Creature Comforts Pet Services, LLC

Compassionate care for your friend

Theresa Berrett

What is Cooperative care?

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Cooperative care training teaches animals to be active participants in their care both at home and at the veterinary office, rather than just tolerating procedures. This training builds trust and reduces stress for both the dog and the handler. 

The focus is on positive reinforcement using praise and rewards to encourage animals to participate and have an enjoyable experience. This type of training creates communication with your pet to allow them to be able to let you know when they are willing to opt in or out of certain behaviors.  This choice allows the animals to have control over difficult situations and can help to increase their confidence, trust, and willingness to participate.  There is no need to force your pet to participate because you can listen to them.  This greatly reduces stress for the animal around husbandry and veterinary care.  Giving animals choices actually can help to get the desired behavior faster than forcing things and reduces the risk of injury to both the handler and animal. 

It works by breaking bigger behaviors down into small steps to make it easier for your pet can learn them more easily.  Some examples of cooperative care behaviors are

  • Standing still for grooming or examination.
  • Offering a paw for nail trims
  • Taking medication
  • Entering and exiting a carrier easily
  • Ear cleaning
  • Toothbrushing

Working with pets young can help establish a healthy, happy, and stress free relationship with veterinary care and husbandry. Creature Comforts offers both kitten and puppy cooperative care training and has partnered with Chimacum Valley Vet and Pet Townsend to create positive experiences in a veterinary setting. Call 360-643-1323 to get your pet started on the right paw.

How Cats Learn

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Cats are thought of as self-sufficient, making them a good fit for people who work longer hours or live in smaller homes.  But because of this pervasive belief that cats are independent, it is a common misconception that cats cannot be trained or do not need training. Many times if a cat has a behavioral problem, owners will accept it as a cat being a cat and make no effort to correct the issue.  More often than not cats will be surrendered to shelters instead of addressing a behavior problem.  It is not only possible to train cats, but it can be beneficial to both cat and owner.  Training can help to solve behavior problems that are not always fun to live with, increase your bond with your cat, and help increase mental stimulation and enrichment making a happier cat (resulting in less future behavior problems!)

An innate behavior occurs when an animal exhibits instinctive behavior, such as a cat chasing something moving quickly across the floor like a mouse.  These are built in behaviors.

A learned behavior, on the other hand, is either a change to existing behavior or the creation of a new behavior.  Cats learn from a number of different sources.  They can learn from other cats.  Kittens will engage in similar behaviors to learn behaviors that can contribute to greater survival and success.  Group behaviors, or allelomimetic behaviors, are when two or more animals engage in a behavior at the same time.  Animals in a social group will follow one another’s example, such as when littermates investigate a new area together.  

Observational learning is when animals learn by watching one another.  They do not need to engage in the behavior to learn from one another.  Cats are notorious for learning this way, hence the saying copy cat.  They can learn both what to do, such as meow for a treat, and what not to do, such as jump in the sink and get wet.  

Cats also learn how to develop hunting skills through play, as well as communication with one another.  This is one way they can learn physical limitations and how rough to play with another.

Single, traumatic experiences can result in lifelong phobias in a phenomena known as single event learning.  This commonly occurs between 4 and 11 months of age, but can occur at any time if the event is influential enough.  For example, a loud buzzer from the dryer while a kitten is sitting on or near it could cause the kitten never to go near the dryer again.  These behavioral issues can be resolved through desensitization and counter conditioning.

Litter Box Solutions

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There are a lot of ways to prevent and solve litter box problems with cats. Unfortunately, these often easily solvable problems are the number one reason for surrendering a cat.  You don’t have to give up your sweet friend! Here are some ways to keep your cat in the box.

First and foremost is a vet visit.  

Most litter box issues are actually caused by medical issues,. such as a urinary tract infection, and will clear up on their own once the medical issue is taken care of.  If you notice any box issues, it is a good idea to visit the vet right away in case this is the reason before not using the box becomes a habit.  Sometimes older cats will pee outside the box edge because arthritis prevents them from squatting all the way.

Number of boxes

The minimum number of boxes to have are 1 per cat plus one extra.  So if you have 1 cat your need 2 boxes, for 2 cats you need 3 boxes, etc.  Many cats actually prefer to defecate and urinate in different places and a number of boxes can prevent anyone from guarding all the boxes.

Placement of boxes

Boxes should be in easily accessible spots.  You and I would not like to have to go all the way to the basement or out in the cold garage for the bathroom, neither do our feline friends.  Placement in a relatively quiet, non high traffic area is ideal.  If you have more than one floor, one box per floor is a good idea.  Spreading the boxes out in different areas will help your kitty to have access more easily. We all know how it is when we really need to go right away!  For multiple cats (or another pet such as a dog), it is best to make sure the box is not in a place where kitty could get startled and feel trapped, like the back of a closet. Putting the boxes in places where one cat cannot guard them all helps with multiple cats too.

Type of box

There are a lot of varieties of boxes out on the market now.  Ideally,  you want a box that is at least 1 ½ times the length of your cat.  Honestly, my favorite boxes are bins for mixing cement that you can get in the hardware store.  They are large and deep enough to keep most of the litter in.  Keep in mind, though, older cats may need a lower side as an entrance. Many cats do not like boxes with lids because they can feel like they are trapped.  Complicated boxes and litter robots are not recommended because of how difficult they can be to clean well and some discourage use because of the noises they make. This is a place where experimentation with your cat’s preferences is a good plan.  Just like us they are all individuals with different ideas of what they like.

Type of litter 

Most cats do prefer unscented clay litter.  The more sand-like the better.  Scented litters overwhelm a cat’s sensitive nose and can discourage litter box use.  Some cats will ingest litter made from corn or wheat, so it is a good idea to watch carefully the first time you use these types of litter.  Again this is a place where some experimentation is a good idea to see what works best for both you and your cat.

Keeping it clean

Just like we don’t like to use a dirty port-a-potty, cats don’t like to use a dirty box.  Scooping at least once a day and a once a week complete litter change and washing the box with just dish soap and water is best.  Letting the box dry in the sun can help keep it smelling fresh. Using something stronger, such as bleach can bother your kitty’s sensitive nose.  

For accidents

If your cat does miss the box, use an enzyme cleaning specific to cats to clean it up.  Some cats will continue to use a spot that smells, so it is important to clean up any messes thoroughly.   I like to use disposable pee pads under my boxes, just in case someone does miss, it is easy to clean up completely.

Answer Your Cat’s Question Day

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More than 600 million cats share the planet with us, and although we have cohabitated for close to 12,000 years, cats and humans don’t always understand each other.  Researchers at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine say that a cat’s brain is more similar to the human brain than to a dog’s brain, yet feline behavior can be baffling.    

In celebration of Answer Your Cat’s Question Day (January 22nd), take a little more time than usual to tune in and connect with your favorite kitty cat.  You may uncover a question or two she has been dying to know the answer to, and in the process, you may unlock some of her puzzling behavior. 

  1. Why do you keep on petting even when I have had enough? 

Snowball is purring and you are enjoying the touch of her soft silky fur against your fingertips.  Suddenly, hyper-dermic-like teeth penetrate your arm!  A love-bite?  Maybe, but some behavior experts refer to this as petting-induced aggression and Snowball’s response is simple, “I’ve been annoyed by your constant petting and you didn’t stop.”  Although your canine pal may let you continue on and on and on with a belly rub, cats are not small dogs.  They are different creatures altogether, and the non-stop pressure on their tender bodies has its limits.  Pay attention.  Your cat will give you signals:  flattened ears, whiskers pulled back, pupils dilated, and a whipping tail, all mean it’s time for a break! Taking a different cue from your kitty though, is understanding her head-butting or bunting, which is a form of feline affection.  Cats have scent glands at the base of their tail, between their toes, under their chin, along their temples on their ears, and at the corners of their cute little feline mouths.  With so many scent glands on your kitty’s noggin, her bumps are nudges of endearment as she is marking you as her territory. 

  1. Why are you obsessed with my poop but get upset when I pee on the carpet? 

My precocious furry friend, I’m worried about you!  What goes in, must come out, and it should look a certain way if you are a healthy kitty cat, so although your poop is not my favorite thing to look at, I’m trying to keep tabs on your health.  If you don’t poop often enough, too frequently, if it is runny, dark, or has blood, mom or dad needs to get you checked out by your vet.  The same goes for your pee.  You know your manners by now, and I know you’re not trying to be a bad kitty, so if you’re not answering nature’s call where we agreed upon (in your litter box), that must mean you can’t make it there in time and might have a Urinary Tract Infection or other problem.  I know that cats are finicky and like a clean bathroom, so I will do my best to clean your box regularly, provide you with your privacy, and use the litter you like best. 

Here are some more questions your cat may have for you:

Why do you love taking photos of me with that flashing camera every day?

Why do you keep bringing different people into the home?  It makes me nervous.

Why don’t you let me outside?

January 2nd is National Pet Travel Safety Day,

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but it is also a great time to assess and upgrade best practices for transporting your dog or cat safely.  Whether you’re heading to the vet or groomer, off to the park, or hitting the road for vacation, travel safely.  Thousands of animals get injured and die in car accidents every year.  During a collision, a 50-lb. dog riding in a 30-mph car will experience 1,500 lbs. of force if thrown from the vehicle. Newton’s first law of motion states, “a body in motion will stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force,” so even after brakes are applied, an unrestrained pet will continue 30, 40, 50 mph or more until something stops him. Sadly, what stops him may be the dashboard, seat back, or windshield, all of which can cause devastating injury. 

If the pet survives the accident but is not restrained, he may escape through a window or door, broken or opened by the impact, only to end up being hit by an on-coming vehicle.  According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), animals moving around in cars are the third worst distraction to drivers, ranking behind children and cell phones.  Additionally, if you are injured in an accident, your protective Chihuahua, Poodle or Rottweiler might prevent paramedics from quickly offering aid out of fear of being bitten, so Animal Control may first need to be called to confine your pet. Their protectiveness may delay emergency personnel from providing you much-needed medical assistance, so restraining your pets in motor vehicles is a win-win.

Kitten Kindergarten is a thing!

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Did you know that many common behavior problems in cats can be prevented with early training and socialization? 

There are things you can do with your kitten to help them learn important skills to help make life more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved (humans too!)  Creature Comforts is proud to announce a new class held at Chimacum Valley Veterinary Hospital called Kitten Kindergarten!  Imagine a room full of playful kittens learning to be social with other cats and humans, as well as learning the skills they need to manage in our human world without stress or fear.

The most effective time to train and socialize a cat is in her early months.  This is when she is more adaptable to new situations and experiences.  Early socialization normalizes a wider variety of situations, people, and animals.  Kittens who are socialized become less fearful and more confident as adults and have a higher tolerance for new situations. This higher confidence directly relates to reduced behavior problems in adults.  

Many cat owners dread taking their pet to the vet because of all the difficulty and stress with carriers, cars, and fear at the vet office. Our “classroom” is an exam room in the veterinary office to get kittens comfortable and familiar with the veterinary setting.  Topics covered in class include regular handling for grooming or veterinary care, positive carrier training, and car rides.  

Many cats are only exposed to the humans that they live with and often run and hide while new people are over.  This can cause a lot of stress to the cat every time you have company.  With early exposure to other people cats can become just as outgoing as dogs who love to greet new people at the door.

One important skill kittens will gain from kindergarten is how to interact and play with other kittens.  Many adult cats have a difficult time interacting with other felines.  Early socialization can improve a kitten’s ability to get along with other cats.  Adding another cat to the household later will be much easier if a kitten has early exposure to other cats.

For kittens and their people starting at 8-10 weeks.  Class is 45 minutes once a week for 6 weeks plus an on demand video introduction.  For only $180. Kittens must have a clean bill of health.

For more information contact Theresa at (360)643-1323