Showing posts with label behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label behavior. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

How to Correct Aggressive Behavior When Introducing a New Cat

Cats become territorial with age. It becomes more difficult to introduce a new cat in a household where one cat has already established its territory. Of course, it is best to either bring different cats into a household at the same time, to introduce them as kittens or to stick with litter mates who are already familiar with one another. However, things do not always work out that way.

You may already have a cat that is bringing so much joy and happiness to your home that you want to add to that joy by bringing in another cat. Before doing so, it is important to recognize that your first cat has already established its territory, and will view the new cat as an intruder. If you are not careful, this could lead to unwanted cat behavior, even an aggressive cat. The following five tips will help you introduce a new cat to your household successfully.

1. The first step is to familiarize the cats with one another. To do this you must use the following methods of socialization, isolation and reverse isolation. Socialization allows your cats to interact and to become familiar with one another. For new cats, you should supervise such socialization periods. When the cats are not socializing then you must keep them separated and in isolation. Once your cats become more familiar with one another, you can then use reverse isolation where you leave the cats alone together for progressively longer periods until they no longer act aggressively.

2. If your cats are acting aggressively, it is always important to catch them in the act and deal with the behavior immediately. A loud noise is useful as a way to break up unwanted cat behavior and is a great tool to stop bad cat behavior. This is only useful, however, if you catch your cat in the act of doing something unacceptable and use a loud noise immediately. A quick response will help the cat associate its bad behavior to the punishment.

3. Give your cat's options when it comes to food dishes, water dishes, litter boxes, cat toys, and sleeping areas. This allows your cats to make their own territories and helps to avoid having your cats fight with one another. It also helps to avoid cat confusion.

4. Never physically punish your cat. This creates more problems than solutions and has long-term effects creating more bad behavior. If you physically abuse your cat, it will learn to associate you with the abuse. Your cat will become scared of you and will no longer be the cuddly little cat it once was.

5. Stay consistent and always be patient since It may take weeks, even a couple of months for your cats to familiarize themselves with one other and become sociable. The wait is frustrating but being patient will pay off.

I have been a pet owner all of my life and for the last thirty years my wife and I have raised over a dozen cats. Please visit my website at: http://tipsaboutcats.com/ is your information source for their health, diet, disposition, and exercise. We even show the basics of making your own cat toys and condos. All tips and proceeds from this website is contributed to our local animal shelter who is short of funds from the county. I have a number of recommended natural food, supplements, products and books that are in my store which will save you time hunting on the web for at http://tipsaboutcats.com/store/. There are two expert interviews in the blog pages that are must reads because they will answer most of your questions and concerns about natural cat health and diet. Please feel free to leave comments on my website where you will also find links to me on Facebook and Twitter.


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Sunday, November 20, 2011

What Constitutes Bad Cat Behavior?

It is interesting that you can hear one person talk about the bad cat behavior that they are dealing with while someone else assumes this is perfectly normal behavior because they deal with it every day. Although some behaviors may be up for debate whether they are really bad or not, there are some things that cats do that can make anyone's ears turn a little red.

Please do NOT Lift the Leg!

You know you are doomed when you see that leg go up! Cat spraying is one of the worst behaviors to have to deal with. Urine stains found on walls and furniture at about nose-level are signs that your cat is marking his territory, frustrated, stressed or letting others know his status in the home.

If your cat sprays, figure out the reason and address it immediately or else it will turn into a serious problem. Once it's done a few times, it turns into a behavioral trait which is harder to change. Scrub, scrub, scrub and neutralize!

Scratching

Little Lovebug doesn't seem to quite fit her name when you come home to shredded curtains, furniture and window screens now does it? Cats need to scratch so if you are not providing something to use, they will find something themselves; plain and simple. You may be interested to learn that just like a dog; you can trim or file your cat's claws if you are very careful. Ask your vet to show you how or take your cat for a manicure. Maybe she needs a little pampering! Of course, a new scratching post won't hurt either!

Put that Tongue Away!

While a little lick here and there may seem sweet and innocent, some cats will start licking a lot. Not only can their rough tongue irritate your skin, it can damage wood surfaces. Also, it should be noted that cats that lick more than normal are more prone to bite when irritated as well.

If there is a spot on the wood arm of your chair or the coffee table that your cat consistently revisits to lick, spray a little lemon juice on it and it won't seem so appealing anymore; just the mere smell will often keep them away.

Stealth Attack

There is a huge difference between pouncing because the cat wants to play and you have a toy compared to the cat that stalks your feet, jumps at your ankles as you walk by and might even bite or scratch. While you may think that this is normal behavior because cats have a strong prey instinct, it's not! This is actually most commonly seen in single-cat homes, especially those that are left alone a lot. Yes, cats are independent but they still want companionship. If you are gone all day, come home and leave to go to dinner, run errands, etc., and don't spend time with your cat, consider getting a second one. Really, how much room do they take up anyway?

Biting

No amount of cat biting is cute! Cats bite hard, even when they are just giving you a warning nibble and these types of bites are prone to infection. Cats will bite for many different reasons; frustration, redirected aggression, pain or illnesses are all common causes. Sometimes, they bite because they just don't want to be petted anymore! Watch for subtle signals like twitching ears or tail or a stiff body and you can avoid feeling the pain of this bad cat behavior.

Sonia Manning provides interesting information, helpful tips and useful resources about cats and their behaviors.

For more on cat's problem behaviors, go to http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/cats-problem-behavior.html.

Visit her website at http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/ for more topics, and solutions for problem cat behaviors. You can also receive free an 8-day Email Mini-Course on "Secrets About Your Cat's Behavior: Why He Does the Things He Does!"


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Friday, November 18, 2011

What Type of Strange Cat Behavior Do You Deal With?

If you have a cat, strange behavior is probably something that you deal with daily. However, while you may think your cat's actions are a little odd, there may be a good reason why he's doing what he does. If you ask around, you may also find that other cat owners are dealing with the exact same behavior so maybe it's not as strange as you assume it is!

Human Hair Chewing - Do you wake up to your cat chewing on your hair? This is a lot more common than you think! Adult cats often do this as an affectionate way of grooming you the way a mother would to her kittens. Interestingly, this behavior is more prevalent in Siamese and other Asian breeds because they are typically more anxious; chewing hair is calming to them.

Head Butting - Ever wonder why your cat head butts you, the dog's nose or sometimes himself in the full length mirror? This is nothing more than a sign of affection. He wants to be petted or wants some type of attention.

Elevated Butt - Why when you're petting your cat does he stick his butt up in the air? Why can't he just stay flat? Well, some believe that this is a plea to please scratch that hard to reach spot at the base of their tail. Others say it is just an invitation to interact; a declaration of friendship.

Rolling - No, your cat doesn't think he's a dog, rolling is a very common behavior. Rolling spreads a scent, rolling in this scent is comforting. It can also represent submission or a cry for attention or your cat could just need a massage.

Poop in the Sink - Thought you were the only one, right? You're not! Many cats who are trained in their litter box decide to start doing their business in the sink or bathtub. This could be stress, instinct, cry for attention due to illness or he could just be trying to emulate his master. Most cats follow their humans to the bathroom; it only makes sense that some would try to be like them.

Eating Grass - Do you have a cat who cries to go outside just to eat a few blades of grass and then comes right back in? You may even notice that your cat nibbles at a few blades before choosing one to eat. Some experts suggest that there are some vitamins in grass that cats seek, others say it offers fiber to help move out hairballs. Of course, there is also the argument that they simply like the taste.

Immediate Cleaning - Do you get offended when your cat cleans himself right after you petted him? Well, do you think your dog gets offended when you wipe his big slobbery kiss away? Some cats simply don't like to have human scents on them; it doesn't mean that they don't appreciate the affection though.

Faucet Drinking - Even though you change the water in bowls several times a day, some cats simply enjoy drinking from the faucet. It's really not that the water is fresh; it's the sight and sound of dripping water that intrigues them. Some cats even go into a trance watching it drip.

All cats have their own peculiar things that they do. The only time you really need to be concerned is if an adult cat all of a sudden starts acting odd, this could be a sign of illness and that they need veterinary attention. For the most part, strange cat behavior is simply your feline's way of being unique.

Sonia Manning provides interesting information, helpful tips and useful resources about cats and their behaviors.

Visit her website at http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/ for more topics, and solutions for problem cat behaviors. You can also receive free an 8-day Email Mini-Course on "Secrets About Your Cat's Behavior: Why He Does the Things He Does!"


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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Top ten behavior cat myths and misconceptions

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MYTH #1 - My cat urinates outside of the litter box because they are mad at me. It happens most frequently when I go away, so I know for sure that it's done out of spite.

FALSE! While it is true that cats can develop behavioral problems involving inappropriate elimination, the most common causes of urination outside of the litter box are medical ones. Frequently subclinical medical problems flare-up during times of stress, and indeed they may become clinically evident for the very first time during a period of stress. Stress adversely affects the immune system and exacerbates underlying disease(s). Stress also heightens pain perception, and in so doing, can exacerbate out-of-the-box behavior caused by underlying medical issues which cause pain.

Cats who experience any sort of discomfort while eliminating, whether it occurs during urination or defecation, quickly learn to associate that discomfort with the litter box itself (a fairly logical conclusion!). For instance, cats who have bladder stones, urinary crystals, urinary infections, bladder inflammation, constipation, or diarrhea, will often start urinating and/or defecating outside of the box. By bringing your cat to your veterinarian and discussing the problem with them, you can discover what the most likely cause for your cat's behavior is. Some medical tests will likely need to be run in order to confirm or exclude certain medical issues as the underlying cause of the problem.

When medical diseases are not responsible for the problem at hand, the next most common culprit is that there is a sub-par litter box situation in the home. Click the link to read advice on giving your cat the best feline bathroom options possible - your kitty will thank you! And again, this is a subject that your veterinarian can help you with; sometimes the answer is as simple as adding one more litter box to your home!

MYTH #2 - My older cat caterwauls at night and makes a huge fuss because they're not getting attention once I've gone to bed.

FALSE! There are a couple of very common medical problems that cause caterwauling in older cats, particularly at night. It is not unusual to hear clients with geriatric cats complain of being woken up at 4 AM from their cat's incessant meowing.

This behavior is frequently noted in cats that suffer from hyperthyroidism, elevated blood pressure, blindness or decreased night vision, and also cats that are experiencing dementia as they age. All of these problems require immediate medical attention from a veterinarian, so if your cat is keeping you up at night with their caterwauling, you are likely not the only one suffering in this situation it is time for a trip to your veterinarian!

MYTH #3 - My cat vomits food and/or has diarrhea when they're stressed, particularly if there are visitors in my home. I don't take my cat to the vet when this happens since it seems to be just a stress behavior.

FALSE! Unless under extreme, acutely stressful situations that incite a response called a vasovagal reaction, cats do not normally vomit or have diarrhea solely due to stress.

Again, stress can exacerbate underlying diseases, particularly disorders that are immune related such as inflammatory bowel disease, a common condition seen in domestic kitties. If your cat is vomiting, regurgitating, or experiencing diarrhea or constipation periodically, particularly when stressed, it is quite likely that there is a medical issue present, one that has been subclinical for a period of time.

MYTH #4 - Cats aren't trainable!

FALSE! Contrary to popular belief, cats are quite trainable, and similarly to dogs, they benefit greatly from the mental stimulation provided by learning to do tricks. Use positive reinforcement when cats naturally display the desired behaviors, and for food motivated kitties include reward with treats and include them as part of their daily caloric intake.

Clicker training is an excellent method of training to achieve reliable results. Karen Pryor's clicker training website is a good place to start (although please do not clicker train your cat to use the toilet: it's not a good idea to deny your cat the ability to express their natural behaviours). Think how impressed your friends will be when they visit and see that your cat knows how to sit and shake paw!

MYTH #5 - My older kitty has started getting aggressive when I brush their hind end so I'm pretty sure my cat is getting cranky and mean from aging.

FALSE! Many cats become aggressive when a particular body part is patted or brushed if they are experiencing discomfort from it. The lower back and hips are common areas in which this phenomenon is seen because as cats age and many develop lumbosacral and hip arthritis a cranky reaction to grooming an older cat's derriere may signify that it is time for an orthopedic assessment at the veterinary clinic!

MYTH #6 - My cat has licked their abdomen bald because they have an obsessive compulsive disorder.

FALSE! While it is true that excessive grooming behavior can be a compulsive disorder in certain kitties, the abdomen is a less common body area than some others for behavioral over-grooming, and it is much more frequently a sign of abdominal discomfort or pain. This abdominal pattern of baldness can also be the result of an underlying dermatological issue.

When the bald area is between your cat's hind legs in the pelvic area, it very commonly signifies bladder and urinary pain such as seen with idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, urinary crystals, and urinary tract infections. Occasionally pelvic over-grooming is also associated with hyperthyroidism in affected cats. When the bald area is more generalized to the abdomen or is higher up than, and does not include, the pelvis it generally signifies gastric or intestinal discomfort such as seen with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasitism, eosinophilic enteritis, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A kitty who over-grooms their underside should always be examined by a veterinarian so that medical problems can be ruled out prior to concluding that the issue is behavioral.

MYTH #7 - My older cat is defecating outside of the litter box, even though I added another one upstairs. They're likely doing this because of stubbornness, laziness, or senility.

FALSE! There are a variety of common medical problems that can result in inappropriate defecation, particularly in older cats. While it is always appropriate to have a litter box on each floor, especially for old and arthritic cats, there are still many other medical and circumstantial reasons for why cats will do this, so you cannot conclude that they are just being naughty and/or senile cats!

Any type of discomfort experienced while in the litter box will result in an aversion to using it, so urinary issues, diarrhea, and constipation can all cause this behavior. Additionally, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, high blood pressure, and many other diseases can cause inappropriate elimination. While it is possible for senility to play a role here as well, other medical problems must be ruled out first. This means discussing the issue with your veterinarian and having your elderly cat fully examined and tested for common health conditions.

MYTH #8 - Placing a bell on the collar of my outdoor cat will prevent them from being able to hunt and kill prey.

FALSE! Cats can easily learn to stalk without jingling their collar bells, so this does not necessarily prevent them from successful hunting ventures. The only foolproof solution is to keep your cat indoors or to use a safe outdoor solution such as leash walking your kitty or setting up a cat enclosure in which your cat can enjoy the outdoors.

MYTH #9 - I have more than one cat in my household. My cats have always shared food and water dishes without any problems, so it must be fine.

FALSE! While you may not witness any signs of competition between your cats, it's always best for each cat in every household to have at least one water and one food dish of their own. This prevents guarding of the dishes by dominant cats, and that in general your cats will be less likely to overeat or to eat too quickly in an effort to out-compete each other and finish their meal before another cat comes over and eats it.

Cats should not be fed side by side, but rather on opposite sides of the room, to avoid this type of stress. Even though you may not be aware that one or more of your cats' experiences anxiety about the situation, does not mean that they are not distressed at meal times.

MYTH #10 - My cat lets me know when they're hungry, so I don't have a regular feeding schedule for my cat, and this is okay.

FALSE! While many cats will alert their owners to their hunger, and can even serve as militant alarm clocks in some cases(!), cats are creatures of habit, and they much prefer having reliable feeding times.

Having a haphazard feeding schedule can be a significant source of stress for a cat that negatively impacts their quality of life, irrespective of whether or not they are actually able to communicate their stress to you.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/ and set up a membership - it's fast and free!


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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

About cat aggressive behavior

Cats are adorable and cuddly. But they can be also aggressive animals. There are a few reasons why they have such behavior, and there are also things you can do to cope with such display by your cat.

These animals are predatory, and they can sacrifice on birds, rats, and a few more animals, which are generally considered less than they. Although we this behavior in them, as responsible owner can delete not must we still ensure that we control their aggressive behavior and prevent our children, family members and neighbors getting injured as a result of this behavior.

Also, notice this behavior if your cats play with each other. Then there are some cats, not with each other for a time been, making them feel and trust each other. Such a situation causes that they become as seem to be on the edge and so aggressive.

If you have started to worry about your cat if they are still kittens, you have the option to start it early training. Cats are at an early stage have been domesticated typically less aggressive as these cats, such as on the streets grow left been, have.

Aggressive cats can show potentially dangerous actions and behaviors when they play. These cats stalk and sometimes attack unless it abandoned to playful mood have. To train less aggressively, you can ensure that you do not tolerate their behavior.

You can carry your cat make a collar with a Bell. This allows you to find them easily. When they begin to stalk see you or someone else, you can also, clap your hands or make a loud noise to get their attention. If you have done this successfully, they are more what they are doing.

Some cats feel, as they need me, to protect their territories. They will feel aggressive, when a person or other cat tries to get into an area they, as they have. Their cats that supported aggression have territory can loud and distinctive sounds to be heard. When faced with a different cat, it can hiss and also snarl.

This behavior can be controlled with a few strategies. If you need to introduce a new Cat in the House, you can your cat already there living should be restricted by the new Cat in a room on the first day, prevent aggressive behavior. This room has one be, that the old cat is not frequent. Then you start on the next few days exposing them from one room to another.

They must also them separately on the first days, a week or two meals. If you they are fighting each other, need to separate them and take to separate them room until they have calmed.

Cats that can as mothers be, showing the most aggressive. To avoid getting in trouble, make sure that keep her kittens with her or in its vicinity. You also have not an other cat nearby, especially one that are unfamiliar to her.

Enjoys the cat beds and cat write bed Ella Hall for Thecatpetshop.com as well as a variety of additional products sold.


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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A brief history of the domestic cat and understanding your cat behavior

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Understanding normal cat behavior is essential when establishing and cultivating a relationship with your feline that is mutually rewarding. Being in tune with the your cat's behaviors and how they communicate with you enables you in maintaining and continually improving your cat's quality of life.

Cats are just like small dogs, aren't they?

Definitely not! Cats are very social creatures, BUT their social behaviors and communication methods differ greatly from dogs.

Are cats always solitary creatures?

Not always! While it's true that cats are not 'pack' animals like dogs, the domestic cat is not as solitary an animal as was once believed. Domestic cats frequently DO live in social groups. Group living may be by choice (e.g. feral cat colonies) or may be secondary to circumstances beyond their control (e.g. multi-cat households).

The number of cats within feline colonies varies significantly; cats may live in large colonies and develop unique relationships with various colony members, or they may live in small, modest colonies. Cat groups typically form hierarchies, and strange new cats are not always welcome to the group: in fact, unfamiliar cats are frequently chased away, and it can be a long, difficult road for a cat to achieve acceptance into a group.

Thus, while it is true that cats can, and do, live happy solitary lives, they are ALWAYS solitary creatures. Many kitties are content to live alone, but now we also know that cats DO form social living groups too. What is the moral of the story? Cats have very flexible social requirements; cats are not only physically flexible, but companionably as well!

Cats have remained the way nature & evolution intended them to be - purrrfect!

Unlike dogs, today's domestic cat (non-purebred cat) is not far removed from its original ancestors with respect to its physique and behavior, and this is part of the cat's charm and appeal. Until recently cats have been lucky enough to have escaped humankind's desire to create "breeds" through inbreeding and selection for genetic mutations. While there now do exist cats that are bred for deformities, specific types of coats (or lack thereof), certain behavioral traits, and so on, the majority of today's cat population is made up of healthy, normal, and beautiful cats.

African Wild Cat descent

Modern cats are thought to have descended from African Wild Cats which are still found in deserts throughout Africa. Ancient Egyptians had significant influence on the domestication of the African Wild Cat because they revered felines and considered them to be sacred animals. In Europe, Christianity lowered cats' status but cats did succeed eventually in becoming popular domestic pets for the purpose of rodent control. Over time, the African Wild Cat hybridized with the jungle cat and European Wild Cat.

Behavioral development

Cats are often considered to form stronger attachments to their environment than dogs, and to then form secondary social bonds to the humans and animals within their environments (although many of us cat owners would beg to differ!). Many cats do not cope well with changes in their environments. Cats' ability to cope with new stimuli is strongly influenced by their genetic inheritance. There are two broad genetic categories of cats with respect to 1) capability to face novel situations and animate beings, and 2) the tendency to respond to these stimuli with aggressive behavior versus acceptance.

Neophilic cats have a significant tolerance for novel stimuli (both animate and inanimate) and neophobic cats are those that do not. But, despite the fact that both aggression and tolerance for novel situations have a genetic basis, owners can help decrease their cats' genetic predispositions to neophobia and aggression by properly socializing kittens by exposing them to new people, animals, and places during the appropriate developmental periods.

Just like people, cats have particularly sensitive periods when social behaviors and skills are developed. The most important time for cats to be socialized to humans is between the ages of 3 and 9 weeks. During this time frame, kittens are also learning how to play and interact with one another, and are developing important skills such as bite inhibition. Social play peaks at 3 months of age, and cats' personalities mature between 2 and 3 years of age. Cats' personality traits, like humans, are both genetic and a result of early social experiences and environmental factors. Cats that have not been regularly, and pleasantly, handled by humans before the age of 14 weeks, are more prone to being fearful, reserved, and even aggressive in human encounters, regardless of their genetic tendencies.

When a kitten is adopted, it is important to spend time gradually socializing them to men, women, children (under supervision and with gentle handling), other kittens and cats, and new inanimate objects. However, always be sure to provide escapes, or 'outs,' for the kitten, such as perches, cat beds, and secluded areas so that they may retreat to if feeling uncomfortable. This way the kitten does not feel trapped in the encounter, and will be far more relaxed and receptive to all interactions and to simply observing the situations. Provide treats, toys, and other forms of stimulation to make the experiences positive and fun.

Essential Cat Behavior Facts for Cat Owners:

- Physical pain and illness are most commonly recognized by owners as behavioral changes. If you recognize a sudden, or a slowly developing, behavioral change in your cat, it is best that you make an appointment with your veterinarian. - Never physically or verbally punish a cat for performing unwanted behaviors. Ignoring undesirable behavior is the most effective means of stopping it.

- Scratching is a natural cat behavior that involves grooming claws, stretching muscles, and leaving territorial marking pheromones behind. Simply direct this normal cat behavior to surfaces of your choosing so that your home does not incur damage from your cat's scratching habits.

- Petting aggression is normal in many adult cats, and avoiding injury or unpleasant interactions with a petting-aggressive cat is as simple as shortening interaction lengths, and learning to recognize the early warning signs of aggression onset.

- Predatory behavior in cats is normal, even when cats are not hungry. To prevent your cat from hunting birds and animals, an outdoor enclosure, or leash-walking should be used.

- Introductions to new cats need to happen very gradually and with proper guidance. Seek the advice of your veterinarian if you plan to introduce a new cat to your household.

- Contrary to popular belief, cats that urinate and/or defecate outside of the litter box do not do this to "get back at" their owners. There is commonly an underlying medical issue causing discomfort upon elimination, or, there may be an easy solution that involves ameliorating the litter box situation at home, and it was simply that the original situation was suboptimal.

- Cats are trainable with positive reinforcement and methods such as clicker training. Starting at a young age can help accelerate willingness to learn, and can be used to encourage helpful behaviors such as tolerating certain types of handling such as checking ears and teeth.

- Cats can become easily fixated on one type of food, and this may become problematic if dietary changes are required for health reasons later in life. It is important to introduce cats to a variety of shapes, sizes, tastes, and textures of food so that they do not become resistant to changes if they are needed later in life.

- Cats express stress with hiding, withdrawal, dilated pupils, increased respiratory rates, flattened ears, crouched postures, and hissing and growling. However, long term stress may be expressed by more subtle changes such as decreased grooming behavior, less playing, decreased social interaction, and poor appetite.

For more detailed information regarding particular behavioral issues and questions, please refer to our library of specific behavior topics, or call your veterinarian if you are concerned about a sudden serious behavioral change in your cat.

To read more articles written by Veterinarian Dr. Ko please visit www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian. © 2011 K & J Ventures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit her website and set up a membership - it's fast and free!


View the original article here