Dr. Nicholas Dodman Behavioral Disorders INTRODUCTION Considering their size, domestic cats can make formidable adversaries. Unlike dogs, cats have not one but five attack weapons, including a widely opening mouth, well-appointed with penetrating teeth, and four dexterous paws bearing needle-sharp claws. The combination of these weapons, explosive speed, and the exquisite suppleness of a contortionist [...]
Dr. Nicholas Dodman Behavioral Disorders WAKING UP AT DAWN Contrary to popular belief, cats are not nocturnal. The term “nocturnal” refers to the lifestyle of being awake at night instead of during the day, and that isn’t what cats do. They sleep at night as we do, just not for quite as long. Cats are [...]
Dr. Nicholas Dodman Behavioral Disorders COUNTERS AND YOUR CAT Why do cats find counters so appealing? Take this quiz to find out: A. Because they’re there. B. Because cats naturally prefer a three-dimensional environment. C. Because cats occasionally find food morsels while patrolling countertops. D. All of the above. Answer D is correct. THE DOWNSIDE [...]
Dr. Nicholas Dodman Behavioral Disorders OVERVIEW Cats make great pets. They love to play, they love to cuddle when you’re watching TV or sleeping, and they purr for no reason other than being near you. But they also love to scratch. Unfortunately, the things they love to scratch are often the legs of your antique [...]
THE LITTER BOX If you’re taking home a new kitten who has captured your heart, you will certainly need one important accessory — a litter box. Hmmm, the mysterious litter box — knowing which one to get and what to do with it does not come naturally to the average pet owner. Here’s what you [...]
Dr. Nicholas Dodman Behavioral Disorders THE BITING CAT Cats are supposed to be warm and friendly creatures, seeking owner approval, petting and cuddles and purring their way through peaceful evenings at home. But not all cats are this amiable or this compliant. Some have an agenda of their own and seemingly refuse to take no [...]