Animal Antics

Our guide to the causes of some of your pet's less sociable habits.

CATS
Q Why does my cat sometimes pace up and down along the same path for hours on end?
A This behaviour, often exhibited by caged big cats in zoos, is usually due to boredom. If your cat is kept indoors, try getting some toys for it to play with as these will help to stimulate, exercise and alleviate boredom. Alternatively, if your cat is confined to a small area for long periods of time it would be worth considering fitting a cat flap so your pet can come and go freely.

Q What's the best way to stop my cat from digging up the neighbour's flower-beds?
A Any freshly dug soil will make an inviting toilet area for you cat! Before spending money on a shop bought cat repellent, try placing orange or grapefruit peel round the affected area as cats dislike the citric smell. A generous sprinkling of pepper may also provide a deterrent, and many owners swear by a harmless squirt of water from a well-aimed hose or water pistol.

Q How can I stop my cat from spraying in the house?
A This behaviour may be caused by a number of factors. Your cat may start scent-marking the furniture if there is a new addition to the household which may be either another pet, a new baby or an unfamiliar adult. Make sure your cat is not being neglected by giving it plenty of attention, and be patient whilst it adjusts to the newcomer. If the problem is hormone related then neutering is usually an effective solution, especially with troublesome toms! Try placing aluminium foil round the area as cats have an aversion to the sound it makes, and usually won't walk on it. Always clean the affected area(s) with a biological detergent, as ammonia based cleaners leave a smell which cats recognise as urine, inciting them to spray again in the same spot to mask the smell of the mystery imposter.

Q Why has my cat stopped using its litter tray?
A Make sure you haven't changed the type of litter you use or picked up a scented bag as many cats don't like the smell. Ensure it's kept clean as many cats refuse to use a dirty tray. It's important to put the tray in a good location where your cat won't be overlooked, and if you live in a busy household it might be worth investing in a litter tray with a hood to give your cat a bit more privacy. If you bought a small litter tray for a kitten, check that your cat hasn't outgrown it, as cats sometimes stop using their tray if it's not large enough for them. If your house-trained cat does start to have 'accidents' round the house, and none of these tips work, then seek veterinary advice as it could be symptomatic of another problem.

Q Why might my otherwise apparently healthy cat lose its appetite?
A Any change of routine may cause your cat to go off its food. Simply moving the feeding bowl, washing it with a different detergent or placing it too near the litter tray can upset your cat's feeding habits. It's always a possibility that your cat is being fed elsewhere! Ask the neighbours, or try getting a disc to attach to their collar asking people not to feed it. Keep a close eye on the situation, as a loss of appetite could be a symptom of something more serious, but before seeking veterinary advice try tempting your cat with its favourite dish and if that doesn't do the trick it's advisable to take a precautionary visit to the vet.

Q How can I stop my cat from scratching the furniture?
A It's natural for your cat to sharpen its claws, so try to provide an alternative to the furniture from the very beginning. Scratching posts, whether shop bought or home made from a piece of wood covered in hessian, need to be positioned correctly to be effective. Ideally the post needs to be screwed to a wall at an appropriate height just before the cat reaches his or her favourite sofa or table leg. Polishing wooden furniture with citric smelling or perfumed wax polish also helps to deter them, and double sided sticky tape on the arm of the sofa provides a good deterrent.

DOGS
Q How can I stop my dog from barking incessantly?
A It's perfectly natural behaviour for a dog to bark, but it can become a problem for you and the neighbours if it's not controlled. Some dogs bark if they are seeking attention, so instead of trying to quieten it down, try ignoring your dog or leaving the room and hopefully it will soon realise that barking does not automatically equal attention. Barking is also a sign of boredom, so make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and don't leave them shut in the house, garage or car for long periods of time. If you do have to leave your dog home alone, try leaving the radio on in the background, as many owners have found this helps to curb barking.

Q How can I stop my dog from ripping up cushions and other soft furnishings?
A Dogs often resort to destructive behaviour if they are bored, so make sure you take them out for regular walks and don't leave them at home by themselves for long periods of time. Try leaving toys for your dog to chew on as an alternative, and however cross you might be to find a torn up cushion on your return, try not to get cross with your dog after the event - however guilty it might look, a dog will not understand what the reprimand is for. Instead, be sure to reward your dog when it's behaving well. It is natural for puppies to want to chew when they are teething, so ensure young dogs are given a few toys to gnaw on at this stage of their development.

Q My dog is showing signs of aggressive behaviour, what should I do?
A The best advice is to seek professional help from your vet, especially if the aggression is directed at people or if young children are at risk. Dogs do have a natural instinct to go after moving objects and may start chasing cars, cyclists or joggers. Always make your dog is secure and cannot escape and, if it's prone to chasing, keep them under control on a lead when you go out. Even if your dog is being friendly, many people are unnerved by a strange dog running towards them and may respond aggressively towards your pet, causing it to snap or bite. Aggression can be a very difficult problem to treat, and professional behaviour therapy if often the only way to cure it.

Q My dog hates travelling in the car, is there any way I can cure it?
A If your dog only travels by car when being taken to the kennels or the vet, then he will associate it with an unpleasant experience. Try taking your dog on a short drive, then stopping for a walk before returning home. In time your dog will associate getting in the car with 'walkies' and you shouldn't have any more problems. Alternatively, accustom your dog to a stationary vehicle by enticing it in with a treat and letting it settle down on his favourite blanket. When your dog has got used to the surroundings of your car, try starting the engine and let it get used to the sound before going on a short drive. Some dogs do get travel sick, so be prepared! Make sure the car is well ventilated, and as long as your dog isn't in a direct draught, it's a good idea to a keep a window unwound a little way. If your dog does start being sick, pull over as soon as possible and let it out for some fresh air. Always carry some fresh water and a drinking bowl, especially if you've got a long drive ahead.

RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS
Q What can I do to stop my rabbit nibbling at electrical wires and cables?
A Any exposed wires or cables are extremely hazardous if you let your rabbit or guinea pig roam around the house. Try and keep your pet restricted to a 'safe' area, or move the cables up from ground level. If your pet is prone to nibbling at cables then there are sprays on the market designed to prevent this behaviour.

Q Why has my rabbit started to gnaw at its plastic food bowl?
A Both rabbits and guinea pigs do need something to gnaw on to help prevent their teeth from getting uncomfortably long. Provide an alternative to their bowl by placing a piece of untreated wood in its hutch for it to gnaw at. If your pets teeth do get too long it will stop them from eating properly and you must arrange a visit to the vet to get them clipped.

Q How can I stop my guinea pigs from eating its own droppings?
A This is perfectly natural behaviour which provides your pet with a source of nutrition, so don't try and prevent it from doing it.

Q How can I stop my rabbit from biting people who try to pick her up?
A This behaviour is often a sign of an animal who is not used to being picked up, or is being handled incorrectly. If the problem is severe, try getting your rabbit used to being touched by stroking it with a brush on a pole so you keep it at arms length. Once used to this, you should find that your rabbit will tolerate being stroked and as it gets used to being handled, you should be able to pick it up without getting nipped! Make sure you hold your rabbit or guinea pig firmly against your body and support their weight with one hand. Teach children how to handle their pets properly, never pick a rabbit up by its ears and be very careful with guinea pigs as they are quite timid and need to be handled gently. Many children delight to hear them squeal, but they often do this if they are being handled roughly or held too tightly.

BIRDS
Q Why has my budgerigar started plucking out its feathers, and how can I stop it?
A This behaviour is difficult to prevent once it has begun, so act promptly. It could be that your bird is bored, so either provide it with a partner or buy some toys to amuse itself with. The problem is less common with aviary birds, so if your bird is kept indoors it might be worth buying a larger cage. Alternatively, try moving the cage to a different position - being near a window may help to occupy a bored budgie! If your bird is losing its feathers, but you haven't seen it plucking them out, then it could be suffering from a viral infection so seek veterinary advice straightaway.

Q Why has my male cockatoo recently started to behave aggressively towards me?
A It is quite likely that your bird has reached sexual maturity, and it is common for cockatoos and other birds to give their owners an unexpected nip during this time. Surprisingly, parrots and cockatoos can get jealous of other pets, so if there's a new animal in the house be patient whilst your bird gets used to the newcomer and make sure you give him just as much attention as the new arrival.