Behavioral Counseling
Our skilled and experienced staff can counsel you on everything from aggression between feline housemates, inappropriate urination or defecation, biting, stress-induced behavioral issues and even reducing the stress of traveling or visiting us for routine wellness exams.
Causes
Causes of behavioral problems can be environmental—such as a schedule change or introduction of a new baby or pet—learned—as a result of unintentional positive reinforcement—or genetic. Painful diseases and degenerative changes associated with aging can cause or contribute to behavioral problems. Addressing any possible underlying medical problem or providing pain relief along with behavior modification techniques can often resolve some of these problems.
New Kittens
We strongly encourage new kitten owners to set up an appointment with one of our veterinarians for an examination and behavior discussion soon after adoption.
Kittens are adorable and incredibly fun (and fun to watch!), but have the propensity to become cats with behavior problems if their owners don’t provide the proper guidance. It is important for you to communicate your expectations to your kitten in a kitten-friendly and kitten-appropriate way.
If not done well or at all, you may become distressed when your kitten shows undesirable behavior. Often, a simple intervention or two may prevent unwanted behavior and assure your kitten grows into a behaviorally healthy cat.
Assessment
Our assessment begins with your cat’s clinical history and a thorough medical examination. Before beginning behavior therapy, any diagnosed medical problems will be treated.
If your cat is misbehaving or showing destructive behaviuor
