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Cat stop using their litter box? Read the top 5 reasons your cat may be avoiding their litter box and how to address the problem with solutions like self-cleaning litter boxes.
Updated on June 19th, 2026

Learn how to introduce a dog to a cat. Dogs and cats can get along and sometimes all it takes is a proper introduction to keep the peace in your household.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for your cat, recommended diet and grooming care. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn all about what separation anxiety looks like in cats and how to address it.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Learn all about what social anxiety looks like in cats and how to address it.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It may be helpful for you to provide more details as to what behavior you're trying to correct in Sabbath. As you have found out spraying with water and tapping or hitting never work. These punishments can actually make things worse and are not recommended. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key in any training. A Feliway diffuser may help you as well. Again, depending on the behavioral problem there may be different solutions so more details are helpful in Sabbath's case. If you are running into problems a consultation with your veterinarian or even a boarded veterinary behaviorist will help. They can even discuss behavioral medications if necessary.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
In my experience, a cat who wants to escape from something like a harness will eventually find a way. I do think that this type tends to work a little better: I also think training is very important: put the harness on for very short periods of time while offering food or a treat and gradually work your way up to longer time. If he starts to get upset with the harness training is over and you should take it off. All harness time should be fun! Once he seems comfortable you can then try adding a lead.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Uh-oh, naughty Cassie! This is tricky. In general, when we're trying to shape our pets' behavior, of course we want to reward behaviors we like and either ignore, punish, or redirect behaviors we don't like. We want our pets to learn that "good" behavior gets rewarded, and "bad" behavior does not. The tricky part here is that Cassie has started misbehaving - but every time she succeeds in stealing food, or playing with something she shouldn't, if it's a good experience for her, she is essentially "rewarding" herself. We need to stop her ability to reward herself - and I'll be honest with you, it's challenging! My advise is that Cassie not be unsupervised around *anything* that she might get into, until these behaviors stop. This is easier said than done! But, again, every time she does these behaviors and has a great time doing them, she is solidifying the behavior. We cannot punish animals after the fact - we have to respond to them in that moment or they do not make the association. So, she cannot be allowed to get into real food without someone there to intervene. Again, I realize this is not easy advice - but unfortunately behavior issues generally require time, energy, diligence, and patience to correct. So, if you have a room in the house where there is nothing Cassie can get into, I would place her there when you are not home or are unable to watch her. Otherwise, make sure she is in the same room as you so you can catch her "in the act" when she is getting into something she shouldn't. You could also invest in a large cat playpen such as this one: https://www.chewy.com/midwest-collapsible-cat-playpen/dp/45740?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=MidWest&utm_term=&gclid=CKHwxcaC9dQCFQONaQodFwwFog&gclsrc=aw.ds ...where Cassie can spend her time unsupervised (overnight, etc). Make sure to place safe toys, cat treats, etc where she is confined so she still has things to do. She can then "earn" more unsupervised freedom around the house as you work on these behaviors. If you're still running into trouble, I would recommend chatting with your vet. They will likely have recommendations for trainers or behaviorists in your area who could consult with you. I know this is not an easy fix - but I hope it helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It's great that you want to work on some training with Boomer! Most cats really enjoy this - and despite what people often say, they're very trainable if you're patient and have tasty rewards :) There are lots of good options available for training treats. Personally, I like Temptations, Blue Wilderness, and Zukes brand soft treats for training. You can also use tiny dollops of canned food as a training reward, if he prefers this.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
"Think Like a Cat" by Pam Johnson-Bennett is a great book on cat behavior; this author also has a couple of other books ("Catwise" and "Cat Vs. Cat") which are also great. "The Trainable Cat" by John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis is another good resource, with lots of specific info on teaching your cat to do things in a positive way. I hope that helps a bit! :)
Updated on September 24th, 2025