Common Behavioral Problems In Cats & How To Fix Them

September 28, 2026

Taking An In-Depth Look Into Common Behavioral Problems In Cats And Offering Advice On How To Fix These Behaviors


Cats are some of the most mysterious and lovable creatures on Earth. But, even the coolest cats can develop some not-so-cool habits. Whether it’s scratching up the furniture, avoiding the litter box, or showing signs of anxiety, these behaviors can leave pet parents puzzled and frustrated. The good news? With a little understanding and some expert-backed solutions, you can help your feline friend get back on track.


Scratching Furniture and Other Surfaces

Scratching Furniture and Other Surfaces

Why it happens:


Scratching is a natural cat behavior. It helps cats stretch, mark territory, and keep their claws healthy. Unfortunately, your sofa or carpet might become their favorite spot.


How to fix it:


  • Provide a variety of sturdy scratching posts and pads with different materials like sisal, cardboard, or carpet. Place them near your cat’s favorite scratching spots and in social areas of your home.
  • Encourage your cat to use the posts by sprinkling catnip, using toys, or modeling scratching behavior yourself.
  • Deter furniture scratching with double-sided sticky tape, citrus sprays, or by covering the area temporarily. Regular nail trims and claw caps can also help.
  • Make sure the posts are stable and tall enough for a full stretch, and try different angles or materials to match your cat’s preferences.


Litter Box Avoidance

Litter Box Avoidance

Why it happens:


Cats may avoid the litter box if it’s dirty, if they dislike the type of litter, or if the box is in a noisy or high-traffic location. Stress, medical issues, or territorial disputes can also be factors.


How to fix it:


  • Scoop the litter box daily and clean it regularly. Use unscented litter and offer uncovered boxes, as many cats dislike strong scents or enclosed spaces.
  • Place boxes in quiet, accessible areas. In multi-cat homes, provide multiple boxes in different locations.
  • Try different types of litter and boxes to find your cat’s preference.
  • If your cat continues to avoid the box, consult your vet to rule out medical issues.


Urine Marking and Spraying


Why it happens:


Cats spray to mark territory, especially if they feel threatened by other animals or changes in the home. This is more common in unneutered males but can happen with any cat.


How to fix it:


  • Spay or neuter your cat to reduce marking behavior.
  • Clean sprayed areas with enzymatic cleaners to remove scent cues.
  • Reduce stress and conflict among household cats. Provide plenty of resources like food, water, and resting spots.
  • If spraying persists, ask your vet for advice.


Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and Stress

When To Seek Professional Help

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Tabby cat with closed eyes being gently held by hands, close-up portrait

Happy Cat Month

September 29, 2026
Talking About How To Make Cats Happy And The Month-Long Holiday That Promotes Cat Happiness The month of September is celebrated by cat lovers everywhere as Happy Cat Month! Never heard of Happy Cat Month? Then you’re in luck because Cool Cats Professional Cat Sitting has you covered! This article will cover everything you need to know about Happy Cats Month, how to celebrate it, and some of the best ways to keep your cat happy. What Is Happy Cat Month? So what is Happy Cat Month? Happy Cat Month is a month-long holiday that aims to inform and educate cat owners about how to make their cats healthy and happy. It’s a common misconception that cats are self-sufficient pets. While most cats do have an independent nature, they are still very social creatures. Cats need lots of love & attention just like any other pet. Happy Cat Month is a friendly and celebratory way to educate people about the welfare, health, and importance of our feline friends.
A wildcat behind a wire fence, looking through the bars with one paw raised.

Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week/ Remember Me Thursday

September 29, 2026
Covering Two Very Important Pet-Themed Holidays That Focus On Shelter Animals And The Struggles They Face The month of September contains several pet-themed awareness based holidays. Two of the most significant of these holidays are Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week and Remember Me Thursday. Both of these holidays are centered around shelter animals and the struggles they face. This article will discuss both of these holidays and offer various ways you can observe them. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week The 3rd week of September is widely celebrated by pet lovers everywhere as Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week. This year (2023) Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week takes place from September 18th to September 24th. This week-long holiday was founded by PetFinder , an online searchable database of animals that need homes. Additionally, PetFinder also has a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations. These animal shelters and adoption organizations span across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week was founded to raise public awareness about shelter animals that are often overlooked. Most of these animals are overlooked based solely on appearance. However, just because an animal doesn’t look perfect, doesn’t mean they are not worthy of adoption. Additionally, this also applies to senior pets or pets with special needs. Many people believe it would require too much effort to care for a senior pet or special needs pet. Caring for these types of pets may not be easy, but it is still very rewarding and humbling to do so. Remember Me Thursday Remember Me Thursday occurs every year on the last Thursday of September. This year (2023) it will take place on September 28th. This pet themed awareness based holiday was founded in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center of San Diego . The focus of Remember Me Thursday is to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and all of the shelter animals that are in need of a forever home. Remember Me Thursday has made a huge impact in the world since its founding in 2013. More than 190 countries have supported Remember Me Thursday along with over 700 different animal welfare organizations worldwide. Additionally, more than 330 million people have helped spread awareness about Remember Me Thursday across various social media platforms. What started as a pet-themed holiday has now become a worldwide movement to inspire change in shelter animals’ lives.