Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior & Training

03/10/2025

Scratching isn’t a “bad” behavior—it’s a natural, healthy one! Cats scratch to stretch their muscles, maintain nail health, and mark their territory. The problem comes when they choose areas or items in your home instead of a scratching post.

The key is not to stop scratching, but to redirect it:

Offer the Right Outlets:
-Provide sturdy posts made of materials cats love—like sisal rope, cardboard, or carpet.
-Vertical, horizontal, and angled scratching options cover different preferences.

Location is a Key Part:
-Place posts where your cat already scratches to make it easier for you to redirect them.
-Place posts close to where your cat naps and spends most of their time. Cats like to stretch and scratch after a long nap.
-Do not place in areas of the home that are out of the way for your cat. A lonely post in the basement won’t get used!

Make the Post Irresistible:
-Try sprinkling catnip, silver vine, or valerian root on the post to encourage your cat to scratch it.
-Incorporate the post into your interactive play sessions.
-Use positive reinforcement and praise to reward your cat for using their post.

Discourage Your Cat But Do Not Punish:
-Make the area less appealing while you work on training your cat.
-Punishment only damages trust—it won’t solve the behavior.

Remember each cat is an individual and they will have their own preferences. Make sure to offer a variety of types, different materials, and that the posts are tall and very sturdy to support your cat's weight.

01/10/2025

One of the most common (and preventable!) behavior concerns in cats is inappropriate elimination. The good news? Most litter box issues can be avoided with the right setup from the start.

Think About Your Cat, Not Convenience:
-Cats don’t like sharing bathrooms any more than we do! The rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet, easy-to-access locations.
-Automatic litter boxes may seem convenient for people, but many cats dislike the noise, motion, or timing of cleaning cycles.
-A simple, open litter box is often the best choice.

Keep It Clean:
Scoop at least once daily, fully change the litter weekly, and scrub the box monthly with mild soap. A clean box encourages use and helps prevent your cat from finding their own preferred spot.

Location Matters:
-Avoid placing litter boxes near loud appliances, areas of high traffic, and in difficult to access areas.
-Choose open, quiet areas where your cat feels safe and kids or dogs cannot interrupt their "business" or chase them away from the box.
-While litter box furniture might be more pleasing for you and your guests to look at, enclosed spaces can trap odors, make cats feel cornered, and it can be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of. Always choose accessibility and comfort over aesthetics.

Texture and Type of Litter Is Important:
-Most cats prefer fine, unscented clumping litter. Pellets and crystals are hard and can hurt your cat's sensitive feet. Would you like to stand on pebbles and glass barefoot to use the restroom?
-Avoid scented litters and odor-masking additives—the heavy scents are off putting to your cat. If you feel the odor of the box in too much, try adding baking soda or scooping the box more often.
-If you decide to change litter types, do it gradually to help your cat adjust comfortably.

29/09/2025

I'll be speaking at the IAABC Foundation's Pounce! conference this year. This is an affordable virtual conference entirely focused on cat behavior. If you can't watch live, your registration gets you access to all the recordings.

Check out my talk on Saturday November 1, Screaming, Scratching, Surfing, and Sleepless Nights: Resolving Problem Behaviors in Cats!

https://tinyurl.com/pounce2025

29/09/2025

Many “behavior problems” in cats—jumping up on counters or shelves, knocking objects over, and disturbing your sleep—are really signs of boredom or frustration. Cats are natural hunters, climbers, and explorers. When they don’t have ways to express those instincts, they create their own entertainment despite what we "tell" them.

Provide your cat with an engaging environment that serves a purpose for them. Incorporate vertical spaces, scratching areas, hiding spots, and cat-friendly zones to explore, allowing them to safely interact with their home. Cat trees and shelves give your cat extra space, as well as the opportunity to climb and observe their environment from above. A catio or other safe outdoor space lets them experience the ever-changing sights, sounds, and scents of the outside world!

Their environment shouldn’t just be exciting—it should also invite curiosity! Encourage your cat to interact with something new every day or every couple of days. Providing enrichment items engages their brain and encourages them to explore objects they don’t see all the time. This mental stimulation keeps them busy, prevents boredom, and helps reduce unwanted behaviors.

Check out our website for our Enrichment Resource: www.pawsitivevibescats.com

28/09/2025

Minis With Mary Success Story:

Miku and Chikoo’s caretaker reached out before bringing Miku home to learn how to ensure a peaceful introduction. She understood that I couldn’t guarantee Chikoo would accept his new sister or that they’d become best friends, but I assured her that I could provide the tools and resources to make the transition as positive as possible.

She followed my Mini Plan and even booked a second appointment to confirm she was doing everything correctly before allowing Chikoo and Miku to meet face to face. Her diligence and love for her two cats made this successful introduction possible. I’m so happy to know that her hard work, combined with my guidance, resulted in this pair becoming bonded right from the start.

(Just a reminder: Minis With Mary is not tailored for aggression cases or cat introductions intended to correct existing behavior. The appointment above was focused on preventing potential issues, not correcting them.)

26/09/2025

Cats remember how we make them feel, especially when we are handling them. Teaching your kitten or new cat that being touched is safe and rewarding can prevent fear, biting, or scratching later.

🌟 Start Small and Positive
-Begin with brief, calm touches on the chin, cheeks, or shoulders. Offer soft praise or a treat as a positive reward.
🌟 Expose Them Gradually
-Introduce new sounds, people, and safe carriers early so they learn change isn’t scary. Keep interactions short and always end on a positive note.
🌟 Respect Their Signals
-Watch for tail flicks, ear position, or body tension—signs they need a break. Forcing contact can damage trust, while patient, positive experiences build confidence.

24/09/2025

Preventing unwanted behaviors is far easier—and far less stressful for you and your cat—than trying to “fix” them once they’ve become routine. Over the next few posts, we’ll share tips on:
✨ Creating the right environment
✨ Encouraging healthy habits
✨ Building confidence with gentle handling and play
✨ Avoiding common mistakes

Your cat isn’t being “bad” and with the right guidance, you can shape their choices in a positive way. Stay tuned for the first tip in our series!

22/09/2025

20/09/2025

To learn more about pain and cats, head on over to our blog for more information!

In this post, we’ll explore three common types of pain in cats: osteoarthritis, dental pain, and gastrointestinal pain, and the subtle behavioral signs that can help you catch issues sooner.

19/09/2025

As most of us know, declawing a cat is inhumane, but many cats are still suffering the long-term effects of this procedure, and others are still at risk of experiencing it.

Declawing is not simply removing a nail—it is the amputation of the first joint of each toe. This surgery cuts through bone, tendons, and ligaments that support the nail and joint.

The consequences are lifelong: chronic and phantom pain, early-onset arthritis, permanently tightened tendons and ligaments, and misaligned joints throughout the entire body.

These physical injuries often lead to emotional distress. Cats may struggle to perform natural behaviors like scratching, climbing, stretching, and digging in the litter box. When these needs aren’t met, unwanted behaviors, such as house soiling, can occur.

Declawed cats may also become more fearful or defensive. Without their claws as their first line of defense, some may resort to biting, which can create further challenges in the home.

If your cat has already been declawed, you can advocate for a better quality of life for them. Speak with your veterinarian about pain management options, and consult a behavior professional to adjust your home environment and address behavior changes stemming from declawing.

17/09/2025

Dental health is an important part of your pet’s overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to infections, abscesses, resorptive lesions (similar to cavities), and may even result in the need for extractions or dental surgery.

Keeping up with your pet’s dental care can be challenging especially if it hasn’t been part of their routine before. By working with your veterinarian and, if needed, a trainer, you can develop a training plan, establish a dental hygiene routine, and schedule regular professional cleanings. These steps will help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and strong.

Watch for these changes, which may indicate pain or dental issues in your pet:

1) Changes in eating habits. Your pet might prefer soft food, refuse hard treats, chew only on one side of their mouth, or start eating one kibble at a time instead of several pieces at once. These behaviors can signal discomfort when chewing.

2) Pawing or rubbing at the mouth. If your pet paws at their face or rubs their mouth against objects, they may be trying to relieve irritation or pain.

3) Bad breath, bleeding, or drooling. Any of these signs should prompt a veterinary check-up.

15/09/2025

When your pet is sick, the signs are often obvious: vomiting, loss of appetite, eye or nasal discharge, or changes in elimination. But when your pet is in discomfort or pain, the signs can be harder to see. Here are a few things to watch for:

1) Hiding more often. If your pet is retreating to quiet places or isolating themselves, it’s a strong indicator they’re not feeling well. Even the most social animals may withdraw when in pain to protect themselves.

2) Avoiding certain areas or activities. You may notice your pet staying on one floor of the house, avoiding stairs, or no longer joining you in bed at night. Painful movement—such as climbing, jumping, or walking—can cause them to limit their activity.

3) Loss of interest in play. When movement or internal discomfort causes pain, pets may stop playing altogether. This change can happen suddenly or develop gradually over time.

4) Changes in mobility. Watch closely for changes in how your older pet moves. Arthritis and other conditions can cause pain, but many treatment options are available to improve mobility and enhance your pet’s quality of life.

5) Unexpected aggression. Animals instinctively protect themselves when hurt. If your pet suddenly becomes aggressive toward you, children, visitors, or other household pets, pain may be the cause and warrants a veterinary evaluation.