, use positive reinforcement—reward good behavior and redirect unwanted behavior to appropriate outlets.

Q: Can old cats learn new behaviors? A: Yes, but it takes longer. While the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" exists, cats of any age can learn. Older cats may take 2-3x longer to change established behaviors, but with patience and consistency, most behavior problems can be improved at any age.

Q: When should I see a vet for behavior problems? A: See a vet immediately if behavior changes suddenly, is accompanied by physical symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, appetite changes), or involves aggression that's escalating. Many behavior problems have medical causes—rule these out before assuming it's purely behavioral.

Q: Do calming products like Feliway actually work? A: Yes, for many cats. Feliway (synthetic cat pheromones) helps reduce stress-related behaviors in about 70% of cats. It works best for anxiety, spraying, and stress-related issues. Give it 2-4 weeks to see results. It's not a cure-all but can be a helpful tool alongside behavior modification.

Q: How do I know if my cat needs medication for behavior problems? A: Consider medication if behavior problems are severe, don't improve with training after 2-3 months, significantly impact quality of life, or involve serious aggression. A veterinary behaviorist can assess whether anti-anxiety medication would help. Medication works best combined with behavior modification.

Q: Can I train a cat like a dog? A: Cats can be trained, but the approach differs. Cats respond to positive reinforcement (treats, play) but not to dominance or punishment. Training sessions should be short (5-10 minutes), use high-value treats, and respect the cat's independence. Clicker training works well for cats.

Q: Why does my cat behave well for everyone except me? A: This often happens with primary caregivers. Your cat is most comfortable with you and shows their true personality. They may also have learned that certain behaviors get your attention. Focus on consistent boundaries and positive reinforcement, and don't take it personally—it's actually a sign of trust.

Conclusion#

Most cat behavior problems aren't really problems—they're natural cat behaviors happening in the wrong place or at the wrong time. The solution isn't to stop the behavior but to redirect it appropriately.

Key takeaways:

• Understand why cats do what they do (instinct, not spite)
• Provide appropriate outlets for natural behaviors
• Use positive reinforcement, never punishment
• Be consistent across all household members
• Rule out medical issues first
• Give it time—behavior change takes weeks, not days

Your action plan:

1. Identify the specific behavior problem
2. Rule out medical causes with vet visit
3. Understand why the behavior happens
4. Provide appropriate alternatives
5. Use positive reinforcement consistently
6. Be patient—change takes time

With understanding and consistency, most cat behavior problems can be resolved, leading to a happier cat and a more peaceful home.

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Further Reading:

• ASPCA Cat Behavior Resources - Expert cat behavior advice
• International Cat Care - Evidence-based cat care information
• Learn more about our editorial team and how we research our articles.