Cats CAN Be Trained!

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

Stuck in a Chain: When the Behavior Just Keeps Happening

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

Unstacking Triggers: Reducing Stress to Resolve Behavior Issues

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

Cats and Control

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

My Cat Isn’t Food Motivated!

“But, my cat isn’t food motivated!”  I frequently encourage cat owners to use food rewards when modifying unwanted behavior. And, almost as frequently, I hear this argument. Food is a powerful tool for changing behavior. Pairing something a cat doesn’t like with a tasty treat can change their feelings. Rewarding a behavior with a lick … Read more

The Trick to Using Treats

Do you have a scaredy cat? You’ve probably heard the advice to give them treats to help them overcome their fear. It’s great advice (unlike some of what’s out there…) but there are a few important tricks to using those treats effectively! Why Treats? Fear can’t be controlled in the same ways other behavior can … Read more