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Cats and Houseplants

Posted on May. 14, 2025Oct. 3, 2025

Plants and your catListed here are plants that are poisonous to cats that must be avoided if there are cats in your home. While in some cases, just parts of a plant (bark, leaves, seeds, berries, roots, tubers sprouts, green shells) might be poisonous, this list rules out the whole plant. If you have any of them, keep them safely out of reach. Should your feline friend eat part of a poisonous plant, rush the cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you can, take the plant with you for ease of identification.

An important number to keep handy is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency poison hotline: (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

Plants Poisonous to Cats:

Alfalfa

Almond (pits of)

Aloe Vera

Alocasia

Amaryllis

Apple (seeds)

Apple Leaf Croton

Apricot (pits of)

Arrowgrass

Asparagus Fern

Avocado (fruit and pit)

Azalea

Baby’s Breath

Baneberry

Bayonet

Beargrass

Beech

Belladonna

Bird of Paradise

Bittersweet

Black-Eyed Susan

Black Locust

Bleeding Heart

Bloodroot

Bluebonnet

Box

Boxwood

Branching Ivy

Buckeyes

Buddist Pine

Burning Bush

Buttercup

Cactus, Candelabra

Caladium

Calla Lilly

Castor Bean

Ceriman

Charming Dieffenbachia

Cherry (pits, seeds, & wilting leaves)

Cherry, most wild varieties

Cherry, Ground

Cherry, Laurel

Chinaberry

Christmas Rose

Chrysanthemum

Clematis

Coriaria

Cornflower

Corydalis

Crocus, Autumn

Crown of Thorns

Cyclamen

Daffodil Daphne

Daphne

Datura

Deadly Nightshade

Death Camas

Delphinium

Dicentrea

Dieffengachia

Dumb Cane

Easter Lily

Eggplant

Elderberry

Elephant Ear

English Ivy

Euonymus

Evergreen

Ferns

Flax

Four O’ Clock

Foxglove

Golden Chain

Golden Glow

Gopher Purge

Hellebore

Hemlock Poison

Hemloc, Water

Henbane

Holly

Honeysuckle

Horsebeans

Horsebush

Horse Chestnuts

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Indian Tobacco

Iris

Iris Ivy

Jack in the Pulpit

Java Beans

Jessamine

Jerusalem Cherry

Jimpson Weed

Jonquil

Jungle Trumpets

Lantana

Larkspur

Laurel

Lily

Lily Spider

Lily of the Valley

Locoweed

Lupine

Marigold

Mescal Bean

Mistletoe

Mock Orange

Monkshood

Moonseed

Morning Glory

Mountain Laurel

Mushrooms

Narcissus

Nightshade

Oleander

Peach (pits of)

Peony

Periwinkle

Philodendron

Pimpernel

Poinciana

Poinsettia

Poison Hemlock

Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

Pokeweed

Poppy

Potato

Precatory Bean

Privet, Common

Rhododendron

Rhubarb

Rosary Pea

Rubber Plant

Scotch Broom

Skunk Cabbage

Snowdrops

Snow on the Mountain

Staggerweed

Star of Bethlehem

Sweet Pea

Tansy Mustard

Tiger Lily

Tobacco

Tomato

Tulip

Tung Tree

Virginia Creeper

Water Hemlock

Weeping Fig

Wild Call

Wisteria

Yews e.g. Japanese Yew, English Yew, Western Yew, American Yew

Tagscatcats

cats

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Fears & Phobias in Dogs

Jun. 2, 2025

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Read more
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you've welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Crate Training

May. 21, 2025

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Read more
This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Housetraining Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Read more
Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Separation Anxiety

May. 21, 2025

Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Read more
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don't speak human (and we don't speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Clicker Training Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don’t speak human (and we don’t speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Read more
Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it's a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs' relationship gets off to a great start.

Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog

May. 21, 2025

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

Read more
Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don't know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Preventing and Avoiding Bites

May. 21, 2025

Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Read more
Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Resource Guarding

May. 21, 2025

Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Read more
The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Positive Reinforcement and Rewarding

May. 21, 2025

The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Read more
Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

The Litterbox

May. 14, 2025

Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

Read more
Are you having problems getting some Z's with your new cat. Here are a few tips to help you get some shut-eye.

How to Get Some Sleep… and Keep Your Cat

May. 14, 2025

Are you having problems getting some Z’s with your new cat. Here are a few tips to help you get some shut-eye.

Read more
Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Introducing Dogs and Cats

May. 14, 2025

Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Read more
Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Introducing your Cat to Other Cats

May. 14, 2025

Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Read more
There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Myths About Cats

May. 14, 2025

There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Read more
Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Traveling with Your Cat

May. 14, 2025

Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Your Vocal Cat

May. 14, 2025

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
Did you find kittens outside? Use this chart to help you determine the next steps you should take.

Found Kittens? Don’t Kit-nap!

Mar. 4, 2025

Did you find kittens outside? Use this chart to help you determine the next steps you should take.

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The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you're on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.

Indoor Cats – What Do They Miss

Jan. 6, 2025

The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you’re on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.

Read more
There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Here are some ideas, products and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat's daily life!

Enrichment for Indoor Cats

Nov. 28, 2022

There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Here are some ideas, products and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat’s daily life!

Read more
Multiple cat households are common and keeping the peace is important for the emotional well-being of all cats in the home.

Resolving Conflict Between Cats

Nov. 28, 2022

Multiple cat households are common and keeping the peace is important for the emotional well-being of all cats in the home.

Read more
Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques  these cats can become a part of the family.

Adopting a Cat from a Hoarding Situation

Nov. 17, 2022

Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques these cats can become a part of the family.

Read more
Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog's discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it's happening.

Prong Collars, E-Collars, and Choke Chains, OH MY!

Sep. 7, 2021

Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog’s discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it’s happening.

Read more
April has arrived and with it comes sunshine, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, insects. Keeping your cats safe from some of the worst pests, like fleas and ticks, is normally a no brainer, but what about heartworms?

Does Your Cat Need Heartworm Prevention?

Apr. 7, 2021

April has arrived and with it comes sunshine, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, insects. Keeping your cats safe from some of the worst pests, like fleas and ticks, is normally a no brainer, but what about heartworms?

Read more
Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don't let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Steps to Take Now to Help Prevent Losing Your Pet

Mar. 10, 2021

Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Read more
We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Return to Work

Feb. 10, 2021

We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

Read more
Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Managing Rough Play

Dec. 15, 2020

Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Read more
Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Cats and Christmas Trees

Dec. 7, 2020

Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Read more
When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Cats and Babies

Jan. 23, 2018

When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Read more
ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Creating and Maintaining a Bond with Your Dog

Jan. 23, 2018

ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Read more
Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Felines Need Friends Too!

Jan. 23, 2018

Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Is Your Cat Vocal?

Oct. 24, 2017

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
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  • Pet PSA

How to Get Some Sleep… and Keep Your Cat

Posted on May. 14, 2025Oct. 3, 2025
Get Some Sleep

Cats are crepuscular

Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. If you find this annoying, rather than punishing your cat for following their natural activity schedule, train them to shift their active phase to earlier in the evening/later in the morning. You might find it easier to provide kitty with quieter nighttime activities that are less intrusive on your sleep; and don’t let kitty use your bed/bedroom as the playing field.

Who’s training who?

The first rule is not to make matters worse. One reason your cat is acting this way is because they’re getting something out of it. For example, some owners actually get up and play with their cat, thinking they’re lonely. Others feed the cat and then wonder why kitty wakes them up in the middle of the night. This is basically training and rewarding the cat to practice this behavior. Certainly you should be sensitive to your cat’s needs and feelings, but if they are lonely or hungry, play with or feed them earlier in the evening.

Day or night shift

Nighttime activities are the norm for animals such as cats. Given the choice, a cat would sleep all day long and then about 8 or 9 in the evening, they would get up, stretch, scratch and go about the business of being a cat. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk. The only thing wrong is the cat’s activity schedule is out of phase with yours. All you need to do is to change your cat’s working schedule from night shift to day shift. This is much easier than it sounds.

Play sessions

You cannot expect your cat to sleep 24 hours a day, he needs to play sometime! If you do not provide some kind of daytime activity, he will spend the day asleep. Rather than letting your cat snooze all evening while you are watching TV, turn off the tube, get down on the floor and play with your cat. Tie a feather or piece of crumpled paper to a length of string and run around the house dragging it behind. Train your cat to climb their scratching post; train them to fetch and run back and forth between you and a friend. Visit the ARL’s Animal House store and look for new and interesting toys for your cat! Make toys of your own; most cats have a wonderful time rolling around inside a box sprinkled with catnip. Try to tire out your cat early in the evening as this will greatly increase the likelihood that they will sleep at night. Schedule feedings and playtime at regular intervals that are appropriate for the schedule you wish your cat to keep. The more regular you make the cat’s new routine, the quicker they will adjust.

Wake-up call!

In the daytime or evening when you see your cat sleeping – wake them up! Insist that they play with you now. Your cat will eventually sleep all night long because they’re tired from all the daytime activity and because they’re content their needs are being met.

Patience is key

It may take 10 days to two weeks to reset a cat’s internal clock, so don’t be discouraged if during this time, even though you are doing everything right, they will still automatically wake up or think they want to play or eat in the wee hours of the morning. Just be patient. If you give up too soon, you’ll have to start all over again.

Tagscatcats

cats

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Fears & Phobias in Dogs

Jun. 2, 2025

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Read more
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you've welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Crate Training

May. 21, 2025

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Read more
This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Housetraining Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Read more
Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Separation Anxiety

May. 21, 2025

Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Read more
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don't speak human (and we don't speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Clicker Training Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don’t speak human (and we don’t speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Read more
Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it's a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs' relationship gets off to a great start.

Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog

May. 21, 2025

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

Read more
Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don't know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Preventing and Avoiding Bites

May. 21, 2025

Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Read more
Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Resource Guarding

May. 21, 2025

Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Read more
The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Positive Reinforcement and Rewarding

May. 21, 2025

The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Read more
Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

The Litterbox

May. 14, 2025

Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

Read more
Are you having problems getting some Z's with your new cat. Here are a few tips to help you get some shut-eye.

How to Get Some Sleep… and Keep Your Cat

May. 14, 2025

Are you having problems getting some Z’s with your new cat. Here are a few tips to help you get some shut-eye.

Read more
Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Introducing Dogs and Cats

May. 14, 2025

Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Read more
Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Introducing your Cat to Other Cats

May. 14, 2025

Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Read more
There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Myths About Cats

May. 14, 2025

There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Read more
Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Traveling with Your Cat

May. 14, 2025

Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Your Vocal Cat

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Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
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Cats and Babies

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When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

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ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

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ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

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Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

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Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Is Your Cat Vocal?

Oct. 24, 2017

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
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  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

Introducing your Cat to Other Cats

Posted on May. 14, 2025Oct. 3, 2025

Introducing Cats to CatsIntroducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Keep them separated

Take your new cat into your home in a cat carrier. Immediately confine the newcomer to one room with food, water, a litter box and a bed.

Keep the cat separated in their own room for a period of time — even up to a week or more. The biggest mistake people make in building the relationship with their resident cats and a newcomer is they immediately let the newcomer roam through the house. Patience is key in this process to building a lasting relationship between the cats. Go in and visit your new cat, play with them, pet them, feed them, and make them feel that this is now home. Remember that your new cat is confused and frightened (how much they show it is different among cats), and you need to reassure them that all is well in their life. Leaving a TV or radio on is a good way to give your cat some background noise.

Start a scent exchange

During the time your cat is separated from your other cats, take a towel and rub it on your new cat – kind of like the cat is wet and you’re trying to dry them off. Then take that same towel and rub it on the resident cat(s). Leave the towel in your living room or around the house where your resident cats hang out. What you are doing is taking the scent of your new cat and putting it on the resident ones. Take a second towel and do the same, only backwards, rubbing it first on your resident cats and then the newcomer. Leave that towel in the room with your new cat.

Scent is absolutely critical to getting cats used to each other. By doing this exercise every day, you are getting their scent onto each other. When they meet face to face, they all smell like something they are used to. You can escalate the process by taking a small bit of cooking vanilla and dabbing it on the base of their tails, where they can’t lick. It cements the scent process, making them smell the same. Do this every other day.

Swap the cats’ spaces

After a time, allow the cats to explore each other’s spaces – still without face-to-face contact. Take the newcomer and place them in the rest of the house, and put your resident cat in the room where you had sequestered the new cat. The newcomer can then explore their new surroundings and spread their scent around the house. This allows both animals to become used to the scent of the other before actual face-to-face contact. This process may take a few hours or a few days, depending on how the cats react. Start with a couple hours and then switch back. The next day, do a couple more hours.

Starting interactions

After a few days of this separation, towels, and switching the cats’ living areas, it is time for an introduction. Only do this when you are going to be home, and do not leave the cats out together unsupervised for a period of time after the initial introduction. Open the door to the sequestered room, and allow the cat to come out on their own time. Let them explore, and allow the cats to meet each other on their own terms.

One good time for face-to-face introductions is at mealtime, if you feed at a set time of the day. They will be so busy eating that they won’t have time for fighting. Be sure to give each cat their own bowl on opposite sides of the room. Make it a special dinner with great smelling food.

Avoid forcing a meeting between your cats. That may cause unnecessary fighting. Let them get acquainted gradually to help develop a positive relationship and lessen the chance of territorial issues.

Expect hissing, spitting, and growling. Don’t interfere unless an actual fight breaks out. If this happens, throw a blanket over each cat and confine them to different quarters. Keep them separated until they have calmed down. Then start over.

Remember rewards

One good way to build a good relationship with the cats is to reward them when they are in the same room or same proximity and behaving appropriately. They don’t need to love each other from day one, but they do need to be able to be in the same room together without warfare. If they are OK with each other, give them treats, and praise them in a soft voice. If they are playful, you also can take a wand or fishing pole toy and play with them together as this will be a fun activity for both of them.

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Oct. 24, 2017

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Read more
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Categories

  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

Your Vocal Cat

Posted on May. 14, 2025Oct. 3, 2025

VocalizingVocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, but most cats do make noise in some form of meow or another, some of the time. We’re all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are also many other sounds that your cat is capable of, and a variety of reasons for vocalizing.

Medical Reasons

If your cat starts to be more vocal than normal, or if your cat’s behavior changes suddenly in some noticeable way, the first thing you should do is take them to your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide symptoms of illness until they’re seriously ill. Any change in behavior may be an early indication of a medical problem. A new vocalizing behavior, in particular, may indicate physical discomfort stemming from an urgent need for medical attention. At minimum, upon a complete examination, you will be able to rule out a medical issue and focus on behavior.

Breed Tendency

Certain breeds of cats, such as Siamese or other Oriental breeds, are known to be very vocal. If your cat has a pointed face and a long, lean body, chances are they have an Oriental breed in their heritage, so “talking” may be a part of their character. Avoid giving your cat attention when they are vocal because this will only encourage the behavior. Instead, give them attention when they are quiet. But recognize that if you have one of these breeds, it is a part of their make up, so getting them to be less vocal may be an issue.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Some cats “talk” because they know they’ll get a reaction or they want to get a reaction of any sort from their humans. People may talk back, feed them, yell at them, pick them up and lock them in another room, or pick them up and soothe them. All of these responses will encourage an attention-seeking cat. To discourage this behavior, simply ignore your cat when they do this, and when they are quiet, pour on the love, feed them or give them some treats. This will teach your cat which behaviors you would like them to continue.

Your Cat Wants To Go Outside

If your cat was previously an outdoor cat you can easily make them an indoor cat! Here are ways to help make the transition from outside to inside:

  • Spay or Neuter: Spaying or neutering will rid your cat of those hormonal urges to go out and seek a mate. This will result in a calmer, friendlier cat.
  • Play: Play with your cat and provide them with toys to keep them interested inside. Even an empty box or paper sack can be entertaining.
  • Windows: Be sure your cat has a view of the outdoors and a sunny place to lie. Cats like to watch birds, so putting a bird feeder or birdbath outside this window is likely to make it a favorite spot for your cat.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Give your cat a game to play by hiding bits of dry food around the house. Hide the food in paper bags, boxes and behind open doors. This will give them exercise and keep them busy. This is especially good to do right before the family leaves the house for the day.
  • Attention: Try to give your cat extra love and attention during this transition.
  • Aversives: If your cat still won’t give up meowing by the door, try a humane aversive. Leave strong citrus scents by the door or put plastic carpet runner down (turned upside down) so they don’t want to walk on it to get to the door.
  • Get another cat: This will help keep your cat company.
  • Remember: Never let your cat outdoors. Once you do they will want to go out again. The drive to go outside will fade if you stick with keeping them inside. Indoor cats live longer lives and are quite content to be inside where it is safe.
Grief

Sometimes after the death or departure of a person or animal in your cat’s life, they will vocalize to express their grief. This can be a normal part of the grieving process. The best thing you can do is keep their schedule the same (or as close as possible) and spend some extra one-on-one time with them. Additionally leaving the radio or television on while you are gone will help as it will provide your cat with some noise so they will not feel alone. With time, this problem should take care of itself. When the time is right, you may want to consider getting another cat friend for your cat. Be sure to look for the right match and get one that is close in age and/or personality.

Transition

If your cat is new to your home or has just gone through a change (move, new person/animal in the household, person moved out) and has just started their talkative behavior, be patient. This may be happening due to the transition and will stop on its own over time. Remember, even scolding can be perceived by your cat as attention, and thus encourage the behavior. Remember to be patient with your cat just as you would your child or others in your life. Change is hard and stressful on cats too.

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cats

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Read more
Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Separation Anxiety

May. 21, 2025

Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Read more
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don't speak human (and we don't speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Clicker Training Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don’t speak human (and we don’t speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Read more
Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it's a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs' relationship gets off to a great start.

Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog

May. 21, 2025

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

Read more
Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don't know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Preventing and Avoiding Bites

May. 21, 2025

Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Read more
Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Resource Guarding

May. 21, 2025

Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Read more
The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Positive Reinforcement and Rewarding

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The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Read more
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Read more
Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

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May. 14, 2025

Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Read more
Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

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May. 14, 2025

Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Read more
There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Myths About Cats

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There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Read more
Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Traveling with Your Cat

May. 14, 2025

Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

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Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
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Did you find kittens outside? Use this chart to help you determine the next steps you should take.

Read more
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The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you’re on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.

Read more
There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Here are some ideas, products and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat's daily life!

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Nov. 28, 2022

There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
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Read more
Multiple cat households are common and keeping the peace is important for the emotional well-being of all cats in the home.

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Multiple cat households are common and keeping the peace is important for the emotional well-being of all cats in the home.

Read more
Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques  these cats can become a part of the family.

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Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques these cats can become a part of the family.

Read more
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Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog’s discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it’s happening.

Read more
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Does Your Cat Need Heartworm Prevention?

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April has arrived and with it comes sunshine, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, insects. Keeping your cats safe from some of the worst pests, like fleas and ticks, is normally a no brainer, but what about heartworms?

Read more
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Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Read more
We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Return to Work

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We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

Read more
Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

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Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Read more
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Cats and Christmas Trees

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Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Read more
When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Cats and Babies

Jan. 23, 2018

When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Read more
ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Creating and Maintaining a Bond with Your Dog

Jan. 23, 2018

ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Read more
Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Felines Need Friends Too!

Jan. 23, 2018

Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Is Your Cat Vocal?

Oct. 24, 2017

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
Load More

Categories

  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

Indoor Cats – What Do They Miss

Posted on Jan. 6, 2025Oct. 3, 2025

Indoor Cats

When adopting a new cat, owners have a number of decisions to make. From choosing the right name to choosing the right vet, it can be an exciting albeit stressful time for owner and pet. On top of all the questions you may be searching for answers to, you may also be questioning your decision to keep your cat indoors only.

Many new pet owners struggle with this decision, but the truth is that keeping your cat indoors is the safest option for family and feline. In fact, what many pet owners don’t realize are the risks that come from allowing their pets to roam outside:

  • Fights with other cats
  • Attacks by free-roaming dogs
  • Infections from puncture wounds
  • Gunshot wounds
  • Fleas, ticks, worms
  • Pesticide poisoning
  • Feline Leukemia
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
  • Being hit by a car
  • Encounters with sick and possibly rabid animals
  • Being sprayed by skunks
  • Being stolen
  • Steel jaw traps
  • Sickness or death from eating spoiled foods or poison

Did You Know Inside Cats Live Longer, Healthier Lives?

indoor cat

Cats living indoors live in a much more stress-free environment than those that spend time outside, even partially. Because cats can run into so many unexpected predators, parasites, illnesses and accidents when roaming unsupervised outside, it is advised to keep your cat indoors whenever possible.

Being raised indoors won’t leave your feline feeling any less satisfied or happy as if living outdoors. In fact, avoiding all the aforementioned pitfalls allows indoor cats to live relatively stress-free lives, which in turn can extend their lifespan.

If you’re having any doubts about your decision to keep your feline friend inside, rest assured that cats raised indoors are perfectly content with their safer world.

Keeping Your Indoor Cats Active

One important component of feline life missing for indoor pets is the ability to run, play, stalk and hunt more freely. As cats age, most adapt well to the calmer environments of indoor living. However, some have the energy of a kitten well into their adult years. This doesn’t mean you made a bad decision by keeping your cat cooped up inside, but instead that your furry friend likely needs a little more play time.

Tailwaggin’ Tip: Tag, Tag, Tag!

Any cat can get lost – even yours. YOUR cat needs a tag!

Tag your cat even if it never goes outside. One day your cat could slip through an open door and easily become lost. Don’t take a chance on losing your furry friend forever. Tag it with your name, address and phone number.

How to Put a Collar on Your Cat

The first time you put a collar on your cat, give it a bit of catnip, a treat, or a small toy to distract attention from the new feeling of wearing a collar. When choosing a collar, be sure to look for one with a short piece of elastic sewn in that will stretch and allow the cat to escape if it gets hung up on a tree limb or fence.

If you start to second guess whether the collar is comfortable or necessary for your cat, just remember that far more cats die because they get lost and their owners can’t find them than ever get hurt from wearing a collar.

Tagscatcats

cats

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

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Read more
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Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Read more
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don't speak human (and we don't speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

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Read more
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Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

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Read more
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Here are some ideas, products and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat's daily life!

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There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
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Read more
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Read more
Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques  these cats can become a part of the family.

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Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques these cats can become a part of the family.

Read more
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Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog’s discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it’s happening.

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Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Read more
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Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

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When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

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ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

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ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

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Read more
Load More

Categories

  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

Enrichment for Indoor Cats

Posted on Nov. 28, 2022Oct. 3, 2025

There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Here are some ideas and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat’s daily life!

Your Cat’s Environment

Cat pheromones. Spray cat pheromone (lightly!) on your cat’s bedding and furniture. One commonly used brand is Feliway; it’s a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, which is used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure.

Make a kitty playground. From cat trees and kitty condos to their low-rent but often equally enjoyed equivalent, cardboard boxes and paper bags (remember to cut the handles off first to avoid kitty getting tangled), cats love to have objects to climb in, on, and over.

Turn on the TV. Streaming services like Amazon Prime and YouTube are full of videos to entertain indoor cats featuring footage of birds, chipmunks & squirrels set to ambient nature background music.

Make mealtime fun! In the wild, the majority of a cat’s time is spent searching/hunting for food. Allow your cat to fulfill this natural drive by utilizing an interactive feeder. If your cat prefers drinking running water, consider a pet water fountain!

Provide a view to the outside world. Install a window perch to offer a prime observatory of the neighborhood and an elevated spot from which to sunbathe.

Self-play toys. These toys can keep your feline friend active even when you’re not home for play time.

Enrichment Activities For You And Your Cat

Play with your cat! Interactive toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained, active and mentally engaged. They also give you a chance to directly connect and bond with your cat!
*Remember to let your cat ‘catch’ the toy occasionally to avoid frustration.

Read to your cat. Read aloud or sing to your cats, and have your children join in.

Train your cat. Training, including teaching tricks, provides great mental stimulation for pets. Cats can be taught to respond to any number of cues, from “sit” to “down” to “wave.” Using positive reinforcement is a great way to be successful with training your cat. Not only will it be more fun for both of you, it will also be more effective and efficient. One of the best methods using positive reinforcement is clicker training.

Adopt a friend for your feline. If you have only one cat, consider getting a second to give your cat a playmate when you’re not at home. ARL adoption counselors can help you through this process!

Meeting your cat’s mental and emotional needs helps them to lead a fulfilling life and have fewer behavior issues, and also allows you to forge a stronger bond!

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cats

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Resolving Conflict Between Cats

Posted on Nov. 28, 2022Oct. 3, 2025

While many cats form strong bonds with their fellow housemates, social conflict is one of the most common reasons for health and behavior problems in multiple cat households; conflict causes stress that can lead to behavior changes.

Social conflict between cats can occur when a new cat is introduced into the home without a slow and positive introduction to the resident cat. It can also develop among cats that used to get along; a single traumatizing incident can cause a cat’s behavior and attitude towards another cat in the household to change. For example, cats can become upset by a stray cat outside their home or startled by a sudden noise and that becomes associated with the other cat. In other cases, relationships can change as the cats mature.

Social tension between cats can be obvious or subtle.

The easily recognized signs include:

  • Growling, hissing
  • Turning sideways, arching their back to make themselves look larger
  • Stalking or chasing the other cat(s)
  • Physically fighting, swatting or biting
  • Blocking another cat from the food dish or litter box
  • Spraying urine or eliminating outside of the litter box
  • Excessive grooming or scratching

Some subtler signs include:

  • Moving away from a food dish whenever another cat enters the room
  • Leaving their favorite resting spot when another cat gets close
  • Spending more time hiding
  • Sleeping more

It can be challenging to completely eliminate all conflict among cat housemates.
However, it is possible to reduce unhealthy conflict to a manageable level thus increasing their happiness! You can help avoid and resolve cat conflict with these tips:

  • Space. Provide enough real estate for each cat to enjoy his/her preferred resting, playing, and eating activities while still avoiding potential stressful encounters with other cats.
  • Separate their resources. Reduce competition between the cats by providing multiple, identical food bowls, beds and litter boxes in different areas of your house.
  • Try pheromones. You can purchase a product, Feliway, that mimics the natural happy cat pheromone (which humans can’t smell), that may help reduce tensions.
  • Don’t force cats to interact. Each time the cats experience an aggressive encounter, they are learning to fight next time. Patience is essential.
  • Provide environmental enrichment! This can be done by creating additional territory such as cat trees, kitty condos, perches to look out the window or cardboard boxes they can hide in. Add sufficient toys and playtime to help expend their energy.
  • Never use punishment. Never punish or startle cats that are in conflict. Yelling, squirting them with a spray bottle, or chasing them can increase the tension and negative association with the other cat.
  • Guide cats to move away from an aggressive or tense encounter. Encourage either cat to move away by using a sweet, gentle tone of voice. Coax your cat using food, treats, or toys. Make noises that you know cause your cats to happily investigate (i.e., go to the kitchen and open a can of tuna).
  • Scent is absolutely critical. Rub a couple drops of cooking vanilla on your hands, a washcloth or paper towel and then rub that onto all the cats, focusing on the base of their tails. This helps confuse everyone by making them all smell similar!
  • Reward desired behavior. Give praise, toss treats to reward your cats when you see them interacting in an appropriate manner.
  • Health. Be sure your cats are healthy and see their veterinarian regularly. Underlying pain or discomfort such as arthritis or dental disease can contribute to irritability and social tension.
  • Be realistic. It’s important to recognize that your cats may never be best friends. Some cats will achieve a state of indifference at best. However, with time, patience and environmental management, it is possible that they can live together without showing signs of conflict or conflict-related stress.
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cats

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Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don't let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Steps to Take Now to Help Prevent Losing Your Pet

Mar. 10, 2021

Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Read more
We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Return to Work

Feb. 10, 2021

We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

Read more
Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Managing Rough Play

Dec. 15, 2020

Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Read more
Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Cats and Christmas Trees

Dec. 7, 2020

Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Read more
When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Cats and Babies

Jan. 23, 2018

When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Read more
ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Creating and Maintaining a Bond with Your Dog

Jan. 23, 2018

ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Read more
Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Felines Need Friends Too!

Jan. 23, 2018

Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Is Your Cat Vocal?

Oct. 24, 2017

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
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  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

Adopting a Cat from a Hoarding Situation

Posted on Nov. 17, 2022Oct. 3, 2025

Hoarding CatsCats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people.

They can be fearful in new situations, especially when meeting new people and are usually not used to a carrier. However with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training and play therapy, these cats can experience a reduction in their stress and become a part of the family.

What to Expect

When you first get your new cat home, they will likely be fearful and want to hide.

The best way to help your cat adjust to their new home is to set them up somewhere in your house that is small, like a bathroom or a spare room. In this room, provide everything they will need: food, water, a litterbox, a bed, and toys. Visit them every day, several times a day, doing positive things when you’re with them, like talking to them, offering high-value treats or engaging in play. Once they become comfortable in their room and with you and begin seeking attention, you can let them out into the rest of your house. It may be best to start with another small area of your house and build up to giving them total access.

They may always be fearful of new situations and new people.

Due to a lack of socialization from kittenhood, hoarding cats may always be quick to run and hide when people come over or when they hear loud noises or see fast movements. However, you can help them work through their fear and recover more quickly. One great way to help is by using positive reinforcement training techniques like using rewards or clicker training.

There are also stress-reducing products like Feliway that can help your new cat adjust in new situations.

They may never be a lap cat or enjoy being picked up and held.

Due to a lack of handling throughout their life, hoarding cats are often not used to being handled and may not be comfortable being in laps or may struggle when they are picked up. Using food rewards is a great way to help them become more comfortable with being handled. Every time your cat comes near you when you are sitting down, give them a treat, and as they stay longer, continue to positively reinforce that behavior with treats. If they ever get into your lap, continue to reinforce that behavior with treats but let them leave if they want. When picking up your cat, pair it with treats and remember to keep handling to a minimum and build up the amount of time as they become more comfortable. Until they becomes more comfortable, you can positively interact with them in other ways, such as play therapy or clicker training.

They may not be comfortable being in a carrier.

Most often, the only times a hoarding cat was ever placed in a carrier were the day they were taken from their home and during their time at the shelter. The best way to help your new cat be less fearful of the carrier is to work on positive reinforcement training. You can also leave the carrier out, allowing your cat to go in when they please and feed them treats in the carrier to help them begin to associate the carrier with good things.

Learn more about acclimating your cat to a carrier here.

They may do well in a home with other cats, but it’s always best to introduce new cats to your resident cats slowly.

Hoarded cats have spent their entire lives around cats and most prefer the company of cats. However it’s important to remember that your cat is coming into a completely new environment and will be meeting cats they do not know. It’s best to take things slow and use proper introduction techniques and positive reinforcement. This will help make introductions less stressful and set everyone up for success.

Learn more about how to introduce a cat to other cats here.

What Not to Do

  • Never force your cat to spend time with their new family or new people. Allow them the chance to approach and positively reinforce their interactions with people – for example, giving treats when they approach.
  • Never chase your cat. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to handle your cat for medicating or putting in a carrier, do not chase them around the house to catch them. Instead wait until they have settled somewhere, like their bed and then approach them.
  • Never punish your new cat for showing fearful behavior, such hissing or hiding, or showing any other unwanted behavior. Punishment will only make them fearful of you and can lead to aggression. Instead use positive reinforcement training to build trust with your cat and understand that it may take time for your new cat to settle in.
Tagsadoptadoptingadoptioncatcatskittenkittenspet help

cats

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Fears & Phobias in Dogs

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Read more
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Crate Training

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Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Read more
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Housetraining Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

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Read more
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Separation Anxiety

May. 21, 2025

Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Read more
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don't speak human (and we don't speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Clicker Training Your Dog

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Read more
Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it's a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs' relationship gets off to a great start.

Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog

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Read more
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Preventing and Avoiding Bites

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Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Read more
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Resource Guarding

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Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Read more
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Positive Reinforcement and Rewarding

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Read more
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The Litterbox

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Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

Read more
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Read more
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Introducing your Cat to Other Cats

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Read more
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Read more
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Resolving Conflict Between Cats

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Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques  these cats can become a part of the family.

Adopting a Cat from a Hoarding Situation

Nov. 17, 2022

Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques these cats can become a part of the family.

Read more
Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog's discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it's happening.

Prong Collars, E-Collars, and Choke Chains, OH MY!

Sep. 7, 2021

Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog’s discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it’s happening.

Read more
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Read more
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Steps to Take Now to Help Prevent Losing Your Pet

Mar. 10, 2021

Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.

Read more
We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Return to Work

Feb. 10, 2021

We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.

Read more
Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Managing Rough Play

Dec. 15, 2020

Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.

Read more
Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Cats and Christmas Trees

Dec. 7, 2020

Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!

Read more
When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Cats and Babies

Jan. 23, 2018

When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.

Read more
ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Creating and Maintaining a Bond with Your Dog

Jan. 23, 2018

ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?

Read more
Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!

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Jan. 23, 2018

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Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

Is Your Cat Vocal?

Oct. 24, 2017

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
Load More

Categories

  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

WATCH: Shelter Dogs Pick Gifts from Under the Tree

Posted on Dec. 24, 2020Oct. 3, 2025

Oh so many toys and treats! Generous donations to our Tree of Life have already brought a spark of joy to some of the animals here at the Animal Rescue League.

Watch this heartwarming video to see which of the donated gifts these adoptable dogs picked out. This is all made possible because of you, so on behalf of our pets – Thank You!

P.S., You can still donate to the Tree of Life through the end of the year at 15 locations across the Des Moines metro, or online.

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cats

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Fears & Phobias in Dogs

Jun. 2, 2025

There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.

Read more
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you've welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Crate Training

May. 21, 2025

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.

Read more
This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Housetraining Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.

Read more
Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Separation Anxiety

May. 21, 2025

Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.

Read more
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don't speak human (and we don't speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Clicker Training Your Dog

May. 21, 2025

Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don’t speak human (and we don’t speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.

Read more
Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it's a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs' relationship gets off to a great start.

Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog

May. 21, 2025

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

Read more
Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don't know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Preventing and Avoiding Bites

May. 21, 2025

Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.

Read more
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Resource Guarding

May. 21, 2025

Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.

Read more
The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Positive Reinforcement and Rewarding

May. 21, 2025

The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.

Read more
Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

The Litterbox

May. 14, 2025

Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.

Read more
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May. 14, 2025

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Read more
Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.

Introducing Dogs and Cats

May. 14, 2025

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Read more
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Introducing your Cat to Other Cats

May. 14, 2025

Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.

Read more
There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.

Myths About Cats

May. 14, 2025

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May. 14, 2025

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Read more
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats

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May. 14, 2025

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!

Read more
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Found Kittens? Don’t Kit-nap!

Mar. 4, 2025

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Read more
The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you're on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.

Indoor Cats – What Do They Miss

Jan. 6, 2025

The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you’re on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.

Read more
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Nov. 28, 2022

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  • News
  • Pet Help
  • Pet PSA

Cats and Christmas Trees

Posted on Dec. 7, 2020Oct. 3, 2025

Tyson the kitten captioned

Christmas trees and cats can be a recipe for chaos if you’re not careful. However, there are ways to ensure a successful holiday season for both your decor and your pets.

The following tips can help you introduce your cats to your Christmas tree without worry.

Set up the tree and leave it undecorated for a few days.

Give your feline friend time to adjust to the new item by setting up the tree without immediately decorating it.  Leave it for a few days, allowing your cat to adjust to the new smells and sights.

A tree being in the house is new to your cat, and once decorated, it can be hard for your cat to resist the glittery and shiny decorations. If you set the tree up without decorating it, your cat can get used to it being there. Once the tree is decorated, it won’t be such a ‘new adventure’ anymore, and your cat will be more likely to leave it alone.

christmas tree cat

Invest in a heavy-duty tree stand.

Make sure the tree is properly and safely secured in a tree stand. Invest in a heavy base. Even if you have an artificial tree, use a base that is meant for a real tree. If you buy an artificial tree, you may get a stand along with your tree, but it may not be sturdy enough to keep it standing should your pet decide to investigate it too closely.

You can add to the sturdiness of the base by attaching it to wood pieces. Note that when you put a tree skirt around the base of the tree, no one will see the stand anyway.

Anchor your tree to the ceiling or wall.

Anchoring the tree to a wall is a great way to ensure the tree doesn’t topple if your kitties start to get a little too curious. Position the tree against a wall in front of a large picture. Remove the picture from the wall and secure the tree to the wall in its place by using fishing line and a strong hook. After Christmas is over and the tree comes down, you just remove the fishing line, put the picture back, and no one will even notice!

Another way to anchor a tree is to place the tree under a spot where you have a hanging plant. Remove the plant from its hook, and tie the tree to the ceiling plant hook with fishing line. Again, after Christmas, put the plant back up and no one will be the wiser!

christmas tree cat

Decorate your tree with your cats in mind.

When you begin to decorate, leave the lower section of the tree bare of decorations at first to avoid temptation by your cat to play. When you begin to add ornaments, start a third of the way up. After a few days, add ornaments to the bottom section moving downward, but do not complete the tree just yet. Wait a few days to finish decorating. This will again give the cats time to adjust to the sparkling decorations before you finish adding ornaments to the tree where they will be in paws reach.

It is important to keep your felines in mind when choosing tree decorations and ornaments. Choose those that won’t be too tempting for your cats. Decorations that dangle a lot or are really lightweight are really tempting. Try to find ornaments that are heavier and don’t dangle a great deal. For example, shiny tinsel is enticing to cats and lightweight, but it is extremely dangerous, especially if swallowed.

Before putting the lights on your tree, coat the cords with Bitter Apple to prevent your kitties from chewing on them. You can also thread the cord of your lights through a piece of PVC tubing right where it plugs into the wall to further prevent your cats from chewing it. Since PVC tubing is typically white in color, you can paint the tubing a dark green so it isn’t noticeable.

Hang your ornaments with ribbon or decorative cording instead of using ornament hooks. Ornament hooks can be very dangerous to pets that may chew or swallow them. Coat the ribbon or decorative cording with Bitter Apple so your cats won’t chew them. The ornaments can then be tied securely to the tree.

When in doubt, distract.

If your cat shows an interest in the tree, place a corrugated cardboard scratching post nearby. You can also grow some ‘kitty greens’ for them (i.e. cat grass or catnip if you usually give your cat catnip) and place them near the tree. If you place things like the cardboard or ‘kitty greens’ near the tree, the cat will tend to be less interested in chewing or climbing the tree and more interested in the cardboard or ‘kitty greens’.

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