Episode 16: Q & A: Veterinarian's Behavior Questions Answered!

Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

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Ever wondered how to create harmony in a multi-cat household or why your feline friends sometimes clash? Discover the secrets to preventing intercat aggression in our latest episode of Hiss and Tell. Kristiina Wilson shares expert insights with Dr. Gina Rendon and Dr. Lee Nancarrow on keeping your cats intellectually stimulated. Learn about the importance of species-appropriate activities like catios, window perches, and bird feeders that mimic natural hunting behaviors. From engaging toys to puzzle feeders and even harness walking, Kristiina reveals how to channel your cats' natural instincts to keep them content and reduce unwanted behaviors.
Navigating the introduction of a new cat into a multi-pet household can be tricky, especially with older cats. Kristiina discusses the delicate process of gradual introductions, positive reinforcement, and creating separate spaces to foster peaceful coexistence. We also touch on how to manage peculiar behaviors in cats with mysterious pasts, including the potential need for psychopharmacological interventions like Prozac. Plus, get practical tips on encouraging activity in sedentary or obese cats through clicker training and ensuring they are physically capable. Tune in to create a more harmonious and enriching environment for your feline family members!
Takeaways

• Environmental stimulation is crucial for cats, especially in multi-cat households.
• Introducing a new cat into a household requires a slow and careful process, using positive reinforcement and high-value rewards.
• Ankle biting and other unwanted cat behaviors are often a result of boredom and lack of intellectual stimulation.
• Regular playtime is essential for cats to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors. Negative reinforcement does not work on cats, and attention-seeking behavior should be managed by ignoring unwanted behavior and praising desired behavior.
• Aggressive behavior in cats can be managed by ignoring the behavior that is not wanted and praising appropriate behavior. Psychopharmacological interventions may be necessary for cats exhibiting extreme aggression.
• Encouraging physical activity in cats involves checking for mobility issues, using clicker training, harness training, and providing environmental enrichment. Environmental and intellectual stimulation are essential for the emotional well-being of cats.
• The use of psychopharmacological interventions, such as Prozac, may be necessary for cats exhibiting extreme aggression or anxiety. It is important to rule out any medical issues before addressing behavior problems in cats.
• Cats can benefit from clicker training, harness training, and outdoor walks to encourage physical activity and mental stimulation. Environmental enrichment, such as activity boxes and foraging activities, can also help in keeping cats active and engaged.

Chapters

1. Understanding Cat Behavior: Insights (00:00:00)

2. Creating a Harmonious Multi-Cat Household (00:03:17)

3. Introducing Cat to Multi-Pet Household (00:08:37)

4. Addressing Ankle Biting and Other Cat Behavior Issues (00:08:56)

5. Managing Attention-Seeking Behavior and Aggression in Cats (00:20:14)

6. The Use of Psychopharmacological Interventions in Cats (00:23:08)

7. Encouraging Physical Activity and Mental Stimulation in Cats (00:25:00)