If you’ve ever wondered, are my cats playing or fighting? — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get as a cat behavior consultant. And because cat play can look rough, it can be hard to know what’s normal, what’s healthy, and when it may be time to step in. The good news is there are clear differences between healthy social play and true conflict once you know what to look for.

If you live with multiple cats and things feel chaotic, unpredictable, or just… off:

👉 it’s probably not random
👉 and it’s probably not about one “problem cat”

It’s a system. And when you can see the system, you can start to change it.

One of the most common reasons clients come to me is inter-cat tension or aggression.

I often hear things like: “My cats used to be best friends!” “This came out of nowhere!”

And while it can feel sudden, it usually isn’t.

Many litter box problems that people assume are behavioral actually start with something much simpler: the litter itself. Cats can be incredibly particular about what they stand on when they go to the bathroom.

Play is one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of keeping cats behaviorally and physically healthy. In the wild, cats spend 10 to 12 hours a day hunting. Play, in our homes, is simulated hunting! It’s not just entertainment - it’s a biological necessity. And beyond that, play is one of the most powerful ways to build your relationship with your cat.

Anxiety in cats is not about “bad behavior.” It’s about unmet needs, pain, unpredictability, boredom, overstimulation — or a combination of many factors. The earlier we address it, the easier it is to resolve!

One of the most common medical drivers behind house soiling in cats is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) - a broad term that refers to a group of painful urinary conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.

While some cats seek out plants for digestive benefits (like helping with hairballs), most plant-chewing behavior stems from boredom.

I frequently recommend that clients use cameras, logs, and simple tracking tools to help uncover behavior patterns that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Cerebellar hypoplasia, often called wobbly cat syndrome, sounds intimidating until you understand what’s actually going on in the brain. You can help your cat or kitten become the best they can be!

Just like their wild cousins, our domestic cats need regular intellectual stimulation to stay healthy, balanced, and happy.

A little over two years ago my wife and I moved our 10 (at the time!) cats from NYC a few hours away to Connecticut. We were really excited to give the cats more space and access to a safe catio outdoors but I was worried about the move itself.

With avian influenza making its way through bird populations and being reported in various mammals, including cats, it’s critical for pet parents to understand what this means for their indoor and outdoor cats.

Disasters can strike unexpectedly, whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or even an extended power outage. As cat people, it’s crucial to be prepared to ensure the safety and well-being of our feline companions.

Cats are famously independent, but in moments of crisis, their safety depends on us. Teaching your cats to respond to an emergency recall sound is one of the most effective ways to protect them when it matters most.

Cats are enigmatic creatures, not just in their behavior but also in their nutritional needs. As obligate carnivores, they have a unique set of dietary requirements that differ significantly from ours or even from dogs.

Training your cat to LIKE their carrier bag is a huge life / time / stress saver and is very simple to do, by building positive associations with the carrier.

Grief is not a journey one moves on from but moves with. It's a path we navigate step by step, day by day, finding solace in the shared experiences and in the legacy our pets leave behind.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis and you!

Using desensitization and counter condition to help your cat!