Why, when I am petting my cat, does she turn around and bite me? This type of behavior in cats is usually quite confusing to owners. Initially the cat acts like they enjoy the physical contact and may even purr and rub against the person. However, after a variable period of time, the cat may become agitated and turn and …
Using Reinforcement and Rewards to Train Your Pet
The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement and rewards while simultaneously avoiding punishment. The goal of training is to “learn” the proper task and/or behavior. First, you must be able to get the pet to perform the desired behavior reliably. Then, add a cue or command prior to the behavior, so that …
Nocturnal Activity in Cats
Why does my cat seem to be most active at nights? Some cats are active at night, or are awake and “raring to go” very early in the morning. Since many owners are out at work or school during the day, the cat may spend the daytime hours in rest and relaxation, especially if it is the only pet in …
Cat Behavior and Training — Play and Play Toys
What should I be looking for when I am buying toys for my cat? The toys that you choose for your cat must take into account the natural behavior of the species. Often, the simple ones are the best and ones that offer unpredictable movement, rapid movement and high-pitched sound are likely to provide your cat with hours of entertainment. …
Cat Behavior and Training — Enrichment for Indoor Cats
I want to get a cat, but I live on a very busy main road, so I am thinking of keeping it indoors. Is that cruel? There are many circumstances in which keeping a cat indoors may be safer for the cat and therefore, arguably, better for the cat. Indoor cats are at lower risk for injuries associated with the …
Cat Behavior and Training — Crate Training and Travel
Why are cats so reluctant to travel? Cats are highly attached to territory, and movement away from that secure base is not something that is undertaken lightly! Traveling in cars, planes and other forms of human transportation can be a very stressful experience for all concerned, in part because the cat is no longer in control of its own experience. …
Behavior Management — Enrichment and Activity Toys
Why use activity toys? Dogs are natural scavengers and hunters so the use of food based activity toys is natural and stimulating. Activity toys have a variety of uses in behavior modification programs. Activity toys are useful to redirect an energetic puppy, provide stimulating challenges for a senior pet or provide a more desirable behavior for a dog with separation …
Moving to a New Home with Cats
Moving into a new home may be one of the most rewarding, but stressful events in anyone’s life. If you have a cat, there are some things you may want to consider in order to reduce her anxiety, minimize problems, and help her settle in. How do I manage the move to our new home? Before the move, fit your …
Cats and Litter Boxes — The Golden Rules of Problem Prevention
Since you are reading this, it is a good bet that you live with a cat or are thinking about adding a new cat to your household. If so, you are among a growing number of people who have discovered the wonderful world of felines as pets. Cats are not difficult to care for as long as you fulfill their …
Cat Behavior Problems — House Soiling
House soiling or feline inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners. The problem may be urine and/or stool deposited outside of the litter box, or marking behaviors. When cats urinate on vertical surfaces, it is known as spraying or marking. Usually the cat backs up to a vertical surface, raises its tail, which may quiver, treads …
