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Your cat willtrain you - or drive you insane trying to do so. They have the ability to communicate their basic needs and desires - and trust me, communicate it they will. When you cat wants something from you, you'll know it. Cats usually use a form of behavior modification when they are trying to teach something to humans. Typically, they'll just keep getting in your way until they get what you want.

Tail expression is only a small part of a cat's vocabulary, but it is probably the easiest to comprehend for a new student of Felinese. A cat may signal a change in its attitude by flicking or just bending the tip of its tail. It's a great place to begin your mastery of catspeak. …

Here is the reality: Scratching is a necessary action for your cat to keep its nails in good shape and to mark its territory. You can't eliminate it, but you can channel it.

Can I Train My Cat Not to Scratch?

You can teach a new cat new tricks. Sort of. Sometimes. It's worth trying. Young cats or newly adopted kittens can be trained to use a scratching post. But like training any animal to behave properly, it takes time and patience. You need to start with a good post, made of heavy hemp...

Recently, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) updated its policy on free-roaming abandoned and feral cats - noting that there is simply not one single solution to reduce this population. This revamped policy hopes to encourage the collaboration between veterinarians, humane groups and wildlife conservation agencies to try to reduce these populations in a humane and ethical manner....

[From Tufts January 2010 Issue] [IMGCAP(1)] In past centuries, people invented fanciful explanations for cats mystifying behaviors. Modern science and common sense have debunked such notions as supernatural cats conspiring with witches. We know that cats have only one life, not nine. And black cats dont cause future bad luck by dashing across our paths. …

[From Tufts January 2010 Issue] Cats crave consistency in the household routine. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, veterinarian and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, provides six tips aimed at keeping your cat safe and reducing the risk of unwanted behavior issues during a home remodeling project: …

[IMGCAP(1)] [From Tufts January 2010 Issue] Before Dave and Jody Rundle embarked on a major home renovation project two years ago, the Santa Barbara, California, couple sat down and planned every step of the process - including a discussion on how to make life as stress-free as possible for their three cats, Izzy, Smudge and Blue. …

[From Tufts February 2010 Issue]Why does my cat vomit? Do you know why my overweight cat vomits? She is elderly, but I dont know her exact age. I feed her half of a 3-ounce can of Fancy Feast at night and three-quarters of a cup of a dental-diet dry food during the day. The vomit looks like it has been digested (like small chewed pieces of dry food in very yellow fluid). Fortunately, she can sometimes go 10 days without…

Seeks nutritional help for cat with cystitis Hobbes, my 5-year-old male, neutered tabby was recently diagnosed with cystitis (a bladder infection). My veterinarian recommended that I feed him canned food, at least for a month. There are two other cats in my home. Until now, meal time has consisted of keeping a bowl filled with kibble so that the food is always available. How can I get Hobbes and my other cats trained to eat at set…

[From Tufts March 2010 Issue] Today, more than one-third of cats in the United States are overweight, posing many health risks and possibly contributing to shortened lives. Ongoing research indicates that increasing protein levels and decreasing carbohydrates in feline diets play vital roles in preventing obesity and its related illnesses. One of these leading scientists, Debra Zoran, DVM, associate professor and chief of medicine at Texas A&M Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College…

[From Tufts March 2010 Issue] Know what your cats normal weight should be, and weigh her regularly. If she gains a pound, strive to get it off again. To properly address your cats weight issues, our veterinary nutritional experts pose these five questions: 1. What are you feeding your cat? Seek to raise protein levels and reduce carbohydrate and calorie levels. Cat food label recommendations are for intact, rather than spayed or neutered cats, so adjust them…

Diabetes ranks as one of the most common health conditions in cats, especially those who are overweight. As treatment, many cats will require twice-daily insulin injections. In two recent issues, we provided step-by-step guides to administering pills and liquid medicine. Now, our experts offer tips on developing confidence and proficiency in administering insulin injections to your diabetic cat.