Last Updated: 19/02/2026
5 Common Cat Behaviour Problems and How to Manage Them
Is your cat scratching the sofa or disturbing the households sleep at night? Many problem behaviours are actually natural instincts. Learn how to manage scratching, anxiety, and boredom with practical, vet-led advice to create a harmonious home for your cat.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Living with a cat is a joy, but sometimes their natural instincts can clash with our domestic expectations. Whether it’s a shredded armchair or a midnight "gift" left on the rug, many so-called 'problem' behaviours are simply cats being cats.
Understanding the 'why' behind these actions - from ancestral hunting drives to modern-day environmental stress - is the first step toward a happier household. This guide explores the most common feline quirks and provides actionable strategies to redirect their energy, reduce anxiety, and enrich their indoor lives.
Solving inappropriate urination and litter box lapses
Toileting outside the litter box is one of the most common reasons pet parents seek veterinary advice, but it is rarely a sign of spite.
Instead, it is usually a feline SOS indicating a medical issue, such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), underlying digestive issues or a sign of environmental dissatisfaction.
To manage this, start with a visit to your vet to rule out underlying health issues. This is crucial as certain conditions that can cause inappropriate toileting can be life threatening.
Once medical issues have been ruled out, ensure the litter tray is kept pristine, as cats are notoriously fastidious about hygiene. The rule of thumb for a harmonious household is to provide one tray per cat, plus one extra, situated in quiet, low-traffic areas where they feel safe.
Learn more:
Learn why your cat is urinating inappropriately and our vet tips to stop the behaviour for good.
Does your cat pee outside the litter tray? From health issues like cystitis to being picky about litter types, discover why your feline friend is avoiding their box and get expert veterinary advice on how to stop it.
Is your cat pooing next to the litter tray? Discover common medical and behavioural causes for inappropriate defecation. From the "N + 1" rule to enzymatic cleaners, learn how to create the perfect bathroom setup to keep your cat and floors happy.
Learn about FLUTD in cats - its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, including how diet and stress management can support your cat’s urinary health.
Ever wondered if you're cleaning the litter tray enough? From clumping vs. non-clumping variables to the "one tray per cat plus one" rule, we break down exactly how often to spot clean and deep wash to prevent odours and keep your cat healthy.
Discover our vet’s top picks for cat litter and find the best option for your feline friend!
How to stop your cat scratching the furniture
Scratching is a fundamental feline need used for stretching, scent marking, and claw maintenance, rather than a calculated attack on the upholstery.
To protect the home, provide various scratching posts that cater to a cat's preference for vertical or horizontal surfaces, ensuring they are sturdy enough to support their full weight. Placing these posts near sleeping areas or frequently "targeted" furniture can redirect the habit effectively. Keeping your cat's nails trimmed can help to reduce the damage also.
If a cat continues to prefer the sofa, applying double-sided sticky tape, Sticky Paws strips or citrus-scented deterrents to the fabric can make the area less appealing. Spraying the post with catnip spray can encourage them to use it, while rewarding them with treats for using the designated post reinforces the desired behaviour.
Learn more:
How do you stop your cat from scratching the furniture? Our Vet team has some great solutions here
Looking for the best cat trees available in Australia? See our vet reviewed range of cat trees for your favourite feline.
Trimming your cat's claws can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Our expert vet guide covers everything from choosing the right clippers to handling the "quick" safely, helping you and your feline friend enjoy a peaceful grooming experience.
Have you ever wondered why cats go crazy for cat nip? Read from from our vet team on this phenomenon in cats and if you can give your feline cat nip.
Managing feline aggression towards people and other pets
Managing feline aggression requires a patient approach that prioritises safety and stress reduction. Whether a cat is redirecting their frustration from a perceived threat or feeling territorial, aggression is typically a response to feeling cornered or overstimulated.
To manage interactions with people, it is important to recognise early warning signs, like a twitching tail, flattened ears, or dilated pupils, and to provide the cat with space before the situation escalates.
In multi-pet households, conflict often arises over shared resources; ensuring there are multiple feeding stations, water bowls, and high-up resting spots can significantly reduce competition. If introducing a new pet, a gradual "scent swap" and slow visual introductions are vital to help both animals feel secure in their territory without the need to defend it.
Learn more:
From "love bites" to redirected aggression, feline biting can be confusing. Discover the common reasons why cats lash out, how to identify warning signs like ear rotation and tail twitching, and practical ways to build a safer bond with your cat.
Find out how to read your cat's body language to keep you and your family safe and build a stronger bond with your feline friend.
Is your home a feline battlefield? Learn how to manage a multi-cat household with expert advice on territory, essential resources, and stress reduction. Discover the "one plus one" rule to ensure every cat feels safe, secure, and loved in your home.
Our vet's step-by-step guide details how to slowly introduce a new cat to help build a peaceful and lasting friendship between your feline friends.
Learn how to stop your kitten from biting and how to better understand the behaviour that might be causing it!
Calming the midnight zoomies and excessive meowing
Calming the midnight zoomies and excessive meowing requires an understanding of a cat's natural crepuscular rhythm. While cats are naturally more active at dawn and dusk, significant sleep disruption for pet parents usually occurs when a cat has leftover energy from a day spent napping.
Changes to sleeping routines and excessive vocalisation can also occur due to cognitive decline, and underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, pain from arthritis, high blood pressure (often as a result of kidney disease) or diminishing sensory capacities (predominantly vision and hearing loss).
A visit with your vet is the first step to managine this behaviour, to rule out underlying conditions. Once these have been ruled out, it can be helpful to engage in a vigorous play session shortly before bedtime, using wand toys to mimic a "hunt," followed immediately by a small meal to trigger the "eat, groom, sleep" cycle. In case your cat is waking for food, ensuring there are puzzle feeders or automatic feeders available can help. Quiet toys for solo play can keep a restless cat occupied while the rest of the house sleeps.
Learn more:
Has your older cat started yowling at night or seemingly forgetting the litter box? It could be feline cognitive dysfunction. Our expert vet guide explains the symptoms of cat dementia and offers practical advice to help your senior pet age gracefully.
Has your cat been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid? Check out our Vets guide to the causes symptoms and treatment for this common condition.
Is your pet drinking more or losing weight? Kidney disease is a common condition, especially in seniors. Discover the difference between acute and chronic renal issues, the clinical signs to watch for, and how a prescription diet can help.
Our vet guide to arthritis supplements, diets and medications for cats.
As your cat enters their golden years, their needs for comfort and care change. Learn to support their health with our guide on senior cat wellness. We cover essential topics like nutrition for ageing cats, joint support, and common health conditions to watch for.
Find the best toys for your indoor cat with our vet’s top picks for hunters, climbers, & more!
Unlock the full potential of mealtime with puzzle feeders. Our vet explains the incredible benefits for your pet's health and happiness: from providing vital mental stimulation and slowing eating to aid digestion, to reducing anxiety and promoting brain health in senior pets.
The right automatic cat feeder can make mealtimes a breeze! Find out the best from our Vets!
Creating a stress-free home with environmental enrichment
Creating a stress-free home with environmental enrichment is the most effective way of beating boredom and managing anxiety in indoor cats.
Because cats are hardwired to hunt, climb, and survey their territory, a sterile environment can lead to frustration, destructive habits and anxiety.
To transform a living space, focus on vertical expansion with cat trees, window perches and elevated beds, perches and hammocks, allowing them to observe the world from a secure height. Introducing puzzle feeders, lick mats and "treasure hunts" for kibble encourages natural foraging behaviour, providing mental stimulation that tires them out more effectively than physical play alone.
By ensuring the home meets these instinctual needs, pet parents can significantly reduce stress-related behaviours and help their feline companions feel safe and occupied throughout the day.
Learn more:
Is your cat stressed or anxious? Learn the common signs, causes, and treatments available to help manage and relieve your feline friend's anxiety.
Living in a small space doesn't mean your cat has to miss out. Learn how to 'catify' an apartment with vertical climbing zones, stylish hideaways, and smart litter systems to reduce stress and prevent common indoor behavioural issues.
Do you own an indoor cat? Read more from our vets how to keep them active, entertained and safe.
Wondering how to play games with your cat? Check out our guide to making playing fun with your cat and which toys will catch their interest.
As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time for new adventures with your cat! This article provides a vet-approved list of fun, safe, and enriching spring and summer activities. Discover creative ideas for both indoor and outdoor play to keep your feline friend happy, active, and stimulated.
Cats are masters of hiding, loving to be in small cosy spaces. Read about why cats hide, how to find them and how to coax them out.
Wondering if your indoor cat is getting enough activity? From the "zoomies" to puzzle feeders, discover expert vet advice on feline exercise requirements, the best toys for mental stimulation, and how to keep outdoor adventurers safe and healthy.
Do you often find yourself wondering why your cat does certain things? Take a read through the most unusual and quirky behaviours and the reasons behind them.
FAQs
Navigating the complexities of cat behaviour doesn't have to be a solo mission. By providing the right outlets for their natural instincts - like scratching posts, vertical spaces, and interactive play - you can significantly reduce stress for both you and your pet. Remember, a stimulated cat is a well-behaved cat. If you find yourself struggling with persistent issues, our Vet Squad is always here to help you find the best solutions for your unique feline friend.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 19 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
