What’s Bugging Kitty?

  Cats are not big fans of change, so imagine how confusing it must be when there’s suddenly a new family member brought home. From the cat’s point of view this whole event takes place without any warning. Many people incorrectly assume any negative behavior a cat displays toward the new baby is based on ...

Many things can cause a cat to become fearful, such as: Lack of socialization as a kitten Being the target of aggression by other animals Pain and illness Being the target of abuse Stressful living conditions (too many cats, dirty conditions, tense family environment, etc.) A move to an unfamiliar environment (new home, being relinquished ...

  When your cat is displaying a behavior problem it’s a very stressful situation for the entire family. The human family members are impacted by whatever issue the cat is going through. I’ve seen cases where the cat’s behavior problem has caused serious tension between spouses and significant others. Cat parents can be brought to tears ...

  When it comes to having an actual physical altercation, cats do everything they can to try to avoid it. The cat who feels backed in a corner with no other option is the one who will engage in a tooth and nail battle. In general, a cat’s first choice is to either take the ...

  We’ve discussed cat feeding habits in several other posts, and we’ve all heard cats referred to as finicky eaters. You might even be living with one yourself. No matter what food you bring home from the store your cat just turns their her nose up at it and gives you a look that says ...

Even though you may not be able to see it, if your cat sprays in your home you can definitely smell it. The unmistakable odor indicates all is not peaceful in your cat’s universe. When a cat sprays, it can put everyone in crisis mode and it can put the cat at risk of being relinquished to ...

  Furniture scratching. So many people are convinced this is a behavior displayed by cats just for the sheer thrill of destroying the living room sofa or treasured antique chair. If you live with a cat who has turned your upholstery into mere shreds, you’re probably at your wit’s end in terms of whether keeping ...

Have you ever found yourself thinking your cat was behaving out of spite or because she’s mad at you? If you have, you’re not alone. This is something I hear on a daily basis when people call our office about a behavior problem. Your Cat Isn’t Being Spiteful The truth is, your cat isn’t planning ...

What are compulsive behaviors? There are repetitive behaviors that don’t have a purpose and interfere with the cat’s ability to function normally. In some cases, compulsive behaviors can actually be physically harmful. Compulsive behavior is often the result of ongoing stress or even boredom. Cats who are exposed to stress on an ongoing basis are ...

  Scent matters to your cat. Scent is your cat’s business card. It also tells your cat valuable information about other cats in the environment. For your cat, scent is a vital communication tool. Being the verbal species that we are, humans don’t truly appreciate the volumes of information provided in scent, but trust me, ...