Save 10% off your purchase!!
|  | Home > Contests, Photos & Fun > Pet Articles > Cat Training Tips > Cats Need Privacy Too
| Cats Need Privacy Too
The issue of privacy for our pets isn’t one that we humans give much consideration to although we should. This is very important in households with multiple pets. Some pets are more tolerant of additional pets in the home than others and the level of tolerance may vary according to the type of pets you have. For instance, cats are not the most social animals. They are territorial and can even be possessive of their owners.
While they may tolerate one housemate, the addition of another may trigger aggressive behavior. In some cases, even when a litter of kittens are born to male and female housemates that have always lived together amicably, the male may begin exhibiting aggressive behavior by hissing at the new mother and offspring. The male may view the kittens as encroaching on his territory. He may also feel that he now has to compete with the kittens for attention.
In multiple cat households, lack of privacy can lead to territorial disputes. There is even more stress between feline housemates that are kept indoors in limited living space. Although getting the cats spayed and/or neutered should lessen aggressive behavior it may not completely eliminate it.
Aggressive behavior may also be less likely to occur if the cats have more privacy. If you live in a fairly large home and your cats have access to all or most areas of the house they will be able to seek out places where they can go when they want to be left alone. More than likely each cat will choose a particular spot to make his or her own.
Feline companions can also become frustrated when they have to share food dishes and litter boxes. Some cats will soil elsewhere in the house rather than relieve themselves in the same litter box as another cat. Each cat should have his or her own litter box as well as food and water bowls. Cats can also become upset by the amount of attention their companions receive. Try to make sure that each cat is given his or her fair share of love and attention.
If one cat in the household begins acting aggressively toward another put some distance between them. Separate them completely for a while if necessary. When they are permitted to interact again, make sure that there are private areas in the home where they can go to be alone. Give them their own feeding and elimination areas if they don’t already have them. Show them plenty of love and affection. If the aggressive behavior continues or worsens, consult your veterinarian to rule out any physical illness. Stress related behavior can be treated with anti-anxiety medication if necessary.
Just giving your feline friend more space and privacy can often prompt a change in behavior. After all, we humans wouldn’t take too kindly to going to the bathroom while others are watching or sitting at the table watching someone else eat while we patiently wait our turn. Animals aren’t really all that different from humans.
|
|
|
|
