Let’s be honest: most behavior problems in cats don’t actually have a quick fix. They require time and human effort. BUT! Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.
These “quick fixes” are either focused on a thing you can do once right now (or this weekend) or specific, highly-effective changes to add to your routine. For each section below, you might choose to do them all or try just one at a time. Whether they feel “quick” or simple will, of course, depend on your household, but it’s worth making sure you’ve checked these boxes.
The Litter Box
If you are dealing with outside-the-box incidents (and you’ve already been to your vet!), make sure you’ve tried these things:
- Add another litter box to a completely different area than your current one(s).
- Away from loud noises and household traffic and preferably on a different floor of the house (if applicable).
- Offer a different type of box.
- If you have only covered boxes, add an uncovered one. Also: a non-self cleaning box, something that isn’t top-entry, and something bigger than what you have.
- Don’t remove the existing box; add the new one nearby.
- Try a different type of litter.
- If you aren’t using a fine-grained, clay-clumping litter, start with that.
- Don’t change the litter in the existing box (unless it is 100% not being used); add a second box with the new litter nearby.
- Clean your box.
- Not just scooping. Do a full dump of the litter, scrub it lightly with an unscented detergent, and refill it.
Outdoor Cats
If there are outdoor cats (neighbor’s cats, ferals, etc) in your area and you are observing litter box avoidance, conflict between your resident cats, and/or aggression directed at other family members:
- Use removable window film to block areas where your cat can see those outdoor cats.
- You can cover only the lower portion of windows and doors to still let light in and maintain the view for yourself.
Play and Enrichment
Play-motivated aggression (pouncing, chasing, biting) directed at humans, other cats, or other pets, as well as annoying behaviors (waking up early, getting into things, etc), can all benefit from increased enrichment.
- Change up and increase independent play activities.
- Put some activities away and rotate through them, taking out “new” things each day and putting away yesterday’s activities.
- Add scent enrichment to your cat’s routine.
- Include at least one daily interactive play session into your routine.
- Even if your cat seems like they don’t like to play.
- Introduce food puzzles.
Call Your Vet
Okay, actually getting a medical rule-out or treatment is rarely “quick”, but calling your vet is a simple first step. Many behavior concerns have medical components and not including the vet as part of the plan risks missing something important.
- Review recommendation about when to call the vet and how to discuss what you are observing.
- Make the call and share your concerns.
- Not sure who to call? Start with a search for Fear Free or Cat Friendly professionals.
“Quick fixes” may be an exaggeration, but there are many things you can do today or small changes you can make that could make a big difference in your cat’s life, and yours too. If it’s not enough, reach out for a full behavior consultation!
If your cat has a behavior problem that you need help solving, consider scheduling a private behavior consultation.