Dear Miss Behavin’:
I’ve been having various issues with my two cats, from litterbox problems to kitty scuffles every so often. I’ve searched online for help, and am overwhelmed by the number of resources and advice available. How do I sort through all of it?
Many a cat owner has gone through a similar situation and though there are plenty of resources to help guide you through these issues, it can definitely be overwhelming. These two issues, litterbox problems and scuffles between the cats, sound like immediate problems that should be addressed sooner than later. For these, it can be helpful to visit the website of your local animal shelter or humane society. There are quite a few in the San Francisco Bay Area, including our own expert behavior staff at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. We have behavior resources section on our website with handy information, handouts, and articles on cat behavior issues. Our website includes some of the more common issues that adopters may experience with a newly adopted animal adjusting to its new home. Read through our resources and see what can be applied to your situation. If you are still having trouble, please call the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for over the phone advice.
If you feel that an at-home visit is warranted to help address the problem, try searching for an animal behaviorist that specializes in cat behavior. Some provide over the phone consultations while others perform in-home visits; this usually includes an initial consultation and sometimes a follow-up, if necessary. The consult will help the behaviorist fully understand the issue and provide a treatment or management plan for you to follow at home.
If you’re an avid reader, and are looking to gain further insight into cat behavior for the long-term, feel free to check out these books:
- Claws and Purrs by Peter Neville
- Twisted Whiskers – Solving Your Cat’s Behavior Problems by Pam Johnson
- Cat Watching by Desmond Morris