Recommendations and ideas for adding a new cat to the family.
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
Cats need territory with options to get off the ground to explore, avoid, and more. Creating a cat-friendly home requires more than one cat tree in the corner, but you don’t have to turn the whole house into a cat-themed jungle gym. By paying attention to type, location, and connections, you can create vertical space … 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
One of the two most common reasons cat guardians come to me for behavior consultation is conflict between cats in the home (the other reason is litter box avoidance). A situation where cat-cat conflict can develop is when a new, young cat comes into a home with a resident, older cat. These “May-December” (younger-older) relationships … 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
UPDATED: May 2022 – This post was originally written in 2019. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of helping many families introduce or reintroduce their cats. I’ve also continued my education on the topic of cat social behavior. This post has been updated to reflect some changes in my thinking on the topic. Although generally … Read more
Raising a healthy kitten takes more than just picking the right food, going to the vet for a check up, and keeping them safe from physical dangers. A kitten’s mental and emotional health must also be considered. Kittens that don’t have the right experiences when they are young can grow up to have a range … Read more
You got a new cat! Congratulations! Start off on the right paw by making the most of your cat’s first days in your home. Whether you’ve welcomed home a kitten or an adult, a shy friend or a confident companion, a few steps will make the transition smoother and protect against future behavior problems. This … Read more
You are so excited to bring home your new cat. You’ve been looking for just the right companion for a while and today is the day! But your new cat immediately hides under the sofa and won’t come out. What gives? Did you just make a huge mistake? Who Are Your Calling Feral? Working at … Read more