As a working cat behavior consultant, I repeat myself over and over again every day. I have compiled this list of some of the things I end up talking about the most.

1. If your cat is constantly begging for food, they’re hungry. Increase the frequency of meals to at least 4x a day and calculate how many calories they’re getting. An average 10 pound cat needs around 250 to maintain weight.

2. Don’t fall for the gimmicky litter or litter box. Your cat doesn’t want a Litter Robot or Pretty Litter or whatever. You do. 9/10 cats prefer a simple uncovered box with clay litter.

3. If you own multiple cats, your house needs to look like multiple cats live there. I know as soon as I enter a home if the cats are fighting or not based on the number of cat trees, beds, toys, feeding stations, litter boxes, etc.

4. I can tell you with 99% certainty that your cat is not displaying dominance with whatever behavior he is doing.

5. Play with your cat at least twice a day for at least five minutes. Even if your cat is just watching the toy, they’re playing. It counts.

6. The Jackson Galaxy cat introduction method does not work consistently enough to even be relevant. I could (and do with my clients) spend 90 minutes explaining exactly why and what to do instead.

7. Your cat can be trained to do anything using positive reinforcement. This includes cooperating for taking medication, having their nails trimmed, and going into a carrier. Punishment is primarily not effective because it doesn’t teach the cat good behavior. They don’t learn what they’re supposed to do instead.

8. The answer to your problems is ALMOST never to add another cat. It does help sometimes, sure. But often you just create more problems.

9. Cats thrive when given choices and they have a sense of control over their own lives. Use a consent test every time you interact with your cat (hold your hand out and wait for the cat to close the distance). Voila. You no longer get bitten during petting.

10. Learn body language, learn body language, learn body language. You’ll thank me.

Let me know if you have questions, and feel free to suggest your own!