Feline Training and Behavior
I am committed to creating a enriching, loving environment both you and your cat can thrive in as you create your own unique form of communication together. I am certified by both Animal Behavior College and Fear Free. I am also a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy with a professional trainer certification focusing on positive reinforcement.
What?! You can train a Cat?!
Yes, not only can it be done, but most likely if you live with a cat you are already doing it. When you call your cat for dinner, or make the sound of a can opening, and they come running, training is happening. When you walk in the door and say hello and your kitty greets you with a head butt, training is happening. When you get up at some crazy early hour to feed the kitty because they poked at you, training is happening. (Ok, maybe there, kitty is training you!) When your cat hides under the bed from a new person, training is happening. When you make a nice cozy spot for your kitty in the window to watch birds, training is happening. Training is always happening, it is the language you share with your cat. When you are in tune with the needs and wants of your cat, you are training.
Training is as equally important to your pet’s well being as good veterinary care, good nutrition, and a healthy, relaxing environment. It is not a luxury or just to have a few fun tricks. Training is teaching your kitty how to share life with you in a way that benefits both you and her. So why not focus on skills that benefit both of you? The prevailing view that cats will be cats is not all that healthy. You and your cat do not have to just live with things as they are. You can create a thriving environment that will enhance your relationship to each other. Training is a great way to prevent issues that may come up as well. It increases your bond with your cat and your awareness of their behavior so that you can see when something is not quite right sooner.
Each year thousands of beloved cats are surrendered to shelters because of behavior problems that can be solved. Most issues that cats have do have solutions. My training philosophy brings together all the elements of a healthy, enriched environment along with actively working towards behavior that works for both of you. I promote training through positive reinforcement as relaxing play together, time you can both enjoy each other’s company.
I provide feline behavior consultations for cats and their people. Many problems with cats can be successfully addressed such as house-soiling, marking, anxiety, aggression, new pet introductions, and many other issues. My focus is on methods that help to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress and strengthen your relationship with your cat. Arrange a consultation today and we can work together to help strengthen your bond with your precious friend!
Contact me to schedule a consultation!
Consultations provide for:
- marking (spraying of urine against a vertical surface)
- house soiling (urinating or defecating outside the litter box)
- generalized anxiety
- aggression between housemates
- new cat introductions (to current pets)
- scratching of furniture or other destructive tendencies
- preparing your cat for the introduction of a new baby
To schedule an appointment, email through the contact page. I will return your email with available times and days, as well as a behavior history form.
Consultations can be house visits for the local area or phone consultations.
Did you know that many common behavior problems in cats can be prevented with early training and socialization?
Creature Comforts is partnering with Chimacum Valley Veterinary Clinic and Pet Townsend to bring you
Kitten Kindergarten!
Imagine instead to blackboards, desks, and pencils, a kitten classroom with feather toys, treats, affectionate humans, and kitten friends. In this class, kittens and their humans will learn important skills to help make life more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.
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 first vaccinations and have a clean bill of health.
Please call (360)643-1323 to sign up!
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