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During exploration and play, kittens (and some adult cats) will chew on a variety of objects. Not only can this lead to damage or destruction of the owner's possessions, but also some chewing can be dangerous to the cat.
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In cats, excessive sucking and chewing, hunting and pouncing at unseen prey, running and chasing, paw shaking, freezing, excessive vocalization, self-directed aggression such as tail chasing or foot chewing, over-grooming or barbering of hair and possibly feline hyperesthesia may all be manifestations of conflict, and may become compulsive disorders in time.
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House soiling in cats, also called feline inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners. Problem behaviors can be urine and/or stool deposited outside of the litter box, or marking behaviors.
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Some cats are active at night, or are awake and raring to go very early in the morning. Since many owners are out at work or school during the day, the cat may spend the daytime hours in rest and relaxation, especially if it is the only pet in the household.
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Scratching is a normal feline behavior. Although scratching does serve to shorten and condition the claws, other important reasons cats scratch are to mark their territory (both visibly and with the scent of the foot pads) and to stretch.
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Most owner complaints about feline vocalization are either to do with the intensity and persistence of the vocalization, or the fact that it occurs at night or at other times when family members or neighbors are trying to sleep.
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Redirected aggression occurs when a cat is aroused by another animal, person or event, but is unable to direct aggression toward the stimulus. For example, your cat is sitting on a windowsill and sees another cat out on the property.
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The leading causes of aggressive behavior among household cats are territorial aggression, fear-based aggression, and incompatible personalities. There may be more than one type of aggression occurring simultaneously. This explains the common forms of inter-cat aggression and how they may be prevented.
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Fearful behavior in cats may develop for many reasons. Hereditary and environmental factors contribute to behavioral development. Early socialization of kittens is very important for normal development. Cats and kittens that display fearful behavior should be treated as soon as possible for the most successful outcome.
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House soiling or feline inappropriate elimination is not uncommon. Urine and/or stool may be deposited outside of the litter box. The motivation for the behavior may be a need to eliminate (toileting) or a desire to communicate (marking). Medical conditions may predispose cats to exhibit house soiling and a veterinary examination is always needed.