Stories, case studies, and recommendations about destructive and/or annoying cat behavior.
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
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
Chewing isn’t unique to dogs! Many cats enjoy nibbling or chewing and it can be a natural and fun activity. But for other cats and households, it can be a big problem! Photo Credit: Litkei Szabolcs/Pexels.com What is the Behavior? Chewing comes in many different forms, ranging from concerning and dangerous to normal. What are … Read more
Cats don’t scratch just to ruin your furniture! Scratching is a behavioral and physical need and cannot be eliminated completely. Cats scratch to stretch their bodies, condition their claws (not just sharpen them but keep them healthy), and to communicate with others in their environment. Along with the visible marks, they use pheromones from their … 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
Do you live with a wild child who never seems to stop moving? Is your cat seemingly in need of play 24/7? Do you wish your cat would just CHILL OUT for one minute, please?!? Let’s explore some reasons for this issue and ways of creating some peace. Why It’s So Hard To Chill Out … Read more
Cats are lovable in so many ways, but they can also annoy us, damage things, and leave a trail of chaos in their wake! If you find yourself constantly saying “no” to your cat, it can get exhausting. Turn things around by saying “yes” instead, and see how this may be even more effective. Why … Read more
Does your cat continue to do the same unwanted behavior, even with repeated attempts to train them to do something different? Feel stuck in a loop you can’t seem to change? You might be experiencing a behavior chain! Your Cat is Training You! A behavior chain is a sequence of behaviors that leads to reinforcement … 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
Do you have a spray bottle on the counter, ready to stop counter-surfing? Or maybe on the coffee table to prevent furniture scratching? It’s a common tool in many cat homes. I’ll admit, I once kept a squirt bottle close at hand to try to stop a pet behavior problem. But, today, I want to … Read more