Many training and behavior modification topics are not species specific. These concepts can apply to all types of animals (and sometimes people too!).
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
Teaching a cat to accept medications is like any skill – you need patience, practice, and good rewards. Ideally, you would introduce this skill before you need it, but these strategies can work even if you need to give a pill today. Questions to Ask Medications can come in many forms and flavors. Based on … 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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