HOW DO I HELP MY CAT WITH BEHAVIORAL ISSUES?
If you catch him focusing on an item, just say a gentle no and take the item away, redirecting his attention somewhere else, like a feather wand or a scratching post. Sometimes a bitter spray that's safe for cats can help. Don't yell at your kitty or scare him. Just focus on redirecting his attention to healthier targets.
Change Can Play a Role
If you recently changed your schedule, your cat might be feeling a bit nervous about the change in your routine. Maybe you two were attached at the hip while you worked from home during the pandemic, and now you're gone eight hours a day. Maybe you're just leaving the house more often than you used to in the early stages of the pandemic. These are situations many cat owners face as more locations open back up thanks to COVID-19 vaccinations. Change can cause unease, vulnerability, and stress as your cat deals with not having you around all the time.
If you think this is causing your cat's unwanted actions, then extra bonding time can certainly help. You can also work to make the time you leave in the morning a "fun" event rather than a dreaded one. Consider distracting your kitty by sprinkling treats around the house for a scavenger hunt that engages him after you leave. Or change up your routine, so you perform activities in a different order right before you leave. Try offering distractions during the day, like using an automated treat dispenser.
A lot of factors can cause your cat to develop undesirable behaviors. By following the advice in this guide, your cat will feel calmer and safer, allowing you both to enjoy a happier home.
