How to Interpret Your Cat's Odd Behavior

If you don't understand cats, you may think they are a bit strange. Read on for a list of common things you should know about your cat and why he may behave as he does.

Instructions

1. Many people think that when a cat rubs against them that the cat is showing affection. This is a general misconception. Cats rub against their own owners as a way of marking them with their scent. You will know your cat is showing affection when he butts you with his head.

2. If your cat seems to excessively scratch behind or inside his ears, he probably has ear mites and/or a build up of ear wax. Look inside your cat's ears. Do you see dark brown wax or tiny mites? If so, take your cat to the vet. Your vet can clean out your cat's ear and check for ear mites. Medication can be given to rid your cat of those irritating little pests.

3. Many cats do not like being held. Introduce your cat to being held by picking him up and scratching his head a couple of times a day. When your cat struggles to get loose, let him go. This will teach him that he is not a "prisoner" and that you are not trying to control him. He will eventually relax and allow you to hold him for longer periods of time.

4. If your cat will not leave the dirt in the houseplants alone, try burying citrus peels in the plant's dirt. The smell usually deters cats from the plant. You can also place a moth ball or two in the dirt.

5. Cats continually groom and lick themselves because it is an instinct. They lick any scent they may have off of their bodies so any prey they may stalk will not smell them approaching. While it is true that today's cats probably do not stalk anything more than a cat toy, it is part of their makeup and they will continue to lick and groom themselves. If your cat licks himself to the point where his fur starts falling out, take him to the vet. This is not normal and may be a sign that your cat has neurological problems.

6. If your cat has suddenly started to urinate in places other than his litter box, you should consider taking him to the vet. This is a sign that your cat may have a urinary tract infection. Cats will move away from their litter boxes when they urinate because they may associate it with pain.

7. If your cat is chasing his tail, growling or hissing at his backside or if he appears to be running away from his own tail, he may have worms. Take him to the vet to be checked for internal parasites.

8. If your cat has kittens she may move them from place to place. One reason she may do this is because she feels the area has become too dirty. You can help your mother cat to feel more at ease about her nursery area by cleaning the bedding every couple of days.