Archives for Behavior tips

How to greet a cat. Cat edition.

How to greet a cat. Cat edition.

March 2, 2021 | Comments Off on How to greet a cat. Cat edition.

In the animal welfare world, we talk a lot about consent for touch with dogs, but this theory applies as much to cats as to dogs. You’ll often hear a cat parent say something like, “He likes attention, but only on his terms,” and to some, that is thought of as a bad thing, making cats less desirable as pets. The truth is that all of our pets at home deserve the same respect, the choice to move away when they want to, and to seek attention on their terms, without labeling them as “difficult,” which is often how we
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Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!

Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!

September 4, 2020 | Comments Off on Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!

  Most dogs enjoy petting, but even the cuddliest dog has times when simply not in the mood!  Prolonged touching can be overstimulating to some dogs, and can make others uncomfortable or stressed.  When dogs don’t feel able to move away – which they may not when in physical contact with us – they may resort to telling us to back off in less desirable ways. Give dogs a way of “opting in” to social contact by using the “3-second rule” of petting.  Pet for no more than three seconds, then stop.  Does the dog nudge you or move into
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Troubleshooting Cat to Cat or Kitten to Cat Introductions

Troubleshooting Cat to Cat or Kitten to Cat Introductions

June 11, 2020 | Comments Off on Troubleshooting Cat to Cat or Kitten to Cat Introductions

The decision to adopt a new cat or kitten is a big one, especially when you’ve already got an adult cat or two in the home. Folks often say that adopting a young cat or kitten can help an adult cat who’s lost a feline companion or can invigorate an adult or even elderly cat but, often, this can lead to a strong stress response in the adult, resident cat. An adult cat with an unknown history with other cats, an elderly cat who’s been the only cat for a long time, or even a cat who’s lived with other
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Cat Clicker Training Basics

Cat Clicker Training Basics

June 10, 2020 | Comments Off on Cat Clicker Training Basics

How to Introduce Your Cat to Clicker Training (Beginner Guide) What do you need?  A clicker  A cat  A relatively quiet space  Some very exciting treats or wet food. The treats should be broken up into small, pea sized pieces.    It’s important that you use food or treats that your cat truly loves, and, if possible, save that food motivator for the times that you’re training with your cat. Cats can be picky, your cat may change his mind about what he loves most, so you may need to swap treats or wet food out often to keep him interested. You can use a spoon to offer wet food, if your cat is
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How to Help Your Door Dashing Cat

How to Help Your Door Dashing Cat

June 9, 2020 | Comments Off on How to Help Your Door Dashing Cat

  Does your cat lie in wait for you to open any door to the outside world? Perhaps your cat is quite obvious about this, always lounging at this door, making a break for it as soon as you open the door? Or, is your cat the kind who hides somewhere nearby, running at full speed from his hiding spot once the door is open? Does your cat run for freedom as soon as you open the door, arms full of groceries, unable to stop him? Why does your cat do this and what can you do to help diminish the
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Cat Enrichment Ideas During Times of Change or Stress

Cat Enrichment Ideas During Times of Change or Stress

May 7, 2020 | Comments Off on Cat Enrichment Ideas During Times of Change or Stress

[print-me]   It’s been an uncertain time for all of us – including the kitties in our lives. We’re home more and our cats are likely wondering why their nap schedule has been suddenly thrown off by human intervention.  Cats thrive on schedule/routine, and even if they’re used to you being home, they’re likely not used to you being home ALL of the time, and their normalcy can be easily disrupted.  Cats may respond to this change in many ways, like being active at times they’re usually not (cat suddenly waking you up at night?), vocalizing more than normal, seeking
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Dogs and Masks

Dogs and Masks

May 6, 2020 | Comments Off on Dogs and Masks

[print-me]   There is no doubt, the recent weeks have been strange and stressful for all of us.  Coming months will also likely bring more changes and adjustments in our lifestyles for both us and our pets.   One of the new sights that you might increasingly be encountering out on walks may be people wearing CDC-recommended face masks or other facial coverings.  You may be getting used to this new sight yourself, so imagine how strange it may look to your canine companion, who is suddenly wondering why humans look so different.   Help your dog out by getting
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