The science of feline behavior modification has come a long way in recent years, leaving animal shelters, rescue groups, fosters and adopters with plenty of new tools to help cats become happier and well-adjusted companions.
Help is here for cats who aren’t using the litterbox from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine.
Can you tell when a cat is showing signs of an aggressive reaction, whether due to rough play, over-stimulation or fear?
The most recent Maddie’s Institute webcast, Helping Cats Who Hiss and Hide: Assessment, Behavior Modification and Re-Homing Strategies with boarded veterinary behavior specialist Dr. Sheila D’Arpino, and its associated resources, are now available on-demand.
Can cats who are shy and fearful in the shelter still get adopted? Yes, says board certified veterinary behavior specialist Dr. Sheila D’Arpino. Find out how!
What are the chances shelter staff can tell the difference between friendly and feral cats, even after three days of observation? Around 75 percent.
The ancient Greek word for cat was “ailuro,” which means “tail waver.” Unfortunately, says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall, the message of the feline tail, as well as other feline signals have been lost on many modern observers.
Urinating and defecating outside of the litter box is the most common behavior problem seen in cats. What can be done to help owners of cats with elimination disorders before those cats end up in the shelter?
Cats don’t come with a real decoder ring, but feline behavior assessments, designed and applied appropriately, will help unscramble some of that secret code―the essence of the cat! They are an important tool for gathering information about an individual cat’s behavior, designing a plan for her, and revising and evaluating the process as she adapts and responds to her new environment.
Think you can’t afford to treat the behavior problems of dogs and cats in your shelter? Think it’s too difficult and time-consuming? Think you don’t have the staff or the space to work with these kinds of issues? Think again!