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As cat guardians, our goal is to create a loving bond with our pets and a harmonious household. When there is a pet whose behaviour creates an unsettled home or increased tension within the household, everybody’s quality of life is impacted. Sometimes, the best solution is to seek a new family or lifestyle for the pet. Making this decision can be heartbreaking, and we hope that this article may provide some comfort.
When we communicate with each other and our pets, we use a variety of methods, such as speech, actions, and behaviour. Unfortunately for us, our cat's best method of communication is behaviour, and it’s up to us to decipher what they are trying to tell us.
Cats will always seek a cat-appropriate solution to their problems, and it is surprisingly common for cats with undiscovered health challenges to show behaviour problems - you can think of behaviour just like another physical symptom! If you have not already done so, consulting with a cat-centric vet who is up to date on the link between behaviour and health in cats is a great place to start.
Below, we’ve put together some resources to assist you with managing your cat’s behaviour and creating the most harmonious home possible while we navigate their rehoming journey together.
The resources we have compiled cover a variety of situations, and not all will apply to your specific circumstances, so we recommend you pick those that are most relevant to your situation.
Settling your cats into a new home or after a big change
When cats are new to an environment or there have been some upsetting changes at home, going back to basics in creating a cat-friendly environment can be surprisingly helpful for everyone.
Below are some resources to guide you through getting the foundations right for your struggling kitty
Basecamp: The secret to your cat’s happiness
The Five Pillars of a Healthy Environment for Cats
Cat Friendly Homes - What Your Cat Needs to Feel Secure
If you would like in-depth information about how to create an environment in which cats thrive, read the AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines
Aggression towards people
This can be one of the most challenging behaviours for any guardian-pet bond. Guardians live with pets because of the companionship they provide, and when that bond is challenged by acts of aggression, it can create an unbalanced environment.
The resources below are designed to provide you with an understanding of why your cat may be showing aggressive behaviours.
Owner-Directed Feline Aggression
Cat Aggression Toward People: Causes and Prevention
Multi-cat households
Introducing cats to each other or re-introducing cats to each other after a fight or separation can be a challenge, even if they were previously great friends.
The resources below will help you give the cats the best chance possible to become peaceful housemates.
Cat-to-cat introductions: Think housemates, not besties.
Cat Friendly Homes - Why is my cat territorial?
Cats fighting or just playing? Here’s how to tell.
Exhausted by your cats fighting? Here's how you can stop it.
If you would like to do a deep dive into troubleshooting issues between cats sharing a home, read the 2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management
Mixed species households
If your cat is not loving a furry but non-feline member of your household, such as your dog, these resources are for your feisty feline!
Tips for Introducing cats and dogs
Introducing Cats and Dogs: How to Help Ensure Harmony in the Home
How to Introduce Cats & Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you would like to explore the link between behaviour and health in cats in more depth, this article is a great place to start.
image: Pearl, Home2Home
