The speed of progress depends on your cat’s personality, health, the specific behavior you are trying to modify, and your consistency with training and habit-building. Sometimes a cat will seemingly change “overnight,” but the process of experimentation, compromise, and applications usually takes longer than that!

Often, the kitty that prompts a pet parent to seek behavior help is not the source of the issues! To identify the “instigator” or cause of behavioral disruptions in your home, it’s important to spend time observing each kitty – not only during periods of tension or conflict but also throughout different phases of the day. Keep track of your observations in a diary, with time stamps, and start looking for patterns.  

Being feline-centric means understanding and respecting your cat’s natural behaviors – and learning to see the world through their eyes. My role is to help restore harmony in your home, but please know that your beloved kitty is my primary focus! 

Virtual visits are often more efficient than in-person visits because kitties often hide or act differently in the presence of a new person. But, if you are not comfortable with technology, in-person visits are a great way to assess your kitty in their environment. 

Give them more of your time. Spending just a few extra minutes with your cat each day will help you to get to know them better, identify triggers, and strengthen your bond. If your cat is stand-offish or fearful, keep your visits to 1-2 minutes, give them lots of space, and simply sit quietly. 

This refers to making some physical changes in your home and/or adapting your interactions to make it easier for your cat to move around your home and get the most out of their golden years. You’d be amazed by the number of small, low-cost, or free items that can make a difference.