Articles and information about knowing your cat better and improving their life and yours.
Could your cat be in pain? None of us want that to be the case, but knowing how to identify pain is key to supporting your cat’s well-being. There is No Test for Pain There is no test or diagnostic that your vet can run to definitively rule out pain. This includes bloodwork, urine testing, … Read more
Cats are more than our cute companions. They are a unique species that act as both predator and prey in a natural environment. This leads to a wide range of behaviors and needs. Cats are also learners, capable of adapting and using their behavior to get their needs and wants met. Understanding cats as predators, … Read more
What is “normal” for your cat, in terms of health and behavior? Does that “normal” represent their optimal wellbeing? Just because something has been going on for a long time doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be changed. “Normal” Doesn’t Always Equal “Okay” For the purposes of this discussion: “Normal” = typical, expected, and/or usual … Read more
Does your cat show signs of stress, such as peeing outside the box, when you travel, even though they love the pet sitter? Do they take days to recover from vet visits, changes in routine, or even new furniture? Does every little thing seem to set them off, leaving you feeling sad for them or … Read more
It’s a commonly held belief that cats just can’t be trained like dogs can. Cats are independent and stubborn and there’s just no way they’d “give in” to what we humans want them to do. Right? Wrong! Cats absolutely can be trained if you understand them. Don’t believe me? Read on to see if I … Read more
There’s a common misconception that you must constantly prove to your pets that you are in charge or they will become poorly behaved or aggressive. The reality is that having control feels good and that’s totally okay. Feeling good because they know they have some control over their life doesn’t mean your cat is bent … Read more
“But, my cat isn’t food motivated!” I frequently encourage cat owners to use food rewards when modifying unwanted behavior. And, almost as frequently, I hear this argument. Food is a powerful tool for changing behavior. Pairing something a cat doesn’t like with a tasty treat can change their feelings. Rewarding a behavior with a lick … Read more
Curling up with a cat for a cuddle is a wonderful part of any day. You probably think you know how your cat likes to be pet and cuddled but would you listen if they tried to tell you something different? How often do you ask them what they want? Listening to and respecting your … Read more
Does it matter if your cat really likes their box, as long as they are using it? With all of the litter box products and marketing out there, how can you tell what’s right for your cat? How about letting your cat tell you what they prefer? The right litter box setup can prevent and … Read more
Confession time: I can be kind of lazy! When I train cats (or any animals), I prefer to get the most out of my time in the easiest way. That’s one of the reasons I’m all about rewards-based training! Rewards-based training (teaching an animal by creating positive consequences for desirable behavior) has many major benefits. … Read more