"We should get another cat," my husband said. "They'll be good company for Roxy." I wasn't convinced. After all, I already had my hands full with our rather demanding yet very adorable Burmese/British Shorthair cross – what if they didn't get along? Wouldn't two cats just be double the work? And yet in spite of my reservations, I found myself agreeing to a second cat shortly after Roxy's fourth birthday.

After carefully researching breeds and making sure we'd found a reputable breeder, we welcomed 13 week old British Shorthair kitten, Teddy, into our lives. But in spite of doing everything right – keeping them separated for several weeks, introducing their scents, doing slow introductions – Roxy was not impressed about the new bundle of fluff that had taken up residence in her home.

Regular fighting between the two turned our once harmonious household into a chaotic blur of flying fur. Until I discovered a secret weapon – regular play sessions with the best cat toys. Granted, it hasn't stopped the fighting all together, but spending more time playing with Roxy and Teddy has dramatically decreased the tension.

Curious to find out more about the benefits of play, I turned to expert vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan who explained why play time can be so beneficial in reducing conflict between cats. Plus, she shares a few extra tips that are sure to come in handy if your feline friends are fighting. Let's dive in!

How I got my cats to stop fighting

If you got your cats from the same litter or they both happen to have very placid and laidback personalities, then there's a chance that your feline friends will get along. But believe it or not, this is more the exception than the rule. Most cats are highly territorial and don't take kindly to interlopers.

Because Roxy is so gentle and often tried to make friends when other cats when she was younger, we thought she may accept Teddy as long as we went about things slowly. Sadly, that didn't happen. It wasn't so much Teddy's presence that was the problem, but her boisterous kitten nature and frequent attempts to engage with Roxy even when Roxy was giving clear signals that she wasn't interested.

It quickly became apparent that we had a lot of hard work ahead of us when it came to figuring out how to keep the peace in a multi-cat household – but given the amount of time I was spending refereeing cat fights, not figuring it out wasn't an option!

Because it was Teddy's behavior and not her general presence that seemed to be distressing Roxy, it got me thinking – if I spent more time burning off some of that kitten energy, would things improve between the two of them?

It turns out that investing in a few of the best interactive cat toys and setting aside regular time each day to play with both cats, started to shift the dynamic. Granted, it's not perfect and our home is yet to revert back to the harmonious haven it used to be, but things between Roxy and Teddy are slowly improving and that's been so heartening to see.

Does play decrease fighting in multi-cat households?

After reading up on how to play with a kitten to make sure I was meeting Teddy's needs, I started playing with her twice a day to see if I could redirect some of that energy away from Roxy and onto a toy instead.

As relations between our two fur friends improved, I began to wonder – had I just got lucky or was there a link between regular play sessions and a decrease in fighting in multi-cat households? I explained my situation to Dr. MacMillan and this is what she had to say:

"Regular play sessions are a great way of reducing stress and relieving tensions which can be helpful in a multi-cat household," she says. "Along with a few other practical measures, introducing more play sessions can help to reduce fighting between your cats.

We know that both exercise and mental stimulation are great mood boosters for people, and the same is true for cats. Depending on the situation and their preference, you can either play with each of the cats individually or play with them both at once."

Because Teddy is a bit of a limelight hogger, I've found playing with her on her own using her favorite kitten toys is the best option. This means that when it's Roxy's time to play, she can enjoy her session without worrying that Teddy is going to jump on her or take over.

Tips to stop cat conflict

Alongside regular play sessions, Dr. MacMillan says there are a few other things you can do to help prevent fighting in a multi-cat household.

"To avoid conflict, firstly make sure you have enough resources in your house," she advises. "This means one per cat plus a spare, so that cats don’t have to fight over them. Resources include things like litter trays, food bowls, water bowls and toys.

You must also make sure that you provide plenty of safe hiding spaces for your cats. Cat trees, shelves and perches can also be a great way of making use of vertical space in your home. Lots of cats like to watch what’s going on from a high point where they feel safe.

You could try synthetic cat pheromones in the environment which can help to act as a calming agent for some cats. These come in a spray form to use on bedding, impregnated collars or plug in diffusers (like this one on Amazon)."

And if fighting still breaks out? Dr. MacMillan says that if you've tried all of the tips above, sometimes a brief period of time apart is necessary to help both cats feel more settled.

"You may need to keep your cats separate for a while if they are showing clear signs of tension, with a gradual and staged reintroduction when things have calmed down."

Other benefits of cat play

Cat play is so important. Not only can it decrease tension in multi-cat households, but it's also wonderful for our feline friend's physical and mental health.

"Predictable interactions with their owners can help cats feel more secure," says Dr. MacMillan. "By being consistent and providing plenty of positive interaction to each cat, you can help your pets feel more comfortable about their situation. Plus, a tired, happy and stimulated cat is less likely to have behavioral issues than one that is not getting enough attention."

While playing with your cat for 15-20 minutes each day is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond, I understand that life is busy and that's not always going to be possible. For times when you have other things you need to be doing, I highly recommend investing in a few of the best automated cat toys that your kitty can play with independently when you're occupied with other things.

You might also want to read: How to play with a cat and games to play with cats. Or, learn how cats play with each other.

Edited by Megan Milstead

So you’re looking for tricks to teach your cat but you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Teaching your cat a trick is a wonderful way to add some mental and physical enrichment into their day and for the most part, all you need is a pack of the best cat treats to get started.

And if you’re concerned that learning how to teach a cat a trick might be a more complicated process than the two of you are ready for, don’t be. Tricks range in difficulty from easy through to advanced, so you’re sure to find one (or more) that suits.

Ready to help your cat pull a rabbit out of their hat? Okay, maybe that one’s asking a little too much. But if you’re keen to have them jumping through hoops and giving visitors a high-five then read on because you’ll find both of those and a whole lot more in this guide.

32 tricks to teach your cat

1. Sit

It’s not just our canine companions that can be taught to sit, our feline friends can be too! One of the things you only know if you’re a cat owner is that our independent-minded kitties aren’t always very obliging about doing things they don’t want to do. However, teaching them to sit is actually really easy. This is a great trick to teach them right before you feed them a bowl of the best cat food. Simply use a hand gesture while saying the word ‘sit’. Once they’ve done this, reward them by placing their food on the ground and say ‘well done’.

2. Stay

Teaching your cat to stay is another fairly easy trick to start off with. Ask your cat to sit and once they’ve done that, issue the command ‘stay’. Once they’ve held the position for a second or two, reward with a treat. Gradually increase the duration you ask them to stay for, but remember to keep rewarding and praising them. Dishing out lots of positive reinforcement is great for getting cats to repeat desired behaviors.

3. High-five

The high-five trick is one of our favorite simple tricks that’s a real crowd-pleaser! What you want to do here is to get your cat’s paw to touch your opposite hand, and it’s easier than you might think. Place a treat or a piece of the best dry cat food in a closed hand and hold that hand out to your cat, as soon as they touch your hand with their paw, reward them by giving them the treat. Keep repeating this, gradually bringing your hand into more of a high-five position every time you do.

4. Jump through a hoop

It’s normally our feline friends that make us jump through hoops, so it’s nice to turn the tables on them now and again! A particularly great trick to teach agile and high energy cat breeds, jumping through a hoop is a brilliant way to add some physical activity into your kitty’s day. Start by letting your cat check out the hoop — they may want to sniff it or walk around it. Reward them as they do this. Hold the hoop but keep it connected to the ground, use treats to encourage your cat to walk through it. Once your cat has walked through a few times and you’ve rewarded them, start to raise it off the ground. Keep raising and rewarding until your cat can jump through it.

5. Lie down

Given that there’s nothing our feline friends love more than to snooze the day away, getting your kitty to master this trick shouldn’t be too difficult! This is a particularly good trick to teach them if you’re looking to make those trips to the vet that little bit easier. The first thing you want to do is to hold a treat close to your cat’s nose and let them sniff it. Next, gradually lower the treat to the floor, guiding your kitty into a lying down position. Praise and reward. Repeat the above process three times and then add in the command ‘lie down’. Once again, praise and reward. Once your cat has gotten the hang of this, you can also add in a hand signal — we like an open palm facing downwards.

6. Roll over

Just like dogs, cats can be trained to roll over. Start by asking your cat to lie down and rewarding them with a treat. Sitting in front of your cat and with your palm facing downwards, hold a treat between the very end of your index finger and your thumb. If you want your cat to roll to your right (their left), arc the treat in a slight incline towards their right ear. Once the treat is in front of your cat’s ear, move it diagonally towards the middle of their back. As their eyes follow the treat, they’ll be looking over their shoulder. Continue to move the treat diagonally until your cat rolls all the way over. Praise and reward.

7. Fetch

Can cats play fetch? Absolutely! While we tend to associate fetch with dogs, it turns out that a lot of cat breeds enjoy playing this game too. This is one of those intermediate tricks that can take a while for your kitty to master, but once they’ve got the hang of it, it can be a whole lot of fun for both of you. You’ll want one of the best cat toys for this and preferably a toy your kitty really loves. Start by playing with them using the toy. Next, toss the toy a few feet away from you and encourage your cat to go and engage with it. When they touch the toy or pick it up, reward them with praise and a treat. You then want to use a command like ‘bring it’ that encourages your cat to pick up the toy and bring it over to you. Once your cat has brought the toy over, reward again.

8. Stand on hind legs

If you’re looking for a trick your cat will master quickly, this one is a great choice. Choose a cue word (we love ‘up’) and hold a treat above your cat’s head. This will encourage your cat to stand in order to get their paws on the treat. Keep repeating this until your kitty is confident knowing what to do and then gradually phase out the treat so that they’re able to stand on command.

9. Shake hands

Having your cat be able to shake hands with your visitors is a super impressive trick and it’s not hard to teach either. Start by touching your cat’s paw and rewarding them with a treat. Once they’re comfortable with that, offer them your hand with your palm facing upwards and gently touch their paw while saying the word ‘shake’. When your cat extends their paw, repeat the word ‘shake’ and reward them with a treat. Over time, you’ll be able to issue your command word (‘shake’) before extending your hand.

10. Come when called

This is a very handy trick to teach your kitty, especially if you have one of the cat breeds that prefer being outdoors. Start by standing next to your cat and pairing their name with the command ‘come’. Crinkle a bag of cat treats and then reward your cat with a treat as you do this. Once your cat understands that their name and the word ‘come’ result in a treat, you can start working on this at greater distances. Each time your cat comes, gradually increase the distance so that your cat has to cross more of the room to get to you. Eventually, you can practice this from different rooms in the house.

11. Spin in a circle

To teach your cat to spin in a circle, start with a simple circular hand motion and pair it with a command word, like ‘spin’. Hold a treat near your cat’s nose and slowly move it in a circular motion using your hand signal and your command word. Your cat will follow the treat causing them to move in a circle, once they’ve completed the circular motion reward them with the treat and repeat.

12. Wave goodbye

Is there anything more adorable than a cat who can wave goodbye? We think not! The first thing you want to do is choose a visual cue and a verbal command that signals to your cat you want them to say goodbye to someone. We recommend a wave and the words ‘bye bye’. Gently hold your cat’s paw and move it to create a waving motion paired with your visual cue and verbal command, then reward with praise and treats. Once your cat has got the hang of this, you can let their paw go and simply use your visual cue and verbal command. When your cat moves their paw, be sure to reward heavily.

13. Use a scratching post on command

Trying to encourage your kitty to use one of the best cat scratching posts instead of your couch? We hear you! Training them to do this on command can be a great way to save your furniture and keep their claws in tip-top condition. The best way to do this is to sprinkle some cat treats or catnip onto your cat’s scratching post and reward them every time they show interest in it. Repeat this whenever you want your cat to scratch their post.

14. Walk through a tunnel

When it comes to the best cat toys, tunnels are often a firm favorite of our feline friends — especially active breeds who love to hide and pounce. Put their interest to good use by teaching them to walk through the tunnel on command. Many cats won’t need tempting into a tunnel, but if yours does, encourage them in with treats and toys. As your cat enters into the tunnel and begins to walk through, reward with lots of praise and treats. This will help them associate the tunnel with good things happening. Keep practicing this until your cat is able to walk all the way through and out the other side.

15. Go to a specific place

If you’ve invested in one of the best cat beds, you can encourage your kitty to use it by teaching them to go to their bed on command. Choose a cue word like ‘bed’ that you’ll use every time you want your cat to go to their cozy sleep spot. Then, point to the place you want them to go and say the word ‘bed’. Reward with a treat when they do what you ask. However, it’s important to only give your cat a treat if they make it to the bed so that they associate going there with getting the reward.

16. Open a door

Some particularly agile breeds (like the Burmese and the Peterbald) are born brilliant at opening doors. But for most breeds, opening a door on command takes a bit of training. To do this, encourage your cat to touch the door with their paw and when they do, reward them with a treat. Once they have the hang of this, work on getting them to stand up and put their weight against the door so that it opens. Again, reward with a treat. After they’ve mastered these two steps, add in a command word, such as ‘open the door’ and use this whenever you want your kitty to do this behavior.

17. Ring a bell for treats

We know — you likely already feel like your feline friend’s servant, but you have to admit, having them ring a bell for treats is kind of cute! Place a bell on the ground and let your cat investigate it. Praise them for any interaction. Ring the bell and then immediately give your cat a treat so that they learn to associate the noise of the bell with a food reward. Next, take your cat’s paw and gently touch the bell with it. As always, follow this up with praise and a treat. Repeat this process as often as needed until your cat is able to ring the bell on their own.

18. Walk on a leash

Is walking a cat on a leash cruel? Not if your feline friend enjoys it. If you have an active breed that loves being outdoors, leash training is a great way to give them some freedom while keeping them safe. When it comes to how to leash train a cat, you want to start by making the harness interesting, so we recommend leaving it lying around the house and rewarding your cat any time they show an interest in it. Next, slip the harness on your cat but don’t do it up. Give your cat a treat and remove the harness. Keep doing this, gradually building up the duration of how long they’re in the harness. After this, introduce the leash by clipping it onto the harness. Walk a few steps and reward your cat with a treat. Repeat this, slowly increasing the distance until your cat is able to walk in the direction they choose at their own pace.

19. Use a human toilet

Okay, so maybe opening the door to your bathroom to find your feline friend sitting on the toilet reading the newspaper is a step too far. On the other hand, if you’d rather not invest in one of the best automatic cat litter boxes and don’t fancy scooping out a regular one, this could be the trick for you. To train your kitty to use the toilet, you first need to relocate their litter box to the bathroom. Put the toilet seat down and pop the litter box on it. This gets your cat used to sitting on the toilet to do their business. Once they’re able to do that, replace the litter box with a potty training kit and reward them with plenty of treats when they use it.

20. Play dead

Dogs are masters at the playing dead trick, but cats are capable of doing it too — it just takes a bit of practice. For this one, you want to wait until your cat has chosen to lie down on the floor and stretch themselves out. When you catch them doing that, say ‘play dead’ and give them a treat. Over time, you can add in a hand gesture to get them to do this when they’re sitting or standing and pair it with your verbal command and a treat.

21. Sit on your shoulder

We know parrots love to sit on shoulders, but do cats? A lot of them do! While you can teach an adult cat this trick, it’s much easier if they’re a kitten. Start by placing your kitty on your shoulder for just a few seconds before popping them back on the ground. Reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this process, increasing the duration until your cat can confidently sit there.

22. Be gentle

If your cat has ever taken to your hand like it's a chew toy, then teaching them to be gentle is well worth it. Our favorite way to teach this trick is to smear some treat paste on the back of our hands and knuckles and then say the word ‘gentle’ while our cat licks it off. If your cat tries to bite, simply remove your hand and try again later.

23. Find it

Looking for ways to be the best cat owner? We love this trick because as well as being fun, it’s a great way to offer your feline friend some mental and physical enrichment. To teach this trick, start by tossing treats where your cat can see them and saying ‘find it’. Once your cat is used to looking for treats in plain sight, you can increase the difficulty level. Get three cups and hide a treat under one of the cups, then say ‘find it’ and see if your cat can locate which cup the treat is hiding under.

24. Teach them to hop in their carrier

One of the worst things about owning a cat is trying to get them to go into their carrier! But there are times this has to be done and if they’ll happily walk into it of their own accord, that will make your life a whole lot easier. The first step is to leave the carrier in a room your cat frequents regularly with all of the doors open. Scatter treats in and around the carrier to encourage your cat to explore it. Let your cat go in and out as they please, praising them and dishing out plenty of treats. After your cat has done this plenty of times, close the door to the carrier with them in it for just a few seconds before opening the door and giving your cat a treat. Slowly increase the duration your cat is inside until they’re comfortable staying in there for longer periods of time.

25. Fist bump

Paws down one of the coolest tricks you can teach your kitty is the cat fist bump. Place a treat in a cup and place the cup on the ground. When your cat paws at the cup, mark with a ‘yes!’ and reward them with the treat. Next, repeat this step while holding the cup in your hand. Cover the cup with your hand and when your cat paws at your hand, say ‘yes!’ and reward with a treat. Repeat this without any treat in the cup. Now, once your cat has mastered this, remove the cup altogether and turn your hand into a fist, rewarding your cat when they target your fist with their paw.

26. Speak

If you have one of the best cats for extroverts, chances are they’re probably already a bit of a chatterbox but this is a great trick to teach quieter cats who you’d like to be more vocal. It’s really easy too, simply hold up a treat or toy and only give it to your kitty once they’ve meowed to ask for it.

27. Navigate an obstacle course

If you have one of the best indoor cat breeds, mental and physical enrichment is really important for their health and wellbeing — and what’s more fun than an obstacle course? You can use absolutely anything you have at home to create this, including furniture, boxes, books, containers — the sky’s the limit. Set out the obstacle course in a room your cat enjoys spending time in. Use a lure to encourage your cat to move around the course, focusing on one obstacle at a time. As your cat navigates an obstacle, be sure to reward them before asking them to move on to the next part of the course.

28. Turn off a light switch

Don’t fancy going around the house every night turning off all the light switches? Why not get your cat to do it — provided they can reach them okay, that is! To train your cat to do this, start by encouraging them to investigate the light switch, using lots of praise and treats. Choose a verbal command, like 'lights off', and use it every time you turn the lights off yourself and your cat is watching. Next, you want to gently place your cat’s paw on the light switch, use your verbal cue (lights off) and reward them with a treat. Over time, move your cat’s paw off the light switch and wait for them to press the switch by themselves before giving them a treat. Keep repeating this until your kitty is able to turn the switch on and off without a treat.

29. Jump into your arms

Getting your cat to jump into your arms? How very Dirty Dancing of you! Begin by crouching down and use a clicker and treats to get your cat to jump onto your lap. Once they’re confident doing this, use praise and treats to get them used to having your arms around them. Next up, sit at the end of your bed and practice from there — this is higher up than when you’re crouching and will increase the difficulty for your cat. Finally, stand up and get your cat to jump into your arms.

30. Give you a kiss

Soppy but super sweet! If you have a strong bond with your feline friend, why not teach them to give you a kiss? For this one, crouch down and open your arms, call your cat’s name and when they nudge your face with theirs, reward them with a treat.

31. Leg weaves

Stand with your legs apart with one foot in front of the other as if you’re about to take a step. Toss a treat through your legs and gesture for your cat to walk through to get it using the word ‘weave’. Use a second treat and slowly guide your cat around to the front of your leg. Repeat several times. Next, with your cat in front of you, take a step forward and hold a treat on the other side of your leg. Once your cat has passed through your leg you can toss the treat on the floor and take a step forward. Repeat this on the other side and keep practicing until your cat is able to stay in sync with you for multiple steps.

32. Catch

This one is a bit like teaching your cat to fetch, but instead of throwing a toy away from them, you want to throw it towards them. We recommend starting with cat treats first and then once your cat has got the hang of catching those in their mouth or using their paws, you can practice using a small soft toy.

Are you wondering how to stop a cat from pooping in your yard? You’re not alone - dealing with cats defecating in the yard or garden can be a frustrating and persistent problem for many people.

There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve trodden in a stinky pile of poop, discovering that toileting cats have trampled your beautiful flower borders, or going to pull up some homegrown carrots and finding excrement buried in your vegetable bed!

Whether the culprits are neighborhood cats, strays or your own feline companions, the sight and smell of cat feces in your yard can be unpleasant and unhygienic.

Whilst installing one of the best microchip cat flaps is an easy fix to prevent unwanted feline visitors from entering and toileting inside your home, stopping cats from pooping in your yard can be more of a challenge.

I have eighteen years of experience working with cats in vet clinics, shelters, and rescue and welfare organizations. I hold an International Cat Care Certificate in Advanced Feline Behavior for Cat Professionals and have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behavior. Living in a neighborhood with many free-roaming felines and sharing my home with five cats, I'm no stranger to the problem of finding poop in my garden.

Read on as I share what it means if a cat is pooping in your yard and discover the practical and humane solutions that will discourage them from using your outdoor space as a giant litter box.

How to stop a cat from pooping in your yard

Are you desperate to stop a cat from pooping in your yard? Don’t despair, there are effective strategies you can employ to discourage this undesirable behavior and reclaim your outdoor space:

1. Use strong natural scents as a deterrent:

Cats have a sensitive sense of smell and often avoid potent aromas, so strong, cat-safe, non-toxic scents can be a natural deterrent. You could place chopped banana peel and chicken manure pellets on your flower beds to keep cat poop at bay.

Alternatively, it’s possible to purchase pellets containing essence of lion manure, which can be scattered over beds, borders, and pots. The scent of an apex predator is said to deter domestic cats from digging and pooping in the same area, and the pellets have the added benefit of fertilizing your plants. If you’re trying to deter a neighborhood or stray cat from pooping in your yard, try placing some of your own kitty’s poop around the perimeter, as the intruder may avoid the area if it smells of another cat.

2. Grow plants that cats dislike

Cats naturally avoid some plants because they have prickly leaves or an unpleasant scent. Try planting scaredy cat plant (coleus canina), curry plant, rosemary, lemon balm, or shrub roses.

3. Optimize their indoor litter box set-up

You can encourage your kitty to poop inside by providing them with the best self-cleaning cat litter box. A minimum of one litter box per cat plus one extra is recommended, as many cats prefer to pee in one box and poop in another.

Ensure that litter boxes are big enough - at least one and a half times the length of your cat, so they have plenty of room to turn around. Position them in easy-to-access, quiet, low-traffic areas away from food, water and sleeping areas. Avoid plastic liners and scented litter, as most kitties find these aversive. Scoop regularly and clean the boxes out completely at least once a week to keep them fresh.

4. Get an outdoor litter box

If you don’t mind your own kitty or visiting cats pooping in your yard but would like to prevent them from destroying your seedling and digging up your prized plants, why not provide a more suitable place for them to do their business.

Purchase a rainproof outdoor litter box or create a permanent latrine by digging an area the size of an XL litter box or larger and filling it with fine soil or play sand. Locate it in an area where they’ll have privacy but a clear view of their surroundings to prevent them from being ambushed by other cats, dogs, or wild animals. Scoop regularly to maintain hygiene and be aware that if the ground freezes in winter, you may need to provide an alternative toileting area.

5. Make beds, borders and pots less appealing

You can make your vegetable beds, flower borders, and pots more difficult to access and less appealing to use as a toilet by planting crops and shrubs close together or growing ground-covering plants. Use branches, twigs, bark, stones, or crushed eggshells to cover bare soil, as they’re uncomfortable to walk across and difficult to dig in. Protect seedlings and precious plants with a cloche or mesh barrier. Cats generally avoid digging in wet soil or grass, so keep your plants well-watered and run a sprinkler on your lawn.

What does it mean if a cat poops in your yard?

Pooping outside is a natural behavior for cats but there are several reasons why a cat may choose to poop in your yard.

1. Territorial behavior

Cats are territorial and sometimes use their feces to mark their territory by pooping in an open area and leaving it uncovered, which is known as ‘middening’. The scent and visual marker signals to other cats that this is their domain.

This behavior is particularly prevalent in outdoor cats that have defined territories they patrol and mark regularly. You may also notice urine spraying in your yard, which serves a similar purpose. Check out our feature explaining ‘what does a cat spraying look like?’

Even if your feline companion has access to a catio or enclosed yard they may midden if they feel threatened by intruder cats approaching the catio or sitting on the fence.

2. Substrate preference

Domestic cats evolved from the desert-dwelling African wildcat. They retain their wild ancestor’s preference for eliminating in a soft, sandy substrate because it’s easier for them to dig in and cover their feces, which helps to reduce the scent and protect them from potential predators. For this reason, yards with flower or vegetable beds, freshly tilled soil, or sandboxes are particularly attractive to kitties searching for a place to poop.

3. They’re unhappy with their litter box

If your feline companion has indoor litter boxes but still chooses to poop outside, it may be that they’re unhappy with the type of litter or the position, style or set-up of the boxes. Loose soil, soft compost and sand are comfortable underfoot, while wood pellet litter can be painful to stand or squat on, particularly for elderly cats or kitties suffering from osteoarthritis. Most cats prefer a soft, fine-textured, unscented clumping litter.

4. They’re anxious or unwell

If your kitty suddenly starts pooping in the yard when they usually use an indoor litter box it may be a sign of anxiety in cats or that they're unwell.

Stressors, such as the arrival of a new cat or dog, the presence of unfamiliar visitors, or construction noise can cause anxiety and make a cat feel too insecure to use their litter box.

If your feline friend is experiencing pain due to illness, for example, constipation, they may associate this with their litter box and avoid it, seeking an alternative place to toilet.

Can cat feces contaminate a garden?

Like all feces, cat poop can act as a fertilizer for plants. However, excess nutrients can be harmful and may threaten native species which have adapted to particular soil conditions.

Cats can shed gastrointestinal parasites in their feces, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, heartworms, and single-celled organisms including Giardia and Toxoplasma gondii. Other cats, dogs, and wildlife are at risk of contracting these parasites if they come into contact with infected cat poop or contaminated soil, food or water.

Humans can also be infected, experiencing health problems from minor discomfort to serious illness, with pregnant women, babies, young children and immunocompromised people at particular risk. So, it’s important to wear gloves when gardening, cover children’s sandboxes, and always wash your hands after working or playing in the yard.

Cat feces can also enter the waterways through runoff from rainfall, driving algal blooms and threatening marine wildlife. Toxoplasma gondii is an infection caused by a parasite found in cats' intestinal tracts. A study published in the Acta Parasitologica journal revealed that it's been shown to affect sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and porpoises, causing severe illness and increased susceptibility to other diseases, often resulting in death.

How long does cat poop take to decompose in soil?

Cat poop typically takes between three and six months to decompose in the soil but can linger for up to a year, depending on environmental conditions including temperature, moisture, and microbial activity.

So, it’s essential to promptly clean up and safely dispose of feces to maintain a healthy and pleasant environment for humans, cats and other animals. Bag it, seal it, and put it in the trash, use a professional pet waste disposal service, or compost it in a dedicated composting system sited well away from edible plants.

Is your kitty nibbling your favorite flowers or chewing your houseplant leaves to sheds? We reveal how to stop a cat from eating plants. When it comes to your furry friend’s feces do you know what’s normal? We reveal what to look out for when you scoop cat poop.

Can cats play fetch? It’s one of the most popular games to play with a dog, but far fewer felines chase and retrieve objects thrown by their pet parents. 

Unlike dogs, cats haven’t evolved to cooperate with humans or been bred specifically for their retrieving ability. However, you might be surprised at their potential for playing fetch. But do they enjoy it and what are the benefits? Read on to discover why playing fetch can be fun and rewarding for both of you.    

If you’ve ever praised and petted your feline friend when they’ve brought you a toy, you’ve inadvertently reinforced this behavior, making it more likely to happen again. 

We reveal how to use positive reinforcement training, the best cat toys and the best interactive cat toys to unlock the fetching potential of your purring playmate. 

Can cats play fetch?

Can cats play fetch? While it’s not a common behavior, a study published in the Scientific Reports journal reveals that more cats engage in this game than you might imagine. 

Are cats playful in the same way as dogs? Researchers discovered that cats prefer to play fetch on their terms, initiating play with their guardians and deciding when to end the game. Perhaps unsurprising, given their independent nature.

Incredibly, 94% of the pet parents surveyed reported that their cats began playing fetch without any training or prompting. But don’t despair if your kitty doesn’t fetch, as it is possible to train this behavior.

 As solitary hunters, cats instinctively chase after rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects, and pick up captured prey with their mouths, often bringing their catches home to their human companions. 

The initial stages of a game of fetch mimic this innate predatory behavior, so cats may be motivated to play due to their predatory instincts. Has your kitty ever dropped one of their favorite toys at your feet? The only remaining component of the fetching behavior is for you to toss it and encourage them to bring it back.

Both mixed and purebred breeds will retrieve objects with siamese, Burmese, savannah, and maine coon cats often reported to be particularly enthusiastic fetchers.

Social play is most common in young animals and researchers found that cats that played fetch were more likely to start when they were under a year old.

Whether or not your feline friend enjoys playing fetch will also depend on their personality and preferences. Not all cats are naturally inclined to play fetch, but many can be trained to enjoy participating in this activity with their human companions.

Do cats like to play fetch?

Some cats find chasing and retrieving objects extremely rewarding, whilst others show little interest, preferring other forms of interactive play. Researchers found that many cats were only interested in fetching one specific toy or type of household object, or that they would only retrieve items for a certain person or at a particular time of day. 

For some cats, the thrill of the chase will be more rewarding than the act of retrieving and returning a toy to you. The most important thing to remember is that cats like to feel that they’re in control, so be receptive to your kitty's needs and preferences.

Like all forms of cat play, playing fetch has a host of benefits for your feline friend. Fetch stimulates a cat’s natural hunting instincts, providing them with an opportunity to engage in the stalk, chase, pounce, and bite stages of the predatory sequence. 

Learning to fetch requires them to focus, track and retrieve an object, which can help to keep their mind active and prevent boredom. It’s also an excellent way to encourage your kitty to get more exercise.

Running after and pouncing on a toy will help your feline friend maintain a healthy weight, preventing obesity and promoting overall health.

Fetch is a particularly good physical activity for indoor cats, allowing them to release pent-up energy in a positive way and helping to stop cat play aggression and other undesirable behaviors.

Engaging in fetching games can boost your kitty’s mood, reduce stress, and improve their overall wellbeing. Like all interactive play, playing fetch is an opportunity for your cat to bond with you, strengthening your relationship through positive interaction and shared fun.

How to teach a cat to play fetch

So, can you train a cat to play fetch? Our feline companions are very intelligent and most are capable of learning to retrieve objects. However, ‘fetch’ is a behavior chain, a sequence of behaviors that need to happen in a specific order - chase the object, pick it up, carry it back to the thrower and drop it. 

Because this is quite complex, it’s best to break it down, teaching each step separately. Once your kitty can perform the individual behaviors, you can link them together so one action cues the next.

Using reward-based positive reinforcement training is the best way to motivate your furry friend to learn to play fetch. They’re more likely to work for a high-value reward that they love, like the best cat treats or toys.

It’s also important to choose the right object for them to fetch. Start with something your kitty is naturally attracted to and can easily pick up in their mouth, like a crumpled ball of paper or a small, lightweight toy. 

They’re more likely to engage if the toy triggers their predatory instincts. Create positive associations with the chosen toy, encouraging your cat to play with it and praising and rewarding them with a treat when they show any interest.

Set up the environment for success. Training takes concentration, so choose a quiet, familiar room with few distractions. 

1. Introduce the reward
If your cat doesn’t pick up objects, introduce the pick-up by sticking a small treat to their chosen toy. When they touch the toy with their mouth, mark the desired behavior using a clicker or marker word, for example, “yes” and give them a treat. Repeat a few times, then remove the treat from the toy.

2. Mark and reward
Hold the toy in your palm and offer it to your kitty. When they take it in their mouth, click or say “yes” and reward them. After several successful attempts, wait until they drop the toy back in your hand before marking and rewarding. 

3.  Increase the distance
Once your cat is reliably picking up and dropping the toy, start placing it in front of them on the floor. When they pick it up and drop it back in your hand, mark the desired behavior and reward them. Gradually increase the distance between the toy and your hand. 

4.  Call them back to you
Start tossing the toy about a foot away from your cat to encourage them to chase it. Call them back to you as soon as they have the toy in their mouth.

When they’ve successfully retrieved the toy several times, increase the distance you toss it to two feet, then three feet, and so on. Continue marking and rewarding every successful fetch. 

5. Increase the distance
If your kitty fails to fetch the toy at any stage during the training process, go back a step. Lowering the criteria will allow them to maintain a high rate of reinforcement, keeping them engaged and preventing frustration. When they've made a few successful fetches, try increasing the distance again. 

6.  Add a verbal cue
Once your cat can reliably perform the complete fetch behavior sequence, you can add the verbal cue, “fetch”, saying the word just as you toss the toy. It's important to be consistent with your cue, marking and rewards throughout the training process to ensure your cat understands what you want them to do. 

It may take a few weeks or longer to teach your feline friend to play fetch, so be patient. Practice regularly but keep sessions short to prevent them from losing interest and always end on a positive note with lots of praise and a reward. 

Never scold or punish your cat if they fail to fetch or force them to relinquish the toy they’ve retrieved, as this can cause fear, anxiety and distrust, making them less likely to want to play fetch in the future and damaging their bond with you. 

It’s important to have realistic expectations. Not all cats will become proficient fetch players but that’s ok. The most important thing is to have fun together!

Wondering what do cats like to play with? We have the answers. Looking for more inspiration for interactive play with your feline friend? Here are eight great games to play with cats.  If you want to learn How to teach a cat a trick, check out this guide.

Have you ever wondered how to teach a cat a trick? Or questioned if it’s even possible? Whilst we might associate tricks with our canine companions, it’s something that our cats can get involved with too — and it’s easier than you might think!

There are lots of reasons why you might want to teach your cat a trick. Not only is it great for mental stimulation when they’re not playing with the best cat toys, but it also helps to strengthen your bond with them. Plus, there’s no denying that it's a pretty cool party trick.

This might come as a surprise but cats can learn a variety of commands. From ‘sit’ to ‘high five’, there’s lots of things you can teach them. So, how do you do that exactly? It all comes down to positive reinforcement, so you’ll want to have some tasty treats or the best interactive cat toys to hand.

We asked expert vet Dr. Bethany Hsia for her top tips on teaching tricks and how long it takes to train them. She’s also given instructions on how to teach basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘high five’ and ‘roll over’, and explained the benefits of doing so. Here’s what you need to know:

Can you teach a cat a trick?

Questioning, 'Can you train a cat?' The answer is yes — and it's simpler than it sounds. Dr Hsia says that teaching tricks takes just four things: using positive reinforcement methods, having patience, keeping sessions short and staying consistent.

She explains: "It is indeed possible to teach a cat a trick. Whilst cats are known for their independent nature, they can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Cats are intelligent animals and can learn various tricks with patience, consistency, and the right approach."

Positive reinforcement is when you reward the desired behavior. This can be done by giving them the best cat treats, praise or play.

Dr. Hsia notes that cats don't have very good attention spans. That's why it's a good idea to keep sessions brief and frequent. She also explains that by keeping your commands and rewards consistent, your cat will understand what you expect from them.

So, how long does it take to teach a cat a trick?

She says: "The speed at which a cat learns a trick can vary depending on the individual cat, the complexity of the trick, and the training methods used. Some cats may pick up simple tricks like sitting or high-fiving within a few days to weeks, while more complex tricks may take longer."

Why should I teach my cat tricks?

Aside from being entertaining to watch, it turns out that teaching tricks has benefits for your cat too:

1. It provides mental stimulation

Is your cat bored? If they are, then they might be lacking mental stimulation. From why do cats suck on blankets to why do cats eat hair, there are all sorts of behaviors cats choose to engage in that are often the result of boredom. To help prevent this, experts recommend playing with your cat for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a day, and teaching them a trick can be included in this.

2. It strengthens your bond

If you want to improve the relationship with your cat, teaching them a trick is a good way about it. Not only does it help to build trust and communication, but they'll also associate you with fun and rewards.

3. It provides physical stimulation

To avoid health problems like obesity, it's important that your cat stays active and gets enough physical stimulation. This might be harder for indoor cats, so it's worth stocking up on the best toys for indoor cats.

How to teach a cat to sit

Difficulty level: Easy

You will need: Cat treats and a quiet training area

Instructions:

1. "Hold a treat close to your cat’s nose.

2. Slowly move your hand with the treat upwards, causing your cat to follow it with their head.

3. As your cat raises its head, its bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position.

4. Once your cat sits down, say 'sit' and give them the treat.

5. Repeat this process several times during short training sessions."

How to teach a cat to high five

Difficulty level: Moderate

You will need: Cat treats and patience

Instructions:

1. "Hold a treat in one hand and show it to your cat.

2. Raise your hand slightly above their head so they reach up with their paw.

3. As they raise their paw towards your hand, say 'high five'.

4. When their paw touches your hand (or even if they make an attempt), reward them with the treat.

5. Practice this regularly until your cat associates raising their paw with getting a treat."

How to teach a cat to roll over

Difficulty level: Advanced

You will need: Cat treats and a comfortable training area

Instructions:

1. "Start by commanding your cat to 'lie down'.

2. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it in a circular motion towards their shoulder.

3. Your goal is for them to follow the treat with their head and body, causing them to roll over onto their back.

4. Once they complete the rollover motion, reward them with the treat and praise.

5. Practice this step by step until your cat can perform the full rollover on command."

Want to learn about the importance of cat play? Check out this feature. You might also want to learn how to train a cat to use a cat door and how to discipline a cat.

Do you groom your cat? Many cats — particularly those with longer hair — can benefit from a brushing. However, not all cats enjoy it. 

You might have one of the best cat brushes ready to use, but if your cat isn’t a fan of being brushed it’ll make the whole process more complicated than it might be otherwise. Your cat might be scared of the brush, have had some negative past experiences with brushing, simply find it uncomfortable, or dislike being handled.

Despite this, you might not be able to avoid brushing your cat from time to time. After all, brushing your cat not only allows you to keep them tidy and prevent tangling and matting, but it can help you look for potential health issues, too. 

So, what you can you do to make brushing a little more enjoyable for your kitty? Certified cat behavior psychologist Saba Sayyed, or A Cat Psychologist, has offered five tips on social media. 

1. Start by scratching their head and chin slowly: For this part, you don’t yet need to introduce any combs or brushes. You’re simply getting your cat used to the physical contact.

2. Introduce the comb for five seconds on their head and chin: Sayyed explains that you should do this when they’re tired or resting if possible. “Stop before they get annoyed,” she adds, so make sure you aren’t putting the comb on them for too long!

3. Keep the duration short to begin with: Once they’re used to you merely introducing the comb, you can begin brushing your cats. Try keeping things to around five seconds at a time, again reducing the likelihood of your cat getting annoyed.

4. Give them a quick treat right after brushing for a few seconds: Don’t forget the treats! Using treats will help them make positive associations with being brushed and combed, so it’s a good idea to keep some next to you while training. 

5. Use a comb made with wood or one with soft bristles: Here are the six types of cat brushes and how to use them. Ideally, these are the best combs to use on your feline friend. Remember, too, that it’s best to use a cat brush — brushes for human hair aren’t likely to be as effective, as they don’t reach the undercoat. A cat’s undercoat can get matted if it’s not brushed regularly, particularly when it comes to long-haired cats. 

On that subject, you might find this vet's guide to grooming long-haired cats is useful. Whether you’re an experienced cat parent but you’re dealing with a cat who doesn’t like being brushed for the first time, or this is your first long-haired cat, there’s plenty of advice that may help. 

When you think of training, cats may not be the first animal you think of. But cats can benefit from solid training just as much as dogs can. 

If you have a cat or new kitten you may have wondered can you train a cat or what is the point of cat training, they look perfectly happy taking a nap by the window or climbing up the best cat tree. But the truth is cats and kittens need the mental stimulation and physical activity from training. This can help curb some unwanted behaviors such as scratching or biting, help them sleep better, and the main one use the bathroom in their litter box.

If you're feeling overwhelmed with where to begin, don't worry we've compiled our top tips for training your cat.

32 tips for training your cat

1. Decide on a goal

Decide on a goal and be realistic. Maybe you want to tackle potty training, or teaching your cat to sit. Whatever it might be make a goal to give yourself and your cat something to work towards.

2. Be patient

Training a new skill takes time and effort. Be patient with your kitty, they will probably not get it on the first try and that's okay. Keep at it and before you know it, your cat will have it down. 

Also, be patient with yourself, training takes a lot of mental energy from both you and your cat, so be sure to give yourself some grace. 

3. Be consistent

Whether you are using verbal cues or a hand gesture, be consistent in what you are doing. If you constantly change what you're doing to teach a skill it will be harder for your kitty to catch on.

4. Stick to a routine

You could give your kitty breakfast, play for a while, and then work on skill. Or maybe you decide to do some training before dinner each day. Having a similar rhythm to your day can help your cat feel comfortable and secure and be more likely to want to participate in a training session with you. 

5. Equipment

You will want to make sure you are ready and stocked with the essentials. You definitely need things like the best cat treats to reward your cat, the best cat harness if you are working on leash training, and even some of the best kitten toys if your feline prefers playtime over treats.

6. Get the entire family on board

If you are going to be training in a house with other family members you'll want to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If one person allows your kitty to stand on the counter and you don't, this will send mixed messages to your feline. 

7. Start small

You may want to start with commands like, coming when called or sitting. Whichever trick you'd like to work on, we recommend starting with an easy one and then building from there. 

8. Keep training sessions short

Nobody wants to sit in an hour-long training session. This can end in both you and your cat feeling frustrated and tired. Keep training sessions short, even just a couple of minutes will be plenty. This will keep your kitty's attention and they will be more likely to want to do more training with you. 

9.  Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best way to support your kitty during training. Even older cats will benefit from the use of positive reinforcement when they do something that you would like them to keep doing. This can be done in the form of treats, or even redirection. If your cat is scratching the couch, for example, move them to one of the best cat scratching posts to show where they can scratch.

10.  Do not punish bad behavior

We never recommend the use of shouting, spraying, or being rough with your cat. While it may seem that it stops the behavior at the moment, it is unlikely to teach your cat the correct behavior, or what they can do instead. It can also lead to anxiety in cats and them feeling unsafe around you.

11. Eliminate distractions

It can be hard for anyone to focus when the t.v. is blasting, or there are a lot of people around talking to you. This can be distracting for your cat as well. Try to offer sessions in a quiet area, maybe in their own space in the house or somewhere with minimal distractions. 

12. Pick the best time of day

Just like humans, a cat's energy levels can ebb and flow over a 24 hour period. If you notice your cat's mood is the best in the morning, try a training session then. Or maybe your cat is more likely to engage in the evening, give that a try. 

13. Reward immediately

According to the Humane Society of the United States, you should offer a reward within seconds of your pet doing the desired task. If offered too late, your pet may not associate it with the skill you are working on. 

14. Decide which tricks to start with

This can be done in the goal-setting process, but deciding ahead of time which tricks and skills you want to start with can help you and your kitty stay on track. Once your cat has mastered these skills you can work on more complex ones. 

15. Find your cat's love language

Some kitties will be motivated with treats, others may want all the snuggles, and some may crave some one-on-one time with their pet parents. For these cats, knowing how to play with a cat is crucial.

16. Wait for the right time

If your kitty or cat has just had shots or surgery of some kind, this will not be the right time for training. Likewise, if life is super busy for you, wait until things quiet down. A calm home life will support your cat while they are tackling new skills.

17. Does not have be a trick

When you think of training you may think of the common skills like sitting, giving their paw, or even jumping. But training can also help with things that they feel anxious or scared of. This could include, traveling in their carrier (even if it is one of the best cat carriers), or getting their ears checked at the vet. You can help them associate these things with something positive, like getting a treat or plenty of snuggles with you.

18. Focus on one skill at a time

You don't want to overwhelm your kitty with learning a ton of new skills at once. Focus on one skill and then once your cat has that one down, move on to the next one.

19. Choose a training method

Is clicker training recommended for cats? We think so, in addition to clicker training, you can use hand signals or verbal cues to train your cat. Whichever you choose, make sure you stick to it so you don't confuse your furry feline.

20. Know you cat's body language beforehand

Knowing the signs of a happy cat will be very important while learning new skills. Pay attention to how your cat behaves when they are happy and content. Just as importantly notice how they act when they are anxious or stressed. If you notice any signs that your cat has had enough, end your training session. 

21. Get extra support

Do not be afraid to ask for help. This doesn't mean you aren't doing a great job or that you have failed. Training a new skill is no easy feat and having the extra help can sometimes make all the difference. Reach out to your vet, or a cat behaviorist. Sometimes local shelters can offer resources to support you. 

22. Reward natural behavior

If you are working on potty training for example, and you see your cat go use the bathroom in the litter box unprompted, make a big deal! We want them to know that this is the behavior we want to see even when we are not actively working on it. 

23. Try out a different heights

If your cat is sitting on the floor and you are standing, it may seem like you are looming over them and we don't know about you but that wouldn't help us feel good about learning something new. You can try sitting next to your cat, or place them on one of their cat towers. 

24.  Train when your cat is calm and happy

This fits along with training at the best time of day for your kitty. But if you notice your cat seems a little grumpy or just not in the mood for playing around skip the training session and try again at a different time. You don't want your cat to associate learning new things with stress. 

25. Watch out for signs they are losing interest

If your cat is starting to lose interest, it is best to end the session. Cats can sometimes be aloof and easily distracted, if it feels like you are working harder than your cat during a training session then go ahead and call it quits for the day. You can always come back when your cat is fresh and ready to learn. 

26. Don't force a session

Just to reiterate, do not force a training session. If your cat feels like they are being forced or pressured they are less likely to want to cooperate. Training sessions should be easy breezy and stress-free. 

27. Train before mealtimes

If your cat is a foodie and you are using treats as a reward, try to avoid training right after mealtimes. If your cat is already full, they are less likely to be interested in treats. 

28. Litter training still counts as training

Knowing how to get a cat to use a litter box is not something that you will just know. Especially if you have a kitten, they will need to be taught to go to the bathroom in the best cat litter box. So while this may not be as fun as tricks like, sitting or coming when cold, litter training still counts as training and should be worked on solely without teaching other skills at the same time. 

29.  Set up self-care

This tip is for you. While having a pet can lower your stress levels, teaching your cat a new skill can raise them right back up. Make sure you are taking care of yourself as well during this time. Schedule some self-care whether that be in the form of reading a new book, taking a walk, or whatever feels best to you. When you are at your best, you can show up for your cat in the best way.

30. Hide the treats

If you are using treats keep them hidden while training. If your cat sees them they may be too focused on getting to the food than working on their trick.

31.  Start young 

While it is definitely possible to retrain a cat to use the litter box, the earlier you start the easier it will be. Similarly, if you start from early on and stay consistent with your cat, it will help them adjust easier to their surrounding. 

32. Consider using human food as treats

Some cats are not in love with cat treats and are more interested in the foods that their humans are eating. While there are certainly foods that cats should never eat there are some that are safe and tasty for cats. Foods like cooked chicken or sweet potato are just a few DIY cat treats you can whip up in under 30 minutes. 

Want more training tips? Read: How to train a cat to use a cat door.

Looking for reasons to train your cat? Well, look no further because you'll find a whole bunch of them right here!

Training can help your cat feel more comfortable getting into their carrier, make grooming that much easier, and ensure those twice-yearly vet checkups are as stress-free as possible. Plus, if you use the best interactive cat toys or treats as a reward, you'll help them learn that much faster.

When you ask people the question 'Can you train a cat?', most would answer no — but it turns out that our intelligent feline friends can learn all sorts of new skills, tricks, and behaviors. As long as you use positive reinforcement, you'll find your cat is capable of almost anything.

If you're looking for a little motivation to get you jumping on the training wagon, here are some great reasons to train your cat (and some of them may just surprise you!).

32 reasons to train your cat

1. It will give their brain a good workout

Whatever training you undertake with your cat — whether it's teaching them to walk on a leash, do a trick, or figure out how to solve the best cat puzzle feeder to release their dinner — you're guaranteed to be giving your feline friend's brain a great mental workout. Cats need to exercise their minds the same way we humans do and anything that requires them to learn something or problem-solve is a fantastic way of ticking that box.

2. It's great for increasing their physical activity 

With the best dry cat food and wet food being so darn delicious, weight gain is always a potential problem for cats, particularly if they live purely indoors. Many cats don't get anywhere near enough exercise, so doing training that involves movement (like getting them to jump to the top of their cat tree or go under and over objects) is a fun way to get them moving.

3. Training can be a great way to prevent boredom

Have you ever found yourself asking questions like 'why do cats suck on blanekts?' or 'why do cats eat hair?' Because many cats spend the bulk of their lives indoors, it's very easy for boredom to set in and behaviors such as these might be the result. Without plenty of physical and mental stimulation, cats can start to engage in destructive behaviors to get their needs met or become depressed or overweight. Training is a great way to banish boredom by providing them with an activity that's fun and enriching.

4. You may just find their sleep improves

Learning any new skill or behavior takes a lot of mental energy. If you have a cat that's crying a lot or just won't settle, doing some training can help to tire them out so that they can relax and get the sleep they need to stay happy and healthy. Training your cat in the evening is particularly useful if they're prone to keeping you awake — if you tire them out mentally and physically before you go to sleep, they're more likely to sleep too.

5. It can help strengthen your bond

When you're training your cat, you're doing something together — which is a wonderful way to deepen the bond the two of you share and work on how you communicate with each other. And because you'll be using lots of positive training techniques (like praise and the best cat treats), they'll quickly come to associate you with good things.

6. You and your cat can show off to friends and family

Who doesn't love watching a cat perform a trick or two? We know we do! Showing your friends and family your cat's latest trick can be a great way of bringing everyone together — and if your feline friend isn't quite sure about being around new people, having visitors dish out the treats as a reward can help break the ice.

7. It may just save your furniture

Wondering how to keep cats from scratching furniture? Training is definitely the answer! Cats tend to scratch the furniture when they're stressed, bored, wanting attention, or when there's no suitable scratching alternative, so training and rewarding them for using a designated scratching post will ensure your couch stays free from claw marks. Investing in one of the best cat scratching posts is well worth the money for this reason alone.

8. Training can help your cat to use their litter box

A huge reason to train your cat is to ensure they always pee or defecate in their litter box and not around the house. When it comes to how to litter train a kitten or a cat, make sure you select the best cat litter and litter box location, clean the litter box regularly, and if you have a multi-cat home, purchase several litter boxes to limit competition.

9. It's a great way to boost your cat's confidence

Just like every human has certain things they fear, so does every cat. It could be going to the vet or the sound of the vacuum cleaner, but whatever the trigger, it's likely your feline friend has one or two things that make them feel stressed or anxious. Training around these triggers where your cat learns to form positive associations around things they previously found scary, can do wonders for their confidence and even reduce anxiety in cats.

10. You'll find it easier to handle them

While some cats (like the most affectionate lap cat breeds) will jump happily into your arms at the first invitation, others aren't quite so fond of being handled. Training your cat to accept handling can make all sorts of situations easier — like those twice-yearly vet visits!

11. Training can reduce stress and anxiety

Cats can experience stress and anxiety for many reasons. It may be related to a particular health issue they’re having, changes that are being made in their environment, or having to go in the car to get a check-up at the vet. Anxiety can lead to a whole host of problematic behaviors, but training can help to dampen down your cat’s stress response, this is just one of many ways to destress your cat.

12. You can teach your cat not to pester you

Whether they’re after more food or simply demanding attention, cats are persistent when they’re after something! Excessive meowing, getting under your feet, jumping up on surfaces, or scratching furniture are all ways your kitty may pester you to get what they want. Training can put a stop to these behaviors and help your kitty learn the art of patience.

13. It can put a stop to biting and scratching

Is your adult cat or kitten biting you? Do they scratch when you pet them, groom them, or try to pick them up? Cats may bite because they’re practicing their predatory instincts, when fearful, stressed, or frustrated. However, with patience and nurturing you can train your cat to regulate their intense emotions and put a stop to this behavior.

14. You may find grooming them is a whole lot easier

While most of our feline friends enjoy being brushed, some don’t and the last thing you want to be doing with your time is reading up on grooming aggressive cats! Thankfully, with a little bit of training, most cats can learn to enjoy being handled, and using one of the best cat brushes doesn't hurt.

15. It will keep them off surfaces you don't want them on

Cat constantly on the kitchen counter? What about your dining room table? Or perhaps it’s more the bathroom sink your little one enjoys hanging out on? Whatever the situation, there are likely surfaces you don’t want your curious cat on — and that’s okay! Training can ensure that all four paws stay on the ground at all times.

16. Training will always be more successful than punishment

Negative reinforcement (yelling, scolding, or being rough with your cat) never works. It may appear to put a stop to the behavior in the short term, but all punishment does is damage the relationship you share with your feline friend. Positive reinforcement on the other hand (offering praise and treats when your cat does something you want to see more of) is something cats respond very, very well to. Do this consistently and you'll create an environment where your cat finds it easy to learn what's expected of them.

17. You'll find it easier to keep them safe

If you plan on letting your feline explore the great outdoors, you'll want to know how to measure a cat for a harness and which of the best cat harnesses you should try out. Doing harness training with your kitty is a great way to keep them safe when they're out in nature's big backyard. It lets them enjoy all the enrichment your garden has to offer while allowing you to keep them safe at the same time.

18. Getting them into their carrier will be easier

One of the biggest challenges faced by cat owners is trying to figure out how to get their cat into their carrier without ending up with both of their arms covered in kitty claw marks! Our feline friends do not like being in an enclosed space that they haven’t entered voluntarily even if it is one of the best cat carriers, so training your kitty to get comfortable with their carrier will make those trips to the vet that much easier.

19. You'll be able to take them on vacation with you

Vacations aren’t just for dogs, cats love them too! And if you have a well-trained cat who’s been taught that traveling is nothing to fear, you’ll find you’ll be able to take your calm kitty on buses, trains, and planes — although do check with your local transport operator first to ensure they’ll accept your fur friend.

20. Your cat will come when you call them

Teaching your cat to come when you call them isn’t just handy, it could also save their life if they’re normally an indoor cat who escapes outside or if they’re somewhere they shouldn’t be. Teaching your cat to come on command means you can rest easy knowing you can always get hold of them if you need them.

21. Training can help make clipping their nails a lot less stressful

Cat nail clipping is something a lot of pet parents fear, and for good reason — many cats find it stressful and if they struggle, there’s always the risk of over-clipping. The good news is, that you can train your cat to at least tolerate those nail sessions and to remain calm and relaxed. Having the best cat nail clippers will also make your job a whole lot easier.

22. It provides vital enrichment for senior cats or those with limited mobility

As our feline friends age and start to slow down, it can be hard to know how to provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy in their old age. That’s where training comes in. Helping them learn a new skill is a great way to offer up some enrichment and you can get some gentle movement in there too, so you’re ticking both boxes.

23. Training can promote quiet and calm behavior

If you have a hyper kitty on your hands who’s constantly bouncing off the walls and running all over the place, training can be a great way to teach your feline friend that what gets rewarded is quiet and calm behavior.

24. It can slowly reduce aggression

There are various causes of aggressive behavior in cats. Sometimes it’s status, petting, play, or pain-induced and other times it’s related to your kitty feeling fearful or territorial. Whatever the cause, when it comes to how to calm an aggressive cat, training is key to slowly changing behavior.

25. So they can be a support animal

It’s not just dogs that make great support animals, cats are fantastic at this job too! Cats often feature prominently in lists of the best emotional support animal breeds and for good reason — with the right training, these loving and affectionate creatures can make for the most therapeutic of companions.

26. It will help them cope better at the vet

Most cats are reluctant vet-goers (at best!) but with some patience and consistent training you may find that your kitty can tolerate their twice-yearly checkups with relative ease.

27. Training can help them get used to car journeys

Cats are notorious for detesting having to go in the car, and for good reason — they tend to get motion sickness. However, training can help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that many experience which will help make the whole process a lot more relaxing (for both them and you!)

28. Helps multi-cat households run smoothly

Wondering how to keep the peace in a multi-cat household? It all comes down to training. When you use treats, play, and attention to reinforce positive behavior in your cats, you cement yourself as the dominant personality in the house — which means all of your feline friends stay on a level playing field.

29. Boosts happiness

If you start to train your kitty to learn news skills and behaviors, you're almost guaranteed to begin spotting all the signs of a happy cat — that's because just like us humans, our feline friends love learning new things. So, if you want to give your cat's happiness a boost and ward off anxiety and depression, training is a great place to start.

30. You can train them to sit on your lap

Granted, some breeds are more prone to cuddling up on your lap than others, but you don't need to have a ragdoll or a Persian to get in a daily snuggle session. Most cats can be trained to spend some time on your lap — even if it isn't always for as long as you'd like!

31. It builds trust

Cats crave routine and predictability. When you train them consistently using positive reinforcement, you're communicating to them that they've done something good, which is a wonderful way to earn their trust.

32. To show people what cats are capable of

We all know how amazing dogs can be at learning new tricks and mastering new skills, but we often write cats off and think they can't possibly be taught how to fetch an item or take part in an agility course. Not true. Our feline friends are super intelligent and they are more than capable of learning many of the same things that dogs are — they're just very independent minded, so whether they want to be trained is a decision entirely in their paws!

For pet parents with indoor cats, potty training is probably the most appealing option when it comes to dealing with their stool. 

There are lots of self-cleaning litter boxes on the market that will do the hard work for you, but you might want to avoid it altogether and teach them to go to the bathroom instead. After all, all you have to do is flush the chain and it’s gone. 

It might seem a little surreal to imagine your cat using a toilet like we do, and you’re probably wondering how they do it. So, let us explain. 

First, you move the litter box next to the toilet and over time, you raise it a little bit higher and closer. Once they’ve got used to this, you then place it over the toilet. In time, you swap the litter box for a training box inside of the toilet, which you gradually make smaller and smaller until they are using the toilet seat normally.

Once your cat knows how to do this, this method is very convenient and makes life a whole lot easier. However, Amanda Campion, a clinical animal behaviorist, shared some of her concerns about it in a recent Instagram post. So, if you’re thinking about going down this route, you might want to hear what she has to say first:

1. “What happens when your cat needs to go to the cattery?”

In the video, Amanda questions what would happen if your cat needed to go to the cattery. Since it’s unlikely they will have an actual toilet they can use, this might make things a little confusing for them.

2. “What happens when it gets older[...]?”

When your cat gets older, they might not be able to jump onto the toilet seat as easily, making the process a lot harder (or impossible) for them. Although this might be fine for some older cats, you never know if yours might struggle in the future.

Whilst Amanda feels that toilet training isn’t a good option behaviorally speaking, she says that if it works for you, there is no judgment.  

If you’re looking for the best cat litter, this buying guide will help you choose the right one for your furry friend. Wondering ‘can you train a cat?’ An expert reveals all in this feature.

Training is something we most often associate with dogs, but as you've probably come to expect with owning a cat, our feline friends are full of surprises!

When it comes to the question can you train a cat, the answer is absolutely. You can teach your kitty all sorts of new skills and tricks, although we recommend stocking up on a bag or two of the best cat treats first to reward them and help keep them motivated.

So, where does one start with cat training we hear you ask. Well, certified cat trainer and behaviorist Maria Kozlova has outlined the basics in a recent Instagram post, so no matter your experience, you can begin training your cat whenever you like. 

First, Kozlova recommends finding a quiet location with no distractions. This might mean choosing your training times wisely, or clearing a space. It’s probably a good idea to train your cat away from other animals or young children, too, and make sure you aren’t distracted either – although, of course, that can be easier said than done sometimes!

And, keep sessions short if you can. “Aim for daily practice lasting 5-10 minutes,” says Kozlova. It makes sense – you don’t want your furry friend to get bored! Little and often makes more sense than longer, but less frequent, sessions. 

Is clicker training for cats recommended? “Use a clicker to ‘mark’ good behavior,” confirms Kozlova. “The clear sound, followed by a treat, helps your cat understand what’s rewarded.” And remember to reward positively. 

Treats are good, of course, but petting and fussing and even affectionate words will all reinforce your cat’s positive behavior. Cats and dogs are different, and cats often don’t have the same desire to please us as dogs do, so it can be a good idea to try different things and deduce just what your cat prefers as a reward.

When training your cat, you might find that they’ll bite or scratch at one point or another. Kozlova recommends redirecting them to toys or scratching posts. But whatever you do, avoid punishing your cat physically, as this may cause fear, or you might find yourself wondering how to calm an aggressive cat further down the line. 

Finally, remember to be consistent, and to be patient – both are key. As Kozlova explains, you should “Use the same commands and rewards to help your cat understand and remember what to do,” and keep trying if they don’t catch on straight away. Don’t expect to see instant results. However, if you stick with training, you will see some results over time!

If there’s a particular problem you’re looking to tackle, here are seven common cat behavior problems solved!

Do you find yourself running round the house with a piece of string or investing in a range of interactive cat toys only to find that your kitty doesn't seem the least bit interested in playing? 

Of course, cats are more solitary animals than dogs, and they sleep a lot too, but if your cat isn’t interested in playing it doesn’t mean it’s time to put the best cat toys away and simply give up - especially given the range of mental and physical health benefits that a good play session can offer your feline friend. 

There are ways to encourage your cat to become more interested in playing, which will give them both physical and mental stimulation – here’s what certified cat behavior psychologist Saba Sayyed, who goes by A Cat Psychologist, has to say about getting your kitty excited for playtime. 

“Don’t leave their toy out all day!” Sayyed begins, explaining that you should keep your cat’s toys hidden and bring them out only when you play with them – which should be around once or twice a day. 

“In nature, cats have millions of bugs and birds to hunt on,” she continues. “However, at home, we keep playing with them with the same toys, and that’s why our cats lose interest in playing.”

If you only bring your cat’s toys out once or twice a day, it makes them more exciting. In Sayyed’s video, she shows one of her cats, Rya, playing with a broken toy – even though she doesn’t often show interest in playing. She explains that she makes the toy move like a bug or fly. This taps into the cat’s hunting instincts, and even though the toy is broken it’s clear that Rya gets plenty of excitement from playing with it. 

If you aren’t sure how to play with a cat to keep them interested, remember that it’s important to encourage their natural instincts. Grab a toy your cat hasn’t seen in a while – it doesn’t have to be expensive or even in complete working order – and encourage them to stalk, pounce, and chase. 

Cats love movement, so a bunch of toys just sitting on the floor won’t be particularly eye-catching for your kitty. Rather, dangle toys at your cat, or throw them to encourage their chasing instinct. 

And remember, every cat is different. Just as one cat might prefer a different food to another, some cats will like different types of play more than others. Why not take some time out to experiment, and see which types of play really get your cat excited? 

And do your best to take some time every day to play with your cat. It might be tricky if you have to juggle things like work and childcare too, but even two, 15-minute sessions can work wonders. If there are multiple people in your household, you can divide those up, too, so that you all get a chance to join in the fun!

Unless specifically stated, any expert comments quoted in this news piece have been taken directly from the Instagram post cited below.

It's a classic Christmas dilemma: Cat owner brings home tree, sets it up, decorates it beautifully, steps back to admire it, and then moments later their feline friend knocks the baubles off, attempts to clamber up it, and gets caught in a string of lights.

If you've ever had this experience, then you don't need us to tell you how important it is to be aware of the ways to cat-proof a Christmas tree!

And thankfully, there's plenty you can do to protect your tree and your feline friend this festive season.

Experienced vet technician Tabitha Kucera has shared a helpful post on Instagram where she reveals her top five tips for keeping cats out of Christmas trees. And we'll be trying all of them!

1. Give your cat a Christmas tree alternative: Kucera recommends placing a sturdy and tall scratcher in the same room as your tree. "Reward your cat for climbing and scratching acceptable vertical spaces," she says.

"In some cases, the only vertical space in the main living space is a Christmas tree, that's why it's crucial to provide various vertical spaces for your cats year-round in rooms you and your family spend the most time in."

2. Provide them with things that are safe to chew: Cats tend to chew out of curiosity or to aid digestion, so to prevent them from nibbling on your tree Kucera suggests purchasing cat-safe greenery, such as cat grass. 

3. Set up comfortable cat resting areas under the tree: Kucera says cat tunnels, cat beds, and horizontal scratching boards are all great options. "This helps to provide comfortable resting areas while also preventing them from climbing up the Christmas tree."

4. Fence the tree off: "Use baby gates and pens around the tree to keep young children, dogs, and cat safe while also preventing the tree from getting knocked down," Kucera advises.

5. Make your tree as sturdy as possible: "Secure the Christmas tree with a wide and sturdy base, securing the tree from the middle and/or tops as well."

So there you have it, five simple things you can do to ensure that all the family (furry friends included!) can safely enjoy this holiday season. 

And for more great tips to keep your cat out of places they shouldn't be, our vet's guide to can you train a cat has got you covered.

Unless specifically stated, any expert comments quoted in this news piece have been taken directly from the TikTok post cited below.

Have you just spent ages researching the perfect cat tree for your kitty, purchasing it and getting it all set up only to find that your beloved bundle of fluff refuses to use it? If so, you're not alone! 

While some of our feline friends will take to the best cat trees like ducks to water, others become highly suspicious of this curious structure that has just appeared in their environment. 

But with cat enrichment being so important for your kitty's mental and physical health (especially if they live solely indoors), it's worth persevering and encouraging your cat to try out their new tree. 

With that in mind, the feline experts over at Tuft + Paw have put together a handy video explaining some simple things you can do to get your cat to love their new tree. 

Whether you've already taken advantage of one of these fantastic Black Friday cat tower deals or you're still on the hunt for the perfect tree, you'll find the below tips useful in helping your kitty get the most out of their new gift. 

1. Positive reinforcement: "Any kind of language that makes them feel good and isn't putting them down is really great to do when they are interacting with their cat tree," says the team at Tuft + Paw.

So be sure to use plenty of praise to help your fur friend form positive associations with their new tree. 

2. Use treats: "Try exclusively giving them treats when they are interacting with the cat tree and avoid giving them treats in regular scenarios. This will help them associate the cat tree with treats and will make them want to hang around that area more often." 

Our guide to the best cat treats has plenty of tasty tidbits your kitty is sure to love.

3. Play with them: Once again, the Tuft + Paw crew recommend you engage in play sessions exclusively on and around the cat tree until your cat begins to use it willingly on their own. 

"But whatever you do, don't place them on the cat tree or yell at them for not using the cat tree as this will make them associate the cat tree with feeling uncomfortable or doing things they don't necessarily want to do. It may even cause them to associate the cat tree with getting in trouble, which is the last thing we want."

Check out our guide to how to play with a cat where an expert vet shares their top tips for engaging your feline friend if you'd like to incorporate their tree into your play sessions.

And if you're looking for any other products and accessories for your kitty, be sure to take a look at these early Black Friday pet deals and bag yourself a bargain!

Unless specifically stated, any expert comments quoted in this news piece have been taken directly from the TikTok video cited below.

Does your cat scratch the furniture? Are they prone to waking you up in the middle of the night? Do they scratch you when you're trying to pet them?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you're likely looking for a solution to these common cat behavior problems so you can kiss them goodbye once and for all.

And according to expert trainer and behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, the way to get your feline friend to stop engaging in unwanted behaviors is actually very simple.

Read on as we reveal the advice he shared in a recent TikTok video...

"Your cat is an energetic ballon," Galaxy explains. 

"They sleep and take energy in, so the balloon gets bigger, they wake up ready to hunt but they're not hunting anything so the balloon gets bigger, you pet your cat so energy goes in and the balloon gets bigger and then eventually it's going to pop."

Galaxy says that this 'popping', or release of energy, is when we start to see behavioral issues such as cats scratching the couch and climbing the curtains.

"The solution is easy — energy out through play every day. 

"Get them hunting, use an interactive toy, run around a little bit, get them tired. Do it around the same time every day and you're going to see results and those results mean no unwanted aggression, no redirected aggression and no overstimulation," he explains. 

Playing with your cat for 15-20 minutes twice a day helps them burn off all that excess energy and tires them out so that when playtime is finished, all they want to do is sleep.

So, learn how to play with a cat and not only will you be offering them the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive, you'll be saving your couch and your curtains in the process!

The debate around indoor and outdoor cats continues to rage on, with cat parents on both sides of the argument having strong views. The pro-indoor argument is based on the dangers cats can face outside and the damage cats can cause to local wildlife. But many cat parents feel it’s unfair to keep their cats indoors in a limited space at all times.

One option for letting your cat explore the outside, as opposed to giving them total free rein, is to walk them using a leash and a harness. 

However, cats are generally not as happy as dogs to wear a harness – at least, at first. It can take a bit of getting used to for them, with some training required. Once you’ve bought one of the best cat harnesses, it’s time to get to work.

Fortunately, Holly Garcia, also known as Travel Cat Mom on Instagram, an expert on all things traveling with cats, has shared how to get your cat used to wearing a harness in a recent post.  

First of all, explains Garcia, it’s a good idea to leave the harness out around the house. This way, your cat will get used to seeing it in their environment. And, whenever your cat interacts with the harness, you can reward them with a treat or something else they like. 

If you’re wondering how to put on a cat harness without being attacked, Garcia’s next piece of advice should come in useful: “When they seem very familiar with it, try putting it on,” she says. “See how that feels, see how they react. Give them a treat, and take it off.”

Then, the next time you put your cat in the harness, leave it on for a little while longer, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend in it. Let them walk around in it, and reward them for doing so. 

When they’re comfortable just wearing the harness, you can try attaching the leash. “Follow them where they want to go,” writes Garcia, “Do not pull on the leash”. 

Once they’re comfortable with this, you can begin encouraging them to come toward you while you’re holding the leash, using whatever motivates them. Then, you can try encouraging your cat to walk alongside you.

“The key here is consistency, baby steps, and lots of patience,” finishes Garcia, who stresses the importance of taking things gradually and making sure your cat is comfortable.

Is walking a cat on a leash cruel? Some people and organizations do argue against it, but there are many on the other side of the argument too, who like to bring up some of the advantages. It can help get your cat used to a new area if you’ve recently moved house, for example, and can benefit indoor cats who don’t otherwise have any access to the outdoors. 

If you do decide to harness train your cat, however, it’s important to ensure they’re wearing a safe harness that fits them comfortably, and that you take things at your cat’s pace. This way, as Garcia shows, you’re more likely to get the results you’re after. 

While cats can certainly be affectionate with each other and with humans, despite what some people think, it’s also true that cats won’t always be the best of friends. 

When your feline friends are often fighting and not playing nicely together with the best cat toys, it can be stressful. You don’t want them to get hurt, of course, but you can’t force them to get on either, or indeed keep an eye on them 24 hours a day. 

But, could clicker training help? According to an Instagram post from applied animal behaviorist and founder of Cat School, Julie Posluns, it can be a great method of helping your cats to get along with one another.  

Posluns begins by explaining in her post that clicker training can help prevent staring, which for cats is often a precursor to aggressive behavior. “Using the clicker, teach your cat to notice another cat and look at you to get their treat,” she advises.

At the same time, you can use the clicker to prevent bullying behavior, or a cat targeting another cat. “Using the clicker,” says Poslun in the post, “Teach your cat to notice another cat and stay at their spot to get a treat”. 

Something else you can do is use the clicker to teach your cat to do a U-turn to avoid a confrontation with another feline. Meanwhile, you can also use it to teach each cat to stay in their own place, “like students in a classroom,” as Posluns puts it. 

You can also use the clicker to “facilitate positive interactions”, almost like playing an icebreaker, she explains. Clicker training gives cats the chance to become familiar with one another in a safe, controlled environment. 

When clicker training multiple cats, Posluns recommends setting the room up like a classroom with each cat having a ‘seat’. And, for safety, she also suggests using harnesses for cats who target other cats. 

Is clicker training for cats recommended in general? While clicker training for dogs is something we probably expect to see, clicker training doesn’t seem to be discussed as much where cats are concerned. 

However, clicker training your cats can be a great idea, and not just to help them get along with each other. The noise a clicker makes always stays the same, whereas our voice can be affected by things like our mood or even our health – while if different people are training your cat but you all use the same clicker, you don’t even have to worry about differences in volume or pitch.

And many people with multiple cats have asked the question, “Are my cats playing or fighting?” at least once or twice. It’s important to look at their body language to get a better idea. And if they are fighting, well, it might be time to give clicker training a go.  

Do you want to add more joy and excitement to your feline friend's life? Cat playtime is not just about fun; it's also a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. 

Playtime is crucial for cats. It helps them expend energy, exercise their hunting instincts, and provides much-needed mental stimulation. Moreover, interactive play sessions are an excellent opportunity to establish better communication and strengthen the emotional connection between you and your cat.

 Having a healthy supply of the best cat toys is a great start and there are even some of the best automated cat toys out on the market now to keep your cat busy when you’re not at home. 

The trainers at Cat School have shared on Instagram a very straightforward game called 'Stomp the Sticky' that can take your cat's playtime to the next level.

Watch below to see how you can try this game at home with your kitty or keep reading if you'd like to check out the instructions in a step-by-step format...

'Stomp the Sticky' is a fun and educational game for your cat. It involves teaching your cat to target a specific sticky note on the floor and then challenging them by moving it around the environment. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to playing this exciting game:

Step 1) Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you'll need a few basic supplies: Sticky notes or small pieces of paper, a clicker (for clicker training) and some of the best cat treats.

Step 2) Paw Targeting

Begin by teaching your cat to "paw target" the sticky note. Place the sticky note on a flat surface, like the floor or a table. Hold the sticky note in your hand and present it to your cat. When your cat touches the sticky note with their paw, use the clicker and immediately reward them with a treat. Repeat this process until your cat consistently touches the note with their paw.

Step 3) Adding Movement

Once your cat has mastered paw targeting while the note is stationary, it's time to add some movement. Place the sticky note on the floor and gently slide it a short distance away from your cat. Encourage your cat to follow the moving note and paw target it as it slides. Click and reward each successful attempt.

Step 4) Increasing Complexity

As your cat becomes more skilled at "Stomp the Sticky," you can make the game more challenging. Move the note farther away, create curves and turns in its path, or even introduce multiple notes to see if your cat can follow a specific one.

Step 5) Keep It Fun and Rewarding

Remember to keep the game enjoyable for your cat. Use treats as positive reinforcement and provide lots of praise. Keep play sessions short and engaging, and always end on a positive note, even if it means simplifying the game.

There are various benefits to gain from playing 'Stomp the Sticky' with your cat. Mental stimulation is one, the game challenges your cat's problem-solving skills and mental agility.

Secondly, the game can help better communication between the two of you. It enhances your cat's ability to understand and respond to cues from you.

Lastly, it provides a foundation for learning. Clicker training games like this one lay the groundwork for more advanced skills, including object recognition and button training.

All in all it's an excellent way to provide your cat with hours of entertainment while keeping their mind sharp and their curiosity piqued.

Can you train a cat? While we often associate training more with dogs, you certainly can train a cat. However, it’s something that can take a little more time and patience, and some of the best cat treats, of course. 

If you’re struggling with training your cat – particularly if you don’t have any treats to hand – there are things you can try. 

Applied animal behaviorist and founder of Cat School, Julie Posluns, has explained how to train your cat if they refuse to cooperate without seeing a treat first. It’s not as difficult as you might think!

She suggests starting with a fairly simple task – the leg jump. 

First, practice with treats until your feline friend is confidently jumping over your leg. Then, fade the treat out of your hand, as Posluns explains. 

“Have two treats – one in each hand. Use a piece of food to guide your cat over your leg but feed with the other hand. Repeat several times until your cat understands food can come from either hand. ”

Fade the treat out of your hand with the signal, but keep feeding your cat with the other hand. And, when your cat does the jump without any food in the hand that presents the signal, begin giving them the treat from a treat pouch instead, or from your pocket. 

Then, transfer to the leg signal. “Present the leg signal first and help with the hand signal until your cat jumps when they see your leg raising.  Present your leg signal whenever your cat passes by you”.

Posluns continues by explaining the key is that your cat thinks there’s always the chance of getting a snack, even if they don’t see it first. But, don’t get rid of the treats for good. As Posluns finishes, “Always remember, no one goes to work for free”.

And what about other methods of training? Is clicker training for cats recommended, for example? 

Well, as it turns out, clicker training can be a great way to train your cat. It can help prevent undesirable behavior, and can work with different rewards from treats to toys to simple petting and praise. 

If you’ve got a kitten, and you’re wondering how to train them while they’re still young, there’s no time like the present to get started! Just like training puppies, training kittens can help build good habits that’ll make your four-legged friend a great companion for years to come. You might find our vet’s guide to five essential kitten training tips a helpful tool for getting started. 

Trying to figure out how to stop cat play aggression is high on the list of priorities for a lot of feline pet parents and it's not hard to see why — there's nothing more frustrating (or painful!) than having your kitty bite or scratch you when you're trying to have fun with them.

The good news is that learning how to play with a cat correctly can be a great place to start when it comes to eliminating play aggression. 

To help you do just that, registered vet technician and certified cat behavior consultant, Tabitha Kucera, has compiled a handy list of dos and don'ts that will help you react appropriately to any biting or scratching that occurs during play.

"Your response to an attack from your cat can determine if the attack escalates or ends, and if the behavior will improve or worsen. Consistency is important," Kucera explains. 

Check out her full Instagram post below or read on for a summary of her 10 top tips for how to react to a playfully aggressive attack...

1. DO stop all play and calmly withdraw from your cat. It's important your feline friend knows that any kind of attack stops play.

2. DON'T react with a quick jerk away from the cat. "This is how prey responds to an attack and this can trigger continuing aggression," explains Kucera.

3. DO redirect your cat to appropriate toys. "Use fetch toys or toys on a stick to keep the cat away from you. If you have a common area your cat ambushes and attacks, place a basket of toys there so it is easily accessible to you, then toss the toy in front of you prior to walking past common ambush areas," Kucera advises. Check out our guide to the best cat toys for a range of great options.

4. DON'T use punishment. This includes yelling, spraying with water, grabbing, and hitting. "Punishment should be avoided because it will escalate the cats behavior, often resulting in aggression. Punishment does not teach the cat the wanted behavior, can cause fear and anxiety, and can break the human-animal bond"

5. DO provide interactive play at least twice a day. "Preferably morning and evening hours," Kucera recommends. "Stick to a regular play routine so your cat has appropriate outlets for play and plenty of exercise. Also, leave toys that your cat can play with alone. Try to vary them regularly to ease boredom."

6. DON'T have a big reaction. "Screaming and jumping may make the cat think you just attacked them back, which could increase the aggression."

7. DO learn to recognize the early signs of play aggression. Things like dilated pupils, hiding around corners, and crouching are all key signs. Redirect your cat immediately when you notice these. 

8. DON'T put your cat in a 'time out'. Confining your feline friend to one room when they bite or scratch you doesn't work — and you also increase your risk of finding yourself on the other end of these behaviors if you try to pick them up when they're in this space.

9. DO offer your cat more mental stimulation. Use clicker training, harness walks, cat puzzle feeders, and rotate toys for variety. 

10. DON'T react in anger. "This can cause fearfulness and stress in your cat," Kucera explains. "It can also escalate the attack and will certainly not improve the behavior."

If your cat's behavior during play continues to concern you after following the above tips, we recommend reaching out to a qualified behaviorist who will be able to offer advice and guidance. 

It’s very common for pet owners to train their dogs, but many may wonder, can you train a cat? Believe it or not, cats CAN be trained to do commands and tricks, but it usually requires much more patience than training a dog.

Training can provide many benefits for cats, such as promoting desirable behaviors and preventing undesirable ones - which you'll be pleased to know if you've been wondering why does my cat scratch the wall or other funiture.

It can also act as a form of mental stimulation for cats to keep them entertained. Cat training is most effective when using positive reinforcement techniques, and cats should never be punished as this usually does more harm than good.

If you’re looking to train your cat, you will want to consider what your cat finds the most motivating—for example, it’s a good idea to stock up on the best cat treats if your cat is food motivated.

Whether you're a new cat owner or looking to enhance your feline friend's skills, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and delve into everything you need to know about training your fabulous furry friend...

Is it possible to train a cat?

Yes, it is possible to train a cat! However, don’t expect this to be as easy as training a dog. Cat training generally requires more time and patience than dog training because while most dogs want to please their owner, cats tend to be more concerned with pleasing themselves.

Cat training can come with several benefits, including providing mental enrichment, (meaning no more worrying over the question, 'is your cat bored?'), preventing unwanted behaviors, and improving the bond between the cat and their owner. It can also prevent boredom, which can further reduce undesirable behaviors.

According to the Feline Behavior Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), training can also benefit cats in stressful situations such as going to the vet by redirecting their attention to familiar commands.

Like dogs, cats can be trained to do basic commands such as sit, stay, lie down, come, and shake. They can also be trained to be handled safely, and some owners have even managed to toilet train their cats!

How do you train a cat?

The best way to train a cat is to use positive reinforcement with rewards, such as treats or praise. This generally involves producing a consistent sound (i.e., saying a certain word or using a clicker) when the cat performs a desirable behavior and immediately providing a reward, like one of the cat’s favorite treats. This allows the cat to associate the behavior with the sound, and the sound with a reward. Wondering, is clicker training for cats recommended? Yes, it is and it’s great for teaching specific behaviors like recall, paw-to-hand touches, or relaxing on a mat.

Positive reinforcement can also help with deterring bad behaviors like scratching the furniture. Cats who are prone to scratching the couch or other household items can be redirected to one of the best cat scratching posts, and once they begin to use it, the sound can be made and a treat can be given.

It's important to avoid making a big deal about bad behaviors, as this may provide the cat with the attention they crave, thus inadvertently encouraging the behavior. For example, if your cat bites or scratches you during play, your cat may think that if you yell and jerk your hand away that you are still playing. It is generally best to ignore unwanted behaviors completely (once you have removed your hand in this situation, of course) and then reward when your cat stops.

As with dog training, clicker training can be utilized in cats. A 2017 study published in the Animals journal, evaluated clicker training in 100 shelter cats to see if it could reduce stress. The cats were given 15 five-minute training sessions over two weeks, and the researchers found that the cats performed better on all of the trained behaviors after clicker training. Interestingly, the cats who were more interested in food and those who were more confident improved the most after clicker training.

What motivates a cat?

What motivates a cat will depend on the individual cat since each one will have their own preferences. Treats are the most common reward, but cats may also respond to praise, playing, stroking, grooming, or catnip. You may need to experiment a bit to see which reward motivates your cat the most.

There are many different cat treats on the market that can be used for training purposes. It is best to pick something that is either small or easily broken into smaller pieces (i.e., semi-moist or freeze-dried treats) to avoid overfeeding your cat. If you are feeding your cat lots of treats while training them, it’s important to reduce their meals accordingly to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese, which increases their risk of developing certain diseases like diabetes and arthritis.

According to the AAFP’s statement on positive reinforcement in cats, rewards are most effective when given within three seconds of a desired behavior. This is because if you wait too long, your cat may associate the reward with a separate behavior or action. As your cat begins to perform certain commands and wanted behaviors more consistently, you can slowly reduce the frequency at which you give a reward until the behavior becomes learned.

Should you punish a cat?

Cats should never be punished, during training or otherwise. Punishment can lead to increased stress, fear aggression, and a breakdown of the bond they have with their owner. Positive reinforcement is preferred as it is more effective and not detrimental to cats’ health or well-being.

According to Cornell University, cats do not understand punishment because they don’t recognize its association with unwanted behaviors, especially since many destructive actions like scratching are actually normal behaviors for cats. The AAFP also notes that verbal punishments (i.e., yelling) may actually reward cats by placing emphasis on an undesirable behavior.

If your cat is misbehaving, it is better to ignore them completely or redirect their attention to a wanted behavior, followed by a reward. This will be more effective than verbal or physical punishments, which can be linked to both behavioral and medical issues. Positive reinforcement is the way to go to keep your cat happy and entertained.

Want to read more like this? Read: How to teach a cat a trick,How to train a cat to use a cat door and How to discipline a cat.

While you likely love your feline friend more than anything, one aspect of their behavior you might not be so keen on is their determination to scratch any surface they can sink their claws into — particularly the couch!

Trying to figure out how to keep cats from scratching furniture is a common question amongst pet parents, and the good news is, there is a solution. 

According to the cat-crazy folk over at Tuft and Paw, scratching is a natural feline behavior. Not only does it help them keep their claws in tip-top condition, it's also used as a way to communicate with other cats via the pheromones they leave behind.

All well and good we hear you say, but must your couch get ruined in the process? Thankfully, the answer is absolutely not! Below, you'll find three genius tips from the crew at Tuft and Paw to put a stop to couch scratching once and for all. 

1. Choose the right scratching post: "Get a cat scratching post that replicates the experience of scratching the couch," recommends the team at Tuft and Paw. "So it should be vertical, it should be sturdy, and it should be tall enough that they can get a good stretch in."

2. Trim your cat's nails: "The other reason cats scratch is to remove the dull outer layer of their claws. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats so you want them to be doing it for the benefit of their health, and the best way to do that is to provide a dedicated setup for them to scratch. If you give them a bit of a manicure they won't have to scratch the couch so aggressively to get out the old claw sheets."

3. Experiment with deterrents: "If you've tried the other two tips and your cat is still scratching the couch, then try spraying it with a scent they don't like," the Tuft and Paw crew advises. "We recommend things like rosemary or thyme because they're unpleasant for cats but they're not actually harmful."

Cats causing damage to furniture and other household objects through repeated scratching is a common complaint amongst pet parents. And while we understand how frustrating it can be, it's worth remembering that scratching is a very normal feline behavior.

Vital for both their physical and mental wellbeing, scratching helps to keep a cats nails in tip-top condition and it also releases pheromones which act as a message to other cats. However, the last thing you want is your kitty tearing your couch to shreds, so if you're trying to figure out how to keep a cat from scratching furniture, you're in the right place.

Expert feline behaviorist Tabitha Kucera has shared a great post to Instagram where she reveals some of her favorite tips for preventing destructive scratching behavior. You can check out the post below or keep reading for a summary of everything she has to say.

1. Provide suitable scratching surfaces: "Cats need to scratch, so we want to provide them with appropriate outlets for this behavior," explains Kucera. "Always have plenty of acceptable scratching areas for your cat with a variety of surfaces and textures. Scratchers come in multiple styles, sizes, and materials." 

2. Finding the perfect scratcher: "Work with your cat's current behavior to figure out what scratcher would be best. Study where your cat scratches. Is it horizontal? Vertical? What substrate is it most similar to? Cardboard? Wood? Sisal rope? Experiment with a variety of substrates and types of scratchers to determine which your cat prefers. 

Scratchers should be sturdy and not wobbly or fall over when your cat is scratching them. Cat scratching posts need to be tall so your cat can stand on their hind legs and fully extend their body up the side of the post." For inspiration, check out our guide to the best cat scratching posts to help you find the right fit for your feline.

3. Location matters: "Our cats like to be with us, so place scratchers in areas where you spend time as well as where your cats spend their time," Kucera advises. "Cats often stretch or scratch when they wake up, so consider placing one near where your cats sleep. Cats also scratch when in a tense situation or as a way to displace anxiety. Locate and place scratchers in all areas where you think your cats would appreciate it most."

4. Make appropriate scratching areas appealing: "Do not hold your cat near the scratching post and force them to drag their claws on it. We don't enjoy being forced to do things and neither do cats. This can scare your cat and cause them to avoid the scratcher completely. Instead, make the scratching areas you want your cat to scratch more appealing. You can do this by placing catnip of silvervine near them or attaching toys to the scratching place. You can give your cat treats and play with them on or around it too to help create a positive association with the scratcher."

5. Reinforce scratching appropriate scratchers: "If your cat is scratching furniture, identify your cat's preferred scratching scenario by studying where your cat inappropriately scratches. Place an acceptable scratching post based on your cat's preferences near an inappropriate object (for example, couch). 

When your cat is consistently using the scratching post it can be moved very gradually (no more than a few inches each day) to a location more suitable to you. It's best, however, to keep the appropriate scratching objects as close to your cat's preferred scratching locations as possible." 

Looking for more content similar to this piece? Check out our guide to why does my cat scratch the wall where our vet walks you through how to prevent this frustrating behavior.

You may be familiar with clicker training for dogs but did you know that clicker training for cats is recommended by many feline professionals?

It’s a popular misconception that cats are untrainable. In fact, cats are constantly learning and clicker training is a fantastic way to teach them new behaviors, from fun tricks like spins, leg weaves and high-fives, that will help keep their minds and bodies active, to stress-reducing, welfare-improving activities such as voluntarily entering their carrier, cooperatively participating in nail clipping, grooming and tooth brushing, and even willingly accepting the administration of oral and topical medications. 

Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor Debbie Bryon says, “I absolutely love clicker training cats and I have done lots of work with my own cat, Frank. He goes wild at the sight of the clicker and the treat bag!”. 

So if you're wondering why does my cat scratch the wall or furniture or how can I get them to use their litter box, stick with us as we explore the pros and cons of clicker training for cats, as well as explaining how clicker training works and the ways in which it can be adapted to suit any cat.

What is clicker training for cats?

Clicker training for cats is a form of positive reinforcement training. Desirable behavior is marked with a clicker and reinforced (rewarded), making it more likely to be repeated in the future. The clicker is a small plastic device with a metal plate inside that flexes when pressed, creating a distinctive clicking sound. 

At first, the sound of the clicker will mean nothing to your cat. It needs to be paired with something intrinsically rewarding, such as some of the best cat treats, so that they learn that the ‘click’ predicts that a reward is coming. This association is established by repeatedly clicking and delivering a treat to the cat, a process that is often referred to as ‘charging the clicker’. After a number of repetitions, your cat will be eagerly anticipating a treat every time they hear the click. Now you’re ready to start training a specific behavior like recall, giving a high-five, or relaxing on a mat. 

What are the pros of clicker training with cats?

Clicker training is an ethical and humane method of training which builds a cat’s trust and boosts their confidence, encouraging them to try new things and offer desirable behaviors. Training based on correction, for example, spraying a cat with water if they jump on the counter while you’re preparing food, can cause fear and anxiety, and damage the cat-human relationship - water is one of the many weird things cats are scared of. Clicker training an alternative behavior, such as lying down on a mat when you go into the kitchen, prevents the undesirable behavior without resorting to punishment. 

Clicker training is suitable for any cat, from kittens to seniors. Most cats find food motivating and are keen to work for high value cat treats but if your cat isn’t food motivated you can experiment with alternative rewards such as interactive play using a favorite toy, petting, or verbal praise. Using a clicker as a marker helps the cat precisely identify the action that has gained them reinforcement. As Bryon explains, “When you get clicker training right, the cat gets a very clear instruction of ‘yes please’ or ‘no thank you’. Using a clicker can be more effective than a vocal marker, as the ‘click’ is super consistent and never affected by your mood or a sore throat.”

What are the cons of clicker training with cats?

Clear communication is essential, to avoid confusing or frustrating your cat. If you click, you must reward your cat, even if you’ve made a mistake. According to Bryon, “Clicker training is all about precise timing and if you get the timing wrong and click too early or too late, you will be reinforcing the wrong behavior. So, you could end up accidentally asking your kitten to bite your hand instead of giving you a high-five!”. But don't worry, if you find yourself wondering, 'Why is my cat biting me?' we've got you covered with helpful insights and tips to better understand and address this behavior.

It’s a good idea to practice your clicker skills before you start training, just make sure it’s out of earshot of your cat. You could get a friend to bounce a ball and click every time it touches the floor or watch a tv show and click every time the actors blink.

Some cats are startled or frightened by the sound of a clicker. “Use a soft-toned clicker or keep it in your pocket to muffle the sound,” Byron suggests, “Alternatively, you can use your tongue or the click of a ballpoint pen. I also like to use empty sweetener containers, as their click dispenser mechanism is lovely and quiet.” Remember, the clicker isn’t a remote control, so don’t point it at your cat!

Byron cautions that, “Clicker training can be tricky to master. Initially you may feel like you need another arm to be able to juggle holding the treats and the clicker, plus extra training equipment like a target stick, all while offering training cues, clicking to mark desirable behaviors and delivering reinforcement.” Be patient - your confidence and dexterity will improve with practice. 

Is clicker training recommended for cats?

Researchers have only recently begun studying the effectiveness of clicker training for cats but a study published in the Animals journal assessing clicker training for shelter cats found that clicker training enabled cats to learn to perform a variety of behaviors in a relatively short period of time and suggested that clicker training for cats has the potential to provide cats with positive enrichment, reduce stress, modify undesirable behaviors, strengthen the cat-human bond, and even improve rescue cats’ adoptability.

Clicker training gives cats a sense of control and can encourage them to become active and willing participants in their own care. Feline welfare charity International Cat Care recommends training cats for travel in a cat carrier, to accept handling for veterinary examination and the administration of medication, to prevent them from experiencing fear, anxiety or frustration and minimize the stress of car travel and visits to the veterinary clinic, cattery or groomers.

What can you use instead of clicker training?

You can still train your cat if they find the sound of a clicker aversive or are unable to hear an audible marker. According to Byron, “You can use anything as a marker. It doesn’t need to be a click. A training marker is any sound or signal the cat sees or hears immediately after successfully completing a desired behavior - a verbal “yes” or “nice”, even a thumbs up or flash of a pen torch can be used for cats with hearing impairments. This signal means, yay, you got it right, please do that again, especially when it’s followed by a reinforcer.” 

Clicker training can be a fun and effective way to engage with your cat and teach them desirable behaviors, as long as you take their individual and species-specific needs into consideration. Cats have short attention spans, so keep sessions short - five minutes maximum - and always end on a positive note, reinforcing a desirable behavior with a treat and lots of praise. When we asked Byron for her top tip for beginners, she advised, “I wouldn’t just pick up a clicker and start. Get some advice and coaching first.” An increasing number of Animal Training Instructors offer cat training instruction, while places like Cat School and the Karen Pryor Academy run online classes for beginners. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can progress to more advanced skills like feline agility or training multiple cats.

Cat owners are always on the lookout for ways to keep their feline companions healthy and happy. Whether it's through discovering the latest cat toys or different types of food, we are constantly searching for ways to improve the lives of our furry friends. One such way is through something called platform training.

According to Cat School Clicker Traininga feline training program run by cat behavioral experts, training on a platform can offer numerous benefits for both cats and their owners. That's why they have shared five tips that cover a range of areas, from exercise and activity to cooperative care and training skills. 

Using a platform can help cats focus and learn new skills, as well as prevent undesirable behaviors such as door-dashing and counter-surfing. In addition to these practical benefits, training on a platform can also offer mental stimulation and enrichment for cats. Plus, providing opportunities for cats to engage in natural behaviors like jumping and climbing can help prevent boredom and improve their overall well-being.

So, if you're looking for ways to enhance your furry friend's daily routine, you can view the post from Cat School Clicker Training or read on to learn more about the benefits of platform training.

Five benefits of platform training with your cat:

• Exercise/activity: Exercise and activity Jumping on and off platforms is an excellent way for cats to stay active and engaged. It's a workout that can help keep cats in shape, both physically and mentally. This is especially important for indoor cats who may not have access to outdoor spaces.
• Cooperative care: Training a cat to be comfortable on a platform can also help with cooperative care, such as nail trims. Cats can learn to relax and stay calm while their nails are being trimmed, making the process less stressful for both the cat and the owner.
• Working with multiple pets: Platforms can be used to teach multiple cats, or cats and dogs, how to interact with each other. By training pets to use a platform, they learn to respect each other's space and become more comfortable being near each other.
• Training skills: Using a platform can also be helpful for teaching cats basic obedience skills like sitting, down, standing, and even spinning. This helps to improve a cat's focus and can help build a stronger bond between the cat and their owner.
• Longer settles: Platforms can also be used for longer settles, which can help prevent door-dashing and countersurfing. By teaching cats to settle on a platform, they learn to relax and stay in one place, reducing the likelihood of them running out the door or jumping on the counter.

For any cat owners interested in trying platform training, there are a variety of cat platforms and training aids available on the market. Additionally, incorporating any of the best interactive cat toys into your cat's daily routine can also help provide mental stimulation and exercise.

From improving your cat's physical health to preventing unwanted behavior, these tips are sure to help you and your cat lead happier and healthier lives. If you're looking for more feline advice, we unveil six reasons why cat play is so important and useful tips to boost your cat's happiness.

How to stop your cat from eating plants is sometimes overlooked in the home (until the situation occurs), however, it’s important to be informed on this topic as sadly, a plethora of plants are toxic to cats. A quick lick or nibble can result in your pet becoming unwell or in a life-threatening condition.

Each plant and season brings different poisonous elements, for example, some toxic plants are only available in the summer whilst others are winter plants. In some cases, it is the leaves that are dangerous, in others, it is the bulb, seeds, or stems of the plant. The signs and symptoms your cat may exhibit after ingestion of harmful houseplants are wide, which we will look at in more detail in just a moment, but this topic does raise the question of, if cats are instinctual beings (which they are) then why would they eat noxious houseplants in the first place?

To ensure your cat is not hungry, leading your friendly feline to try out your plants and greenery, check out our guide to the best dry cat food. It is also worth checking out options for cat-safe houseplants, to put your mind at ease.

Why does my cat keep eating my houseplants?

According to International Cat Care, poisoning of cats by toxic plants is rare and it is often kittens and younger nosey cats who end up in a spot of bother chewing and eating plants they shouldn't, as found in a study by MDPI. More often the interest and ingestion of plants is due to boredom. Wanting to play with dangling leaves

is tempting for felines or they might be attracted to the leaves blowing or

moving around and sometimes they just enjoy the taste! It's an answer we may never fully understand but if you suspect your cat has eaten a dodgy plant or is showing symptoms noted below, then this is the time to be concerned and escalate the situation by contacting your veterinarian immediately with your concerns.

If eating your houseplants is a new behavior or is a sudden onset, have your veterinarian check them over to rule out any underlying medical condition causing the unusual eating habit.

Should I worry about my cat eating plants?

Your cat devouring plants is absolutely something to be concerned about and needs to be prevented. As the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reports the tendency to eat house plants is increasing due to the number of cats being kept indoors for extended periods of time and or kept as indoor-only cats.

The risks of eating poisonous plants can vary causing a range of milder illnesses to death. As International Cat Care states, Deadly Nightshade for example can cause fatality from only a small amount being ingested.

Each plant has its own level of toxicity causing different results and symptoms but if you spot any of the following and have plants in your home or garden, call your veterinarian straight away or seek help.

• Drooling and salivating
• Breathing difficulties
• Weakness
• Increased urination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Incoordination
• Decreased eating
• Sneezing
• Fits or seizures
• Twitching
• Irritated skin, eyes, gums
• Collapse
• Increased drinking
• Lethargy, low energy and poor demeanor

What plants are toxic to cats?

There are a surprising number of houseplants (and outdoor plants) toxic to cats including those such as the Cheese Plant, Rubber Plant, Peace Lily, Lilies, Poinsettia, Ivy, Orchids, Money Tree, Yucca plants, Aloe, Fungi (mushrooms) and Marijuana.

The most effective way to check if a plant is toxic to your cat, and to give you as much information as possible on hand, is to consult one of the lists below detailing toxic plants in the USA and toxic plants in the UK, kindly provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Cats Protection respectively.

You may wish to print out these lists (or screenshot a picture) and keep them to hand:

- Toxic plants to cats in the USA

- Toxic indoor plants to cats in the UK

- Toxic outdoor plants to cats in the UK

These lists may not be an exhaustive catalog of all possible toxic plants; therefore any concerns or suspicions should be immediately directed to your veterinarian as time is crucial. Alternatively in the USA, you can call the Animal Poison Control Centre or the Poison Helpline Line and in the UK you can join or call the Animal Poison Line

How to prevent your cat from eating houseplants?

The simplest advice is not to have any plants around the home as there isn’t a solution guaranteed to stop this behavior and is therefore imperative to do your homework first, so you can be sure you at least only have safe plants in the house.

Taking measures such as those suggested below gives you the opportunity to keep your cat safe whilst still keeping your flora.

1. Keep plants out of reach and inaccessible (remember cats are climbers and jumpers!) or separate from where your cats roam.

2. Ensure your cat has enough recreational activities to prevent boredom, scratching posts and toys for example provide entertainment.

3. Check your cat is being fed the correct amount of food daily to keep hunger at bay.

4. Make plants unappetizing or unappealing by spraying the plant POT with a white vinegar and water solution. This harms neither the plant nor your cat but deters your pet as they dislike the smell.

5. Pet-friendly bitter sprays can be used.

6. Burrow citrus peel in the soil. Cats detest the smell of citrus; however, care needs to be exercised as citrus itself is also toxic to cats. Therefore, citrus sprays, oils or solutions need to be avoided.

7. Surround the plants with items such as soda cans, foil, pebbles or sticky products to ward them off, as cats are averse to the noise and or feel of these items.

8. Provide cat grass or cat plants to offer your cat their own dedicated greenery or create a little cat indoor garden.

9. Fill empty spaces. A lone shelf with only one plant on it encourages their inquisitive nature to jump and play with the plant pot. If the shelf is full, they are less likely to partake in this behavior.

10. Offer catnip to arouse their senses!

11. Avoid punishing your cat; read our guide on how to discipline a cat.

Want more of your feline queries answered? Clue yourself up on how to play with a cat or find out the answer to the commonly asked question, why won’t my cat sleep?

One of the most common challenges faced by those of us who have feline friends in the family is trying to protect our furniture from those sharp and relentless claws. While some cats will head to the couch the moment our backs are turned, others are a little bit more bold, choosing to ignore the best cat toys we've placed out for them and scratch right in front of us while shooting us a defiant glare.

If you've been tearing your hair out trying to figure out how to save your couch from coming under attack, behaviorist Jackson Galaxy is coming to your rescue with some simple ideas that will help your kitty learn appropriate scratching behavior. You can view his full TikTok video below, or keep reading for his two top tips.

Galaxy's first suggestion is to create a strong 'no' in the form of a deterrent. "If you use something like Sticky Paws, that's always been my best friend," he says. "It's a great no because most cats are going to feel it and they're going to go, well this is not getting me what I want at all. There's your no right there."

For his second tip, Galaxy suggests that you always balance your 'no' with a 'yes', which in this instance would be providing your feline friend with the best cat scratching post. This gives them a dedicated space to sharpen their claws, plus they'll get a wonderful stretch in the process. 

You'll want to pop the scratching post next to where they're scratching, but rest assured, you won't need to keep it there forever. 

"A lot of times, if you think about it, your cat is scratching the couch or your bed, those are the two big ones," Galaxy explains. One of the reasons is that your scent is really strong in that area, so they're going to want to compliment that scent. So the yes has to be right near that no. It works and it's not permanent, this is just a training tool."

It's important to note that your cat may continue to try to scratch where you've placed the Sticky Paws (the 'no') several times, which is to be expected. However, if you notice after a few failed attempts that they start to head over to the scratching post (the 'yes') that you've placed nearby, you'll soon be able to remove the 'no' and move the 'yes' into a more appropriate location. 

Remember, training your feline friend in a new behavior takes time, patience, and consistency. If, after a few weeks of trying this technique your cat continues to scratch the furniture, we recommend reaching out to a professional behaviorist for further assistance. 

For more great training tips, check out our guide to how to litter train a kitten.

If you have a feline friend in your family, chances are you're all too familiar with the scenario of having a deliciously deep sleep interrupted by your cat pawing at your face or deciding to use your head as their own personal cushion.

Whether they're simply trying to be close to you or they're wanting you to get up and engage them in a game with the best cat toys at 3 am, most of us have had our sleep disturbed by an enthusiastic kitty who won't take no for an answer. 

Thankfully, if you're like us and adore your cat but would like to be able to sleep through until the morning without them meowing or demanding attention, behaviorist Jackson Galaxy has come to the rescue with a surprising tip to put an end to those middle of the night wake up calls once and for all. 

In a video on TikTok, which you can view above, Galaxy says that one of the biggest complaints he gets is from pet parents who can't get their feline friend to stop waking them in the night - something that he says is easy to fix with a simple change in our own behavior.

"Right now, what's your no?," Galaxy asks in the clip. "Throwing something at them, or even worse than that, getting up and feeding them or playing with them at three o'clock in the morning and then complaining that you didn't get enough sleep."

So, if you're not to discipline or punish your cat for waking you up and you shouldn't get up and indulge their every whim, what's the best way of dealing with a determined kitty who refuses to let you get your beauty sleep?

"Your 'no' in this case would be you completely ignoring them," Galaxy advises. "Burying your head, not saying their name, not getting up, not in any way saying that this will get you something. The no, in this case, is nothing."

Whether they're making a noise in the corner or licking your face, Galaxy says it's important to not give your cat any attention if you want them to stop the behavior. As for what you should do instead, it's crucial that as well as saying no, you also offer a yes.

"A yes is everything that happens around bedtime," explains Galaxy. "This includes a yes of a meal before they go to bed, a yes of playing maybe before you go to bed. I'm telling you, this no/yes repeated over the span of say 10 days max - you will see a change in behavior.

If you try Galaxy's tip and don't see the change you're after, please don't feel disheartened. Often training takes more time, patience and consistency than we originally anticipated, so if you're not seeing the progress you'd like to within a particular time frame, we recommend speaking with a professional behaviorist who will be able to offer more tailored support and guidance. 

Have you just welcomed a new bundle of fluff into your family and are looking for some tips and tricks to help you navigate your first year together? Then be sure to check out the most common kitten behavior problems and how to fix them. 

Cats on countertops are a common complaint amongst many of us who have feline family members, and while you likely adore your fur friend, it's perfectly understandable that you'd want them to stay off any surfaces where you prepare or eat food.

Even if you have a selection of the best cat toys on offer for your kitty to play with, chances are they still have that strong curious streak that makes them want to investigate the world around them. And as we know, there's nothing a cat loves more than scaling to new heights so they can get the best view of what's going on in their environment. 

Thankfully, cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy has two super simple tips you can use to help teach your feline friend that the counter is one place in your home that they're not allowed. In a short video posted on TikTok, which you can view below, Galaxy shares the best ways to steer your cat away from the countertop.

"You can get one of those feeding mats that we use for cats, turn it upside down and put some double sided sticky tape on it," Galaxy explains. "So every time your cat jumps up on that counter they get a little sticky, so there's the no - the sticky mat."

If you're not a fan of having a sticky mat on your counter, don't worry as Galaxy has you covered with another, more discreet piece of kit that's just as effective.

"Another no in this instance is one of my favorite little gentle no's which is an air canister that just has a little electric eye to it and if they cross that path, then there's a puff of air that comes out and a little sound. It basically lets them know that every time you jump up here, nothing good's going to happen."

Galaxy is a big believer in gentle training methods and a strong advocate for letting the environment do the work for us as pet parents. To balance out the no message that you're sending to your cat around the counter top, Galaxy suggests also offering up a yes.

"The yes becomes a cat tree on the edge of the kitchen," he explains. "That's where a yes happens."

It's important to remember that teaching your cat any new behavior takes time, patience and consistency. If, after several weeks of trying out a particular training method, you're not seeing any improvement, we recommend reaching out to a professional trainer who will be able to offer you 1:1 advice and support. 

It's nice to feel wanted by your cat but if they get too attached, this can make getting housework done very challenging, or leave you feeling guilty every time you head out and leave them on their own. 

If you have invested in all the very best equipment for your kitty, such as the best kitten food or the best cat toys, yet your cat still looks anxious and upset when he's left to his own devices, then you'll be glad to hear what this animal behaviorist recommends.

How can you tell if you have a dependent kitten on your hands? A certified cat trainer and animal behaviorist from Rosie's Southside Animal Shelter that goes by the name catztrainer99 on Tiktok sums this up, "Dependent cats are often described as dog-like, they rush to greet their owners, they follow their owners from room to room and they demand attention verbally or physically."

They add that dependent cats are also typically the type of cats that would suffer from separation anxiety. But the good news is, there are things cat owners can do to alleviate this behavior if it becomes too problematic.

Watch this cat trainer share how you can make your cat less dependent and anxious

Instead of worrying about your cat crying for you all day while you're at work or following your every step when you need privacy such as when you need the toilet, you should try to delegate some time to distract them from their neediness.

The trainers at Southside Animal Shelter explain, "Providing more environmental stimulation and providing mentally stimulating toys will help keep cats occupied". 

Whether or not you have an outdoor or indoor cat, letting them experience time exploring outside will be helpful. Playing in an outdoor environment allows cats to express natural behaviors such as scratching, clawing, and playing. If you don't like the idea of your kitty running off outside and losing them, then you should read about the different types of cat harnesses so that you can keep your cat safe and happy playing outside.

Plus, you don't have to do the thinking when it comes to creating mentally stimulating games for your kitten. You can simply look through our guide to the best interactive cat toys and decide what you think would provide the best stimulation and distraction to your cat. Not only can some of these toys keep your cat busy for you whilst you aren't home, but they are a great way to keep your cat healthy with exercise and deter problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety.

If you want to find out more about common cat behaviors, we've got answers on anxiety in cats and how to combat this or let's get to the bottom of the question, why does my cat bite me?

Our feline friends get almost as excited as our kids at Christmas, with all those new smells, shiny, dangling things, and all those cardboard boxes, it’s a kitty cat’s dream! 

But there is one more holiday tradition that cats adore – the Christmas tree. Exploring the depths of the Christmas tree satisfies a feline’s natural curiosity and instincts – cats climb trees outside after all, and they feel safe shrouded by foliage and up high away from all the visiting relatives. 

But when your cat clambers up your freshly decorated tree, knocking off the glass baubles, getting tangled in the fairy lights, and almost toppling the entire thing onto the pile of unwrapped presents sat beneath, it isn’t exactly what you want when you are already rushed off your feet prepping for the festive season. 

You may have already been looking into ways you can start cat-proofing your Christmas tree but one trainer has offered up some alternative hacks on Instagram that could save your Christmas from a cat-astrophe. 

Specialist veterinary technician with expertise in animal behavior, Tabitha from Chirrups and Chatter, posted her expert tips to her Insta followers – and they stray away from the traditional techniques of aversion therapies, instead focusing on keeping your kitty content.

“Let’s stop using aversives (an item or action that causes your cat to be annoyed, scared, or hurt) to keep cats out of Christmas trees and instead focus on what motivates the behavior,” Tabitha explains.

“I have been seeing a lot of posts recommending using strong aversive scents like essential oils or oranges around the tree or spraying your cat with water to keep them out of the tree, not only do these things not address the behavior but can cause fear and stress in your cat. Also, parts of oranges and essential oils are toxic to your cat.”

Watch trainer Tabitha's tips to stop cats climbing Christmas trees

Cats are naturally curious creatures, but as the old saying goes, curiosity is ultimately their downfall. Have you noticed that any time you bring in the groceries or a new bag of shopping your cat will smell it? Well, imagine how many new smells are introduced at Christmas.

Tabitha’s advice stresses the importance of providing your cat with alternatives to climbing the tree, such as offering them their very own cat tree all year round to satisfy their cravings for height and scratching, cat grass so they can chew on something that isn’t your festive decor, and comfy spots near the tree so they can feel in on the action and have a far more appealing spot to chill. If these fail, there is always the option to prevent your cat access to the tree.

Tabitha’s tips also shine some light on the cat’s motivations and how important it is to pay attention to why your cat is acting in a certain way. For example, cats will often spray or scratch to mark territory, so simply shouting at your cat or coating an area with substances to ward off your cat very rarely works effectively, and could even make behaviors worse. 

Try and figure out what could be causing your furry friend’s stress because deciphering their behaviors will make you a better cat parent. Of course, always get your cat checked over by a veterinarian if they display any destructive behaviors or anything out of character. They might not be able to verbalize their issues, but they will show you in plenty of other ways so pay attention!

Looking for other ways to keep your kitty busy? Find all the best cat toys in our dedicated guide.

Not all cats enjoy physical attention so don't take it personally if they growl or try to scratch you when trying to pet them or pick them up. Of course, everyone wants to share a cuddle with their feline companion and ensure their guests feel comfortable around their pets. That's where this animal behaviorist's simple training trick will help ease your kitty's reaction to being handled.

It doesn't take much to try this cat expert's top tip, you'll just need a backscratcher and some of the best wet cat food. Using cat food instead of treats for training is a healthier option than feeding your kitten treats regularly, plus wet food is packed with moisture keeping your cat well hydrated.

An animal behaviorist specializing in cats, has demonstrated online how to put these two tools into use to teach your cat how to feel more relaxed while being stroked or handled by humans.

In a short video shared to the Cat School Clicker Training Instagram page that has gained over 4,000 likes, the cat trainer shows how to use food as a distraction while reaching in with the long-handled back scratcher to help them become more comfortable with physical touch.

In this demonstration, the cat behavior expert works together with a black cat called Raspberry to work through the simple steps:

In the video you can see Raspberry look dubiously at the backscratcher, wailing a little in defense, as it comes to touch her back but as soon as a spoon of wet food is placed in front of her she quickly changes tune, purs into the food as she gobbles it up, unfazed by her owner stroking her.

The cat expert explains, "Using a backscratcher and wet food on a spoon, I’m helping Raspberry learn to accept handling. " By doing this, the trainer is helping the cat make positive associations with being stroked.

She also uses verbal reinforcement while trying out the trick. The food reward and verbal praise should encourage your cat to respond to your touch like this in the future.

Fellow cat owners who know all too well how hot and cold cats can be when it comes to being handled have shared their reactions to this helpful video. One said, "What a great way to teach trust", while another stated, "It takes a lot of time and effort, but it's worth it! Keep going Raspberry! You'll get there!".

It's never a good idea to force anything on your pets and you certainly don't want to taint your relationship with them by not respecting boundaries, but this trainer from the Cat School shows how you can start to build trust in a caring way.

If you see a positive response from your cat with this food-in-spoon trick then you should gently extend your fingers toward your cat to sniff you. If they push their head back into your hand then it's likely they want to be touched, but if not it's best to leave them be. Or if you aren't getting anywhere with touch you can still bond with your kitty using one of these best interactive cat toys.

How to stop your cat peeing on the carpet is likely top of your priority list right now if you’re one of the many pet parents who have had the unpleasant experience of making your way bleary-eyed to the kitchen for your morning cup of coffee only to step in a fresh, and very wet, patch of urine along the way.

If your feline friend is being fed the best cat food, has an array of toys to play with, a cozy bed to snuggle up in and access to their very own litter box, you may be wondering why on earth they’ve decided to pay you back for all your good deeds by urinating on your carpet.

It can be one of the most frustrating parts of owning a cat, but rest assured your beloved bundle of fluff doesn’t mean to cause you extra work or stress. There are a range of reasons why our kitty companions may choose to pee outside their litter box, from an underlying medical condition to feeling stressed about changes in their environment.

Cat communication is complex, but peeing on the carpet is one way they can express to you that they’re feeling stressed or unhappy about something that’s going on either in or around them. Once you know why they’re behaving the way they are, you can figure out the best way of putting a stop to it.

Below, we walk you through the most common reasons why your cat is peeing on the carpet and provide you with our top tips on how to get them doing their business back in the litter box where it belongs. Check out our guide to how to get rid of cat pee smell around the home or read on to find out how to save your carpets – and your sanity!

Why is my cat peeing on the carpet?

While it’s understandably very upsetting to be finding cat pee around your home, it’s important to keep in mind that your feline friend isn’t deliberately trying to upset you – or cause you extra work.

Instead, peeing on the carpet (or anywhere else outside of their litter box) is your cat’s way of trying to get your attention and let you know that something is going on that’s causing them distress.

Some of the most common reasons a cat may pee on the carpet include:

1. Underlying medical conditions

There are a range of health issues that can cause cats to urinate outside of their litter box, such as a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes.

If you’ve noticed changes in your cat’s toileting routine, we recommend you make an appointment with your vet who will be able to run some tests and determine whether a medical condition could be the reason.

2. A new cat in the home

Cat’s are complex creatures and while they’re social by nature, just like us humans, they’re not going to get along with every cat they meet. A new cat that your current kitty is unsure about may trigger a stress response that results in them peeing on the carpet.

In addition to possible stress and anxiety cats have lots of different ways of leaving messages for each other and urination is one of these. Urinating outside of the litter box when a new cat enters the home is their way of communicating vital pieces of information to the newest addition to the family.

“By urine marking, a cat tells other cats of his presence and makes a statement about such things as what piece of property is his, how long ago he was in the area and, over time, when other cats can expect him to return,” the ASPCA explains. 

3. Marking territory

Once a cat reaches maturity, it will typically start marking its territory either by spraying, scratching or rubbing up against objects to leave their scent. Peeing on the carpet may be your cat’s way of letting other felines know that this is their space or to make a particular area feel more familiar and thus safer.  

4. Changes to routine

Are you currently renovating your home or have recently moved into a new house? Do you have guests staying? Have you moved your cat’s litter box or food? Cats are creatures of habit and any change, no matter how small it may seem, can be enough to cause unhappiness.

Cats don’t do particularly well with having their routines disrupted and are likely to experience feelings of stress and anxiety if things in their environment are suddenly different. Peeing on the carpet is one way they may signal to you that they’re finding the changes upsetting. 

5. A problem with the litter box

Fastidious when it comes to their own personal hygiene, a cat will refuse to use their litter box if it isn’t cleaned and changed regularly. They may also choose to pee on the carpet if their box isn’t big enough, they don’t approve of the location you’ve placed it in or if they don’t like the type of cat litter you’ve chosen.  

How to stop your cat peeing on the carpet

Now that we know a little bit more about the reasons your beloved bundle of fluff may be choosing to pee on your carpet, let’s take a look at some simple ways you can put a stop to this unwelcome behavior.

1. Clean up the mess thoroughly

One of the easiest things you can do to stop your cat peeing on the carpet is to ensure you clean up their mess and eliminate the odor to prevent them from being drawn back to the same spot.

First up, blot up any excess urine that the carpet hasn’t yet absorbed and then apply an enzymatic or bacterial cleaner to get rid of the stain and smell. 

This second step is key as cats have very strong olfactory senses and a lingering odor can encourage them, and any other cats in the home, to keep repeating the behavior. 

2. Reduce conflict between your cats 

If you’ve recently introduced a new feline friend into your family, your current cat’s inappropriate urination may be the result of anxiety. As well as potentially feeling unsure about this latest addition, your beloved bundle of fluff may also be experiencing stress around having to share resources.

To help reduce peeing on the carpet that may be a result of a new furkid entering the home, check out our guides to how to introduce a kitten to a cat for some useful tips on how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

On the resource front, make sure that each cat has their own food and water bowl, as well as their own litter box as this will help to minimize some of the distress your kitty might be feeling over having to share their belongings - a happy and settled cat is one who’s far less likely to pee on your carpets. 

3. Find the right type of litter box

While those fancy enclosed self-cleaning litter boxes may blend beautifully with your home decor, contain your cat’s mess and the accompanying unpleasant odor, and make your life easier, they’re not always going to get the paws up from your fur friend. 

A lot of cats dislike doing their business in small, dark spaces, and if the litter box has high sides or a small entrance, your kitty may also struggle to get in and out, especially if they’re older or have arthritis. 

If you’re finding that your furkid is peeing on your carpets, try changing their litter box - we recommend one that’s open with low sides as this will also make it easy for your cat to turn around in. Check out our guide to the best cat litter box for inspiration.  

4. Switch the litter

Finding the best cat litter for your feline friend may take some time as every kitty has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to the type of material they’re prepared to do their business in. 

Sometimes, peeing on the carpet is your furkid's way of saying that there’s something about the litter in their box that they’re not happy about. Perhaps it’s too strongly scented, the crystals end up stuck in their paws, or it doesn’t clump.

Whatever the reason, cat’s will urinate outside their litter box when they’re seeking a more comfortable spot than what’s currently being provided for them, so try switching up their litter and see if that makes a difference.

If you’re unsure which cat litter to buy, studies have shown that the majority of cats prefer an unscented, clumping clay litter that contains activated charcoal, so it’s well worth starting there.

5. Consider the location of the litter box

You can provide your beloved bundle of fluff with the best litter box and type of litter that money can buy, but if it’s in the wrong spot, they’ll still choose to pee on your carpet instead. That’s because, just like us humans and our houses, when it comes to the perfect litter box, it’s all about location, location, location.

It’s important to keep your cat’s litter box away from noisy areas that they may find scary or unsettling - think the laundry room where the washing machine is or close to loud pipes or places prone to heavy traffic, like the bathroom. You also want to avoid tucking the litter box away into a tight corner or anywhere else that’s not convenient for your kitty to get to.

If your cat is peeing on one particular spot on your carpet, temporarily place their litter box over that spot to encourage them to use it and then slowly move it to a quiet place within your home that is easy for them to get to. For multi-level homes, place a litter box on each floor to make it convenient for your cat to do their business.

6. Clean the litter box frequently

The clean freaks of the animal kingdom, cats spend a whopping 30 to 50 percent of their waking hours grooming themselves - no wonder their coats look so pristine! 

Not only do our feline friends loathe being dirty, they also dislike having to do their business somewhere that’s not clean. If their litter box isn’t up to their fastidious hygiene standards, they’ll happily trot off and look for a spot in the house that is.

That’s why it’s super important to regularly clean your cat’s litter box if you want to stop them peeing on the carpet. 

Scoop their litter box once a day to remove clumps of urine and waste and do a deep clean once a week where you wash the box with warm, soapy water and fill it with fresh litter.  

7. Reduce your cat’s stress levels

As we saw above, stress and anxiety are common reasons why your cat may choose to urinate outside of their litter box, so being mindful of this and taking steps to reduce the stress your feline friend is experiencing can go a long way to putting a stop to this behavior. Any kind of change in their environment, whether minor or major, can cause your cat stress and this stress affects their urinary tract. 

Whether you have guests staying, are doing renovations, or it’s the holiday season and there’s a lot of fireworks and other noise around, there are things you can do to help make life easier for your kitty.

Firstly, make sure their litter box is in a quiet location where they can do their business in peace. It’s also worth creating a calming and safe space for your feline friend in a low-traffic area of your home that’s away from any chaos. Invest in one of the best cat beds, furnish it with a cozy blanket and pop in a favorite toy.

If your cat is highly anxious, we recommend trialing a calming aid that’s been specifically designed for our feline friends, such as Feliway. This clever device mimics the pheromones released by cats to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. 

You may also find these articles useful: Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box? or how to stop a cat from peeing in the house

To stop your cat from scratching at the door, it’s important to first work out why they might be doing it. When you’ve provided all the best cat toys or scratching posts, spent lots of time with your feline friend, and made sure they’ve had their food… you might be frustrated, wondering what else do they need? 

Just like the answer to the question 'why does my cat scratch the wall?', your cat scratching at the door may be caused by a number of reasons - this can be behaviourally anything from boredom to anxiety, or it can simply be down to the length of their claws. 

While scratching is a common cat behavior it can be a nuisance for pet owners. The sound might be annoying - especially if it’s happening at night - or your cat might be damaging your doors. You might also be worried about your cat’s emotional welfare, wondering if they’re distressed.

So what do we do to stop our cats from scratching in the wrong place? We’ve enlisted the help of cat behaviourist Ruby Leslie to share with you nine top ways to stop your cat scratching and save your doors from further damage.

Why is my cat scratching at the door?

1. Get your cat checked by your vet 

Cats scratch to remove old nail sheaths, allowing room for new sharper nails. Your veterinarian can help you with your cat's nail health and check to ensure your cat is overall physically well. Anxiety can be caused by ill-health so if your cat isn’t feeling good, they could scratch more. 

2. Use pheromones and calming scents 

If your cat is feeling stressed, spraying your doors or the surrounding areas with pheromone sprays or calming, cat-friendly scents can be a great way to help them feel more relaxed. It’s important to avoid using any scents that might deter your cat from going near the door as this could increase their feelings of stress. 

3. Provide scratching posts 

Cat Behaviorist Ruby Leslie suggests that you “Provide plenty of vertical and horizontal opportunities for your cat to scratch and encourage them to scratch there”. She recommends that you reward your cat with food when they scratch in these desired spots so that they’ll be more likely to scratch there instead of on your doors. 

4. Get a pet camera 

If your cat is only scratching the door when you’re not there with them, this may be a sign that they’re bored or anxious when alone. Filming them with a pet camera can be a good way to understand what they’re feeling as you’ll be able to look out for other behaviors such as meowing, pacing, or playing. 

5. Mental stimulation 

While we usually talk about training in relation to dogs, cats can just as equally benefit from a mental workout. Teaching your cat some simple tricks such as retrieving toys or giving you a high five, can help to tire them out mentally. A mentally tired cat is more likely to relax and sleep the rest of the day. 

6. Playtime

Just as tiring your cat out mentally can be helpful, it’s also good for them to get a good physical workout. Never underestimate the importance of cat play - you can provide them with appropriate playtime using a cat wand or puzzle feeder toy. Regular play and exercise will help reduce the chances that your cat is scratching the door out or boredom. 

7. Add a cat door 

Your cat might be scratching your doors as a way to try and escape your home to roam or toilet outside. As Leslie says, “By adding in a cat door to your home, they have the freedom to come and go as they please”. 

8. Be aware of neighborhood cats  

If there are other local outdoor neighboring cats that roam close to your home, they could be causing your own cat some distress. Leslie adds that regularly using “Pheromones on your door can help to create calmness for your cat”.  

9. Trim your cat's nails 

It might sound simple but just by keeping on top of your cat’s pedicures, you could save a whole lot of scratching. If your cat's nails are too long, they may scratch more frequently to remove the nail sheaths - the older parts of their nails.  

Why is my cat scratching at the door?

There are a number of reasons that your cat might be scratching at the door. As Leslie explains, these reasons can include “A form of scent or communication marking; expressing emotions such as stress or frustration due to a lack of appropriate scratching items in the home; or as a means to remove the old nail sheaths.” She adds that “Cats have to scratch to meet their basic needs and love scratching vertical, sturdy structures that they can easily dig their nails into”. 

You may notice that your cat’s preferred scratching places tend to include doors, sofas, or table legs. That's due to them being similar in structure to tree trunks or logs that cats would typically scratch outside.

Just as we may see dogs chewing when they’re stressed or bored, cats will use scratching in a similar way. It can help them to relieve a range of different emotions. Leslie says it’s important to understand that “If your cat has anxiety, they might be scratching at the door to try and escape”. She notes that “If you suspect this is the case, take a video of your cat when it’s left home alone and seek help from your vet immediately”. 

Is it cruel to ignore a cat scratching at the door?

Whenever we see signs that our pets are out-of-sorts, it is important that we address the situation as soon as possible. It could be that there’s something physically wrong with your cat which needs veterinary support or perhaps your cat is struggling emotionally. Either way, simply ignoring your cat scratching at the door is not going to resolve the underlying reason behind the behavior.

As Leslie says, “If your cat has anxiety or is simply using your door to scratch, by not taking your cat to the vet or providing them with appropriate scratching posts, you are not meeting their emotional, physical or welfare needs, which is cruel”.

Ignored behavior can get worse. This can result in more stress for you, their carer, but can potentially be very problematic for that cat themselves. Leslie explains, “Cats become easily stressed and if this stress is not addressed it will turn into chronic stress which can lead to diseases”. So for your cat’s long-term health it’s important to seek out help to support them.

If your feline friend is constantly jumping up on the kitchen worktop to drink from the faucet or snaffle snacks from the sideboard and you’re wondering how to keep cats off counters or your brand new coffee table, read on. 

It can be frustrating if your cat loves counter-surfing. You may be worried about sanitation if it’s where you’re preparing meals, that they’ll get in your way or knock something over and break it. 

However, the real danger is to themselves with knives and other sharp utensils around. You may want to know how to discipline your cat when they're misbehaving but your furkid won’t know why you’re shouting or punishing them. Instead learn how to change their behavior. 

Below you’ll find all the advice you need to understand why cats like high places and how to stop them from jumping up and keep your counter clean and cat free. 

• Why your cat is stealing food and how to stop him
• Best cat treats: Spoil your kitty with a healthy snack 

Why do cats jump on counters and tables?  

Your cat could be jumping up on counters and tables for a number of reasons. Here are just a few:  

Instinct

Cats are descended from wild animals so often their behavior is them following their natural instincts to hunt. When your cat jumps up on the kitchen counter they are mimicking wild behaviors. In the wild, cats climb trees and higher ground not only for safety, but so they have a better vantage point to seek out prey, whether that’s a bird out of reach from below or a rodent they can surprise and pounce on from above. 

In the home, they may feel safer on the kitchen counter or a table if there are other pets or children on the floor. From a height they can survey their environment, go in search of food (if you’ve left any out) and practise their hunting skills (jumping and stalking). 

Temptation

Often jumping up on the counter or table is a reinforced behavior. They may have done it once and you rewarded them with a treat so they repeat the behavior in the hope of more treats. If there is food in the kitchen or dining room your cat is likely to be tempted. 

Attention

If your cat is jumping up lots it may just be that they’re bored and want attention. If you’re in the kitchen they may just be trying to get closer to their human.

Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious and love to explore so they need lots of vertical space to keep them stimulated both mentally and physically. 

Illness

While your cat may just prefer running water to the still water you’ve left out in a bowl on the ground for them, drinking from the faucet can indicate illness. Make sure if they seem more thirsty than usual that you check in with the vet as this could be a warning sign for diabetes or kidney malfunction. 

For further reasons why your fur friend may be obsessed with the sight of water, be sure to read our article “why does my cat paw at their water bowl?” 

How to keep cats off counters and tables 

1. Cat trees 

If your cat needs to practise their hunting skills or explore their environment through vertical spaces, give them other options. Cat trees are a great way to give your cat more vertical space, exercise and an enriched environment so they can use up their energy and stay entertained.  

2. Alternative treats 

If your cat is searching for treats in the kitchen try offering them tasty titbits elsewhere or in a more exciting format. Spoil your kitty with one of the best cat treats or make it more of a hunting game by putting kibble inside puzzle feeders around the house. 

3. Clean up 

Make sure you tidy away any food, don’t leave snacks or leftovers on tables or counters and wipe down surfaces so your cat isn’t sniffing around for treats.  

4. Keep temptation away 

If they are tempted by treats in the kitchen or dining room, try to keep temptation away. This could mean taking away their access to the counter or table if the only way they can jump up is by using a chair or other furniture. Or you may have to close off certain rooms to them while you cook or eat.

 5. Give them attention  

If your pet has enough interactive play they may not seek your attention when you’re cooking, eating or working at the table. Make sure they get lots of one-on-one time and that they have plenty of toys to play with when you’re not there. 

6. Buy a water fountain 

If your kitty is jumping up to drink water from the faucet, try replacing the water in their bowl more often. If this doesn’t work and your feline is one of the cat breeds that love water you may want to invest in a water fountain designed for pets so they have running water on the ground. 

7. Odor-based deterrents 

You may want to consider repellents to keep your cat away from counters and tabletops. However, it's important not to use deterrents that can harm or upset your cat.

Try keep your cat off the counter by using smells or scents that they don’t like and will avoid going near. This could be a non-toxic plant such as rosemary or lemon balm or an essential oil. Just make sure that whatever you use is safe and will not harm your pet.  

8. Noise-based deterrents  

Cats are not a fan of loud noises. Place aluminium cans filled with pennies, pots and pans or baking trays on your kitchen counters so when your cat jumps up on them the clatter of the falling objects will dissuade them from repeating the behavior. 

9. Tactile deterrents 

If you want your counter or table to be cat-free try placing down something your kitty won’t want to walk on such as sticky tape or a carpet runner or mat with the nubs facing upwards.  

Does aluminium foil keep cats off counters and tables?  

When you crinkle up aluminium (or when a cat jumps on to it) it emits a high-pitched sound that only a cat can hear, but this sound is enough to put the cat off stepping on it again. 

It’s believed that cats don’t like how the foil feels under their feet or the sound it makes as it is too much for their senses so it acts as both a tactile and noise-based deterrent.

What cat-safe essential oils and sprays can keep cats off counters and tables?  

Essential oils which are non-toxic and cat-safe include rosemary, basil, fennel, citronella and lemongrass oil. 

However these should still always be diluted with about 20 drops of oil to ¾ cup of water and they should be rubbed into your countertops or better still put on to dish cloths hanging in the kitchen so that your cat can smell the scent but is not licking the surfaces or its paws and ingesting the oil.

How to train your cat to keep off counters and tables

If alternatives or repellents don’t work, try training your cat to stay off the counters and tables.  

This can be done by using positive reinforcement.  Every time they jump off a counter or table praise them, show them lots of attention and give them treats. When they jump up, don’t reward them or pay them attention and they will soon learn. 

Clicker training can be particularly effective by using a command such as “get down”, using the clicker when they obey and then rewarding them with a treat so they associate getting down with the clicker and getting a reward. 

When training your cat it’s important to understand why they’re behaving this way (do they want food or attention?), to plan how to deal with it and then to be consistent with your training. This means no slipping up and stroking them on the counter one day. You’ll also want to offer your cat alternatives and remove temptations to help with your training. 

Clean all your countertops and tables, remove food and snacks and keep your pet in a different room if you’re cooking or eating to try and create boundaries to help them. Make sure they’re getting plenty of mental and physical enrichment. This means lots of interactive toys to play with and cat trees to jump and climb on. 

What not to do 

Avoid punishing or shouting at your cat as they won’t respond to this. And never use a deterrent that will harm them. Don’t spray them with water, use toxic sprays, cleaning products or essential oils. 

If you spray your cat with water, push them off the counter or shout at them, this won’t stop their behavior; they are more likely to avoid you and jump on the counters when you’re not present.  

A ‘potty trained’ cat has become an internet star, after going viral and capturing delighted fans.
The original picture shared on Reddit by user tunalemon, shows a white cat sitting on the toilet inside a bathroom, looking back at the camera. The hilarious caption alongside it says, "Finding out that my cat potty trained himself."

• Cat experts warn against viral ice cube TikTok trend
• Cat that weighs as much as a car tyre is Insta’s latest famous feline
• Watch: Almost 50 cats found living inside a car at Minnesota rest stop

finding_out_that_my_cat_potty_trained_himself from r/mildlyinteresting

It's no surprise that this humorous snap quickly went viral, garnering more than 13,000 upvotes. In addition, many Redditors headed straight to comments to share their thoughts on this impressive kitty.  One user commented, " Omg. What a jackpot of a cat."

While another joked, "Lucky. Mine just randomly s*** in the house plants." Other users were not as convinced with kitty’s prowess, with one stating, “Come on now. Trained himself to do this randomly on his own? Absolutely not. Can you train a cat to do this? Sure. But a cat is not going to do this on its own without being trained to do so."

To put things to rest, the Reddit poster confirmed that the cat has never been formally potty trained as such. "He's actually an outside cat,” they stated, “I'm 100 percent convinced he learned from watching me since he loves occupying me while I use the bathroom. For the record, I have absolutely no extra time to toilet train a cat."

However, it is possible to toilet-train your feline pals should you wish to, but timid kittens may struggle with potty training. In any case, sharing the bathroom with your lovable kitty will save much time and effort on the cleaning chores.

If you’re the proud pet parent to a feline fur baby and you use public transport a lot, you may be wondering if you can take your cat on a train, bus or tram. Good news is the answer is a big, fat yes! 

Whether you’re simply wanting to take your kitty to the vet or move apartment and don’t have access to your own vehicle or you’re wanting to take a cross-country trip, traveling with a cat using public transport is entirely possible.

While our feline friends don’t take as kindly to being in a moving vehicle as our canine companions do, there are plenty of things you can do to help make the trip a more comfortable experience for them.

We recommend that you invest in a good quality cat carrier and furnish it with a cozy blanket and a few toys to keep them occupied on the journey. It’s also worth having a stash of the best cat treats on hand that you can use to reinforce good behavior. 

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to take your cat on a train, bus or tram, plus our favorite public transport tips and tricks to help the journey run smoothly from start to finish. 

Planning on taking to the sky instead? No worries. Our top tips for flying with a cat has got you covered there too.  

• How big should a cat carrier be?
• How to transport a cat without a carrier

Taking a cat on a train

If you’re wanting to take your cat on a train, you’re in luck because in recent years train companies have revised their policies to allow cats in carriers to board their trains.

While the rules around this will vary depending on the train company you’re choosing to travel with, it’s a great option for those of you who are wanting to undertake cross-country travel but would prefer not to fly.

Before you travel with your cat on a train, it’s important to check with the train company to see if your cat requires a pre-booked ticket or whether you can just turn up on the day. There may also be rules around weight and distance of travel too, so we recommend you ask about that before trying to board.

Amtrak in the US, for example, will only allow cats to travel on their trains for journey’s that are under seven hours in length. They also have a requirement that both the cat and the carrier have a combined weight of less than 20 lbs. 

In the UK, you’re allowed to take up to two cats on the train with you as long as they’re both in a carrier. They can travel for free if placed on the floor or under the seat in front of you, but if you’ve placed the carrier on the seat beside you, expect to be charged an additional fare. 

Tips for traveling with your cat by train

Here are a few other important tips that will help make traveling with your cat by train a pleasant experience for you both:

1. Reduce the number of connections

If at all possible, try to book a direct train as this will minimize any stress or anxiety your cat may be feeling. It’s also good for you too as it means you don’t have to be trying to get any luggage you might have as well as your cat from one platform to another. 

2. Avoid traveling during peak periods

We highly recommend you travel outside of peak times, avoiding the morning and mid-afternoon/early evening rush hours when people are trying to get to and from work and school. You’ll find the trains much quieter off-peak and as a nice bonus, you’ll likely get a cheaper fare too!

3. Consider the weather

Yes, we know, you’re traveling in a train so that sounds like an odd thing to have to think about, right? But just remember that in the depths of winter or the height of summer, the platform can be super chilly or stiflingly hot at certain times of the day. Factor this into your timing and you’ll ensure a more comfortable trip for both you and your kitty.

4. Think about meal times

Cats are quite prone to suffering from motion sickness, so we recommend you feed your cat around 4-5 hours prior to traveling to ensure their body has had plenty of time to digest it. This will prevent any accidents on board and reduce the risk of nausea. 

5. Pack some snacks

While you don’t want your kitty eating heavy meals on the train, it’s worth packing some cat treats to give them something to nibble on and don’t forget to take a water bowl and some water along as well to ensure they stay hydrated.

6. Find a quiet place to sit

Once you’re on board the train, look for a quiet place to sit as this will help your cat to feel more relaxed. If you can afford the ticket, first class is always a good option, but don’t worry if you can’t stretch to that as many trains have designated quiet areas that you can sit in.

7. Consider the placement of the carrier

If the carriage you’re in has plenty of spare seats, you might want to place the carrier on the seat next to you by the window so that your cat knows you’re beside them. If that isn’t possible, or your kitty is particularly skittish, under the seat in front of you will give them plenty of privacy.

8. Ensure you’re visible to your cat

Wherever you pop the carrier, make sure your kitty knows that you’re there. You can either cover the sides and back of the carrier and leave the front open, or, if they travel better with the carrier completely dark, pop something inside with your cat that smells like you.

Taking a cat on a bus

Whether you’re wanting to head off on an adventure to a different city or state or you’re moving into a new home, the bus is a popular choice of public transportation for a lot of us. 

Unfortunately, traveling on the bus with your cat is a little bit more challenging than traveling by train and will really depend on what country or state you live in. In the UK, for example, some companies, such as National Express, will only allow service dogs on their coaches, while local bus companies may allow cats to travel at the driver’s discretion. 

The same applies to many bus companies in the US, with bigger national companies like Greyhound sticking to the ‘service dogs only’ policy and some small bus companies operating the same discretionary policy as in the UK. 

Tips for traveling with your cat by bus

Here are a few tips to refer to if you’re wanting to take your cat on the bus:

1. Speak with the bus company

Because the rules around cats on buses are so variable, we recommend that you phone up the bus company and make sure that they will accept your cat in their carrier prior to your day of travel. 

2. Check requirements

If the bus company gives you the green light to bring your cat on board, check to see if there are any specific requirements you need to adhere to. For example, does your cat require a ticket or seat reservation for the journey? Does the carrier need to meet any specific measurements? Is there a combined weight limit?

3. Avoid traveling during busy times

This is even more important on buses than it is on trains as unlike the latter, which will have multiple carriages for you to choose from, the former is far more limited in space, so traveling outside of peak times will ensure a quieter trip for you both.

4. Be aware of other passengers

Children in particular are prone to wanting to come up and say hello when they see an animal boarding the bus and if you have a nervous cat, this may serve to make them even more stressed and anxious. It’s worth covering the carrier over before stepping onto the bus to minimize the risk of your kitty becoming overwhelmed. 

5. Put your cat into a harness

If you’re going on a long bus trip and there’s going to be rest stops along the way or if it’s a short trip and you’re wanting to let your kitty out of their carrier as soon as you get off the bus, we highly recommend investing in one of the best cat harnesses. This will allow you to give your feline furkid some freedom to stretch their legs without fear that they might run off!

Taking a cat on a tram

Not all countries and cities have trams, but if you live in the likes of San Francisco, it’s well worth knowing what the rules are around bringing your cat on a tram. And yes, you can do it, but you’ll want to read the guidelines carefully to ensure you know what is and isn’t allowed.

For example, in San Francisco, cats may not ride on the tram between the peak hours of 5 am and 9 am and again between 3 pm and 7 pm, Monday to Friday. After 9 am and before 3 pm, you can take one cat on the tram with you as long as you have them in a closed carrier and that carrier is either on your lap or under the seat in front of you.

You’ll find similar rules in place in other cities that have street cars and trams, such as Toronto, with most companies happy to allow cats to board as long as guidelines are observed around travel times and carrier regulations. 

You will also be required to pay the same fare for your cat as you’ve paid for yourself in order for them to be allowed to board. We recommend that you follow the tips outlined above for trains and buses to ensure your kitty has a comfortable journey. 

An additional tip...or two!

Make sure that you always travel with a health certificate if you're going on a trip that's going to see you crossing state lines or borders between one country and another. It's also a good idea to have on you all other relevant paperwork that shows that your cat has had all their vaccinations.

In addition to this, you'll want to ensure your cat is microchipped and that their identification tag has up-to-date information. If you want a little bit of extra peace of mind, consider fitting your kitty with one of the best pet trackers as if you do become separated at any point, you'll be able to locate them quickly and easily. 

If you want to learn how to train a cat to use a cat door, you’ve come to the right place! Below, our vet shares her top training tips, along with what to do if your feline doesn’t like using one.

If you have an outdoor cat, there are many reasons why you should get a cat flap. Not only does it save you the trouble of getting up and down to let them out, but it also gives them the freedom to explore whenever they want. As a result, it encourages natural behaviors, like chasing and hunting, which promote exercise and reduce stress.

Before you get started, it’s worth investing in one of the best microchip cat flaps, which will prevent neighborhood moggies from intruding into your home and help your cat feel more at ease. If you opt for a standard cat flap, we recommend one with a four-way lock and a weatherproof seal.

How to teach a cat to use the cat door

When it comes to training, Dr. MacMillan advises going at a pace your cat is comfortable with. If you’re unsure how your feline is feeling and responding, our cat body language guide can help you figure it out. While most cats are quick learners and will happily use the door, others might need a bit of encouragement (which is where the best cat treats come in handy!).

Step one: “Start by holding the door open for them and calling them over to it with treats and verbal encouragement. Your cat may sniff and explore the open cat door.

Step two: Try holding the treat on the other side of the door and encourage them to step through, with treats and praise. Repeat this multiple times, encouraging them forward and back through the door. Continue this until they seem confident going in both directions.

Step three: Next, you can start to gently lower the flap into a partially closed position so that your cat has to learn to push against the door themselves.

Step four: You can then try with the door closed, sit on the other side of it, and encourage your cat to come through by themselves with treats and praise.”

Why use a cat door? 

Apart from the obvious advantage that you won’t need to keep getting up in the middle of dinner to let your cat in or out, cat doors can be better for your cat as well. Most cats prefer to be in control of when they enter and exit, and it can help them combat boredom. If you’re away at work all day, a cat door means your kitty can easily let herself in and out to toilet and for exercise.

There are lots of different designs on the market, but they fall into two approximate categories – basic design or microchip operated. Basic doors are cheap to buy but as they’re basically just a hole in the door they will let any other animal in or out as well as your cat!

Microchip cat doors work on your cat’s individual microchip and will let only registered pets in and out. Do remember that any type of cat door will need some basic DIY skills in order to fit it. If you live in a rented property, you’ll also have to ask your landlord first or try one of these cat door alternatives.

Why won't my cat go through the cat flap?

Cats can be contrary creatures! You might have spent hours researching the best cat flaps and even more time installing them, only for your pampered puss to turn her nose up. She’s not really being naughty, though – it’s more likely she just doesn’t realize that the cat flap is a portal to adventure!

If your cat used to use the cat flap quite happily and has now stopped, then she’s trying to tell you something. The problem could be with the flap itself – has it worn sharp edges? Has your cat put on weight and now finds the door a tight fit? Is she getting arthritic and finds it too high to squeeze through?

The problem could also be that she’s scared to go outside as she’s had a bad experience such as being attacked by another cat. If you can’t find anything wrong with the flap itself, then consider replacing it with one with a transparent panel. This will enable a nervous cat to have a good look around before committing herself! Traumatized cats can take a long time to settle again, so be patient and don’t try to force her.

How to prop open a cat flap 

If your kitty is still nervous, you can also prop open the flap completely until she learns that it’s a door. It’s important to do this safely, as a flap swinging down mid-exit is enough to rattle the most placid of pusses! Depending on the type of flap, you may be able to remove the door completely.

Otherwise, use pegs or robust sticky tape to secure it. Once she’s happy going through the open door, secure a piece of cloth over the gap. This will get her used to going through a door with a barrier, but it won’t be enough to frighten her if she touches it. Once your cat is really confident, put the door back in place.

How long does it take for a cat to use a cat door?

This is a slightly ‘how long is a piece of string’ question, as it depends on your cat’s age, experience and personality. Older, bolder and more curious kitties will learn in a couple of hours.

Younger or more nervous cats could take a week or more. Be patient and let your cat work it out for herself as much as possible. Try and avoid opening the door when she ‘asks’ you to, or you’ll be making a rod for your own back!

How do I get my cat to push the cat flap? 

One of the main reasons that cats won’t push against the cat flap is that they’re pretty intelligent! The cat flap looks solid to them, and they’re not planning to waste their energy or risk getting hurt, thank you very much. The solution here is to out-think your cat as follows:

1. Secure the door out of the way as above, and then lower it by fractions once your cat is happy to go through.
2. Temporarily replace the door with something flimsy such as a piece of cloth which won’t look as solid.
3. Bat the door with your hand to make it move, so that your cat can work out that it’s not fixed.
4. Eventually, she should get the message and open it of her own accord.

Cat doors can not only save you the trouble of constantly letting your furry friend in and out, they also provide your cat with access to freedom and exercise. It’s well worth looking into installing one in your home. Just remember to take your cat’s size, weight and health into account when choosing the perfect model, and both your lives will be easier!

You might also want to read: How to install a pet door and how do microchip cat flaps work?

Food aggression in cats is one of those issues that a lot of pet parents struggle with, so if you’re finding that your feline friend is displaying aggressive behavior at mealtimes, rest assured you’re far from alone.

Cats and kittens that struggle with food aggression are prone to growling, hissing or even attacking people and other pets who try to get close to their bowl of the best cat food or the best kitten food. Not only can this be scary for you to be on the other end of but it can also damage the bond the two of you share.

There are several things that can cause cats to display aggressive behaviors around food, such as having a history of food deprivation or an undiagnosed medical condition. While it can be a challenging issue to deal with, you can learn how to calm an aggressive cat so that mealtimes become a lot less stressful for you both.

Below, Dr. Catherine Barnette outlines everything you need to know about food aggression in cats, including what causes it, signs to be on the lookout for and some simple things you can do to help your kitty feel calmer while they eat. Let’s take a look… 

Signs of food aggression in cats

The most reliable sign of food aggression is aggressive behavior (directed towards humans or other pets) that occurs around the food bowl or when food is present. If your cat demonstrates any of the following signs, you are likely dealing with feline food aggression: 

• Guarding the food bowl 
• Hissing or growling when the food bowl is approached by people or other pets 
• Attacking people or pets when food is present 

Wondering why your cat is stealing food? Or maybe you're asking why is my cat begging for food? While these may not sound like obvious signs of aggression, it's worth taking note. 

Although these signs do not directly involve aggressive behavior, and therefore are not sufficient to make a diagnosis of food aggression, they seem to stem from an excessive preoccupation with food. 

These signs may serve as a possible warning sign for food aggression:

• Meowing and pestering people when the food bowl is empty 
• Frequent attempts to steal food from people 
• Chewing through packaging to get to access cat food and other food items 
• Loudly begging for food in the kitchen 

Causes of food aggression in cats

There are many possible causes of food aggression in cats. In most cases, no specific cause can be identified. Even when we think we know what may be causing a particular cat’s food aggression, this can be difficult to confirm. 

1. Food scarcity

Food aggression may be attributable to a period of food scarcity. Perhaps your cat was weaned too early as a kitten, leading to a period of malnutrition. Or maybe your cat lived outdoors as a stray for a while, never sure where they would get their next meal. Any period of food scarcity is likely to increase a cat’s desire to secure food for themselves, so they will not go hungry again.

2. Stress

Stress and anxiety in cats can also contribute to food aggression. If your cat has undergone significant life changes (recent adoption, a move to a new home, new pets in the home, etc.), this stress can trigger a wide variety of behavioral changes, including food aggression.

3. Multi-cat household

Cats in multi-cat homes also appear to be more likely to develop food aggression. They may feel the need to compete for resources, including food. Feeding multiple cats in the same household can be tricky; competition between cats may result in food aggression and other aggressive behaviors.

4. Medical issues

Finally, food aggression can have underlying medical causes. Any condition that increases your cat’s hunger, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, can lead to food aggression and an increased preoccupation with food.

Diagnosing food aggression in cats

Any cat with a new onset of food aggression should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your vet will likely perform a thorough physical examination, a fecal parasite examination, and blood tests. Other tests may also be recommended, depending on the results of your cat’s physical exam. These tests are used to rule out medical conditions that may cause excessive hunger, which could be contributing to your cat’s food aggression.

If no medical cause is found for your cat’s food aggression, an underlying behavioral cause should be suspected. Your veterinarian will likely ask about your cat’s behavior at home, including how long the behavior has been present and what other behavioral changes (if any) you have observed. Through this behavioral history, your vet will determine whether your cat’s behaviors are consistent with food aggression. 

How to stop food aggression in cats

The first step in managing food aggression is to avoid making the situation worse. Ensure that your cat has plenty of space at mealtime and does not feel the need to defend their food. Feed them in a quiet room, away from people and other pets. By making mealtime a more calm experience, you can decrease some of the anxiety and arousal that often accompany food aggression. 

Remember that cats in the wild hunt small prey, eating many small meals throughout the day. Instead of feeding your cat one or two large meals per day, feed your cat four or five smaller meals each day. Not only does this mimic your cat’s natural feeding behavior, it can help decrease the feeling of food scarcity that often underlies food aggression.

Finally, ensure that your cat has plenty of outlets for play. Use active feeding devices, such as Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder, to make mealtime more mentally and physically stimulating for your cat. Play with your cat several times per day, using teaser wands and the best cat toys. A tired cat has less  nervous energy to fuel stress-related responses such as food aggression. 

If your at-home efforts are unsuccessful, talk to your veterinarian. They may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for a more detailed evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. 

Food aggression in kittens

Food aggression in kittens is very similar to food aggression in adult cats. It’s more likely to occur when you take in a kitten that has gone through a period of food scarcity, but it can be seen in any kitten. When managing food aggression in kittens, the basic steps are the same as managing food aggression in adults. Give your kitten a secure space to eat, offer multiple small meals daily, and ensure that your kitten has plenty of healthy play outlets for their energy. 

Don’t ignore food aggression and hope it will go away. The earlier you start addressing behavioral problems such as food aggression, the more likely you are to achieve a successful outcome.  

Food aggression in cats is a frustrating problem that does not always have an unidentifiable underlying cause. If you are struggling with feline food aggression, work with your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical causes of your cat’s behavior change. Once you have determined that your cat’s food aggression is behavioral in nature, focus on decreasing stress surrounding mealtimes and feeding small meals that encourage physical and mental activity in your cat.  

For more solutions to some of the most common issues encountered by pet parents, we recommend taking a look at our guide to the top kitten behavior problems and how to fix them.

Cat play aggression is a problem that lots of pet parents face – but the solution isn’t as complicated as you might think. Things like the best cat toys, scratching posts, and feline furniture are important for enrichment and can help reduce feelings of frustration and boredom that lead to aggression.

This common cat behavior problem is perhaps one of the most confusing – one minute you’re enjoying a fun playtime session, and the next, they’re sinking their claws and teeth into your arm!

As strange as this might seem, there are a few things that could be causing it, like a lack of socialization, which vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan has explained below. Thankfully, it’s not something you have to live with forever, as there are a number of ways to fix this behavior.

What causes cat play aggression?

What is perhaps surprising is that, most of the time, your cat may be as good as gold. There's no hint that they're being necessarily territorial or feeling threatened and they are, to all intents and purposes, happy.

The mayhem – the hissing, biting and clawing – is only happening when you play. But why is this? In some cases, it's simply because a cat is under-stimulated which is why you should always consider buying the best interactive cat toys.

Sometimes, a cat is merely acting naturally, with studies showing that cat play can be a way for felines to practice predatory instincts. In fact, play aggression could be a cat's way of learning some boundaries – by nature, a cat will test how far it can go with other cats to establish a hierarchy and your pet is likely doing the same with you.

It's why play aggression is more typical of cats under the age of two. They're undergoing a process of education which is why a cat's upbringing plays a big part.

Cats that were weaned or removed from their littermates too early tend not to grow up understanding the difference between play and predatory behavior. What's more, how you interact with a kitten or young adult cat can also have a massive affect on play aggression. In many cases, cats simply don't know any better.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Play aggression in cats can often be caused by a lack of social interactions when they were very young. If your cat was not raised with their littermates, and didn’t have much opportunity to play, they will have missed out on a key part of their socialization. Playing with fellow kittens allows them to test the boundaries and learn when they might be biting or scratching too hard."

You might want to read our guide on how to play with a kitten.

Should you play rough with cats?

With that in mind, it's important to know how to play with a cat. For starters, you should avoid using your hands, feet or other body parts as a toy because that could lead a feline to play-hunt with you. Instead, your hands should only ever be used to stroke, hold and gently pet your cat – and only at times when your moggy appears to be calm.

One thing's for sure, rough play can easily fool a cat into thinking that it's absolutely fine to bite or scratch at your flesh. And while a kitten's playful bite isn't much of an issue, if this kind of behavior continues into adulthood, then it suddenly becomes a painful problem.

Rough play also changes the dynamic of your relationship with a cat. You may think it's a heap of fun to wrestle with a cat but felines don't like it, especially if it makes them feel vulnerable or causes them to be pinned down and trapped.

A moggy will go on the defensive in a situation like that and play times will end up as a free-for-all. Cats will also start to see all humans as a potential rough playmate which adds a whole layer of extra issues. Better to try one of these fun games to play with cats instead and keep playing gentle and calm.

Dr. MacMillan says: "I always advise cat owners not to play rough with their pets. It sends out the wrong messages to your cat. Rough play can easily stray into aggressive behavior. This could lead to you becoming injured and your cat becoming confused by the whole situation.

"While rough play might seem fun with a very young kitten, adult-sized teeth and claws are not to be messed with. It is therefore important to start as you mean to go on with a consistent message about what type of play is appropriate. Fingers must never be used as toys; they are for stroking and fussing your pet only."

Do cats grow out of play aggression?

Many cats will eventually learn that play aggression is wrong and undesirable. By adulthood they may well have learned how to hunt and fight (more so if there are other cats around either in your home or outside) and they'll have figured the necessary boundaries between play and reality.

Some, however, don't grow out of it. They've become excited by your hands and feet and they still don't understand that you don't want them to stop scratching or biting (which is why they will sometimes cling on tightly to you). How you've responded to that in the past will make a huge difference. If, as a kitten, you've laughed it off and indulged in such play, then you will find it more likely that play aggression will be ongoing.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Aggressive play is most commonly seen in kittens and young cats. Most will mature and grow out of it, but this will only happen if you help your cat learn what type of play is appropriate."

How do you fix play aggression in cats?

There are numerous measures you can take to prevent play aggression (and some things you should never do).

1. Recognize the signs of aggression
Dr. MacMillan says: "First, it’s important to recognize when a cat is about to become aggressive in their play. They will usually thrash their tail around, pin their ears back, and have wide, dilated pupils. They often start stalking you or your family members, getting ready to suddenly pounce from a hidden position. Other pets can also be a target."

2. Spot the pattern
Dr. MacMillan says: "Sometimes there is a pattern to this behavior, and it is possible to predict when it will occur. It could be at a certain time of day or in a certain location of the house, for example, your cat might always pounce at you from behind the sofa.

"If you can work this out, you can then take steps to stop the aggression before it even starts. Try blocking key hiding areas or stopping them from accessing the room where aggressive play frequently occurs. If the pattern of behavior is not clear, you could consider putting a collar with a bell on your pet so that you can hear them coming."

3. Positive interactions
Dr. MacMillan says: "You must focus on plenty of positive interactions with your cat. Don’t be afraid to engage in play but do it on your terms. Try and have a set time of the day so that your cat knows when to expect their play sessions. Using toys that you can keep at arm’s length like fishing rod ones or a feather on a stick will help to keep your fingers out of the firing line."

4. Stop the game
Dr. MacMillan says: "If your cat starts becoming over the top in their play, you should stop the game, issue a calm ‘no’, and then quietly leave the room to a safe space. Your cat will soon learn that aggressive behavior is not tolerated and leads to them being ignored, which is boring.

"If your cat attacks you at random then carrying a small toy in your pocket can be helpful. You can throw this away from you to distract your cat and encourage them to play with something other than your ankles!"

5. Never punish your cat
Dr. MacMillan says: "While this behavior can be challenging, you must never punish or scare them as this could make their aggressive tendencies worse. It could also make your cat fearful of you, leading to a deterioration in your relationship.

"You should also make sure that your cat’s needs are being met in their home environment. This includes plenty of enrichment in the form of toys, scratching posts, and other cat furniture, to stop your cat from becoming bored or frustrated."

6. Speak to your vet
Dr. MacMillan says: "If you are struggling with your cat’s behavior, then don’t hesitate to speak to your vet or a qualified pet behaviorist. It is far between to get help than it is to continue struggling with the situation."

Wondering whether you should let your cat play with yarn? This feature has the answer. Or, read about your cat's play personality and how cats play with each other.

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.

Knowing how to stop a cat from pooping on the floor is a must for those with feline friends. With cats, even if you have the best cat litter, you can still fall foul of your cat’s better judgement. Even those who keep on top of the litter box by signing up for the best cat litter subscriptions can still come a cropper. 

Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to get your cat’s poop in the place it’s supposed to be. First things first – you’ll want to figure out why it’s happening in the first place, especially if it’s a sudden change in activity. 

Don’t forget to also check out our guide to how to keep cat litter off the floor too.

• Best self-cleaning cat litter boxes: Cleaning up after your cat just got easier
• Pregnant women and cat litter: what are the dangers?
• How to get a cat to use a litter box
• How to litter box train an older cat

Why do cats poop outside the litter box?

There are several reasons why your cat may be turning up his nose at using the provided litter box. Have a think about the following reasons why your cat might be going elsewhere:

Cleanliness

Cats are very clean creatures, and if your cat avoids the litter box when it’s a little on the mucky side, you might simply need to clean it more often. Similarly, if you’ve got more than one cat, you might find that your other cat doesn’t like using the same box as the other cat, especially if it’s a new introduction.

Location

Cats are private creatures, and pooping in full view of everyone else in the household is unlikely to be appealing to them. If the litter box is somewhere that has a lot of foot traffic, or is perhaps particularly noisy or bright, it may deter them from using it. 

Is your cat recently adopted?

It can take cats some time to learn new routines and new locations. If you’ve only just got your cat, don’t worry if they don’t immediately start using the litter box you’ve provided, as it’s perfectly normal. Follow the tips below to help get them used to your litter box. 

Has there been a change in your household?

If you’ve recently got a new pet, or perhaps even a new human, you may find that your cat develops some anxiety, and refuses to use the litter box in the normal way. You’ll usually find that the cat adjusts after a while to any new addition, and things return to normal.

• Is cat litter flushable? How to dispose of cat litter in an eco-friendly way
• 7 creative cat litter alternatives you can find around the home

How can I encourage my cat to poop in the litter box?

If you’ve got a reluctant cat, make some small changes to their litter box, trying one at a time to see what works. Have a go at the following options:

Add another litter box

There may simply be something about the first litter box your cat doesn’t like. Trying a different one that looks and smells different is a simple thing you can try. 

Block access to the (incorrect) areas they’re pooping 

Perhaps your cat's got a thing for pooping in the laundry room. Blocking off the access may force them to reconsider the correct option (the litter box). You can also put tin foil down in areas you specifically don’t want them to poop, or spray with deterrent (such as something with citronella in it). 

Change your type of litter

As there are different varieties of litter available, it could be that your cat doesn’t like whatever it is you’re using. Try a different kind, and if you think about where they’re pooping, see if you can match the area. You might even find that an empty litter tray, or at least a portion of it, does the trick too.

Make sure you clean any accidents 

It’s important that you remove the smells of any accidents thoroughly. Any areas that still smell like a cat’s toilet are prone to be used as one again. 

Why is my cat pooping on the floor all of a sudden?

If your cat is otherwise a very good pooper, using their litter box with frequency, and they suddenly stop using it, then it’s something you should take notice of. 

This could be a medical issue, and advice should be sought from your veterinarian if you notice a sudden and strange change in behavior, especially if you haven’t changed anything else in the house or about the box recently. 

Problems could include a urinary tract infection, a bad reaction to food or something else ingested, or joint pain or problems. All of these problems are common in older cats, so if your cat is young, pay particular attention if it happens all of a sudden.

It’s not just pooping as well, you’ll also need to ask why is my cat peeing outside the litter box too, as that can also be problematic.

What smells deter cats from pooping?

Cats can be quite fussy creatures, and there are lots of smells that can put them off using their litter box. 

Although it’s important to clean thoroughly in and around the litter box, certain smells such as citrus, lavender, and peppermint can be off-putting to cats, so try to avoid using anything using their scents to clean their litter box, or even the room that it’s in.

On the other hand, you can use it in rooms you definitely don’t want them to enter, to try and push them towards the correct location.

How do you discipline a cat for pooping outside the litter box?

It can be difficult to know exactly how to litter train a kitten, but it’s important to show patience, determination, and perseverance. Even older cats, especially rescue or newly adopted cats, might need some help and encouragement when they are learning the right place to poop. 

If you should see your cat pooping outside the litter box, you can pick them up gently mid-flow and place them in the litter box. If you do this often enough, they’ll soon learn the appropriate place to go.

You should never be harsh, shout, or strictly discipline your cat – the likely result of that is that the cat will associate the litter box with fear or anxiety, which is the exact opposite of what you want. Otherwise, following the tips above to encourage positive litter box behavior is your best bet.

There are many reasons why you might want to train your outdoor cat to use a litter box. If you’ve recently provided a loving home to a rescue cat, you might not know much about their previous life. Not all will have lived in a home environment; some may have been feral or stray or just lived outside. 

If this is the case, they might not be familiar with a litter box. Equally, if you have to move from a house with a garden to a flat or apartment with no outside space, you might face the challenge of litter training a cat who was previously quite happy going outside to toilet. Preparation is key: did you know, for instance, that picking the right cat litter and box is essential before you start training?

• Is cat litter flushable? How to dispose of cat litter in an eco-friendly way

Can an outdoor cat be trained to use an indoor litter box? 

Although it might sometimes feel like an impossible task, litter box training an outdoor cat can be done! It's best to manage your expectations, though, because training will take time and patience. 

Thankfully, cats are naturally clean and private when it comes to toileting, which will work in your favor if you're trying to train them to use a litter box. Following the advice and steps below should give you the best chance of success. 

Preparing to litter train your outdoor cat

Before you start the actual training, it’s important to do some preparation. If you’re moving home and your new place doesn’t have a garden, it’s worth starting the preparation before you move, if you can. 

Decide which cat litter box style your cat is most likely to prefer If they are private or nervous, a covered litter box might make them feel most at ease. Smaller cats might struggle to get into a litter box with very tall sides, while some bigger cats might not enjoy the restriction of a roof overhead!

Consider the type of cat litter Try to find out which type of cat litter suits your cat best. You may know where they tend to go to the toilet while they're outside – maybe a flowerbed, a gravel path, or an area of lawn. 

Some cat litter materials can be pretty similar to gravel or soil. Choosing something similar to their current toilet environment will help smooth the transition from outside to the litter box. 

Make the home as stress-free as possible Using an anti-stress plug-in, diffuser, or spray will help to keep your kitty relaxed, making them most receptive to training. It’s also a good idea to keep children, and other pets distracted or out of the way. 

Keep the treats handy Your cat will need more than just a pat on the back as a reward for getting it right. 

Steps to train your outdoor cat to use a litter box 

Once you've completed the preparation, you're ready to start training your cat! Remember that you'll only be expecting your cat to take baby steps rather than completing the training in a day or two. 

There are two approaches to training your outdoor cat to use a litter box. Which one you use will depend on whether they still have access outside to toilet, or whether they're now kept entirely indoors. 

If your cat still has access outside 

 If your cat still has access outside, you have the benefit of introducing the litter box in the outdoor environment. Not every cat will choose to use it when they still have the option of going outside elsewhere, but it’s still beneficial that it’s not a strange object when you bring it inside. 

If you fail to make progress in a reasonable period of time, it's worth considering whether your choice of litter box and cat litter substrate is the problem. 

1. Start by providing a litter box outside the back door (or wherever they come and go). This works best if you have somewhere undercover so that it's not affected by the weather. Encourage them to use it and reward them with a treat when they show interest. 
2. If you spot them using the litter box, give them a treat immediately as positive reinforcement. 
3. Once your cat has used the litter box a few times, move it to just inside the house, near their normal exit. This means that they will spot it as they are heading outside and have the option to use it. Again, start by rewarding any interest, and always reward them when they use it successfully. 
4. Once these steps are completed, you can consider preventing further access outside, especially if your cat won’t have outside access in the long term. Ensure that your cat continues to use the litter box once they are unable to go outside.
5. Move the litter tray in stages to the location where you want it to be long-term. This should be a quiet, private area where your cat can feel comfortable. Continue to reward your cat until they are successfully using the litter box in its final position. 
6. Provide at least one additional litter box elsewhere in the home.  

 If your cat doesn’t have outside access 

If you live in a home without outdoor access with a previously outdoor cat, you won't have the option of the previous gradual approach. That doesn't mean that you're doomed to failure, though! Here are the training steps to follow: 

1.  Set up your litter boxes in appropriate locations where your cat will feel most at ease. 
2.  Reward your cat with a treat when they approach the tray and every time you see them use it. 
3.  Ignore any accidents, rather than shouting or punishing your cat. Instead, if they have repeated accidents in a specific location, consider moving the litter box to this area. 
4.  If your cat isn't getting the hang of it, experiment with the type and amount of cat litter, and consider a different style of litter box.  
5. Persevere! Digging a hole and burying their poop is a natural behavior for cats. So, as long as you provide the right environment, they should eventually get the idea! 

Conclusion

Many people think training dogs is much easier than training cats, but some cats are very receptive to training. Combine this with your cat's natural desire to dig when they go to the toilet, and you can see why training your cat to use a litter box might not be so hard after all! 

If you follow these tips, your cat companion should be transformed into a reliably litter-trained lodger in no time! 

It can be frustrating if your previously toilet-trained cat seems to have forgotten their training, so you might be wondering how to retrain a cat to use the litter box. Just like toddlers, every kitten is different when it comes to toilet training. Some pick it up very quickly, while others take a little longer to get the idea! 

If you rescue a senior cat or take in a feral moggy, they might not be familiar with a litter box, but the good is that older cats can be litter box trained. There are also a number of reasons why cats can suddenly go on strike from using their litter boxes, which can be a little frustrating as well as messy. But how do you retrain a cat to use the litter box? Is it the same principle as for kittens, or are there other considerations?

• Best cat litter: Hygienic and odor-controlled options

What could cause a cat to stop using their litter box suddenly?

Occasionally, cats can suddenly stop using their litter box, which might lead you to think that they've somehow forgotten how to use one. 

However, there are various reasons why cats can stop using their litter boxes including age, medical issues or sudden changes to routine.

Age

Some older cats suffer from senility, so it could be true that they've forgotten where to find the litter box. Some might also be unaware that they're not quite aiming in the right direction. 

Medical issues

Firstly, they might pass urine around the house or even near their tray if they have a urinary tract infection. This is partially due to the cat's need to pass urine frequently and urgently, but it might also be related to a desire to withdraw for more privacy while feeling a bit poorly.

Arthritis can also cause cats to be unable to get into their tray, or make it painful for them, leading them to blame the litter tray and avoid it in the future.

Stress

Stress can also cause cats to pass urine or feces outside of their litter box. This might be due to other cats or a new baby in the home, a house move, or anything else that disrupts your kitty’s routine.

Why do some cats refuse to use a litter box?

If you adopt an adult cat, you might assume that they know their way around a litter box. However, that's not always the case. Cats who have previously been kept in a home with outside access may not have had the desire nor the necessity to use a litter box. 

Equally, stray or feral cats will have been used to finding their own toileting area wherever they choose. So, for many cats, the litter box might be a distant or even a non-existent memory. It could also be that the cat has used a litter box before, but they are used to a different type of cat litter or litter box. After all, cats can be pretty fussy about these things!

How do you train an adult cat to use a litter box?

The principle of training an adult cat to use a litter box is not that different from litter-training a kitten. It does require patience, though, as there are many possible factors to consider. 

The good news is that a cat's natural behaviour is to dig around before going to the toilet, and bury their waste afterwards. Therefore, if you provide an area for them to exhibit this behavior they should instinctively seek it. 

However, if your furry friend needs a little encouragement, try giving them a tasty treat after each successful use of the litter box as positive reinforcement. It's important not to punish or scold them for any failed attempts, though, since this could cause stress. The best approach is to ignore any little accidents altogether.

Before you leap into training, it's a good idea to work through the following steps to make sure that you've not missed anything:

1. Check the cat litter

Your cat might prefer a certain type of cat litter. Try different options to see if they are partial to clumping, non-clumping, clay, gravel, or wood.

2. Consider litter box style

Just like litter, cats might have a liking for a particular kind of litter box. For example, some might like a covered litter tray with a door, while others might feel restricted by a roof!

3. Deepen the layer of litter

It’s always worth questioning whether your fussy feline might want a deeper layer of litter. If you’re being a bit stingy with the cat litter, this could be a cause of your cat’s reluctance to use the litter box.

5. Keep the litter box clean

We all know that cats are very clean animals, and they’re also very sensitive. Many cats won’t use a litter tray unless it is perfectly immaculate.

6. Avoid smelly chemicals

Despite wanting a clean tray, some cats are put off using their litter boxes by strong smelling disinfectants.

7. Consider litter box location

We all want privacy when we go to the toilet, and cats are no different. It’s worth placing litter boxes in quiet areas of the home where there’s minimal footfall. Don’t be afraid to try a few different places to see which your cat prefers.

8. Increase number of litter boxes

Cats like choice, and they don’t like to share. So, always follow the rule of having one more litter box than the number of cats you have.

What to try next

If your cat used to use a litter box but has recently stopped, it might not be sufficient just to run through the list above. 

You may need to get your cat checked over by a vet to ensure they're not suffering from cystitis or a urinary tract infection. The vet can also give you advice on whether stress might be the cause of your cat’s sudden change in behavior. If they think that stress could be contributing, they could recommend calming diffusers or sprays as well as anti-anxiety medications.

So, is it possible to retrain a cat to use a litter box?

With some patience and understanding, it’s very possible to retrain your cat to use a litter box. Cats are very clean animals and like to be able to bury their poop. Once factors like infections and stress are ruled out, you should be able to find the right litter box combination for your furry family member.

Have you adopted a senior cat that never learned to use the litter box? If so, never fear! Learning how to litter box train an older cat might just be easier than you think. 

Encouraging your feline to use a litter box or tray can be an essential way of stopping your cat from peeing around the home, plus it's rather beneficial for our cats too: it offers a cozy, private place for them to go to the bathroom and taps into their natural instinct to bury their waste, after all our feline friends are well known for keeping themselves clean. 

Our guide will show you the best way to help your cat adapt to using the litter box. With some basic tools and a little patience, you can teach your older cat to use the litter box easily and reliably!

• Best cat litter: Hygienic and odor-controlled options

Can you train an older cat to use a litter box? 

Yes! Your cat can still learn how to use the litter box even if he’s no longer a young kitten. For most cats, using the litter box is a natural inclination and they will get the idea very quickly. Some cats, however, need a little extra help to learn the ins and outs of the litter box.

How to encourage your cat to use the box or tray

1. Make sure you have the right equipment 

Before you start litter box training your cat, make sure you have the right equipment to set your cat up for success. You’ll need at least one litter box for each cat in the household, plus one extra. This ensures that there’s always a litter box available when your cat needs one, and prevents one bully cat from guarding the litter box and chasing other cats away. 

The litter boxes should be large enough for your cat to stand up to his full height and turn around in a circle – no one likes using a small, cramped toilet!  Some cats like covered litter boxes while other cats prefer to have their boxes uncovered, so offer both options for your cat if possible.  

2. Consider location of litter box

Most importantly, make sure the litter boxes are placed in a quiet location, away from high traffic areas and noisy appliances. Just like us, cats like some privacy while they do their business! 

If possible, try to have a litter box on each floor of the house, so that there’s always an easily accessible bathroom at your cat’s disposal. This is especially important for senior cats, who may find it difficult or painful to go up and down stairs to reach the litter box on another floor of the house.

3. It's all in the timing

Most cats naturally know how to use a litter box and only need some gentle encouragement to get the idea.  You can help your cat learn how to use the litter box by gently putting him in it at the times when he’s most likely to relieve himself, such as after a meal or when he wakes up from a nap. 

Pay close attention to your cat’s eating and elimination habits, so you’ll know when he’ll most likely need to go. When he does use the litter box appropriately, you can reward him with a tasty treat, some catnip, or play time with his favorite toy.

5. Confine training to a quiet area

If your kitty still isn’t getting the idea, try confining him in a smaller, quiet space such as a bathroom or small bedroom. Provide 1-2 litter boxes in this space and try offering different types of cat litter to see what your cat will prefer. 

Be sure to remove other objects that may be tempting for your cat to eliminate on, such as house plants and piles of laundry. Monitor your cat’s urination and defecation habits closely, and only let him out of confinement after he’s eliminated in the box.

6. Match your cat's preferences  

Sometimes, getting your cat to use the litter box means adjusting your routine to match your cat’s preferences.  Some cats have unique preferences for the locations and substrates where they eliminate, and they can be very stubborn if these preferences aren’t met.  For example, if your cat always urinates in the living room, placing a litter box in this area may cure the problem. 

Similarly, if your cat keeps urinating on your laundry, a makeshift litter box filled with towels or pee pads may be the way to go.  

Try troubleshooting issues such as the size and location of the litter box, the type of cat litter substrate, and the number of litter boxes in the house to see if humoring these preferences will help your cat learn to use the litter box consistently. 

7. Keep the litter box clean 

Cats are especially fastidious creatures, and some cats won’t use the litter box at all if it isn’t clean.  Keeping the box clean and fresh is especially important during litter box training to make the litter box as appealing as possible to your cat.  Use an unscented clay cat litter, and try offering both clumping and non-clumping varieties to see which type your cat prefers. 

 For your cat’s health and comfort, make sure the litter box is cleaned at least once a day, with a full litter change out every 1-2 weeks.  After all, no one likes to use a dirty bathroom!

What to try next

If you’ve tried all of the above and your older cat still doesn’t use the litter box consistently, then it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian.  Inappropriate urination or defecation can be a sign of a medical problem such as a urinary tract infection, parasites, pain, or other concerns.  

Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination on your cat and may recommend some additional testing such as evaluation of fecal and urine samples.  The good news in that if a medical cause for your cat’s inappropriate elimination is identified, treating it can often resolve the issue and your cat may begin to use the litter box normally. 

Good luck with your litter box training!

Training your older cat to use the litter box is simple, all you need are patience and the right tools to make your cat feel at home.  With an appropriate litter box setup and a little encouragement from you, your cat should naturally begin to use the litter box for all his elimination needs. 

If you have trouble along the way, your veterinarian is a great resource to help you with any behavior problems you and your cat may encounter. Your vet can also help you rule out an underlying medical issue if your cat continues to struggle with his litter box training.   

If you’ve ever spotted a cat walking on a leash, you probably stopped to wonder “how do you leash train a cat?”. After all, many people struggle to leash train their dogs – so is leash training a cat even harder? 

The good news is, leash training a cat isn’t only for the very best animal trainers – but you will need a fair amount of time, and a cat with a lot of patience. Like all animals, cats learn best with positive reinforcement and will repeat an action that gets them a reward. This makes training them fun! 

So, let’s look at the ins and outs of leash training a cat and see if it’s something you might want to do.

• Best cat harnesses: The secure way to let your kitty explore

Should you leash train a cat?

Of course, the first question is probably ‘should you leash train a cat?’ – followed quickly by ‘why would you need to?’. In some circumstances, having a leash-trained cat means your pet will be able to spend time outdoors safely, without risking themselves or other cats. 

Examples might include cats with disabilities such as blindness, cats with infectious diseases like FIV, or cats that aren’t familiar with their environment and could get lost – for example, a cat living aboard a boat or caravan. Training a cat to use a lead and harness means that these cats can all explore the great outdoors in a safe and controlled way.

Advantages of using a cat leash

So, what are the advantages of leash training a cat? Safe access to the outdoors is the main one, but there are others. For instance, training your cat to walk on a leash provides excellent mental stimulation, which reduces behavioral problems and may ward off feline dementia. Another advantage is that you have a greater knowledge of your cat’s bowel movements than with an outdoor cat, meaning you can spot problems and collect samples more easily.

Disadvantages of using a cat leash

Of course, there are disadvantages too. The main one to be aware of is the risk of injury to your cat. Cats naturally try to run or hide from danger, and if they attempt to flee they could hurt themselves on the lead or harness. 

Escaped cats can become tangled in their harness, also causing damage. Walking on a leash might also cause some cats stress – they like to be in control of their surroundings, and being restricted might cause them extra anxiety.

If you decide that harness training your cat is a good idea, make sure to tune into your cat’s emotions and respond quickly if you notice them becoming stressed or anxious about the experience. 

When to start harness training a kitten or cat

Harness training can take some time, and it’s never too soon to start. Whilst you shouldn’t be leaping to put a harness on your tiny kitten, you can start creating good habits from the minute you bring your kitten home. 

For instance, handling your kitten regularly, getting them used to seeing the harness, and training them to a clicker can all be done from day one. Doing this means you’ll have an easier time with harness training once your cat is big enough to fit his harness. 

You’ll also need to remember to take your kitten’s health into account – he shouldn’t be going out (even just into your garden!) until he’s fully protected from infectious diseases, fleas, and ticks.

So, there’s no lower limit to when you can start harness training a cat, but you might also be wondering ‘can you leash train an older cat?’. The good news is yes, in most cases, leash training an older cat is perfectly possible – but it will take longer than with a kitten. And, if your older cat is known to suffer from anxiety or stress, you probably shouldn’t be taking them out anywhere unfamiliar.

How long does it take to harness train a cat?

How long harness training takes will depend on your cat’s age, their ability to follow voice commands, and how confident they are, as well as many other things.

 If you have a young cat who is outgoing and confident and is already clicker trained, you can train them to accept the harness in just a few days. Lead training will then take a week or two. However, many cats will take longer than this to become confident with using the lead and harness, and some will never take to it.

How to leash train a cat

1. Make the harness interesting

The first step is to get your cat used to the harness by leaving it around the house. If your cat is clicker trained, you can click whenever they show interest in the harness and reward them immediately. You can also try holding the harness out to your cat, and reward them for sniffing, rubbing, or otherwise showing positive interest in it. 

2. Try the harness on

Once your cat sees the harness as a positive thing, it’s time to try it on. When your kitty is calm but not asleep, simply slip on the harness. Don’t do it up – you want to be able to get it off quickly. 

Give them a treat, then slip the harness back off again. Do this a few times, so that putting the harness on is a fun game. Once that’s sorted, try clipping the harness up, leaving a few seconds, then unclipping and removing. Continue rewarding whenever your cat remains calm, gradually leaving it on for longer. 

3. Introduce the leash

Once the harness can stay on without causing stress, it’s time to introduce the leash. Clip it on and try to walk a few steps with your cat. Be careful not to pull on your cat’s lead at all – you want a loose lead at all times. Instead, encourage your cat forward with you by offering treats. Continue walking a few steps at a time, encouraging your cat to walk alongside you with plenty of rewards.

4. Try going a little further

Ideally, you want to use the lead in the garden, but if you don’t have one, a quiet residential area will do – especially if your cat is familiar with it. Encourage your cat to follow you out, leaving the lead slack at all times. If your cat puts the brakes on, back up until they are comfortable. You might need to come back another day to try going a little further. Once outside, sprinkle some treats on the floor, let your cat eat, then head back inside. Remember, taking this slowly is key!

5. Let your cat take the lead

Assuming the main reason you want your cat to walk on a leash is so they can explore, the next step is to allow them to walk in the direction they choose and at their own pace, while loosely holding the lead. 

Take plenty of treats so you can reward them regularly for walking nicely. Consider introducing a command word or two – like "time to go home" – to make it easier to communicate with your cat without pulling them around.

How to train your cat to walk without a leash

Of course, if it’s possible to train a cat to walk on a leash, it’s certainly possible to train them to walk without one. However, it’s not a good idea to do this out in public. Whilst it’s a fun training idea for in the home or garden, it’s not safe to walk a cat without a leash in public. If a dog runs at them, their instincts will override their training and they could get lost or hit by a car.

If you decide to train your cat to walk without a leash, the steps are similar to walking with a leash. Simply encourage your cat to follow you by dropping treats regularly, slowly building up to having them walk perfectly at heel before rewarding with the treat.

Conclusion

So, that’s how to leash train a cat. Like many things, it sounds simpler than it is, but it's doable with most cats. However, the most important thing is that you pay close attention to your cat’s mood, stress, body language, and other things. As animals that prefer to run from conflict and stay in familiar surroundings, being on a leash can be scary for a cat. If your cat does appear afraid, get them to a safe place and try again another day.

If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your kitty is using your home as their own personal bathroom, then figuring out how to stop a cat from peeing in the house is likely high on your agenda right now.

Even when you’ve provided your feline furkid with a litter box and are keeping it topped up with the best cat litter, there may still be times when you find they’re choosing to do their business elsewhere. 

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your lovely home smelling like urine, but the good news is that inappropriate toileting behavior can be sorted out relatively easily.

Before we dive into our top tips and tricks on how to stop a cat peeing in the house, it’s important to understand why your kitty is doing this in the first place. Once you know the reason for the behavior, you’ll find it much easier to correct.

Why is my cat peeing in the house?

While it may feel like your cat is deliberately trying to make you want to tear your hair out, there are some legitimate reasons why your kitty may be suddenly peeing outside of their litter box. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common:

1. Medical problems

One of the first things you want to be on the lookout for if you notice a change in your cat’s toileting behavior is a medical problem that could be driving it. Some health issues that can cause cats to pee around the home, include:

• Urinary tract infections: Also known as UTI’s, urinary tract infections are common in senior cats and are caused by bacteria in the urine that creates an inflammatory response that triggers a need to frequently urinate. The good news is, antibiotics can clear up a UTI pretty quickly.
• Bladder stones: These crystal formations often go hand in hand with a UTI and can cause a lot of irritation and, in some cases, blockages.
• Metabolic disease: Kidney disease often triggers the need to frequently urinate, as does liver disease, diabetes and thyroid issues. If your cat is drinking a lot more than usual, it could be a sign they have an underlying health condition that needs attention.

If your kitty has started peeing outside the litter box after previously being toilet trained, we recommend you take them to your vet who will be able to run some tests and advise you on the best course of action.

2. Stress and anxiety

Have there been any changes in your home recently? Any visitors, building works, new additions to the family or new routines that may be causing your feline furkid some stress or anxiety?

A bit like us humans, cats are creatures of habit and urinating outside of their litter box may be their way of telling you they’re struggling with changes in their environment.

If you think stress might be the culprit, create a safe space for your kitty to retreat to. Invest in one of the best cat beds, put it in a quiet corner of the house and pop a few toys nearby. Consider this your cat’s little refuge that nobody else has access to.

You might also like to invest in a chill-out gadget like Feliway, a plug-in diffuser that uses natural pheromones to send calming messages to cats.

3. Litter box issues

Another thing worth checking out is whether there are any problems with your cat’s litter box. This could be the style of the litter box, the location, the litter you’ve chosen, having more than one cat using the litter box, or the litter box not being clean enough.

How to stop a cat from peeing in the house

Now that you know some of the common reasons your cat may be peeing outside of their litter box, it’s time to get to the part you’ve been waiting for - how to stop it! Here are our favorite tips and tricks that will have your kitty once again doing their business where they’re supposed to.

1. Remove the odor

Cats love returning to the scene of their crime and the reason they do that is because they can smell their scent from the last time they urinated there. As long as the odor remains, your cat will keep coming back, so getting rid of it is key.

Immediately clean and disinfect the area and follow up with an odor neutralizing spray - one that lists orange oil as an ingredient is a great choice as cats hate the smell of citrus.

Even if you can no longer smell the odor, your cat may well be able to, so use a black light to make sure you’ve cleaned the area well. If your cat has a favorite spot, you can also cover it with aluminum foil as cats hate the sound and texture.

2. Tackle territory issues

Male cats are notorious for spraying as a way to mark their territory and some will continue to do it even when they’ve been neutered. If you have a male cat and you notice them spraying, the most important thing to do is to make them feel safe and secure.

There’s not a lot you can do about neighborhood cats, except not encouraging them to visit your property, but if you have a multi-cat household there are ways of stamping out this behavior.

Invest in separate litter boxes for each cat, provide them with their own beds, scratching posts, and cat trees, and give them their own space to hang out in. It can take up to a year for new cats to get used to one another and even after that they may never fully be friends, although they can learn to co-exist peacefully.

3. Sort out their litter box

Cats can be funny creatures and even the slightest change or minor issue can be enough to have them forgoing their litter box in favor of certain spots around the home. If you think their litter box might be a problem, here are some things to consider:

• Change the litter box completely: If you’re using an enclosed litter box, try an open one or vice versa. It could be the style doesn’t work for your kitty and simply changing it could make a difference. Also, make sure it’s big enough for them to turn around in and comfortably get in and out of.
• Swap the litter you’re using: It could be that your cat doesn’t like the feel of the litter under their paws or that the smell is too strong for them. Try changing their litter and seeing if that makes a difference.
• Move the location: Where is the litter box currently located? Make sure it’s in a convenient spot that is easy to get to and if you have a multi-storied property, ensure there’s one on each floor.
• Give each cat their own litter box: If you have more than one cat, it’s worth giving them their own litter box. Cats are really picky about using a litter box that contains another cat's urine and feces, so try giving your cats one each to avoid this problem.
• Keep it clean: This probably goes without saying, but cats are fastidious about hygiene and so a dirty litter box will have them heading elsewhere. Make sure to empty and clean it regularly.
• Install a ramp: Now, that may sound a little silly, but if you have a senior cat, part of the problem may be that they’re finding it hard to get in and out of their litter box because of mobility issues and joint pain. Providing a ramp can help make life a lot easier and more comfortable for them.

Some simple changes to your cat’s litter box situation could be all that’s needed to get them back to peeing where they’re meant to!

4. Speak to your vet

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and your cat is still peeing around the house, it’s important you consult your vet who will be able to run some tests and rule out any underlying medical issues. 

Depending on the outcome of your vet’s investigations, they may be able to provide antibiotics or treatment for infections and other health conditions or, if no health problems are found, help you come up with a plan to tackle any environmental or behavioral issues that may be causing your feline furkid to do their business outside their litter box.

If you’ve got a mischievous moggy on your hands, you might be wondering how to discipline a cat. While cats won’t respond in the same way dogs do, it’s definitely possible to train them – but it takes patience and time to achieve the results you want.

Cats respond well to positive reinforcement (where you reward desired behaviors), which is why having the best cat treats or best cat toys on hand can assist you in your training. In fact, using punishment methods can have the opposite effect of what you’re aiming for and may lead to issues like anxiety in cats, which could trigger even more unwanted behavior.

Whether your cat is peeing outside the litter box or scratching your favorite piece of furniture, there’s usually a reason behind their actions—they’re not doing it out of spite. Below, vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey explains the best ways to discipline a cat in each scenario and what to consider before taking action.

What should I do before I discipline my cat?

Most cat behavior problems are due to their living conditions not being, well, up to scratch! Ask yourself if there are enough cat distractions and comforts around? Do they have access to cat toys, cat trees and scratching posts? Are you spending enough time playing with and bonding with your fur baby? Is their litter tray being changed regularly enough?

Cats can be very finickity about that and then choose to show their displeasure in ways that can mean a lot more cleaning for you. Any of these issues will cause your cat distress, and that will mean that cat discipline will go out of the window.

If the answer to all of these questions is yes and your cat is still misbehaving, then your furry friend may be trying to tell you something is wrong – whether that's illness or anxiety. If you think this may be the case, it's time to whisk them off to the vet to see if they can diagnose what the problem is and help you deal with it.

And if there is still nothing wrong, there is no harm in admitting defeat and calling in a professional cat trainer who are experts in figuring out why your cat is behaving in the way it does.

Dr. Godfrey says: "Before you discipline your cat, it’s important to recognize that a lot of cat behavior that seems ‘naughty’ is actually normal cat behavior or a response to stress, illness, or pain. For instance, if your cat bites you when they normally wouldn’t, it could be because they have an injury that’s sore. On the other hand, if they pee behind the couch, they might have cystitis or a urinary tract infection or feel anxious or stressed."

What is the best way to discipline a cat?

The best way to discipline a cat is to encourage good behavior rather than discourage bad. For example, if they start to use the best cat scratching post rather than the sofa to exercise their claws, reward them. Give them a treat, a toy, some praise, or a bit of loving attention.

Do the same when they use the litter box, or play with their toys rather than the curtains or extension lead. This will help them understand what you like and what you don't. If possible, use the same treat for a particular kind of good behavior, the cat will then come to understand that this is linked with what they are doing and will be motivated to do it more.

Dr. Godrey says: "Positive reinforcement, where bad behavior is ignored and good behavior rewarded with treats or fusses, is much more successful. It doesn’t create any additional anxiety and allows your cat to realize that their ‘good behavior’ gets your attention much more than ‘bad behavior’ does."

Another way to reinforce your dislike of bad behavior is simply to move away from them. If they start biting your fingers during a stroking session, stop playing with them and move away. This will help them understand you don't like this action and will discourage them from doing it.

You can also use materials like aluminum foil or double-sided tape to cover places you want them to learn to stay away from. Cats don't like the texture of these materials and so will start to ignore them. You can then reinforce this behavior by giving them treats when they are near the object but not scratching at it.

Should I discipline my cat in a physical way?

The short answer is no. Physical punishments like cuffing, throwing, spanking or holding them down are more likely to do more damage than good. Any violent actions are more likely to make your cat anxious, break the bond you have built between you and will make them more aggressive to you in the future in retaliation.

This is because your cat will see you as the problem, not what they have done to cause you to do this. They won't necessarily associate your 'attack' with the crime, and the most common cause of cat aggression is fear. You don't want to be the cause of that fear.

Similarly, although picking them up by the scruff of the neck used to be a recommended practice, this should also be avoided. Yes, as kittens they go limp when their mother picks them up in this way, but this isn't a way that the mother disciplines the cat. You grabbing them in a way they don't expect is again just likely to cause fear and aggression and bad behavior is likely to increase.

This also applies to shouting at them. Yes, the loud noise will make them stop what they are doing and run away, but this isn't because they realize they've been caught doing something they shouldn't, it's because there is a big scary human making loud noises at them!

Dr. Godfrey says: "Aggressive physical or verbal discipline from humans to cats is wrong – we’re much bigger and stronger than they are, and they are dependent on us – to take advantage of this is not right and could be considered abuse.

"What’s more, if you shout at or even lash out at your cat to discipline them, it’s likely you’ll frighten them and cause them to feel stressed or anxious. Since stress and anxiety in cats can cause them to claw the furniture or carpets, or pass urine in odd places around the house, you could be making the problem worse."

Should you discipline a cat with a spray bottle?

Dr. Godfrey says: "A spray bottle might get your cat’s attention and stop them from doing what they’re doing temporarily, but it may also cause them stress, which could lead to further behavior and health problems. It’s a better idea to use positive reinforcement to reward ‘good’ behavior and show them they get more treats and attention when they don’t bite or scratch."

How to discipline a cat for biting

Cat's need to know that biting people, even in a playful way, is not a good thing from an early age. Although a kitten gnawing on your fingers may be cute, it's less cute when they are an adult cat and still haven't learned that this can hurt. Our vet's guide on how to play with a cat should give you a few good pointers on how to keep them entertained while reinforcing good behavior.

Dr. Godfrey says: "In the moment, if your cat bites you, stop playing with them or interacting with them. Don’t give a big reaction, shout, or get physical, just remove yourself from the situation until they’ve calmed down.

"The next time you interact with them, reward them for being friendly, either with a treat, a scratch under the chin, or whatever they like most. Remember to always move away and end your interaction if they bite, and over time they’ll realize that you won’t stick around for playtime if they bite. Of course, if they’re biting in a situation where they wouldn’t normally, it’s a good idea to get them checked by a vet, in case they’re ill or in pain."

How to discipline a cat for attacking

Dr. Godfrey says: "If your cat regularly attacks you out of the blue, disciplining them is unlikely to work. Try positive reinforcement, but if this doesn’t work it’s best to get them checked by a vet. If the vet can’t find an underlying reason, it would be worth consulting a qualified veterinary behaviorist."

How to discipline a cat for scratching the furniture

Although it's tempting to shout at or throw something at a naughty cat who's exercising their claws on your furniture, again this may be detrimental to your relationship with your kitty.

Instead ensure they are provided with something they can scratch – like a scratching post, and reward them when they use it. You can deter cats from scratching certain area using scents or coverings, which will help solve the problem in a more passive way.

Dr. Godfrey says: "Cats don’t scratch the furniture to be ‘naughty,’ it’s a natural and normal cat behavior. When cats scratch, they release and spread their scent from the scent glands on their paws, so not only does scratching keep their claws in good condition, it also helps them mark their territory.

"It’s not fair to discipline your cat for normal behavior, nor is disciplining them likely to be successful. Instead, provide them with plenty of places to scratch safely – a cat tree, scratch mat, or scratch post are just some of the options out there. Use cat nip, toys, or pheromone spray to attract their attention to the designated scratching areas, and give plenty of positive reinforcement when they use them instead of the couch or carpet!"

How to discipline a cat for accidents outside of their litter tray

It's usually relatively easy to litter train a kitten and if they are already litter trained, cat's will usually only start going to the toilet somewhere else if something is wrong. It may be as simple as something like the litter tray is unclean and they are avoiding it because of that. In this case, you'll want to read our guide on how to reduce cat litter smells and how to clean a litter box.

They may also have become more anxious due to a change in circumstances or due to feeling under the weather. If there is a sudden change in their behavior when they used to be good at using the tray, it's likely that they are telling you something is wrong, and a visit to the vets is likely in order.

Dr. Godfrey says: "Passing urine or feces outside of the litter box isn’t a sign of a naughty cat. It usually means there’s something wrong. This could be cystitis, a urinary tract infection, stress, diarrhea, or even constipation, but it might be that the litter box isn’t clean enough or your cat doesn’t like the type of cat litter.

"Disciplining your cat is likely to make them feel more stressed and anxious, which could make them more likely to pass urine and feces outside of their litter box. Instead, make sure you have enough litter trays available (one per cat plus one extra) and keep the litter box clean. It’s also a good idea to take them to the vet to see if there’s a health problem and consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist if the problem persists."

How to discipline a kitten

Dr. Godfrey says: "Kittens, although they can be balls of mischief, are still learning. While kitten behavior can seem naughty and is often destructive, it’s all part of how kittens explore the world. That being said, there are some things you can do to try to reduce the damage to your home and keep your kitten calm and contented.

Rather than disciplining them, provide plenty of toys and spend lots of time playing with them to burn their energy and prevent boredom. Make sure they have cat trees and scratch posts where they can practice using their claws and climbing without destroying your curtains. Finally, every time they use their toys or the scratch post, reward them with verbal praise, a fuss, or a treat."

Want more cat behavior tips? Read: How to keep cats from scratching furniture and how to get cats to use their scratching posts.

Who says cats aren't as smart as dogs? Watch and be amazed as this clever TikToker trains his cat to perform tricks, including many your average dog can have trouble with.

User @holly.gittins posted the impressive footage to the social media platform showing her brother using treats to coerce Misty the clever cat into showing off her wide array of skills for the camera.

This includes simple commands such as "sit" and "up", as well as a few trickier commands such as spinning around in a circle, speaking and even 'playing dead' by lounging on her side. She even makes the most adorable sounds while doing so, showing off her enthusiasm to please her trainer. 

The footage ends with her delighted owner showing just how proud he is of her.

• 10 calmest cat breeds for relaxed pet parents

"My brother said he'd trained the cat to do tricks and I didn't believe him," Holly wrote as a caption on the video.

The TikTok user also commented that if the video received 100 likes "I'll get him to train her to do a backflip".

Of course, the social media platform rose to the challenge, generating over 153 thousand likes in 16 hours and eagerly awaiting the next instalment of adorable cat tricks.

"Cats are so smart," wrote user @thecatnurse. "People don't give them enough credit."

"This shouldn't be surprising to anyone. Cats are just as capable of learning tricks as dogs are. It's just lazy owners that is the cause of the difference," suggested @royalpantiez.ink

One thing all the comments agreed on was how wonderfully dignified Misty's tricks were.

"I just love how it's so chill. Like dogs are full blown into tricks, and this cat is just posh and proper tricks only, sir," wrote @tazih3ro

If you'd like to find out what tricks Misty does next, you can follow her over on TikTok user Holly Gittins' channel and hope the fabulous feline is back with even more tricks up her sleeve (or should we say paws?) 

Trying to figure out how to stop a cat from spilling their water bowl is a common problem facing a lot of pet parents, and while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent this issue from recurring.

You may find yourself wondering is my cat sick if they’re engaging in this behavior on a regular basis — that’s certainly something worth checking out (and we highly recommend you do see a vet if you’re concerned about changes in your cat’s behavior), but other causes can include things like boredom or your feline friend simply having a fascination with water.

Whatever the reason, keeping your cat hydrated is vital for their health and wellbeing (especially if they’re eating the best dry cat food and their water bowl is their only source of fluid), so making sure it doesn’t all end up on the floor is incredibly important.

To help you figure out why your cat may be spilling their water bowl, we spoke with Dr. Hannah Godfrey to get her expert opinion on the most common reasons cats engage in this behavior and how you can put a stop to it. Read on to find out what she had to say…

Why does my cat paw at her water bowl?

Why does my cat paw at her water bowl or fountain is a common question amongst pet parents, so before you start trying to implement strategies to get your cat to stop spilling water, it can be a good idea to figure out the reason why they’re engaging in the behavior in the first place.

While most breeds of cat hate being submerged in water, many of our feline furkids find observing moving water to be pretty fascinating, which is why you might have noticed your cat staring at a fountain or trying to dip their paw under a running faucet.

Cats evolved to drink from free-flowing rivers and streams, so their fascination with the wet stuff is firmly embedded in their DNA, but their reasons for spilling it are somewhat more complicated.

Is your cat bored? Well, they may well be if they're pawing at their water bowl or spilling it completely. "Your cat might paw at their water bowl if they're feeling playful or bored," says Godfrey. "Cats can find fun in almost anything, and the fact that water reacts to their movements makes it an obvious choice at playtime. However, it's best not to assume that your cat is just playing and rule out more concerning causes.

"Ensure your cat isn't pawing at their water bowl to check where it is – this could indicate a problem with eyesight, balance, or coordination. Equally, going to the water bowl frequently but not drinking could be a sign that they're feeling nauseous or have pain in their mouth that's putting them off having a drink."

Why does my cat keep knocking over their water bowl?

"If your cat regularly knocks over their water bowl, it could be that they're struggling to drink from it in its current position — perhaps it's too high or too low for them, or they don't feel stable and safe enough to drink from it," explains Godfrey who goes on to add that if your cat's eyesight isn't as good as it used to be, or they have sore joints that stop them from getting into a comfortable position to drink, they might also be a little clumsy.

"On the other hand, they might knock their water bowl over as a form of play or as a way of getting your attention — remember, if you give them your full attention and a big reaction when they do it, even if it's a negative one, you're inadvertently encouraging them to do it again," Godfrey says.

How do I stop my cat from spilling their water bowl?

If you suspect your kitty is spilling water due to a health issue or lifestyle change, we recommend speaking with your vet in the first instance. But even if that is the reason, you’ll still want a solution in the meantime to help make your life a little easier. Here’s a few of our favorites:

1. Get a heavy-bottomed bowl

For serial spillers, the best deterrent is to invest in a weighted water bowl. These tend to be made from stainless steel or ceramic, and according to Godfrey, their heaviness makes it harder for your cat to tip over. "A heavy-bottomed bowl will keep the center of gravity low, making spillages less likely."

As a bonus, they tend to be incredibly durable and well constructed, so if you want a water bowl that’s going to go the distance, these are a great choice. Whatever bowl you choose, make sure it’s wide and shallow as this will help prevent whisker fatigue in cats.

 2. Invest in a feeding station

You could also try a feeding station that has space for food and water, like the Neater Feeder Cat Bowl. This has a high back and sides that contains splashes and any excess water gets filtered down into a tray below. Once your kitty has finished eating, remove the tray and discard the water.

"Certain feeding station styles will help to contain spills, but you should still keep an eye on your cat's drinking behavior so that you spot any signs that they're struggling," advises Godfrey.

3. Consider a pet fountain

The best pet water fountains are the purrfect way to give your kitty 24/7 access to fresh flowing water. Not only is a pet water fountain designed to be sturdy, but unlike a bowl, there’s none of the accessibility issues.

According to Godfrey, "a water fountain could be the answer for cats who prefer drinking from a moving water source and choose the faucet over their bowl."

4. Place something under their water bowl

Okay, so it’s technically not a solution to stopping water spillage, but placing a tray under your cat's water bowl will help contain any water that goes rogue and make cleaning up that much easier.

5. Fill the bowl with less water

We know this one sounds like common sense, but sometimes spills are simply the result of the water bowl being too full. Try reducing the amount of water you pop in your kitties bowl and see if that makes a difference.

"For those who don't leave their cats for long periods, offering smaller amounts of water frequently could help prevent spills," agrees Godfrey, "but you must keep up with your cat's hydration needs."

6. Keep the water fresh

You'd be surprised how quickly the water in your cat's bowl can become contaminated with dust, food particles, fur, and other debris. Spilling water may be a sign from your kitty that their water is tasting a little stale and they'd like some fresh H20 stat!

Your pet needs constant access to clean and fresh water and unless you have a pet water fountain that takes care of that for you, you'll need to change their water at least once a day.

While frequently water spills can be frustrating, most of the time your kitty isn't doing it to annoy you. It's true that some may make a game out of it, but it's more than likely a result of the bowl not being accessible to them and in some instances the behavior could be being caused by a mental or physical health issue.

If you've ruled out the latter, making some of the above changes will help eliminate water spills and make getting their daily fluid intake an easier and more comfortable experience for your fur baby.

You might also want to learn how long cats can go without water and what should cats drink. Or, find out why cats like running water and do kittens drink water

Scratching is a common behavior in cats, but knowing how to stop cats from scratching the furniture is very important.

Furniture scratching is very common and can be frustrating for pet parents. Take comfort in knowing that this is very normal cat behavior and can be managed.

Cat scratching can occur for several different reasons. First, it's a way to sharpen their claws. It also helps to shed the outer layer and keep the claws healthy. Cat scratching is also used as communication between cats. Pheromones from their paws are left behind when they scratch. This sends a scent signal to other cats.

Since this is a normal cat behavior, it's very important that you don't prevent your cat from scratching. Instead, you can do things like providing them a place where they can scratch, like one of the best cat scratching posts or the best cat trees.

Keep reading to find even more helpful tips to keep your cat's claws off your furniture.

Why is my cat scratching the furniture?

The first step in stopping your cat from scratching the furniture is to work out why they are doing it. There are a number of possible reasons, and which one it is might depend on whether your cat is new, whether the sofa is new, whether the behavior is new, or whether something else has changed in the house.

Some possible reasons why cats scratch the sofa include:

• No suitable alternative, such as a scratching post
• Not enough scratching posts
• The scratching post is the wrong size or type
• The scratching post is in the wrong place to signal to other cats
• Stress from other cats or household changes
• New sofa causing environmental stress

From reading this list, you might already know which of these is upsetting your cat. If you don’t, talk to your vet or to a feline behaviorist about your set-up to see if they have any ideas.

What kind of scratching post is best?

The most common reasons why a cat might be scratching your sofa rather than their scratching post is simply that they don’t like the post, it’s not in the right place, or they can’t get to it easily.

When buying a scratching post for your cat, you need one that’s tall enough for your cat to stand and stretch when scratching – about 35 inches is the minimum for an average-sized cat, but large cat breeds may need even taller.

It should also be sturdy – a wobbly post will make your cat worried about using it. A cat tree is a favorite option for many cats. Whilst horizontal pads may be preferred by kittens and some adult cats, most cats prefer a post, according to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

The various materials for scratching posts can get confusing. Studies have suggested that rope (sisal) appears to be favored by most cats, but older cats may prefer carpet. If in doubt, get several and see which your pet prefers – this is one of the best ways to reduce inappropriate scratching in the home. You can even try making your own DIY cat scratching posts.

Now think about where it’s placed. Since your cat is leaving a visual and scent signal for other cats, they need the post to be in a strategically useful position, such as near sleeping places, doors, and windows. If it’s hidden away at the top of the house where nobody can see it, it’s likely they will use something that’s more visible. If in doubt, place the post near where they have been scratching already or spread several around.

Lastly, they may need some encouragement to use the post. Don’t pick their paw up and move it to the post – this can cause aversion. To encourage your cat, use catnip or special pheromones such as valerian for cats.

How to deal with household stress

On the whole, cats are less likely to scratch inappropriately as they age. However, if they have never been much of a scratcher but have just started, think about whether stress could be a factor.

Cats who are stressed by changes in their environment may urinate in unusual places, start spraying, or scratch furniture as a way of re-establishing their territory. Not sure what could be upsetting your cat? Here are some possibilities:

• New pet or family member in the house
• New cat in the neighborhood – even if your cat doesn’t go out, they can bully them through the windows
• New furniture or furniture has been moved
• Building work, fireworks, or other unexpected noises

You may be able to remove the source of stress, but you may also have to help your cat learn to manage their anxiety. To help your cat deal with stress, you may also benefit from speaking to your vet.

They may suggest using a special diet or dietary supplements to help your cat, and may also recommend other changes, including hiding places, a ‘safe space’, and feeding regimes. If your vet is stumped, a feline behaviorist may be able to come to the home and make some recommendations.

Reward vs punishment

It can be frustrating when your cat acts up, but punishment for inappropriate scratching has no effect on the problem. On the other hand, rewarding your cat for using the post correctly has been shown to increase the likelihood of them using it. To learn more, read our feature on how to discipline a cat and encourage good behavior.

Read next: Why does my cat scratch the wall?

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.

If you’ve been wondering how to stop your cat from killing birds, a new study may just have the answer. In research conducted by the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter in the U.K., scientists found that cats who ate a meat-rich diet for 12-weeks that did not contain grain or plant protein killed 36% fewer animals than those who didn’t. 

Cats are keen carnivores, and while we adore our feline furkids, they can wreak havoc on the environment, devastating wildlife numbers. There are currently around 96 million domestic cats in the U.S. that kill more than 6.3 billion small mammals every year. According to the World Animal Foundation, 2.4 billion birds are killed by outdoor cats every year in the US.

and while many owners try to stop this by putting bells on their cat’s collars, changing their diet may prove far more effective.

• The best cat food: Budget buys and premium picks
• The best dry cat foods: King of cat kibble revealed
• The best wet cat food: From daily dishes to tasty treats

“Previous measures like bells tried to stymie the cat at the last minute. What we did was try to head them off at the pass by addressing some of their needs or wants before they think about going out hunting. With entirely non-invasive methods, owners can change what the cats themselves want to do,” says Robbie McDonald, co-author of the study.

While the researchers argue that confining cats to the indoors is the quickest and easiest solution to put a stop to their killing sprees and keep wildlife numbers robust, they admit that many cat owners are rightly concerned about the impact that keeping their cat cooped up inside will have on their furkids mental health.

With this in mind, McDonald and his team set out to discover whether a simple change in diet could dampen a cat’s instincts to hunt and kill. Recruiting 355 cats from 219 households in the southwest of England, the researchers split the cats into two groups. The first group was equipped with a bell on their collar and the second group was put on a grain-free high-meat diet, while also being provided with puzzle feeders and daily object play.

At the end of the 12-weeks, the results showed that the cats who had been fed a meat-based diet were 36% less likely to hunt, capture, and kill wildlife, compared to the cats who were fed a diet containing grain-fillers and plant-based proteins who showed no change in their behavior. The research also showed that playing with your cat for 5-10 minutes a day reduced killing behavior by 25% and puzzle feeders by 33%.

“Predation of wildlife by cats is an ecological and a social problem,” study lead Robbie McDonald says. “Our work shows that non-invasive methods, like food and play, can change cats’ inclination to hunt and be positive for cats and their owners.”

So, what exactly is it about a high-meat diet that helps reduce predation? McDonald suggests that some cat foods that are low in meat are leading to nutritional deficiencies that result in cats turning to prey to meet their dietary needs. “Some cat foods contain protein from plant sources such as soy, and it is possible that despite forming a complete diet, these foods leave some cats deficient in one or more micronutrients, prompting some of them to hunt.”

The researchers hope that their study will lead to further exploration of how the predation of wildlife by cats can be best addressed.