Cat Behavioral Issues · Kinship

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Cat behavioral issues

Dog barking? Cat scratching? Our experts have tips to help all sorts of behavior and aggression issues so your pet can earn that “good boy!” (or girl).

A cat sitting on a shelf with glassware.

Your brand-new iPhone, antique figurine, a full glass of water—they will swat it off the table. Here’s why.

Cat playing with paper at home on the floor.

Dogs aren’t the only ones who’ll eat your homework.

Someone cleaning their carpet with a cat watching nearby.

Getting to the bottom of a (messy) mystery.

Ask a Vet

Pet health question that’s not an emergency? Our vet team will answer over email within 48 hours. So, go ahead, ask us about weird poop, bad breath, and everything in between.

Funny cat laying on woman's laptop computer.

Even the coziest cat bed can’t compare to your computer.

Annoyed cat laying down at home.

Some kitties are strictly a solo act.

Woman playing with her kitten at home.

It’s all fun and games... probably.

Woman comforting her dog at home during the holidays.

It might be a good idea to find a pet sitter.

Scared kitten hissing at someone.

Besides the obvious reasons.

Cat meowing while sitting with woman at home.

It’s definitely a sign that something is off.

New Dog Training Programs

Try these free training programs from our friends at Gentle Beast to help with new dog life and basic obedience.

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Bored gray cat at home.

For starters, get ready to clean up some messes.

Man holding his cat at home.

They can be confusing little creatures, but they aren’t knocking things over just to mess with you.

Cute kitten asleep by a pile of legos.

Those are for building, not eating, bud.

A cute orange tabby kitten playing with feathers.

Your TikTok algorithm would like you to think so, but the experts weigh in.

Couple in bed with their cat.

Not everyone wants them in the room.

Sneaky cat hiding in the bathtub in a bathroom at home.

This seems... like a weird choice.

Guilty black cat scratching furniture at home.

You’d really like to know.

a cat peering out from under a bench

If your cat is doing their business on the carpet and not in the litter box, we can help.

Naughty cat scratching couch at home.

Don’t they care that you saved for six months for that sofa?

Funny fluffy cat walking at home.

Ew, and also: Why?

Woman holding her orange cat in her arms.

They can be naughty, but punishment is never the answer.

Dog lying on a person's book

Example A: When they beg to go outside then immediately want to be let back in.

Funny cat licking plastic bag.

That’s an interesting choice for a snack...

Woman snuggling her cat outside.

And how to know if they love you back.

Cat awake while pet parent sleeps on the couch at night.

Does your cat keep you up at night? This one’s for you.

Cat playing with sneakers at home.

We call it a “feline foot fetish.”

Cat laying on a laptop cord on the desk at home.

They love to push boundaries, but let’s nip this one in the bud.

Cute kitten putting its paw on man's face at home.

Umm... rude much?

Funny black and white cat playing in a litter box.

Have you noticed your cat digging around in their litter box? Here’s why they’re doing that.

cat with tail lifted

It really is the grossest thing they do.

White cat staring at an orange cat while sitting on a cat tree.

And how to quell the hate.

Cute couple laying in bed, while their cat cuddles only one of them.

It’s nice being the favorite, though.

Scared cat hiding from dog on a desk.
Two cats looking at each other while one sits in a little box.

It comes down to a math equation (don’t worry, it’s not hard).

Cat spraying in an apartment.

It’s not pleasant, but it is natural.

Cat biting at person's ankles at home.

When your cat is cute, but their behavior isn’t.

Woman watching cat on her bed.

It’s a clear sign something isn’t right.

Cat sitting on the floor outside of litter box.

It's frustrating, but it's also fixable.

Funny gray cat biting woman's wrist.

Cats can be such enigmas.

Woman looking at her cat sadly at home.

You love that your cat is quiet, but sometimes too quiet can be concerning.

Brown cat biting woman's hand.

Follow these tips when those nibbles start getting out of hand.

Kitten sucking on a blanket in bed.

This totally cute kitty behavior is OK, right?

Cat attacking someone's foot at home.

Your cat is adorable. But this behavior? Not so much.

cat coming out of litter box

An expert explains why kitties are so particular about where they pop a squat.

Cat biting woman's nose at home.

Here’s why what seems like aggression may actually be affection.

Cat laying next to it's litter box in the living room.

Our experts reveal why this might be happening.

Funny black and white cat laying in litter box.

Here are four reasons why the litter box is your cat’s new favorite spot.

Cat playing with scratching post.

You can stop your cat from scratching everything in sight.

Woman chasing her cat outside in the grass.

Cats may be curious creatures—but we have some answers.

Woman laughing while her cat climbs on her head.

And should you let them?

Big brown cat looking up from the kitchen counter.

Excuse me, kitty; that is not your personal balance beam.

Cat scratching wall at home.

Well, that is a little unsettling.

A woman in a fun Christmas sweater with bright red nails holding a shiny red Christmas tree ornament in front of her grey cat

There is a way to keep these holiday chaos demons at bay—here are some tips.

Woman playing with her kitten on the carpet at home.

Hey, put those chompers away.

Cat biting a woman playfully at home.

Is this playtime, or...

Two cats fighting at home.

And how to avoid any problems.

Picky dog doesn't want to eat his kibble at home.

A veterinary nutritionist shares what you can do if you’re being held hostage by your dog’s particular palate.

Cat sleeping in clothes on the bed at home.

Now, that’s no one’s preferred perfume scent.

Cat scratching a couch in the living room.

Plus, how to keep your kitty from destroying the couch.

Three cat puzzles on a colorful pink, burgundy, and green color-block background

Genius takes many forms. Could your cat be one?

Woman frustrated with her cat at home.

The worst kind of surprise.

Woman applies ointment to her hand.

When playtime gets a little rough, here’s how to take care of yourself.

Cat meowing at owner.

Just a small request to lower the volume, please.

Funny white cat plays on cat tree inside.

A question you may be asking after you observe any number of their behaviors...

Woman playing with her cat.

It’s the key to a happy cat.

Young woman holding her large dog in her arms outdoors.

Did you get a dog for emotional support and now they are the one who needs it?

cat biting person's hand

Don’t live in fear of your feline overlord.

A calico tabby kitten chewing and tearing a roll of toilet tissue.

How to decode your cat’s chewing habits when they’re nibbling on all the things.

Three women dressed in fashionable outfits sitting on a black couch at a party with blue and silver star balloons in the background while one woman holds a grey Sphynx cat in her arms

Ring in 2024 with a party that doesn’t involve your cat pouncing on your pals during their New Year’s kiss.

Woman with cat posing near Christmas tree at home.

It’s their favorite of your holiday decorations—for better or for worse (usually worse).

A cat laying on a binder chewing on a pen.

If your cat nibbles on pen caps and power cords, they could be bored...

Black and white cat in a shelter

And how to fix them.

Gray and white cat walking out the door

Your kitty’s an explorer. Just keep their expeditions indoors.

Maine coon cat using the litter box.

And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business.

Cat hissing at a person attempting to pet its cheek

How to help your kitty warm up to your S.O.

Image of orange cat with veterinary cone on its head.

If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry — it won’t last forever.

Kitten scratching fabric sofa

Placing a cat tree or post in a room only, uh, scratches the surface of solving this problem.

Cat being affectionate towards woman with tattoos

You could solve the mystery that is your kitty.

Gray striped cat and white cat playing on cat tree.

A recent study breaks down the difference.

A kitten playing with a mouse cat toy.

Your cat deserves to play. You deserve to walk away unscathed.

Short haired woman holding a gray cat that's playfully pawing at her nose

It’s a little more complicated than that.

A black and white kitten nibbling on the leaf of a plant in a livingroom.

Tips to get your cat to quit eating your greens.

Dog in high contrast lit hallway standing near a food bowl

It’s a gut thing: Your dog’s GI issues could be linked to their mental health.

An angry and hissing Siamese kitten standing on top of a laptop computer in the living room

Tips to help you find a legit behaviorist (according to a veterinary behaviorist).

Woman in a grey t-shirt and black overalls holding a sad looking ginger kitten

Why adopting two kittens may be easier (and better for them) than adopting one.

A woman sitting on a couch with a dog.

Dogs and cats can’t read self-help books, so a veterinary behaviorist explains how your pet may benefit from being in treatment.

Two cats in a living room that appear to be arguing.

Between actual cats, people.

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