The solution:
If he doesn't already have one, get him a scratching post! And if that doesn't work? You can either rub the scratching post with an olive pit or spray it with catnip oil. In either case, the scent should encourage him to use that specific spot.
Why does my cat wake me up at night?
Here we go again, the same old serenade every night: he meows in the hallway, jumps on the bed, chases our toes… in short, he wakes us up!
What's the problem?
There could be several possible causes. If it's a kitten (up to 6-8 months old), he may not yet have understood that nighttime is for sleeping. But if it's an adult cat, the problem could stem from over-attachment to its owner (it gets bored without us), or, more worryingly, a neurological disorder.
The solution:
Try to give it some exercise before bedtime, and fill its food bowl with kibble. If it persists, ignore its demands. And if the problem continues, discourage it with ultrasound (using an ultrasonic torch, available at pet stores) or water jets (with a simple spray bottle). If nothing works, make an appointment with the vet to check for a neurological problem (common in older cats).
Why is my cat peeing everywhere?
It's pretty obvious, cat pee is a no-go. Especially when it's found everywhere outside the litter box.
What's causing the problem?
It all depends on the position in which it urinates. If your cat urinates in a squatting position, there's likely a problem with its litter box (it's dirty, it doesn't suit it, etc.). But if it sprays urine 20 cm above the ground, it's marking its territory due to stress (moving, renovations, the arrival of a baby, etc.).
The solution:
Rather than rubbing its nose in it (which is pointless), remove the stains with vinegar water, clean the litter box, and change it. You can also plug in a calming pheromone diffuser (available from your vet), or isolate the cat for two days in a room with its litter box. Still no improvement? Consult a veterinarian to check that cystitis (common in cats), diabetes, or kidney failure (common in older cats) is not the cause of the inappropriate elimination.Why does my cat scratch my calves?
Hiding behind a door, he waits for the right moment to pounce, claws out: calves first!
What’s the problem?
No, he’s not a psychopath! He’s hungry and/or bored during the day. An empty food bowl is bound to be a source of stress for a cat, who naturally eats 18 to 20 meals a day. And if, on top of that, he lives in a confined space lacking sensory stimulation, his owner’s return triggers an almost immediate hunting reflex!
The solution:
Leave him dry food available at all times and enrich his environment. Specifically? Leave him things to explore, sniff, play with, and let off steam: an empty cardboard box, a ball, a paper bag, a treat under a piece of furniture… anything that can keep him occupied is good! Only consult a veterinarian if the problem persists.
Why does my cat shed everywhere? On the sofa, the cushions, the beds… it’s simple, there’s cat hair everywhere in the house!
What’s the problem?
Regular shedding (in an apartment) or seasonal shedding (if the cat goes outside) is the result of a more or less constant, but normal, molting process. It’s also not a problem if your cat loses fur in patches after an emotional shock (moving, the arrival or loss of another pet, etc.) or a hormonal change (after pregnancy or neutering), for which there’s nothing to be done. However, there is a problem if the alopecia (hair loss) is accompanied by severe itching.
The solution:
Check that your cat isn’t covered in fleas (the itching is due to an allergy to flea bites in 80% of cases), and treat it. And if he continues to lose fur, consult a veterinarian to check for a possible allergy to dust mites or a food.
Why does my cat eat all the time?
His favorite thing? His food bowl and what’s in it! As a result, he’s gaining weight and you can’t see his ribs anymore.
What’s the problem?
He’s bored and focuses his attention on his food bowl to relieve anxiety. In short, he’s compensating for stress due to a lack of stimulation during the day. The problem is that obesity in cats leads to the same health problems as in humans (diabetes, arthritis, respiratory problems, etc.).
The solution:
Monitor his weight with the help of your veterinarian, who can suggest a diet based on kibble that is lower in fat and higher in protein. We give him exercise by playing with him for 10 to 15 minutes a day, and we transform the apartment into a playroom by providing him with all sorts of objects (mobile, cork stopper, cat toys, etc.) to keep him occupied while we’re away.
Why does my cat suckle on my cashmere sweaters?
As soon as he’s in our arms, he acts like a kitten. He can suckle on the skin, but he prefers wool: this is what the English-speaking world calls “wool sucking syndrome.”
What’s causing the problem?
He was probably separated from his mother before 8 weeks old, without her having had time to wean him, and is now exhibiting kitten-like behavior with his owners. It’s not usually serious, unless the suckling is associated with stress, and the cat licks himself compulsively (to the point of causing injuries).
The solution:
Plug in a calming pheromone diffuser. And if the stress persists, consult a veterinary behaviorist who can prescribe anti-anxiety medication.
Why does my cat climb the curtains?
It's frightening to see how agile he is… and destructive at the same time! No pair of curtains can withstand his rampage.
What's the problem?
It's normal for a cat to live in 3D! If nothing allows him to play leopard and survey his territory from above, the curtain is one solution among many. He might also be using it to mark his territory by sharpening his claws.
The solution:
Clear a shelf, make room for him on the sideboard, and/or get him a cat tree, which you can initially place in front of the curtains. If all goes well, he should adopt it and lose interest in the curtains. Why does my cat bring me dead birds?
Who hasn't seen their cat proudly return from the garden with a dead or injured bird in its mouth? Classic, but not always pleasant.What's the problem?
He hunts, that's normal. Cats are predators, and if all goes well, his mother taught him to select and bring back his prey… which he's doing like a good student!
The solution: Put a bell collar around his neck: the noise should be enough to scare the birds away.
Why does my cat refuse to swallow his medication?
Nothing works, he spits it all out! And it's always a nightmare trying to treat him.
What's the problem?
For a cat, medication isn't very appetizing. And his sense of smell does not deceive him, to the point that few cats fall for the trick of the meatball stuffed with medicine!
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The solution:
Put him between your legs, leaving only his head sticking out, open his mouth, and slide the pill to the back of his throat. Then, hold his jaws closed and massage his throat to force him to swallow. Still no luck? Repeat the same procedure with a pill dispenser (less than €2 at the vet). Why does my cat keep jumping on the counter?
The table, the kitchen cupboard, the countertop… as soon as there's food somewhere up high, he's there. His goal? To use his hunting skills to snatch up anything he can get his paws on at lightning speed!
What's the problem?
If the rules aren't perfectly clear from the moment he arrives home (“you eat from your bowl”), it's perfectly natural for him to go looking for food wherever he finds it!
The solution:
Take him by surprise with a trick used by animal trainers. Before taking out any food, spread a survival blanket (or aluminum foil) on the countertop… and wait. Surprised by the very unpleasant sensation of crunching under his paws, the cat should not want to repeat the experience.
Why does my cat attack the plants?
It's impossible to keep a plant healthy; He keeps digging in the soil and/or chewing the leaves!
What's the problem?
Chewing grass to purge themselves, digging in the soft soil under their paws… these are feline pleasures that most cats indulge in, especially if they don’t have access to the outdoors. The only problem is that some houseplants (ficus, lily of the valley, azalea…) are toxic to cats.
The solution:
Buy a pot of catnip and put pebbles and/or mothballs in the soil of the plants to prevent him from digging and mistaking the soil for his litter box. And if he chews the leaves? A quick spray of water should be enough to discourage him.
Why does my cat nip me?
With him, cuddle sessions are never easy to understand. He relaxes, everything's fine, and then, suddenly, he reacts if you touch his belly…
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The belly is undoubtedly the most vulnerable part of a cat's body. Allowing it to be petted there is a sign of absolute trust. But if it wasn't accustomed to this from a very young age, that is, before 9 weeks old, it's perfectly normal for it to be wary.
The solution: Be sure to watch for the warning signs of impending aggression: ears slightly turned back, dilated pupils… be careful, it's warning you that it might bite. By withdrawing your hand at the right moment, you reduce its stress and avoid a bite. With patience, it may even eventually accept being petted on its belly.
Why is my cat vomiting?
Even if everything seems fine at first glance, it vomits anywhere and at any time of day or night.
What's the problem?
Leaving aside any underlying medical conditions (gastritis, intestinal worms), the problem likely stems from the dead hair he swallows while grooming: the excess hair forms balls in the stomach (called trichobezoars). These irritate the intestinal lining and eventually cause vomiting.
The solution:
Forget about the vomiting and focus on your faithful companion's health, keeping in mind that hairballs can cause intestinal blockages requiring surgery. To prevent and resolve this type of problem, brush him daily. This will help him eliminate those stubborn dead hairs. And if that's not enough, consult a veterinarian. The vet may prescribe a lubricating paste or recommend a diet enriched with plant fiber.
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