Tame your furry tornado — solve cat behavior issues from home

Cats are creatures of habit and often have very specific reasons for acting out. If your feline friend is scratching the furniture or launching an all-out attack on your houseplants, it's important to understand the root cause of their behavior. Here are some of the most common reasons behind problem behaviors in cats: • Boredom: We all know that cats are independent, but that doesn't mean they don't get bored! If your cat isn't getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they'll find ways to entertain themselves… even if it means knocking over a vase or chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. • Stress or Anxiety: Cats, just like people, can experience stress and anxiety. A new pet or person in the household, changes in the environment, or even a move to a new home can trigger anxiety in your cat. Stress can cause cats to act out by scratching, marking their territory, or hiding. • Teething (for Kittens): If you've got a kitten on your hands, you're likely dealing with the natural teething phase. Just like human babies, kittens need to chew on things to soothe their gums as their teeth come in. • Lack of Play and Attention: Cats love to play—especially if they're younger or more active. If they're not getting enough playtime or attention, they may turn to problem behaviors as a way to engage you or pass the time. • Medical Issues: In some cases, cats act out because they're in pain or feeling unwell. For example, if a cat is suddenly scratching excessively or biting more than usual, it could be a sign of fleas, allergies, or even arthritis. • Unmet Hunting Instincts: Cats are natural hunters, and when they don't have an outlet for their instincts (like chasing toys or going outside), they might start using their claws on furniture or becoming more aggressive. Understanding the underlying cause of your cat's behavior is the first step toward helping them become the well-behaved companion you know they can be.

Some level of scratching, biting, or knocking things over is normal for cats—especially kittens or more playful adults. However, if these behaviors are causing damage to your home, affecting your cat's health, or seem to be getting worse, it's time to consider professional help. Here are a few signs that your cat's problem behaviors might require intervention: • Excessive scratching or destruction of furniture, carpets, or walls • Aggressive behaviors, like biting or swatting, that seem out of character • Changes in litter box habits, like urinating outside the box (especially if they've been litter-box trained before) • Sudden onset of behaviors that weren't present before • Behavioral changes linked to pain or discomfort (such as excessive grooming or reluctance to move) • Aggression toward other pets or people in the household • Hiding or avoiding interaction much more than usual • Excessive vocalization or nighttime activity that disrupts household routines • Self-destructive behaviors like over-grooming that leads to bald spots or skin irritation If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to consult with a professional to figure out what's going on and how to address it. A Telavets consultation can help determine if your cat's behavior is normal or if there might be an underlying issue that needs attention.

At Telavets, we're here to help you get to the root of your cat's problem behaviors and provide the guidance you need to make your home more peaceful. Here's how we can help you and your furry friend: 1. Virtual Consultations – Expert Advice from Home If you're struggling with your cat's behavior but don't want to leave the house, Telavets offers virtual consultations with our expert veterinarians. Whether your cat is scratching, biting, or acting out in other ways, we'll help you figure out why they're behaving this way and how to fix it. 2. Behavioral Assessment and Solutions During your consultation, we'll work with you to assess your cat's behavior and figure out the cause. If boredom or lack of stimulation is an issue, we can suggest interactive toys, exercise routines, and puzzle feeders to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. If anxiety or stress is at play, we can help you address those underlying issues with a tailored approach. 3. Training and Behavior Modification Tips Cats may be independent, but they're still trainable! With Telavets, we can provide you with helpful training tips and behavior modification techniques to help curb problem behaviors like scratching, biting, or inappropriate elimination. With patience and consistency, you can help your cat learn more appropriate behaviors. 4. Medication for Anxiety or Pain If your cat is acting out due to anxiety or pain, we can discuss medication options to help manage their symptoms. Whether it's anti-anxiety medication or pain relief for conditions like arthritis, we'll help you find the right solution to make your cat more comfortable and reduce their problem behaviors. 5. Next-Day Medication Delivery Need medication fast? With Telavets, we offer next-day medication delivery, so you don't have to wait for treatment. Whether it's calming supplements, anxiety meds, or pain relief, we'll have it to you quickly and conveniently. 6. Follow-Up Support – We're with You Every Step of the Way Behavioral issues don't usually resolve overnight, and we're here to support you throughout the process. If your cat's behavior isn't improving or if you need additional help, we offer follow-up consultations to tweak the plan, explore new strategies, or check in on your cat's progress.

Here's a breakdown of some common causes of problem behaviors in cats and how Telavets can assist: 1. Boredom If your cat is constantly getting into things because they're bored, it's time to ramp up their entertainment! We can recommend: • Interactive toys that stimulate their hunting instincts • Daily play sessions to burn off excess energy • Puzzle feeders to make mealtime more engaging • Environmental enrichment like cat trees, window perches, and scratching posts 2. Anxiety If your cat is scratching, hiding, or becoming aggressive due to stress, we'll help you: • Identify the source of the anxiety (like a new pet, change in routine, or loud noises) • Create a safe space where your cat can retreat when feeling overwhelmed • Implement calming strategies like pheromone diffusers or calming music • Consider calming supplements or medication if needed 3. Teething If your kitten is chewing on your furniture, they might just be going through the teething phase. We'll suggest: • Appropriate chew toys designed for kittens • Frozen toys that can soothe sore gums • Training techniques to redirect chewing to appropriate items 4. Medical Issues If your cat's behavior is a result of pain or discomfort, we can help you: • Identify potential medical issues like arthritis, dental problems, or skin allergies • Recommend appropriate diagnostics or treatments • Prescribe pain medication or other treatments to address the underlying condition • Monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

At Telavets, we understand that living with a cat who's misbehaving can be tough—but we're here to help! Here's why you should choose us for all your cat-related needs: • Convenience: Virtual consultations from the comfort of your home—no need to stress about trips to the vet! This is especially helpful for cats who get anxious in carriers or at veterinary clinics. • Expert Care: Our vets are experts in both behavior and health, giving you a well-rounded approach to solving your cat's problems. We understand that behavior issues can often be linked to medical conditions. • Next-Day Medication Delivery: Get the treatment your cat needs quickly and conveniently. No more waiting in line at the pharmacy or making extra trips. • Comprehensive Approach: We don't just mask symptoms—we get to the root of the problem. Our approach considers your cat's physical health, emotional wellbeing, and environmental factors. • Personalized Solutions: Every cat is unique, and we tailor our recommendations to your specific situation, your cat's personality, and your household dynamics. • Ongoing Support: We offer follow-ups and adjustments to ensure your cat gets the help they need. Behavioral changes take time, and we're with you for the long haul. Problem behaviors in cats are frustrating, but they're not impossible to fix. With the right guidance, your cat can learn to stop scratching your furniture and start using their cat tree like a pro. Telavets is here to help you solve those behavior challenges and get your cat back to being the playful, loving companion they were meant to be. Ready to bring peace back to your home? Schedule a consultation with Telavets today, and let's work together to help your cat become the calm, well-behaved kitty you've always wanted!