Feline aggression toward people or other cats

Aggression is simply a label but it does not describe the cat's behavior very well. Your cat is behaving this way because their behavior works and the environment allows him or her to respond that way.  All behavior serves a function! A majority of the problem is related the situation or the environment.  The good news is that we can manage and control this! It is a matter of identifying the function of the behavior, changing the environment so that behavior does not work anymore.  We are ultimately changing the underlying emotional state using humane methods that your cat understands. There is no "cure" for aggression, but we can do a lot to reduce the severity of the problem and apply management so we set our cats up for success.

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Here is how it works:
Changing aggressive behavior requires time, experience, and a strong skill set to do this correctly.  Typically we meet for our initial meeting, then in the weeks that follow, you can work on a behavior modification plan with a few visits from me to help you with the training process.  

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Initial Consultation (60‑75 minutes

  • Gather a thorough history
  • Identify all behaviors that could be contributing to the problem (i.e how well your cats get along can be affecting litterbox problems)
  • Discuss body language so you can determine what can be causing additional stress
  • Classify triggers that illicit any of the behavior that you want to change
  • Determine ways to manage your cat until training or conditioning can occur
  • Identify "next steps" in order to move forward (i.e. buy new litterbox, going to your veterinarian, etc.)
  • With your permission a copy of our behavior plan will be faxed to your veterinarian.
FELINE BEHAVIOR THERAPY PACKAGE INCLUDES: 
  • The initial consultation described above plus 2 more sessions for training and conditioning. Sessions typically last 60 minutes.
  • Active training and conditioning based on plan that was established during consultation
  • Visits may include one of our assistants
  • Determine severity of behavior and use video taping to measure progress
  • Further classify triggers and select some to begin conditioning exercises
  • Flexible. Behavior changes and so will your goals so we will adjust the plan as needed
  • Takes time! We are creating new behavior pathways for life long change. Compare it to a weight loss program for people- small steps are needed for long term change 
  • Determine the goals; so how will we know when your cat is getting better?
  • Includes unlimited email and phone follow‑up at no charge! On average this is about 2 hours a week for several weeks or months.
  • Requires close communication with your veterinarian (they are interested in the well being of your cat but also in case drug therapy is needed).
  • Empower you to modify the behavior so you will not need my service anymore

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    **Fees for cat aggression, click here and choose in-home consultations**

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We set up a lot of guidance in the beginning, and as you become more proficient we start to fade out until you are able to fully control or modify the behaviors on your own.  It does not benefit you if only I can get the behavior change in

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your cat while I am there. I am simply facilitating your learning so that you learn the skills to change their behavior.

If this sounds like what you are looking for, then I look forward to talking with you and becoming an advocate for your cat!  If you want to schedule an appointment, you may click here to fill out a thorough history form that we require before the first visit. Thank you and we will talk to you soon!