CAT Behaviourist

23/12/2019

Is company coming to your home over the holidays? Are they to stay for a prolonged period of time? There are things you need to keep in mind so everyone has a great holiday.

Place your animals in a separate room away from visitors for your pets and for everyone's sake. If you animal is used to busy, hectic and crazy, by all means have them out, but if they are not, please place them away from guests.

Some cats do not take kindly to people dropping by or staying in their home when they have no control over the situation. Placing them in a room they can spend time over the holidays benefits everyone. Give them food/litter/water and toys and they will thank you for it. You can also place a radio with them and visit them often and give them treats.

Remember, we love the busy, fun, fast-paced action that comes during the holidays, but some animals don't.

Happy Holidays everyone! And a Happy New Year!

13/10/2019

Have an awesome Thanksgiving!

09/09/2019

Never think that your cat is fat!

Fun Fact Friday!
Do you know why many cats have a saggy belly?
Below is the technical explanation, and we'd like to send a huge thank you to "Melody" for modeling for us what the Primordial Pouch looks like and to her Mom Julia Wilson for her purrrfect picture. Thank you!
https://www.cat-world.com.au/

The technical term for this flap of skin and fat, which often feels like a half-full water balloon, is the “primordial pouch,” and you can also observe this feature on some big cats like lions and tigers. This bit of loose skin and padding at the belly provides extra protection and insulation to your cat during fights when a cat’s practice of “bunny kicking” with the rear paws could result in severe abdominal injury to their opponent. In fact, cats have excess skin covering the entire body which helps them squirm out of the grasp of other predators.

Another function of the abdominal flap is to allow the cat freedom of movement to fully stretch and extend the back legs when in full stride. It’s also theorized that in our cats’ wild ancestors, the flap allowed the stomach to stretch to hold extra food when necessary, such as when gorging after a large kill in the wild.

While this pouch is part of your cats anatomy, you still want to make sure your fur baby maintains a healthy weight. 😉

https://news.petmeds.com/news/common-pet-conditions/why-do-many-cats-have-a-saggy-belly/

24/08/2019

During the summer, we have more people in our home than normal and our schedules are all over the place. Remember your cats don't always want to be part of new or unscheduled activities.

If you feel that your cat would and should have a space for themselves, create a room where they can feel safe and have the quiet they need until your guests have gone home! ♥️

21/08/2019

If you are having a problem with your cat or kitten, please PM me! I can help.

17/06/2019

Even the hardest of cats can be turned around with TLC!

08/05/2019

🐾 I am trying to type this update on my biting/growling/ scratching client, but his kisses are keeping me from typing his update.

It has been 2 1/2 weeks of getting to know a very upset cat who could not get his point across and felt impatient and uncaring.

I thought that with all these problems, I imagined him not using the litter box, spraying the office and expected nasty biting, growling and aggression. But, I was plesantly surprised by his attitude and the way in which we bonded.

His owners have come to visit many times and within the first few days noticed the change in their pet. There were a few times where I believed we might not make it through, but being patient is always key.

He has been doing so well that we have already set a date for him to go home.

I can't say enough about t-touch, patience and TLC! Hang in there - it is all doable!🐾

18/04/2019

I have another cat to evaluate. His owners have had a very hard time with him.

This cat was declawed and this has led him to swat, growl and bite when he doesn't feel comfortable or is under stress.

Noting that he was declawed led me to do 'T' touch to gain his trust and allow me to touch/pet him.

He is now calmer and no longer growls or bites. He likes his daily brushings and enjoys gentle petting. He is now happy and swat/bite free. He is getting better with each passing day at being handled and brushed.

He is a work in progress, but worth the time and effort entrusted to me by his owners.

Watch for more updates ...

27/03/2019

01/03/2019

TIP #22

Is your feline trying to tell you something? Are they stressed, has something changed in your home, do you have a new family member? Your feline will let you know when there is a problem ... please listen and help!

28/02/2019

TIP #23

A kitten or cat should be trained when they enter your home.

27/02/2019

TIP #24

If you have a fearful cat or kitten, take more time to play slowly and quietly to gain their trust!

26/02/2019

Does your cat have a kitty cold? Runny nose, watery eyes and sniffles? This can happen to any cat that has come from a shelter or outdoor setting. Don't forget, cat's can't blow their nose, so sneezing also allows them to clear their nose.

If your cat has a 'cold' do not use cold/flu medications from the store - these products are for people and not cats. Do not give your cat acetaminophen (Tylenol). This product can do serious damage to your cat as they cannot process this medication like we can.

If your cat doesn't sneeze too much and has a little runny nose, give it a couple of days to subside. But, if your cat is having a really hard time and the cold doesn't clear up, take your cat to the vet - they can help.

14/02/2019

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and their furkids!

09/02/2019

Once in a while there are cats that you just can't get enough of. They are friendly, loving and just want to be with children, adults and other pets in your home. These cats are very special.

I have a cat in my home who cannot see properly and is very tiny - she is now 9 years old. She came from an area where most cats die within the first few months due to lack of food, people and help. This story is always the same - given love and attention they thrive and love you. She is a gift that I cherish!

River is a unique little girl who would have perished on the street and in my home she is a presence that inspires everyone. She is the first one I think of in the morning and last one to say good night to before going to bed. She is the one that lifts my spirits when I am tired and the one that is there for me when I need a hug!

She is a very special gift...

29/01/2019

When feeding your pets, be careful that the food is a healthy balanced meal.

Check the label to ensure that protein is the first ingredient (real meat and no by-products), then a starch and then a vegetable. Colored kibble and lots of fish in a diet is not good for animals. Food coloring is not good for animals or humans. Too much fish in their diet is not good because of the amount of toxins (mercury) and should not be eaten on a regular basis.

Read the label and keep those babies healthy!