Creature Comforts Pet Services, LLC

Compassionate care for your friend

Archives for July 2025

Target Train your Cat

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Training can be excellent mental stimulation for any cat and it is really simple to get started.  Cats are prey as well as predator, because of this they do not respond well to punishment based training.  Positive reinforcement training with cats can improve your relationship with your cat, create a common communication between you, and prevent many behavior problems. Clicker training uses a marker (the click) to let your cat know the exact moment they have done something that earns a treat.  It makes the communication clear and precise which helps to reduce any confusion or frustration on the part of your cat.  It also requires very little time, but results in huge benefits.

Charge the Clicker

The first step in clicker training is to make a positive connection between the click and reinforcement.  This may take a little investigation on your part to discover what your cat considers reinforcing.  It can be treats, play with a favorite toy, or even brushing.  

Once you know what they like, spend a few minutes with your cat just click and then reinforce a few times in a row.  It really doesn’t take long before your cat makes the connection then you are ready to click for your first behavior.

Troubleshooting

Some cats are afraid of the clicker. No problem, use a ball point pen, which is quieter, or you can click with your mouth.

If your cat loses interest after just a few attempts, that is ok.  Remember that they don’t yet know what you are up to.  You may have to try a treat or reinforcement that is more exciting to your cat to get their interest.

And, keep in mind, a training session for a cat should really only last 2-3 minutes.  

If you feel frustrated at all there is nothing wrong with stopping and trying again another time.

Target Training

A good first behavior is to teach your cat to touch a target with their nose.  This can be later used in all sorts of other ways, such as to lead your cat into doing a spin.

You will need:

-A clicker

-a stick with a target on the end (think pencil or chopstick with a ping pong ball)

-reinforcements

Hold the target about 1 inch in front of your cat’s nose, most cats will reach forward to sniff the target, when they do click as they touch it and give them a treat.  If your cat does not sniff the target, move it slightly closer so he almost has to touch it, then click and treat. Even if you only get a small glance toward the target you can click and treat for that. You are giving him the idea that you want him to do something with the target and any interaction with it will earn him a treat.

Give him an opportunity to touch the target right away again, then click and treat.

Between each time put the target behind you back, so you get a new opportunity to present the target to your cat each time as the cue to touch the target.

Once he is touching the target consistently, try moving it a few inches to allow him to move forward toward it.  You can progress slowly to larger distances or even teaching him to follow the target little by little.

And there you have it! Congratulations! You have just trained your first behavior!

Hyperarousal in Cats

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Have you ever had the feeling of crawling out of your own skin?  Our cats can have this feeling too, called hyperarousal, or overstimulation, and it can manifest in many ways, but often indicates the need for some attention to their physical or emotional wellbeing.  Some behavioral signs you might see in a cat that is overstimulated are sudden bursts of hyperactivity (“zoomies”), increased aggression or fearfulness, hiding, hissing, dilated pupils, tense body language, fur standing on end.  There can also be physical signs such as scratching or biting at themselves (especially the tail or lower back), skin twitching or rippling, dilated pupils.  They might also excessively meow, yowl, scream or growl, as well as drooling or inappropriate urination.  Knowing the signs can help you be alerted to the escalation of behavior.

Where does it come from?  

Certain breeds are more predisposed to hyperarousal, such as siamese, Abyssinians, and Persians.  Causes can vary from stress and anxiety due to the environment, or insufficient mental and physical stimulation.  Overstimulation such as excessive petting, loud noises, intense play or strong scents that can overwhelm a cat’s senses. Sometimes medical conditions can contribute and this is always the first place to start any investigation of behavioral problems or changes in cats.

Here are some things you can do to help your feline friend:

Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include medication or behavioral modification strategies. 

Identify and minimize the situations that cause your cat to become overstimulated or anxious. This could involve providing quiet spaces, avoiding excessive petting, or gradually introducing new things.

Consider some environmental enrichment: Offer plenty of toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, and mental stimulation like puzzle feeders to help your cat channel their energy constructively and reduce boredom.  Regular play sessions can help to keep your pet feeling good and healthy, as well as be a way to expend extra energy.  Remember that we are their whole world and it is up to us humans to provide a life as enriching as their wild counterparts have.

Establish a Routine: Maintain consistent feeding times, play sessions, and bedtime routines to provide a sense of security and predictability.  Keep stability in mind whenever a change needs to happen whether it be a move to a new house or change in your work schedule, make the change gradually.

Consider Calming Aids: Feliway diffusers or sprays and calming music may help some cats relax. However, the effectiveness of these products can vary.

What to do with a cat that is already overstimulated?

When your cat is showing signs of hyperarousal, the first step to take is to stop the interaction or remove the cause of the overstimulation. This may include ending a petting session, stopping play, turning off household appliances, or dimming the lights.  Place your cat in a quiet, private location until they calm down. This space should have food and water bowls, perches, a litter box, and a bed to allow them to decompress. Most cats need anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to reset after they have become overstimulated.  If you have a cat that regularly reaches a high state or arousal, have a quiet space with everything they need set up ahead of time that she is already comfortable in.