To understand cats, we must first understand how they behave in their natural environment. Continue…

Myths and legends have been spun around cats ever since people started sharing their world with them. Some myths paint cats as exotic and mysterious, others have cats in league with the devil. Continue…

Aren’t puppies just the cutest? Its hard not to laugh when they’re bouncing around with some stolen prize like a dirty sock (if you’re lucky).  It is amazing how quickly things that seem so cute and innocent at 8 weeks are obnoxious and even dangerous a few short months later. Continue…

Wendy and her cat Nala are relaxing on the couch, Wendy absently stroking a half-sleeping Nala while she watches TV. This goes on for ten minutes or so, and suddenly Nala whips around toward Wendy’s innocent hand and sinks her teeth into it. Wendy yells, equal parts disbelief and pain, and noisily banishes Nala from her lap, swatting her on the rear as she runs off, her tail and body low to the floor.

This is an examples of overstimulation, or petting-related, aggression. It is one of the most common sources of feline-human miscommunication, and often has frustrating, many times bloody, results. Wendy interprets Nala’s sudden turn in human emotional terms, as if Nala was telling Wendy with a purr one moment how much she adored her and the next second, “I hate you!”

In order to understand how to solve the problem, we must first understand it from a cat’s-eye view. This involves seeing your cat for what he or she is, a natural predator, as well as prey for bigger predators.

Read more about petting-related (overstimulation) aggression:

Learn also about play-related aggression:

NB: These common behavioral problems (for us, not our cats <g>) can often be resolved.  Learn more about the triggers for these behaviors, maximize mental stimulation, and balance the internal equilibrium with homeopathy.  These excellent articles will help.–Dr. Jeff

All domestic dogs are descended from wolves. Despite sometimes being very different in shape, size, and color, domestic dogs have retained many of their behavior patterns. It is this part of our dogs that we need to understand if we are to enjoy our lives together. Continue…

A Non-Verbal Link to Canine Communication Continue…

There are many factors to consider when introducing pets for the first time. Continue…