Common Feline Behavioural Problems and What's Usually Behind Them

Scratching is not destructive behaviour — it is a biological necessity. Cats scratch to maintain claw condition, to stretch the muscles of the spine and shoulders, and to deposit scent from the glands between their toes, marking territory visually and chemically. When a cat scratches the sofa, it is usually because the sofa is prominently located, has a satisfying texture, or stands near a resting spot.

The fix is rarely punishment — which cats do not associate with the act after the fact. Providing tall, stable scratching posts made of sisal or wood near the targeted furniture, and gently redirecting the cat to those surfaces, addresses the need directly. Horizontal scratchers work better for some cats; observing which angles your cat favours helps narrow this down.

Urine spraying — backing up to a vertical surface and releasing a small amount of urine — is distinct from normal urination and is almost always a territorial or stress response. It is far more common in unneutered males but occurs across all sexes and neuter statuses. Triggers include the presence of outdoor cats visible through windows, a new pet or person in the home, conflict between resident cats, or any significant environmental change.

Inappropriate elimination in the litter box — going outside it rather than near a wall — more often points to litter box aversion (wrong substrate, covered hood, inadequate size, infrequent cleaning, poor location) or, importantly, a medical issue such as a urinary tract infection or feline idiopathic cystitis. Medical causes should always be ruled out first.

Feline aggression takes several distinct forms, each with different roots. Play aggression is common in young cats and kittens, particularly those raised without feline companions — hands and feet become prey substitutes when appropriate outlets are absent. Redirected aggression occurs when a cat is aroused by something it cannot reach (a bird outside, another cat) and turns on the nearest available target. Fear-based aggression arises when a cat feels cornered or threatened with no escape route.

Inter-cat aggression in multi-cat households frequently traces back to insufficient resources — too few litter boxes, feeding stations, or resting areas, forcing competition. Introducing a new cat to a resident pet explains how gradual desensitisation during the introduction phase prevents many of these tensions from taking hold.

Cats that yowl persistently — especially at night — are communicating something specific, even if the message is unclear. In unneutered or unspayed cats, vocalisation often reflects reproductive drive. In senior cats, sudden or increasing vocalisation is a well-documented sign of cognitive dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, or high blood pressure, all of which are treatable when caught. Hunger, disorientation, pain, and anxiety are also common drivers.

Breed plays a role too — Siamese and other Oriental breeds are naturally more vocal and may simply have a higher baseline. Context matters: a cat that has always been chatty differs significantly from one that has recently become louder or more insistent. The latter warrants a veterinary assessment.

Cats groom themselves to regulate temperature, maintain coat condition, and self-soothe. When grooming escalates to the point of causing bald patches, skin sores, or hair ingestion beyond the normal amount, it has moved into a different territory. Overgrooming can stem from skin conditions, parasites, allergies, or pain (cats often over-groom the skin above an area of internal discomfort). It can also be a stress response — sometimes called psychogenic alopecia — though this diagnosis should only be made once physical causes are excluded.

Stress-driven overgrooming is most often associated with changes in the household, a restricted environment, or conflict with other animals. It responds well to environmental enrichment and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a veterinarian with feline behaviour expertise.

Cats are crepuscular — naturally most active at dawn and dusk — but domestic cats adjust their schedules considerably based on household routine and feeding patterns. Nighttime disruption is frequently a hunger, boredom, or attention-seeking response, especially in indoor-only cats who have limited stimulation during the day.

Interactive play sessions in the evening that mimic a hunt cycle — active play followed by a small meal — often shift cats toward a calmer nighttime routine. Kittens and young cats have high energy needs that are best met through structured daily play rather than expecting them to settle naturally. Older cats that suddenly become active and disoriented at night, however, should be evaluated for cognitive or metabolic causes.