Preventing Destructive Behavior in Cats

Whether your cat urinates in inappropriate places, knocks things over, scratches up your furniture, or chews on power cords, destructive behavior of any kind can be very frustrating and cost you financially if you need to replace damaged objects. On top of that, it can be dangerous for your cat. Understanding why this behavior occurs can help you manage the issue and prevent further damage.

(For dogs, see Preventing Destructive Behavior in Dogs)

Why Do Cats Engage in Destructive Behavior?

Managing the destructive behavior by itself can be ineffective because it is often triggered by an underlying issue. Understanding what is causing the behavior is the first step to managing it more effectively.

1. Natural Behavior: Naturally, cats scratch on objects for a variety of reasons: nail maintenance, to stretch out their backs, and to mark territory. Cats may often urinate to mark territory as well.

2. Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety and stress can cause destructive behavior such as inappropriate urination. This can be triggered my many things including moving to a new home, introducing new animals, or drastic changes in their daily routine.

3. Boredom: Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Without it, they will entertain themselves and may release their pent up energy in inappropriate ways.

4. Attention-Seeking: Some cats may notice that certain behaviors produce a reaction out of you. Even if it causes a negative reaction, a cat may chew on your phone charger because they know that it will get you out of bed, which is generally a precursor to them getting fed breakfast.

5. Medical Issues: A sudden onset of an unwanted behavior, such as urinating outside the litterbox, often indicates a medical issue. Even if it is gradually onset, it is important to rule out medical issues with a veterinarian.

Strategies to Prevent Destructive Behavior:

1. Identify the Cause:

   1. Keep a log of when what triggers the behavior to pinpoint the cause. Consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.

2. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation:

   1. Ensuring that your cat has a variety of toys that they engage with and multiple levels they can climb to will allow for independent self-entertainment.

   2. Be sure to play and even do training with your cat to strengthen your bond and to motivate them to engage in both physical and mental stimulation.

3. Manage the Behavior Through Training:

   1. Use positive reinforcement to encourage your cat to scratch or chew on appropriate items.

   2. If your cat is scratching or chewing to get your attention, redirect them to an appropriate object and then reward them with the attention they want.

4. Manage the Environment:

   1. Remove access to the objects your cat engages in destructive behavior with. Take objects you don’t want to be pushed off a ledge away from the edge of surfaces. Put scratching posts and pads in front of areas your cat likes to scratch. Hide power cords or obscure them with cardboard boxes they might like to chew on.

   2. If you live in a multi-cat household or a house with a lot of space, ensure there are enough litterboxes for each cat and that litterboxes are placed so that your cat always access.

   3. Offer plenty of kitten teething toys if you suspect your cat is simply uncomfortable due to teething.

5. Manage Anxiety and Stress:

   1. Desensitize and counter-condition your cat to triggers by gradually exposing them while giving rewards such as food.

   2. Create barriers where needed to prevent cats from coming into contact with triggers.

   3. Seek professional help. Consult with a professional behaviorist to come up with a plan. You may need to see a veterinarian for medication that can ease their distress while you manage the behavior.

      (You can schedule a consult with Jigsaw Animal Behavior and Welfare Consulting, LLC here)

Special Tools and Considerations:

1. Scratching Posts/Pads, and Cat Trees: Scratching posts or pads are essential for any cat owner. I would not recommend having a cat without any unless you are okay with them scratching on your furniture. Cat trees are even better because, not only do they provide an appropriate scratching surface, they also provide multiple levels for your cat to climb and perch on, and they often provide hides and built-in toys. They are truly an all-in-one enrichment device.

2. Puzzle Feeders and Timed Feeders: Puzzle feeders will keep your cat engaged with their food for longer. They will keep them mentally stimulated while they work through the puzzle to gain the reward. Timed feeders can help you prevent your cat from engaging in destructive behavior to wake you up for their routine feeding.

Preventing destructive behavior in cats requires patience, creativity, and understanding. By identifying the root cause and applying the appropriate strategies, you can significantly reduce your cat’s destructive behaviors and improve their overall well-being.