"My cat is always hungry" is a frequent complaint. For the past 15 years, there's been an ongoing trend for cats to be thin and portion-fed. Veterinary hospital charts show body condition images where "normal" cats keep getting thinner. Some even show visible ribs as "healthy" weight. This has led to an increase in [...]
Learn more about Feline BehaviorSelf-paced tutorials by Alana StevensonApproach, Scruffing & Minimal RestraintAn introductory webinar on humane feline handling techniques. Alana explains how to approach cats to keep them calm, why scruffing should be avoided, and the basic principles of minimal restraint. (8 min.)Humane Handling Basics 1 & 2Two short tutorials covering low-stress feline handling [...]
A practical guide to feline behavior, gentle handling, and solving common behavior problems.The Good Cat Parent's Guide to Feline Behavior Modification by Alana Stevenson (Routledge Press, 2024) is now available. This science-based book provides effective solutions for common feline behavior issues using humane handling techniques—no scruffing, no punishment.Understand cat behavior, resolve feline behavior problems, and [...]
Over the last 10-15 years, there has been a growing trend and obsession to have skinny cats, ironically at a time when the human population has gotten fatter. The eating habits and metabolisms of domestic cats are very different than those of humans and dogs. Cats naturally eat 10-20 small meals a day. They [...]
Don't carry kittens by the scruff. Many of us have been taught to scruff kittens (to carry and hold kittens and cats by the back of their necks) because this is how the mother cat carries her kittens. This is not the correct way to carry and hold kittens. Kittens need to [...]
Many people may not know what FIV+ means. An FIV+ kitty is a cat who has the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus is specific to cats. It is similar to HIV in humans. FIV does not frequently make a cat sick. Some cats will live their full life expectancies – up to 20 years [...]
Interview highlights from a conversation between Alana Stevenson, MS, cat behaviorist, and Dr. Sally Foote, DVM — discussing the importance of humane feline handling and low-stress veterinary care. Alana: What do you think stands out the most about the Feline Fundamentals webinars? Dr. Foote: I really appreciate the photos and step-by-step guidance. The webinars [...]
I fully support rescue and adoption. There are too many cats and dogs in need of homes. However, you may want to rethink the reason for getting another cat. Many people who have two cats, after one of their cats passes away, adopt another cat because they feel their remaining cat is lonely. This [...]
Christmas is around the corner and the New Year is quickly approaching. You might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions to start off 2019. Here are a few tips and ideas to make your cat happier. Of course, your cats will be happy if you start implementing some of these New Year’s resolutions [...]
Many of us scruff cats, having learned that this is how mother cats carry their kittens, or it's what we’ve observed others do—at the groomer, vet, shelter, and even at home. Fortunately, there are other ways to pick up and handle cats. Scruffing can exacerbate behavioral issues and make handling more difficult—and even harmful—over [...]