Behavior & Training Resource Center

Adoption success depends on understanding cat behavior. With time and patience, most concerns improve dramatically.

Foundations for Success

Create a Routine

Cats feel safest when they know when food comes, where litter boxes are, and when interactions happen. Consistency reduces anxiety.

Transition Space

Start in a small room with food, water, litter, and a hiding spot. Expand access gradually as confidence grows.

Fear-Free Handling

Avoid grabbing or forced affection. Use a calm approach, treats, slow blinking, and a soft voice.

Litter Box Issues

The #1 reason cats are surrendered.

Step 1: Rule Out Medical Issues

If a cat suddenly stops using the box, it is almost always a medical cry for help. UTIs, crystals, and blockages are painful. The cat associates the box with pain and tries to go elsewhere.

See a vet immediately before trying behavioral fixes.

Step 2: Check Your Setup

  • The N+1 Rule: You need one box per cat, plus one extra. (2 cats = 3 boxes).
  • Location: Do not hide boxes in dark, noisy basements or next to loud washing machines. Cats need to feel safe.
  • Cleanliness: Scoop daily. Deep clean weekly. Cats hate a dirty bathroom just like we do.
  • Litter Type: Most cats prefer unscented, clumping clay litter. Avoid strong floral scents.

Common Behaviors & Solutions

Hissing / Growling

Normal response to stress—not aggression.

  • Allow distance & avoid eye contact
  • Offer treats in presence of triggers
  • Use scent swapping before intros

Swatting / Nipping

Usually overstimulation or fear.

  • Remove hands from play immediately
  • Redirect to toys
  • Learn their overstimulation threshold

Nighttime Zoomies

Cats are active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular).

  • Increase structured play before bed
  • Offer puzzle feeders overnight
  • Keep nighttime routine predictable

Scratching Furniture

Need to mark territory and stretch. Use catnip to encourage post use.

  • Provide posts at entryways & bed edges
  • Cover areas with aluminum foil or sticky tape
  • Use both horizontal and vertical scratchers

Food Guarding

Common in formerly neglected cats.

  • Separate feeding areas
  • Use multiple small bowls
  • Use puzzle feeders for pace control

Overgrooming

May indicate stress, pain, or allergies.

  • Vet check recommended first
  • Check for fleas/parasites
  • Provide enrichment to reduce anxiety

Resource Guarding

Guarding beds, people, or spaces.

  • Avoid punishment (increases fear)
  • Provide duplicates of resources (multiple beds, water bowls)
  • Rotate high-value resting spots

Cat Training Basics That Work

Positive Reinforcement

Cats learn best when good behavior pays off.

  • Use high-value treats (chicken, churu).
  • Use a clicker or verbal marker ("Yes!").
  • Train: Come when called, Carrier comfort, Nail trims.

Avoid Punishment

Punishment increases fear, aggression, hiding behavior, and litter box issues.

Instead: Use redirection and environmental management.

Multi-Cat Household Support

Do It Right (Slow Intros)

  1. Scent swapping first (no visual).
  2. Closed-door feeding (positive association).
  3. Rotate spaces.
  4. Visual intro through baby gate/crack in door.
  5. Supervised brief visits.

This can take weeks or months—prevents lasting conflict!

Signs you are moving too fast:

  • Intense staring or blocking resources
  • Loud growling or pursuit
  • Litter box avoidance
  • Hiding for more than a few days

Environmental Enrichment

Bored cats develop behavior problems. Enrichment protects their wellbeing.

Vertical Space / Shelves
Interactive Play 2x Daily
Food Puzzles
Safe Hiding Spaces
Window Perches

Anxiety & Stress Management

Signs: Hiding, flinching, sudden aggression, overgrooming, vocalizing, or urinating outside the box.

Interventions:

  • Pheromone diffusers (Feliway)
  • Structured, predictable routines
  • Quiet feeding stations
  • Predictable handling

When to Call a Vet First

Behavior changes often signal medical pain. Always rule out illness before assuming it is behavioral. Watch for:

  • Pain / Arthritis
  • Dental Disease
  • Thyroid Changes
  • Urinary Issues
  • Gastrointestinal Disease

Behavior Support After Adoption

We are here for you. We offer guidance, resources, and troubleshooting plans to ensure a successful match. This lowers return risk and improves outcomes.

Contact Us for Support