Is Your Cat Making Too Much of a Mess at Home? Behavioral Veterinarian Advises How to Solve the Problem

Cats are amazing animals, but sometimes they love to make such a mess that it drives us crazy. If you're facing this kind of problem, know that there are reasons behind this behavior—as well as possible solutions. In this article, a veterinarian specialized in animal behavior shares why cats behave this way—and how to deal with it.

According to veterinarian and animal behavior specialist Vitor Gonçalves Teixeira, when we talk about behavior, we’re referring to how the animal interacts with other animals, its caretakers, and its environment.

“A cat’s behavior can help us assess their well-being at a given moment, because each species has its own need to express natural behaviors,” he explains.

Victor emphasizes that when certain behaviors are inhibited—meaning the animal’s body and mind try to react in different ways but are suppressed—they often get redirected as a form of compensation.

“A classic example in cats is the behavioral need to scratch. This behavior, in addition to keeping their nails at a proper length, marks territory through pheromone release, allowing other cats to smell it,” he explains.

When this behavior is somehow prevented or not redirected appropriately, the cat will look for other objects to scratch.

“If we don’t provide a proper scratching post, the cat will redirect this behavior and scratch the couch, for example. This doesn’t mean he did it on purpose or out of anger. It simply means he needed to express his natural behavior and found a way to do it,” Vitor explains.

Every cat owner should understand that cats are instinctive animals and need to expend their energy in species-appropriate ways.

The veterinarian recommends using environmental enrichment activities with a specific focus.

“We should take into account the animal’s individuality and needs, and always supervise when offering enrichment activities—avoiding accidents like ingesting objects, for example,” he alerts.

Other Reasons

Although boredom and lack of activity are important reasons for a cat’s unwanted behavior, Vitor mentions other factors that can lead to this kind of “mischief.”

“Other reasons may lead to this redirection, such as physical changes, health issues, or pain. However, it’s important to understand the species’ needs, schedule regular check-ups, and provide what’s most appropriate for the animal,” Vitor adds.

In a cat’s case, some behavioral changes may be warning signs, such as going to the bathroom outside the litter box or fighting with other cats, dogs, or people.

“For each of these problems, there is a specific cause, and treatment must be individualized. In such cases, the behavioral veterinarian should conduct a detailed consultation and often work alongside veterinarians from other specialties to correctly diagnose the issue,” he concludes.

Conclusion

Dealing with a messy cat requires understanding and intentional actions.

Possible reasons your cat may be making a mess include:

• Instinct: Cats are curious and like to explore their environment, driven by their hunting instinct.
• Lack of environmental enrichment: Environments without stimulation may lead to destructive behavior and stress your cat out.
• Attention: Cats may behave this way to get their owner's attention.
• Medical Condition: Health problems can lead to abnormal behavior.

Follow the tips in this article and seek professional help when needed. This way, you can make life with your cat a more harmonious experience.