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Troubleshooting Common Cat Problems |
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Hairballs are one of the most common problems that cat owners face.
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 The best way to attack the problem is by preventing it. A high quality, animal based protein diet with plenty of moisture will often take care of the problem.
- Adding EFA’s will improve the coat quality, consequently your cat will shed less.
- If a high quality diet doesn’t take care of the problem entirely there are edible remedies that tend to help by coating the hair so that it can pass more easily. Vet Basis is a great non-petroleum based hairball treatment.
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Scratching the furniture is another common cat issue. It’s natural and healthy for a cat to scratch, the key is to redirect the behavior. Cats scratch for three reasons: to remove the outer shell of their claws in order to expose the fresh new claws, to mark territory and to stretch and exercise. It’s important to try to determine why the cat is scratching and then address that issue directly.
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- Since it’s natural for a cat to scratch it’s best to provide preferable scratching options. We carry a wonderful selection of scratching posts. Our beautiful driftwood cat trees are especially popular. The simple inexpensive cardboard scratchers work great too.
- Sticky Paws is a double-sided sticky sheet that you can attach to whatever you don’t want your cat to scratch. Many cats find the stickiness so unpleasant they quit scratching it.
- If you’ve added a new cat or dog your cat might feel that there is not enough for everyone so he must mark the furniture to ensure that he has enough to survive. Spraying Feliway, a cat calming pheromone, will often convince a cat that there is no need to claim the territory. If you cat is still uneasy you might need a Comfort Zone plug in to provide sustained calming pheromones in the area.
- Make sure your cat is receiving enough quality nutrition. A cat who is not nutritionally satisfied might feel the need to mark space so that he is sure to get what he needs. You might need to try feeding a better quality food. Both canned food and raw food, with their high protein and moisture content, can be especially satisfying.
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Not using the Litter Box and Urine Marking (aka spraying) are especially unpopular cat behaviors.
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- First and foremost, ask your vet to rule out a serious health problem caused by crystals in the urine. This can lead to a life-threatening emergency if the crystals create a complete blockage.
- Cat Attract is a wonderful litter laced with pheromones that attract a cat to use the box.
- Make sure your cat is nutritionally satisfied. A hungry cat might feel the need to mark some space to ensure that his needs will be met.
- Often adding a bigger or second box is enough to solve the problem.
- Keeping the box clean is important as many cats will not use a dirty box.
- Make sure the box is located in a quiet safe place which is easily accessible to both you and the cat.
- Use a stain and odor Remover to insure your kitty won’t be drawn back to the same spot. Petastic is a great enzymatic cleaner that dissolves the source of stains and odor from carpets, floors, and bedding.
For more information read our wonderful handout “Cats, Litter & Litter Boxes”
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