Stories, case studies, and recommendations about aggression in cats.
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
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
Often I meet families who are overwhelmed with their cat’s behavior problems. They feel they have tried everything and wonder if there is hope for their situation. One of the main things I bring, as a professional, is an ability to see the details and understand how these big problems can develop. This is a … Read more
The meme of the randomness of cats is so popular you may not often look for a deeper explanation. But when your cat appears to “randomly” attack another pet or human family member, you need to understand what’s going on and what to do next. Not Random, Redirected “Redirected aggression” is aggression directed toward something … 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
“My cat only pees on my boyfriend’s clothes!” “Our cat is hissing at the new baby!” “Since I got a new puppy, the cat refuses to use her litter box!” “MY CAT IS JEALOUS!” Sound familiar? Some cats seem perfectly happy with just their person and no one else, thank you very much! A new … Read more