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Pet problems solved

So you finally caved in to the nagging and bought a kitten – only it turned into a hissing ball of claws that uses your laptop as its litter tray. Perhaps the dog you once thought of as a loyal companion has got a favourite new bone – the one in your leg.

Pet care isn't just about good cat or dog health. Good behaviour is just as important.Whether its aggression, destructiveness or downright disobedience, behaviour problems can quickly turn the family pet into the house guest from hell. But before you tell the kids that Rover went to ‘live on a farm’, pet behaviourist Dr David Sands believes most problems can be cured.

According to Dr Sands, animals "cannot communicate their fears or confusions in a language that can be easily understood by most humans", so they use actions instead of words. He believes that to solve the problem, you just need to work out what your pet is trying to tell you.

But where do you start? Luckily, leading pet insurance provider MORE TH>N is on hand with information about four common pet problems, and what they might really mean.

Your cat has started to spray urine indoors

What Tiddles is trying to tell you: He doesn’t feel comfortable in his surroundings.

What to do: While cats rub their cheeks in places they feel safe and secure, they spray urine to indicate where they feel threatened. Punishing your cat for spraying will only make them more anxious, which may make the problem worse. Instead, the Cats Protection League (CPL) suggests you visit your vet to check there’s nothing wrong. If a physical cause is ruled out, it recommends you pay close attention to his behaviour. Does he spray on doors and windows? He may be bothered by cats outside so cover them with semi transparent material to restrict his view and make sure other cats can’t enter through the cat flap. Are internal doorways his preferred target? He may be bothered by other family pets so make sure he has plenty of different places to eat, sleep and play.
The dog barks incessantly when he hears the doorbell

What Fido is trying to tell you: He’s excited.

What to do: Resist the urge to yell at him to shut up as your shouting will probably make him bark even more! Instead, The Dog’s Trust recommends you give your dog some extra exercise to get rid of his excess energy. You should also try to expose him to as many visitors as possible, so enlist some patient friends to come and call for you. Get your pals to ring the bell, then completely ignore his reactions, only praising him when he’s quiet.
Your cat’s constant scratching has left the curtains frayed – and your nerves in tatters

What Tiddles is trying to tell you: He wants your attention.

What to do: While cats must scratch to keep their claws in good condition, if yours has plenty of access to outdoor areas there’s no reason why he should ruin your best furniture. He may just have learned that scratching your good furniture wins him lots of your undivided attention – or he may just prefer the feel of soft furnishings to tree bark. The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) suggests you put a scratching post in front of his favourite target, then gently wipe his paws down it, both to leave some scent and show him what to do.
The dog chews up all your best shoes the minute you walk out

What Fido is trying to tell you: He misses you.

What to do: While you’d probably love to stay with him all day, sadly you have to work to keep him in dog biscuits so he’s going to have to get used to your departures. The Dog’s Trust has a leaflet specifically on separation anxiety. It stresses the importance of letting everyone in the family care for your dog so he doesn’t just rely on you. Even though you know he’ll get sad, don’t make a fuss when you leave and when he inevitably goes nuts on your return, only praise him once he’s calmed down.