1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats

Feline Behavior Issues and Training

Behavioral problems in cats, such as missing the litterbox, excessive meowing, or destructive scratching can be corrected by first eliminating physical causes, then instituting a program of informed retraining, with the help of these resources.
Do Cats Cry Real Tears - Share your experience with crying cats with …
I used to believe that cats' eyes only watered for medical reasons. However, after the phenomenal response I've had from readers who have seen cat cry for apparent reasons of pain, sorrow, loneliness, or frustration, I'm willing to include that there are indeed occasions of cats crying because of emotions. Have you seen a cat cry real tears? Read the associated article, then share your story with…
Have you had success solving a cat behavioral problem - share your pr…
Cat behavioral problems run a wide gamut. Some undesirable behaviors are only annoying, such as excessive meowing, while others, such as chewing on electrical cords are downright dangerous. Still others, such as peeing outside the box, may be a sign of a serious illness. Curing a behavior problem requires thinking like a cat. What is your cat trying to tell you? If you've had success in "curing"…
Do Cats Cry Real Tears?

In a previous FAQ, I replied to a reader who asked if cats cry real tears. My initial response was in the negative, citing various medical reasons for cats' eyes to water.

After I posted this FAQ to my blog, the stories started coming in. Although I have still seen no medical evidence proving cats can cry from fear, pain, or…

Cat Training - How, Why, and When to Train a Cat

Cat Training should not be a secret tool of cat behaviorists. In fact, cat training can be learned and practiced at home, given enough motivation for both you and the cat. You are motivated to train a cat because of destructive, or dangerous cat behavior. Your job is to motivate the cat so that cat training will be effective and in many cases, a rewarding experience.

Effective Cat Training…
Cats Integration Success Story
Integrating a new cat into a household with existing cats often takes time and patience. This cat lover proved that even in the most hopeless situations, cats can eventually become friends. Sometimes it will happen in the most unlikely situation, such as a move to a new home.
Scruff a Cat
Scruffing is one of the best ways of discouraging undesirable behavior in cats, as it is one of the ways mother cats discipline their kittens. Learn how to scruff your cat to train him properly.
Cat Behavior 101
Behavioral problems in cats, such as avoiding the litterbox, excessive meowing and other attention-seeking behavior, biting and painful or destructive scratching can be corrected by first eliminating physical causes, then instituting a program of gradual retraining, with the help of these resources. Remember that there are no bad cats, only uninformed cat caregivers.
Attention Seeking Behavior in Cats
Attention-seeking behavior and excessive vocalization often go hand-in-hand with cats. Causes for these behaviors can be either physical or emotional, or both. Before punishing your cat for excessive crying and meowing, or other attention seeking behavior, do some homework on possible causes.
Please Help With Litter Box Problem
A reader has a problem with sudden litter box avoidance after a roommate left, leaving the cat home alone during the day. Read my answer to this FAQ.
Whose House Is This, Anyway - Territorial Battles with Cats
Having a problem with stray cats in your garden? Cats peeing in the wrong place? Here are deterrents to keep cats out of private places.
Cici - The Cat That Came A Calling - Guest Article
Meet Cici, an extremely intelligent cat who has learned the art of door-knocking and toilet-flushing. A guest article for cats.about.com.
Tool-Using Cat - Guest Article
While cats are considered intelligent, their use of tools has rarely been discussed. Meet Sasha, a cat who used observation and reasoning to develop a tool for making her dry food more palatable. Guest article by J. Justin Lancaster, Ph.D.
Why cats lick their front foot after eating - Behavior FAQ
Did you ever wonder why cats wash their front feet after eating, even though their feet did not touch the food? Learn more with this behavioral FAQ.
Top Commercial Cat Deterrents
Sometimes homemade methods simply don't work when trying to deter a cat from activities with potential hazards. These commercial cat deterrents will help keep your cat safe; others will keep stray cats out of your yard.
Cats Body Language - a Picture Tour
Follow a picture tour with descriptions and explanations of cats' body language and what it signifies to humans and other cats.
New Declawed Cat is Overly Aggressive
We adopted Allie, a 2 yr old spayed female(who was declawed by a previous owner) in July. As expected the two females didn't hit it off. There was alot of hissing and spitting between the females, but recently Allie has become increasingly aggressive towards Emma. Allie is a bigger cat, and she corners and stalks Emma, and it continues to get worse and more intense between them.
Books on Cat Behavior - Top Picks
Cats are mysterious creatures and sometimes their behavior stymies us. Professional feline behaviorists have helped us, and at least one book on cat behavior is a must in the library of every cat lover. These are my favorite books on cat behavior.
Cats - When Discipline is Necessary
Cats are highly intelligent creatures who need little training or disclipline to 'behave' the way their humans think they should behave. Learn how to separate undesirable behavior from communication of a cat's dissatisfaction, and how to correctly discipline a cat if indeed, a behavior problem exists.
Scoop and Snuggle - Warming up an Aloof Cat
Colleen Patrick's third guest article for About Cats offers a cozy, loving, fun way to teach your stand-offish cat how to cuddle. You'll love it and so will Spike.
Why Does My Cat...??
Simple answers to some very complex behavioral problems.
Scratching Below the Surface - Guest Article by C.H.U.
Guest writer C.H.U. believes cats sometimes scratch as a means of communication. Dubious? It may not be as crazy as it sounds. Remember, cats *are* able to reason and think. Spike may be trying to tell you something.

Explore Cats

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats
  4. Behavior/Training

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.