Welfare

Behaviour in our pets

with Agria Pet Insurance

The importance of understanding the behaviour our pets display

Behaviour in welfare is the need for the opportunity to behave naturally for their species and do the things freedom allows them to do, such as run, dig, jump, play, fly etc. As pet owners, we often think of behaviour in terms of good and bad and the training required to make the difference. But behaviour is so much more than this, it is the way an animal of any kind expresses itself, interacts with others and inhabits its environment. Definitely, where possible, we need to guide an animal to behave in a way it can live in harmony with others, be they animal or human, but we also need to celebrate and enable them to express all the delightful ways our animals are created to be.

Top 5 behavioural issues with dogs

This may be towards family, or regular guests - it may occur due to a variety of reasons, commonly fear or 'resource related' aggression - Give your dog their own space, provide all food, chews etc in here. Do not approach them when they are resting or eating. If they show aggression immediately increase your distance - If this is a sudden change seek veterinary advice in case of a medical cause, and seek behavioural support.

A Dachshund puppy with a toy - Agria Pet Insurance

Top 5 behavioural issues with cats

Tabby cat sitting down outside - Agria Pet Insurance

This is when your cat is toileting inside your home, but not in a litter tray. It usually suggest they are not happy with the litter tray provided - it could be overused, in a busy location or difficult to get into. But it can also indicate they are stressed. You can help by providing large, easily accessible litter trays and removing anything your cat is worried about or finds scary.

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Some cats happily live with other cats however, they remain territorial and competition for their favourite parts of the territory can result in aggressive behaviour, including chasing, wrestling, swiping and biting. This is often accompanied by aggressive vocalisations such as hissing, spitting and growling. Providing extra food, water, litter trays and beds can help reduce competition and help them get along.

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Some cats will bite or swipe during petting to indicate they have had enough and want the interaction to stop. Others pounce on hands or feet out of nowhere usually highlighting the need additional stimulation to redirect this behaviour on to a more appropriate outlet. If a cat attacks out of fear, they need to be left alone, and given an opportunity to hide and calm.

Watch our video from one of our expert behaviourists giving advice on 'Why does my cat attack me?'

Often nervous cats will hide away excessively, only coming out for food and water when no one is around. The welfare of these cats is compromised as they can’t engage in normal feline behaviours and need time and careful, cat-friendly interactions to build their confidence and help them to relax at home.

Watch our video from one of our expert behaviourists giving advice on if your cat is happy

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