Is your cat anxious or unsettled?

Our domestic pets, cats and dogs, have evolved with human beings over thousands of years. Cats have been living in our homes, catching mice, curling up on our laps, and sunning on our windowsills for countless generations. Cats are very intelligent animals and have sensitive feelings which can be affected by both physical and psychological events around them. One of the more subtle reasons why your cat may have decided to use your bed as his or her litter box is that the cat's feelings have been upset in some way.

Is Your Cat Anxious or Unsettled?

Because cats are so astute and sensitive, changes in the household, even relatively minor ones can cause enough of an upset that your cat will begin avoiding the litter box. Should medical problems be ruled out, it could well be that your cat's feelings have been affected.

1. A new pet in the house can rouse feelings of jealousy and hostility in your cat. Urination and defecation are just some of the tools at your cat's communication disposal. And these tools are employed to indicate disapproval.

2. Moving to a new house or apartment can be confusing and frightening to a cat. Accidents are very common in this situation and indicate that the cat is insecure. Giving the cat extra attention can help it to acclimate more quickly and use the litter box again.

3. Cats can just plain get mad at their owners, sometimes for an identifiable reason, sometimes for some arcane feline compulsion. Cats that are angry at you, if you have been away, for instance, will show their feelings by soiling your bed or rug.

4. Most households go through up and down periods, and during 'down' periods, you cat may be reacting to the emotions of the people around him or her. People who are arguing, fighting, sulking, or crying can all upset a cat. Your cat's misbehavior can actually be nothing more than a reflection of that of its owners.

5. Don't take out your frustrations and anger on your cat. If you are stressed, find a better way to handle it than by using your cat as a punching bag. Cats that have been abused and are fearful will eliminate anywhere they can out of anxiety.

A cat doesn't start using the general home as a toilet for no reason. If you have found no physical cause for the problem, look into how your household atmosphere can be affecting your cat.

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