Biting, chewing, barking and scratching are all natural behaviours in cats and dogs. But when this becomes a nuisance, understanding the root cause of that ‘destructive rage’ will help you manage the problem. There’s a reason why your furry friend is acting a little crazy, so let’s find out what it is.
Before we dig into the topic, it’s worth saying that any sudden change in behaviour – like fear or aggression – should be checked by a vet, as your pet could be suffering from pain or illness. Since animals can’t tell us what’s bothering them, pet parents need to be especially observant when it comes to their pet’s health.
Barking mad
Dogs bark to communicate with us and their fellow canines, and it can indicate anything from excitement to fear. So, the postman may set your dog off, or they may lose it when the doorbell rings. This is normal if the barking is brief – it’s simply how your canine friend greets guests. However, excessive barking can be very frustrating, and it often occurs when dogs are anxious, under-exercised or left alone for long periods of time.
Similarly, chewing, scratching and digging are often ways dogs express boredom or frustration – a way of keeping busy when there isn’t a proper outlet.
Any of those situations sound familiar? Reflecting on the cause will help you work towards a solution. Perhaps your dog needs more frequent walks to burn off that excess energy; or a couple of new dog toys, a comfortable bed, and the radio on to help them feel less lonely when you’re away. If they’re alone for longer than a few hours, a dog walker can help provide the company they need.
When dogs are easily excitable and jump up on people, obedience training can be a great option, as seeing a behaviourist or enrolling in dog training classes are both excellent ways to learn how to manage unwanted behaviour. Plus, your dog will learn to follow commands and become more sociable. After all, dogs aren’t born with a manual on how to live with humans.
Lastly, there are products that can help in stressful situations, such as having guests around or firework season. An example is Adaptil: pheromone-based collars, diffusers and tablets which are gentle, but can have a significant calming effect.
Never punish your dog, as this will only make the problem worse. Instead, reward good behaviour with a treat or a game of fetch.
Cat scratch fever
Virtually every cat owner has had to deal with scratch marks on their furniture, walls or carpet at some point. But before you tell your kitty off for using your sofa as a jungle gym, remember: scratching is normal and healthy cat behaviour. In essence, cats need to scratch. They do it for several reasons: to mark their territory, to keep their nails trim, to stretch, and to relieve tension. Scratching just feels good to cats!
So, what can you do about it? Redirect their scratching to a scratching post. We recommend one per cat, and it should be vertical, sturdy and at least 90 cm tall. The best place for it: near your cat’s bed or close to the areas where they’ve been scratching.
Cats leave their scent in their scratch marks, so you’ll need to clean any marks on your furniture with soap and water. Then, sprinkle some catnip or use a catnip spray on your cat’s scratching post to encourage them to use it.
Other problems you may encounter as a cat owner include spraying and urinating indoors. Our feline friends spray urine to mark their territory or communicate with other cats. But this is different from urgent or frequent urination, which could indicate a bladder infection.
Here’s how to tell the difference:
• Urinating: your cat squats down.
• Spraying: your cat stands upright, shakes their tail, and may “dance” with their back legs.
Tomcats in particular produce a highly pungent spray that’s hard to ignore.
Frequent spraying in the home can be a sign that your cat is feeling stressed. They may feel threatened by other cats or unsettled by changes in their environment, such as a new pet, renovations or a recent move.
Take time to observe your kitty’s habits and identify what is triggering their behaviour. Once you’ve got a handle on it, try the following tips:
• Clean urine spots with soapy water and disinfectant. Placing a food bowl in the area can deter repeat spraying.
• Create a hiding spot. Cats love having a space of their own. A high perch (like a cat tree) can help them feel calm and secure.
• Use pheromone products. Feliway Classic helps soothe anxious cats, while Feliway Friends is ideal when cats aren’t getting along. Both mimic natural feline pheromones and promote a sense of calm.
• Install a microchip cat flap to stop neighbouring cats from entering your home – these only open for the registered pets.
If spraying is excessive or accompanied by aggression, neutering your cat may help reduce the behaviour.
Our ultimate tip? Remember that despite the chewing, scratching and occasional accidents, pets are wonderful companions – perfect in their own little way.
