Cat Behavior & Care Archives

How To Pet Proof Your Holidays with 11 Life-Saving Tips

by Amy Shojai | Dec 17, 2025

Do you pet proof for the holidays? Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations are popular times to break out the holiday trimmings, not just in terms of munchies, but decorations, too. There ARE safe foods for cats and dogs, but dangers abound as well.

Holiday homes become pet playgrounds at this time of year. Cats like our new Trinity-Kitten delight in un-decking the halls and climbing the tree. Dogs like our Shadow-Pup want to eat decorations and baptize the tree. The result is a Christmas that’s anything but merry. Refer to these tips to keep your pets safe and your holiday happy. Read on for tips!

Pet Holiday Visits? 10 Tips to Keep Tails Wagging

by Amy Shojai | Dec 16, 2025

Are pet holiday visits in your travel plans? Family gatherings are a big part of the holidays, and pets double the fun—and the stress. Here are tips for keeping your cat calm during the holidays, and read on for more tips.

Cat Enrichment, How & Why to Stimulate A Cat Brain

by Amy Shojai | Dec 10, 2025

From time to time, I receive queries from other journalists asking for interviews on a variety of pet-centric topics. I’ve written extensively on the subject of cat enrichment, which helps stimulate kitty brains and keeps them healthy. For example, scent enrichment for your cat can help stimulate the kitty brain. Here’s a recap with some new information along the way.

New Puppy Introductions: New Pets Enrich Furry Lives

by Amy Shojai | Dec 4, 2025

Did you adopt a new pet over the holidays? New puppy introduction to pets — in my case, dog to cat and puppy to dog introductions — is one kind of dog school that everyday dog obedience classes may not teach. While dog to dog introductions are a bit easier in some ways, puppy to cat introductions work very well when both pets are supervised. Puppy school starts in your home with basic dog training. When it involves a smaller pet like a resident cat, safety is also an issue.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020, a stray puppy showed up at our house. We didn’t plan on a new pet, especially since Bravo-Dawg developed major health challenges. As it turned out, Bravo adopted the new baby as his very own comfort-pup. Here’s how to introduce pups to adult dogs so they become fast friends.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

by Amy Shojai | Dec 3, 2025

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat, Trinity-Kitty and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

13 Pet Holiday Dangers to Avoid: How to Keep Cats & Dogs Safe

by Amy Shojai | Nov 29, 2025

I write about pet holiday dangers every year. This listicle (and a fun infographic at the bottom) offers more than a dozen problems. I’ve included links to more detailed information for those wanting a deeper dive on all the must-knows for pet holiday safety!

“Cat-mas” Gift Book: Christmas Cat Legend

by Amy Shojai | Nov 28, 2025

Several years ago, an editor friend urged me to turn this story into a children’s book. But (as those who read my thrillers understand) I don’t write for kids! Children are, IMO, the toughest audience of all.

But I do love the story. My friend passed away not long after I’d worked with her on another of her terrific pet-theme anthologies.

People, and ideas, come to us for a reason and so I followed the suggestion. Better late than never, right? This gift book, not specifically a “kids book,” I offer as a story for people of ALL ages who love Christmas…and cats.

Share the joy of the season with a heartwarming, original telling of the very first Christmas in this gorgeous full-color gift book for cat lovers of all ages!

Counting Thanksgiving Blessings, the Pet Writer Way in 2025

by Amy Shojai | Nov 27, 2025

Time for my annual Count My Blessings post. The past year has meant change, change, and more change, and that’s good and also challenging. But some things never change…I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog, the cat book lovers, and the dog book lovers, and folks who have “adopted” my thriller series. And those who offered awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned…

How to Create A Cat Safe Christmas Tree

by Amy Shojai | Nov 26, 2025

Cat safe Christmas tree? Is there any other kind? I post this blog every year and — with Shadow-Pup & Trinity-Kitten now in the house, I’ve decided to forgo the Christmas tree this year. Sometimes you have to choose your battles. Here’s how to do it, though–and I may give in and give it a try after all!

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Cat in Heat Behavior, What to Know About Feline Estrus

Recently, a friend contacted me about her cat in heat. She wanted to know about a cat in heat behavior, how long are cats in heat, if cats in heat feel pain, and what to do to relieve the cat’s discomfort until spay surgery. Cats in heat signs include several distinctive behaviors common to feline estrus (the technical term). In fact, her newly adopted girl, although she looked too young, had already had kittens (they didn’t survive), and now loudly proclaimed Kitty’s determination to repeat the process.

I planned to refer my friend to one of my blogs—and instead realized I hadn’t specifically addressed cats in heat behavior, feline reproduction, and what to know about cat estrus. Yes, I write about this in my Complete Kitten Care and Cat Facts books in more detail, and now you get the kitty Cliff’s notes here.

World Spay Day and Pros & Cons of Dog Neutering

Every year, the last Tuesday in February we celebrate World Spay Day! Yes, actually, there really are both pros and cons to dog neutering and puppy sterilization that may surprise you. It did me. After all, we’ve heard from animal welfare advocates for years preaching the gospel of spay/neuter. Heck, I preached this myself and for the majority of dogs and cats (ESPECIALLY cats!), “the big fix” is the best thing that ever happens to them.

There’s evidence, though, that the pros and cons of dog neutering are not so black and white….

Perfect Pairings: Picking the Pup with the Right Personality for You

Just like humans, every pet has a particular personality. Some are naturally active, ready for adventure, and eager to see what you’re up to. Others are more laid back and offer all the chill vibes. Puppy personality and development changes over weeks, too. But because every pet is unique, it’s important to look for a furry partner who shares a love of your lifestyle!

Before you rush out and adopt the cutest pet you find, think about what kind of pet personality would be a great match so you can share lots of love and fun times for years to come. Sometimes puppy temperament tests can help you predict the perfect puppy match.

6 Cat Exercises to Keep Kitty Fit and Strong for Life

It’s time to get physical! Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your cat as it is for you. I have a desk treadmill so I can get in some steps while checking and answering email. The Pet Health Network points out that …

The Science Behind Pet Personalities: Why Your Dog Acts the Way It Does

From time to time, I discover organizations and individuals that stand out in amazing, passionate ways. They have vision and purpose to help pets–and those who love them–in unique ways. To honor them and the great work they do, I host them on this blog. Today, WAGGLE.org shares terrific information about ways to understand our dogs–and be sure to check out WAGGLE.org, a unique crowd-funding source dedicated to pets and people needing emergency help with vet bills.

Celebrating Valentines Day the Furry Way: Gifts for Pets and Pet Lovers

Valentine’s Day is the purr-fect tail-wagging time to show some love to your furry family. Here are some fun gift ideas for you and your pets.

National Love Your Pet Day: 15 Ways How Pets Show Love

At my house, I see how pets show love every day. If you wonder, how do I make my cat love me, it’s easy! February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day, but Valentine’s Day comes soon. At my house, pet love happens EVERY day. Whether you love your pet with special attention, treats and toys or lap snuggles, pet love has become a given in our pet-friendly society.

9 Dental Issues You Share With Your Cats and Dogs

Pet dental problems rate as important to cats and dogs as your own dental issues are for you. Could your dog’s breath melt your glasses? Does your cat’s smile look like five miles of bad road? Pet dental problems are surprisingly similar to their owners’ dental issues. ..

Valentine’s Day: Pet Danger Advice

I’m often interviewed by media about various cat behavior and dog training issues, and of course, Valentine’s pet dangers top the list this week. Pet hazards are common when our normal routine goes out the window, so pet parents are vigilant around the holidays. Refer to this post about Easter dangers for pets. And don’t forget that pet safety issues for Christmas are similar to those for Valentine’s Day but it’s always good to refresh our watch list.

My Cat & Dog Hates My Date! Valentines Tips For Pets Lovers

Valentine’s Day means love is in the air. But all too often, I hear the lament, “My cat hates my date!” (or the dog hates the boyfriend). Here’s what you can do to add affection to the equation.

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