Scratching
Why does a cat scratch furniture?
It is a normal behavior, that people don't like.
What is the first step to address inappropriate elimination?
Finding out whether your cat is spraying or not using the litter box.
What is spraying?
A normal territorial marking behavior
What is the main cause of aggression?
Fear
How many litter boxes should be kept in the house?
One per cat, plus an extra
What is a humane way to get your cat to stop scratching?
Trim nails
Soft paws
What history questions can you ask to determine if your cat is inappropriately eliminating in the house?
Where are they eliminating, is it in the same spot every time?
Have you noticed any straining to urinate?
How can you tell if your cat is going to spray?
Standing posture
Backing up to vertical surfaces
What are the two categories of aggression?
Inter-cat aggression
Aggression to people
What are obstacles to correcting problems in the house?
Getting everyone on board
Expenses
How can you make your furniture unattractive?
Spraying repellent on it
Putting double-sided tape on the couch
Put some saran wrap around furniture edges
What medical disorders could lead to this?
PU/PD
Arthritis
UTI
Why would cats want to spray?
Other animals in the house
Stress/anxiety
Can see other cats outside the windows
How do you handle inter-cat aggression?
Separate them
Gradually reintroduce them
Having only indoor cats
How to reduce stress in your cat?
Give toys
Give them their own room
Give them option to hide
What alternatives can be used instead of them scratching on your furniture?
Scratching post
Cardboard with catnip
Spraying pheromones
Tree stump
What are ways to address this problem at home?
Take them to the vet!
Providing more litter boxesCut notch in litter box, so it's easy to access
Changing location of litter box
How can spraying be treated?
Neutering/spaying
Cover windows
Pheromones
Behavior modifying medications
Why would cats be aggressive towards people?
Displaced aggression
Fear
Bad experiences in the past
Goals to have when dealing behavioral disorders in clinic?
Client education
Identifying source of problem
Treat underlying medical conditions
Reduce stress
What are bad ways to deal with scratching?
Declawing
Spraying with water
Using carrier as a punishment
Yelling
Hitting
Why doesn't your cat want to use the litter box?
Pain
Location
Cleanliness
Box open/closed
Type of litter
What are some products that you would use and would not use to clean up after a spray?
Never use a urine - based product
Bleach
Mixture of dish soap/vinegar and waterUse Ammonia Neutralizer
Baking Soda
What is the technicians role towards aggression
Gather history
Assist with the physical exams and behavior observing
Run test directed by DVM
Provie Client Education
Follow up phone call
What are clinical signs of stress in cats?
Crouching
Ears lowered and back
Hiding
Hissing
Tail thrash