Library
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House soiling or feline inappropriate elimination is not uncommon. Urine and/or stool may be deposited outside of the litter box. The motivation for the behavior may be a need to eliminate (toileting) or a desire to communicate (marking). Medical conditions may predispose cats to exhibit house soiling and a veterinary examination is always needed.
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Urine marking is a form of communication for cats and can be used to establish territory and communicate social and sexual status. House cats may mark when there is social conflict in the home, or when they experience anxiety or frustration. Medical conditions, particularly those associated with pain, can trigger marking. It is important to learn the motivation for marking in order to find an effective treatment plan.
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Many cats are active through the night. Often, they have slept all day and are not tired at night. Enrichment that includes social play and interactive toys can help solve the problem. A medical and behavioral workup should be done if your cat has only recently begun to be active at night, as there may be an underlying illness.
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Some cats that appear to be perfectly comfortable resting in a lap can suddenly turn around, bite, and run away. There are ways to reduce the likelihood that your cat will bite you. Treatment will depend on the specific reason for the behavior.
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Scratching is normal feline behavior. Cats use their claws to mark territory, climb to safety, hunt prey, and stretch their bodies. However, this behavior may be problematic inside the house. This handout outlines behavioral approaches to help with scratching. If you notice changes in your cat's pattern of scratching, check with your veterinarian.
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Cats vocalize to communicate. Vocalizing can be problematic when it interferes with people's sleep. Often, the behavior develops due to unintentional reinforcement, but could also reflect underlying illness, particularly if it is a new behavior. Both a medical exam and a behavioral work-up are needed.
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Caterwauling is cat vocalization that sounds like a combination of a yowl, a howl, and a whine. This disturbing noise may result from medical problems, physical needs, hormonal stimulations, or emotional insecurities. The response to caterwauling should focus on addressing the cat's circumstances and filling their needs.
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When you bring a child into your home, it is easy to forget that your pets will need to make some adjustments, too. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare your pet for the new addition. This handout provides some helpful tips for how to make the transition smoother for your family and your pet.
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It is important to prepare your dog for a new baby, particularly if the dog has not been exposed to children before. Most dogs readily accept infants after an initial period of adjustment and curiosity. Even the friendliest dog should be supervised when the baby is nearby.
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Chinchillas are generally hardy animals but are susceptible to several unique health conditions; understanding them will help you care for your pet and manage potential health problems. This handout describes the most common conditions seen in pet chinchillas.