Since this behavior started, they have tried several methods to deter him from jumping up, including yelling at him, placing him back on the floor, and recently started using a squirt bottle to keep him off. None of their techniques are working and they are quickly becoming frustrated. Why do cats often find counters and tables so appealing? Cats instinctively like high places. Cats make use of vertical spaces, much like their ancestors used rocks, bushes, and trees.     There is food on counters and tables (even small traces that we might not detect) and they take the gamble that

Towel wraps, also known as kitty burritos, help cats feel comfortable and safe, but not confined or scared.

Did you know that behavior problems are the number one reason dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters every year? Many shelter animals are younger than three years old and few receive veterinary care prior to their surrender. Some are sick or injured while others are strays that were dumped, lost, or escaped from their yard or house. Many of these animals are untrained and have not been previously spayed or neutered. In dogs, the most common behavior reasons for surrender are house soiling, destructive behavior, barking, and unruly behaviors, followed by fearfulness and past bite history. Cats are frequently

If you have ever had your cat snuggle up to you on the couch then nip at your hand when you try to pet them, you are not alone. This is just one scenario in which some cats have shown aggression to their owners. Many other situations can lead to cats swatting, scratching, or trying to bite their human partners. While these are unwanted behaviors from our feline friends, there are often logical explanations for their actions. Trying to stop the aggression starts with understanding when and why it might be happening. Then, you can determine how to approach the

     #2: Covered vs Uncovered: When given a choice, cats prefer uncovered to covered litterboxes. If you are unsure which your cat prefers? Place a covered box next to an uncovered one and see which one you cat visits more frequently.        Covered litter boxe Photo courtesy of Ben Bricker          #3 Low Sided vs. High Sided: Some cats prefer a low sided box to a high sided one. If you have a cat eliminating outside the box but right next to the box, try a low sided box. It may be your cat has some

Complaints about litter box use can often be prevented and usually be successfully treated if the client becomes good at observing their cat’s behavior. The key to resolving all elimination concerns is to recognize and be able to identify the pattern in the choices the cat makes about elimination.