Frisky Feline Behavior Counseling

07/06/2025

Cat tongues are one of the most fascinating features in all of feline anatomy. At first glance, they may seem simple, but look closer & you will find a remarkable natural design at work.

Covered in backward-facing spines called papillae, a cat’s tongue functions like a built-in grooming comb. These spines are made of keratin, the same material found in claws, and they help detangle fur, remove debris, and even rasp meat from bone. That distinctive sandpaper texture? It is pure feline efficiency.

Every lick serves a purpose. Whether they are tidying their own coat, grooming a fellow feline, or showing affection to a chosen human, their tongues reflect precision & instinct. Some scientists believe modern grooming tools were inspired by the structure of cat tongues, and frankly, we are not surprised.

Image & editted content from Cat Clowder

07/04/2025

🎆🐾 Fireworks Season & Keeping Cats Safe!🐾🎆

Fireworks can be fun for us, but they’re often terrifying for our feline friends. Here are some simple, cat-friendly tips to help your kitty get through the noise safely and calmly:

✅ Plan Ahead – Know when nearby displays are happening and prepare your space.

✅ Noise Buffer – Use a fan, TV, radio, or white noise machine. A combo works best!

✅ Block the View – Close blinds/curtains to limit flashing lights.

✅ Create a Safe Space – Provide cozy hiding spots like covered beds, tunnels, or even a cardboard box.

✅ Distract with Fun – Try cat TV, puzzle feeders, or automatic toys.

✅ Don’t Force Comfort – Let your cat hide if they want to. Don’t pick them up—it can stress them more.

✅ Check Their ID – Make sure collars have up-to-date info just in case.

✅ Secure Your Home – Keep doors and windows closed. Consider a “base camp room” for extra safety during loud events.

✅ Keep Them Indoors – No outdoor time or leash walks during fireworks. It’s not worth the risk.

✅ After the Show – Don’t pull them from hiding. Let them come out when they’re ready.

✅ Extra Support – Talk to your vet about calming aids if your cat is highly anxious.

🎉 Have a safe, happy celebration—and don’t forget to look out for your feline family members! 🐱❤️

07/02/2025

🎓🐾 CONGRATULATIONS, CHARLES! 🐾🎓

Charles has officially graduated from Litter Box School! 🧻✨
His family shares the challenges that they once faced are in the past and Charles is living his BEST life. Our one one on program had us aiming for no more mess days and no more stress days - and we are so excited to share it was a HUGE success!

We couldn’t be happier but lets not forget—behind every successful cat is a dedicated human family. The family is always the one we really need to congratulate for calling us, taking action and sticking to it to make it happen. We couldn't make this a win without Y-O-U🐾❤️

Congratulations to Charles and family for their next chapter!

07/02/2025

🐾 Wild at Heart: The Art of Cat Camouflage 🐾

Spotted on a trail walk: a young tabby perfectly blending into the brush 🌿 Can you find them? 😺

Cats are masters of stealth, and it’s no accident. Those stripes, spots, and earthy tones aren't just pretty — they’re survival tools! 🐯✨

✔️ Stripes break up the outline of a cat’s body, especially in tall grass or underbrush.
✔️ Spots mimic dappled light filtering through trees.
✔️ Neutral colors like brown, gray, and cream? Perfect for vanishing into dry leaves, dirt, or rocks.

Even our domestic kitties are just little wild things with fashion straight from nature’s runway 🐆🌾

📸 Nature’s camo in action below.
👉 Have you ever almost missed a cat because they blended in too well? Share your camo-cat stories!

06/27/2025

Many cats experience severe stress during fireworks season—hiding, vocalizing, or even attempting to escape.

I was interviewed on the topic and was happy to share practical ways to support your cat during noisy holidays. If you have a sound-sensitive cat or work with pet guardians, this piece is worth a read:

👉https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-anxiety-fireworks/

When cats are frightened by fireworks, their survival instincts kick in. Use these tips to keep kitty calm and safe on the Fourth of July.

06/26/2025

As a certified cat behavior consultant, I don’t just help with behavior cat-astrophes — I work with all cats!

For some (especially kittens), we’re laying the groundwork for a future full of confidence and purr-sonal growth. For others, it might be:

🐱 Carrier or harness training
🩺 Mock vet visits
💅 Nail trims & med handling
🎪 Agility or learning ameow-zing tricks!

Even if your cat is already purr-fect, we can work together to highlight the love and care you already give — and maybe sprinkle in a little extra enrichment for fun. 💕

Let’s make life the cat’s meow — one paw at a time! 🐾

06/25/2025

You all gave such amazing advice, we had to turn it into a blog post! 🐾 We’re so grateful for the thoughtful tips shared — and we know new pet owners will appreciate them just as much. 💛

Check out the blog here and let us know what you think!

Have more tips to share? Drop them in the comments below — we’d love to keep the conversation going.

As a cat certified behavior consultant and a longtime cat parent of two, I've seen a ton of advice floating around about caring for our furry friends. But let’s be real: it is not all good advice! The best people to ask would be those who have firsthand experience with cat ownership and have overc...

06/25/2025

Things you would tell a first time cat owner?
👇🏻

06/23/2025

Putting your cat outside is not the answer.

Days like today are hard.... As the heat settles over everything like a heavy blanket, our minds go to the cats who are out there—alone, exposed, and struggling to survive.

We think of our community cats, the ones born outside, who do know how to find shade, water, and a hiding spot. Even they are suffering in this weather.

But it’s the others—the ones who knew only life indoors, until suddenly they didn’t—that weigh the heaviest on our hearts.

The cats who once had a home.
The ones who were put outside for good because of behavior issues—aggression, house soiling, scratching.
Cats who knew cool floors, water bowls, regular meals, and the warmth of the sun only through a window.

Now, they’re on the streets.
No idea where to find water.
No idea which direction is safe.
No preparation for the noise, the traffic, the other animals.
And no understanding of why the humans they trusted are gone.

We know behavior problems can push people to their limit. It can feel overwhelming. But please—we beg you—don’t give up by putting your cat outside. They don’t know how to survive out there.
Especially not on days like this.

Today we’re thinking of the ones still out there.
The ones who might find a second chance...
And the ones who won’t.

There is help. There are answers.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Please reach out—talk to a friend, your vet, a rescue, a trapper, a cat person… and of course, to us.

Don’t let a fixable issue become a goodbye.

06/23/2025

🙀Rhode Island is prioritizing cat welfare first! 👏🏻

Rhode Island would soon join the many places that prohibit the declawing of cats under legislation approved by the General Assembly today.

The legislation, which now goes to the governor, is sponsored by Senator Melissa Murray and Rep. Bill O'Brien.

The legislation, which takes effect Sept. 1, will make it illegal for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing or a tendonectomy on any cat or otherwise alter a cat’s toes, claws or paws to prevent or impair normal function. The bill provides an exception if the procedure is medically necessary to address an illness, infection, disease, injury or abnormal condition that compromises the cat’s health. Violators could face veterinary license suspension or revocation.

“Declawing is painful, unnecessary and inhumane. It’s no way to treat any pet,” said Senator Murray. “Fortunately, there has been growing awareness of the risks and cruelty of declawing. Our state must recognize that declawing is animal abuse and prohibit it altogether.”

Learn more: https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=375685

06/23/2025

There was tension between Bella and Binx for months — the kind that makes a household feel heavy. It divided them, but the family wanted more for them and was willing to do what it takes. So through steady, thoughtful behavior work and a lot of patience, things shifted for this duo and now they’ve even been caught sleeping together.

We’re so proud of Bella and Binx, but even more proud of the family who showed up every day with empathy and consistency. Progress like this doesn’t happen without people willing to do the work.

It’s moments like this — that remind us why this work matters.

06/21/2025

SHARE PLEASE! ☀️🐾 MEOW-CH! It’s Gonna Be a Hot One! 🐾☀️ Connecticut Cat parents — a heat wave is headed our way with temps soaring over 100°F! That’s not just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous for our fur babies. Here’s how to keep your kitty cool, safe, and purr-fectly hydrated during the heat wave 😽💦:

😼 If your cat goes outside — keep them Inside! No risks, no exceptions. The pavement and heat can be dangerous.

💧 Refresh water multiple times a day with cool or even refrigerated water. Offer water bowls in several spots. Bonus: Try adding a bit of water to wet food to sneak in extra hydration!

🐟 Cool treats + activities: Try chilled Churu in the fridge, crispy crunchy cool cat grass, or even some water play with robo-fish! 🧊

❄️ Run the AC — even on low. Fans don’t always cut it when the temps climb. Make sure your cat has at least one cool room to chill out in.

🧼 Brush your cat (if they like it!) — removing extra fur can help them feel cooler.

🪟 Keep blinds and curtains closed during peak sun hours to lower indoor temps. Instant cat cave! 🕶️

🛏️ Cooling pads or cool tile floors can be a lifesaver — let them sprawl like royalty.

🐾 Go easy on playtime! No intense zoomies if it’s too warm inside — it’s okay to let your kitty be a lazy loaf.

⏱️ Don’t leave wet food out too long. Warmer air = faster spoilage. Try smaller, more frequent meals.

🧳 Traveling? Have someone check on your cat daily! Don’t assume they’ll be okay solo in extreme temps. Cats are not heat-proof!

And lastly — take care of YOU too! Stay hydrated, rest, and don’t fur-get to take breaks. Your cat needs you!😻

Let’s get through this heat wave safe and cool, together! 🐾💛