Stories, case studies, and recommendations about aggression in cats.
When you think of enrichment for cats, you might first think of toys, cat trees, or treat puzzles. And these are all important things! But sensory enrichment—targeting your cat’s sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—can provide more great ideas. Just like us, cats experience the world through their senses. Offering safe, stimulating experiences can improve … Read more
Have you noticed your cat slowing down as they’ve gotten older? Are they playing less, jumping less, or sleeping more? Has their behavior changed–becoming less social or tolerant of petting? What about litter box use or relationships with other pets? Are they not as good as they used to be? Cats can experience many changes … Read more
When it comes to modifying your cat’s behavior, consistency is necessary. Cat behavior is driven by both active reinforcement and habit (AKA, a history of reinforcement. To make lasting change, your approach needs to be predictable and consistent. Setting Realistic Expectations One of the most common mistakes people make is expecting instant results, and for … Read more
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
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
Not the Right Fit Cats are living beings with their own personalities, needs, and wants. That means they will each have their own unique requirements of a home. Some need peace and quiet, others lots of play and engagement. They may be happiest with a feline (or canine) friend or prefer to have only human … Read more
Hearing your cat hiss or growl can be scary. You might worry that they are going to harm you or your other pets. Hissing and growling is aggressive behavior, after all, so it needs to be stopped immediately, right? Vocab of the Day: Ritualized Aggression Before diving into why your cat might be hissing or … Read more
Behavior and health go hand in hand. If your cat’s behavior has changed, a vet visit is your first step. When To Talk To Your Vet Behavior and physical health are very tightly linked. Cats are masters at hiding signs of pain or illness so you cannot assume that you would see clear signs. Behavior … Read more
Behavior issues in cats are often rooted in stress. What does this mean? Something, or more likely things, are causing the cat to feel unsafe, frustrated, uncomfortable, painful, annoyed, or bored. Stress reduction may be necessary to resolve behavior problems. It may also be recommended by your veterinarian for health reasons. Why can tackling stress … Read more
Play is an essential part of a cat’s life. It provides an outlet for energy, a way to build confidence and trust, and fills a natural need to hunt. Interactive play between you and your cat is typically the most valuable form of play you can provide. However, there’s another layer to the story. Routine … Read more