Predatory Aggression Predatory aggression is not the same as being cruel or deliberately hurting another. Although sport hunters or recreational hunters and those who engage in animal cruelty often cite cats as role models, it's a false equivalence. Both cats and humans have the same brain structures, but the regions that are active and [...]
"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 Behavior Self-paced tutorials by Alana Stevenson Approach, Scruffing & Minimal Restraint An 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 & 2 Two [...]
A practical guide to cat behavior, feline handling, and solving cat behavior problems. The Good Cat Parent's Guide to Feline Behavior Modification by Alana Stevenson (Routledge Press, 2024) is now available. Topics include: Kitten development and play strategies Feline body language and environmental enrichment Handling techniques and emotional bonding Litter box problems Inter-cat aggression [...]
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 [...]
Learn gentle cat handling techniques, feline body language, the use of towels, and humane approach with Alana's Cat Behavior & Handling Tutorials. Alana Stevenson, cat behaviorist, and Dr. Sally Foote, DVM discuss the importance of humane feline handling and low-stress veterinary care. Interview Highlights Alana: What do you think stands out the most about [...]
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 [...]