Cat Behavior & Care Archives

6 Cat Exercises to Keep Kitty Fit and Strong for Life

by Amy Shojai | Feb 8, 2023

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 pet obesity can lead to future health issues like diabetes and arthritis, and that cats can really benefit from three 5-minute intense play periods every day. It’s good for your cat’s mental health, too. On PETMD, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM advises that exercise can reduce anxiety and destructive behavior.

As a certified animal behavior consultant for cats (and dogs), I know that an active pet also has fewer objectionable behaviors. Some cats gobble their food, and pack on the pounds. Crash diets, though, pose risks for cats. If your cat already has a weight problem, check with the veterinarian for healthy tips on how to slim down a tubby tabby.

If you decide to jump into extra daily exercise for your feline family member, start slowly and check with your veterinarian for an all-clear, especially if your cat is overweight, on medication, or is in their senior years.

National Cat Health Month: 11 Ways to Promote Kitty Purrs

by Amy Shojai | Feb 3, 2023

February is National Cat Health Month. In the past, I’ve also written about the CATalyst Council declaring September to be Happy Healthy Cat Month, dedicated to finding ways to keep kitty companions happy, healthy and purring all year long. Keeping cats healthy should be the focus all year long, don’t you think? After all, they offer all kinds of health benefits to us.

Cats love us in countless ways, and we want to return the favor. All cat “parents” want to keep their felines healthy and happy, and I’ve updated my list based on what Karma-Kat demands and I know he needs. Check out the CAT-egorical Enrichment info! In the comments, please let me know which ones you already do — or share some feline favs from your furry crew!

4 Kinds of Cat Aggression, and How To Keep the Peace

by Amy Shojai | Jan 31, 2023

Cat aggression? Yikes! When a snuggle-puss turns into a snarling ball of claws, owners are at a loss to understand or deal with cat aggression. You wonder, why does my cat bite me? Besides hurt feelings, cat aggression can cause injuries or cause the cat to lose a loving home.

Health issues including pain or hyperthyroidism can cause aggression. Any sudden personality change demands a veterinary exam. But cats don’t aggress because they’re mean—they always have a good reason, whether or not it makes sense to humans. Recognize these 4 common types of cat aggression and learn how to keep the peace.

Why Do Pets Suck? Dog & Cat Nursing Behavior

by Amy Shojai | Jan 27, 2023

Do your pets suck? I mean, do your cats nurse on your clothes, or dogs suck toys?

Now you negative-thinking folks out there, just STOP IT! I’m not talking about anything negative about cats, just that some like to–well–use fuzzies as pacifiers. Dogs do it, too.

Pet Chiropractic Care & Back Problems: Home Treatment Tips

by Amy Shojai | Jan 25, 2023

Chiropractic care…do you use it? In the past I’ve had back issues and got relief after visiting my chiropractor. Chiropractic care works as well in pets as in people, too. In fact, many people with performance dogs regularly schedule chiropractic treatments for their canine athletes..

Cat chiropractic care may not happen as often. After all, felines practice their own form of yoga to stay limber. They’re also much lighter weight than many dogs, and perhaps that puts less strain on their bodies. Read on for some home care techniques that can help your pets.

How to Leash Train Cats

by Amy Shojai | Jan 23, 2023

Why would you want to leash train cats and confine kitties from stalking and pouncing? Isn’t that mean? Actually, it’s not cruel, but without proper introduction, it can be a wee bit scary. In my Complete Kitten Care book, I call this LIBERATION TRAINING. Teaching your new cat to walk on a leash is a safety issue, but also means they get to venture beyond the confines of your house and into the yard and beyond.

This week during a cat consult, a pet parent asked about training her cat to walk on a leash. It’s always a good time to revisit the notion. An adult cat won’t automatically understand the concept, though, so this blog not only explains the benefits of leash training to YOU, it also helps you purr-suade your cats to get a new leash on life. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Dog Choking & Cat Choking: First Aid & Pet Heimlich Help

by Amy Shojai | Jan 20, 2023

Have your pets ever choked on something they chew? Shadow-Pup loves to chew up inedible objects, no matter how much we supervise. Learn how to administer the pet Heimlich to save a life!

When Karma-Kat came to live with us, that put lots of cat toys within Magical-Dawg’s reach. Seren had never been too keen on such things and she was already nine years old when Magic came as a puppy. He loved to swipe Seren’s “sparkle-balls” and ended up with sparkly poop. Once Karma’s toys added to the kitty quotient, the big ol’ dog had a field day seeing how many cat toys he could stuff into his jaws.

Bravo played with rocks. And the new puppy Shadow loves to chew sticks. He’s already got one caught in the roof of his mouth. That’s the perfect opportunity for choking, and a need for the pet Heimlich. I hope that we’ll never need it, though. In case you do, read on!

Scaredy Cat? Teaching Shrinking Violet Shy Cats

by Amy Shojai | Jan 16, 2023

Do you have a scaredy cat? Working with fearful and scared cats can be a challenge. Does Sheba hiss at strangers? Does Tom dive under the bed when the doorbell rings? Do your kitties attack other pets (or humans)? What can you do to stop bad behavior if even a mild correction sends the cat into fearful meltdown? Alexa posted her Ask Amy question to my Facebook page, and the answer is in today’s video.

Helping Shy & Scaredy Cats

We often feel that our fur-kids must have been abused and feel bad to make THEM feel bad. But they still need to know limits. One of my favorite ways to train is using positive rewards. Instead of waiting for kitty to scratch the wrong object and then interrupting the behavior–why not REWARD her when she scratches the RIGHT object?

Using kitty clicker training can also build confidence in shy cats by teaching them what happens is in their paws. Here are more tips for dealing with scared cats.

Cat Neatness Freaks: How & Why Cats Groom

by Amy Shojai | Jan 13, 2023

Does your cat groom nonstop? We cherish the cat’s fastidious nature but did you ever wonder why cats groom? Neatnik behavior goes beyond looking good. Did you know in this hot weather, cats also groom to stay cool and prevent heatstroke?

How and why cats groom impacts physical, emotional, and social health. My Karma-Kat even tries to groom his best friend, Bravo-Dawg. The instinct starts during kittenhood and lasts a lifetime. Of course, some cats get dingy when cats don’t groom, and there are reasons for that as well.

Grooming is a barometer of kitty health. Cats that feel bad often stop grooming, or lick and pull fur out due to stress or pain. Consider an unthrifty appearance or “barbering” themselves bald a kitty cry for vet care. Cats often need help in the grooming department—especially longhair beauties. Here are 5 common reasons why cats groom.

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Dog Taste Buds: What Flavor Do Dogs Love?

Do dogs have taste buds? Yes! But do dogs care about taste? Again, they clearly have flavor preferences. Of course, we know some of the odd and nasty weird stuff dogs eat—I really do need to record an Ask Amy about why dogs drink out of the toilet—but do they actually taste such things? How dogs taste remains a mystery in many ways.

Dogs taste sense mirrors that of humans, one reason your dogs beg for yummies from the table. For young dogs, smell of the food seems to trump taste. With some dogs, dirty socks might be a flavor enhancer . . . Read on, to learn what tastes dogs love, hate, and more!

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 in just a few days. 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.

In mid-2020, we multiplied our pet-love quotient by welcoming Shadow-Pup into the house. He arrived at a time when we really had no plans for another pet and struggled with the reality of dealing with Bravo-Dawg-s cancer (sadly, he lost his battle, but his love lives on). And Karma-Kat welcomed the pup, too–but for Bravo, the added attention/distraction helped enormously as he went through scary treatment, losing a leg, dealing with pain, and more. So I’m adding another way pets show love–by showing up when you need them!

Valentines Pet Dangers: TOP 5 Pet Safety Tips for Valentines Day

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.

6 Cat Exercises to Keep Kitty Fit and Strong for Life

Perfect Pairings: Picking the Pet 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.

National Cat Health Month: 11 Ways to Promote Kitty Purrs

5 Quick Tips for Saving Puppy Love Memories

Did you know instantly that your dog was for you as soon as you saw them? When I first met Bravp-Dawg, I knew we were meant for each other! Out of a huge litter, he was the only red boy and the smallest at 30 pounds at 12 weeks old. Bravo sat on my lap during the car ride home–and vomited all over me. Yep, we were meant for each other.

Our first few months together flew by. Just like all new dog parents, those early puppy-love days with Bravo were joyous and frustrating, as we introduced him to Karma-Kat (thank doG the cat loved dogs!), and dealt with a pony-size pup. We didn’t know our life together would only last a few short years, so I still treasure all the memories of those early days.

Here are some of the things I did (and some I wish I did) to celebrate those first few months and develop our lifelong bond.

4 Kinds of Cat Aggression, and How To Keep the Peace

Why Do Pets Suck? Dog & Cat Nursing Behavior

Do your pets suck? I mean, do your cats nurse on your clothes, or dogs suck toys?

Now you negative-thinking folks out there, just STOP IT! I’m not talking about anything negative about cats, just that some like to–well–use fuzzies as pacifiers. Dogs do it, too.

Pet Chiropractic Care & Back Problems: Home Treatment Tips

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