Behavior Problem Prevention Podcast
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"Thank you for all these good ideas. I am Grateful!"
Ron Kendricks, Cat Talk Radio Listener
Before you rehome your cat, or take it to the shelter, consider the U.S. numbers:
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There are 88 million pet cats (vs. 75m dogs) +40 million homeless cats
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10 million cats are surrendered to shelters annually
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75% of these will never be adopted; the vast majority are euthanized
Clearly we are facing a cat crisis in the U.S.
*According to the ASPCA's National Rehoming Survey, pet problems are the most common reason owners rehome a pet.
Before you give up on your cat, try a behavior consultation!
Behavior Issues
are the #1 cause of death
in cats in the U.S.*
"This was a brilliant and extremely worthwhile consultation."
Jane S.
ABOUT
Cat Behavior Solutions is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization saving lives through innovation and ingenuity.
This site, and the work of CBS is dedicated to reducing cat shelter surrender by correcting and preventing behavior issues in the home.
CBS' resources include: Cat Talk Radio's weekly behavior advice/education podcast, an information rich blog and social media, virtual and in-home consultations, educational seminars and speaking engagements.
Our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
With better understanding of the domestic cat (Felis catus) owners will be able to provide the environment and stimulation their cats need, thereby eliminating and preventing unwanted behaviors.
Cat Behavior Solutions Mission:
REDUCE REHOMING
Through behavior education and training, we hope to reduce the number of cats coming in to shelters
MODIFY BEHAVIOR
Teach people how to modify unwanted behavior in cats (and to understand what's instinctive/unchangeable)
IMPROVE CHOICES
Help people understand what to expect from cats so they choose the best cat for them
EDUCATE
Help people understand why their cat behaves as it does
INCREASE LIFE QUALITY
Improve the quality of life for cats and the people cohabiting with them
PROVIDE RESOURCES
Offer counseling solutions, products, enrichment toys, services, etc.
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION
Between people and their cats
TRAINING
SHARE Training plans that really work!
"The cats are SO much happier, friendlier and have not urinated anywhere BUT their litter box in over a week!!! We can't thank you enough." Lindley A.
Introducing the New Pet
Before you start, it’s important to understand:
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Cats by nature are solitary creatures who have large territories; they are not pack animals like dogs.
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Cats have REALLY long-term memories. The first meeting of two cats can define how their life-long relationship goes; you often can’t “do-it-over” so it’s important to take precaution and do it right the first time!
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This whole process can proceed only as quickly as your cats allow, and can take weeks or even months. Signs of anxiety or aggression usually indicate that the introductions are proceeding too quickly.
Follow these simple steps for best results:
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Prep your home by spraying pheromones in the areas the cats will be (Feliway.)
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Confine your new cat to its own room with litter, food, and fresh water.
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Block the two cats with a closed door. The two cats should be able to smell and hear each other through the closed door, but there should not be any physical contact.
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Feed the cats at the same time on each side of the door - at least two feet away from the door. This will mean moving your cat’s food bowl to this new area for the introduction period.
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Play with, and reward each cat near the closed door.
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Switch the positions of the cats after two days. Allow your cat to investigate the smells in the new cat’s room, while the new cat explores the house and the scent of the new playmate. Expect some hissing. Switch them back after they have had some time to explore (a few hours.)
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Do the switch-out every day for five more days.
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Crack the door one inch and secure it with a weight. Keep up the simultaneous feeding, playing and switching.
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Widen the gap to about 4 inches - but not enough for one to get through. Monitor the reactions of the cats. Stay at this stage until there is no hissing between them.
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Screen the doorway where they can see one another, continuing with the simultaneous feeding, playing, switching-out routine.
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Introduce them by removing the barrier, putting harnesses and leashes on them and allowing them to eat and play separately – this should be for no more than 15 minutes the first time. If that goes well, the next day, harness your cat and allow the new cat to freely explore his space and reverse that at the next meeting.
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Don’t get anxious and try to short cut the process – when people have skipped the last two steps the result is almost always failure.
