Understanding Little Cat Complex

This frisky feline is bossy and bold. These cats are quick learners and are usually very motivated by clicker training, and positive reinforcement. Most of these cats tend to be extroverted and affectionate, especially toward humans, but be careful! Insecurities lurk underneath of that seemingly-confident exterior. Insecurity drives them to dominate the household, which can make it difficult for them to live peacefully with other cats. If there are not sufficient places in their territory that they can take ownership of, and they are not utilizing their energy in a constructive way, they can feel threatened. This can lead to destructive scratching behaviors, fights with other cats, and even urine marking behaviors. These behaviors are their desperate attempt to feel like they own and belong in the territory.

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Tips to Help Them Overcome Their Territorial Insecurities
 

While we can’t change who our cats are (and, of course, we wouldn’t want to) we do have the power to make small changes in our everyday lives that will help them view their world as a safe place. Here are a few ways you can get started today:

  • Always provide enough litter boxes (general rule is one for every cat PLUS one). Put each litter box in a separate area.
  • Provide plenty of perches and scratchers for them to get their scent on. (Through scent glands, not through urine marking!)
  • Always provide them with their own food bowl, and don’t feed them directly next to any other cats or animals.
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Black and white photo of Lauren with her cat, Nia, on her shoulders

Hey There!

Hi there loving cat parent, I’m Lauren! I ‘m a Certified Cat Behavior Counselor, who has been working with cats for about 9 years. I know, this isn’t exactly a career many people have heard of. Truth be told, it’s more of a calling, than a career. A calling that is born from such a deep curiosity and love for cats, and everything about them.

I, myself, have four incredible and unbelievably loved cats. To me, no cat is “just a cat.” And when you choose to share your life with them, they’re a member of the family.

But, let’s be honest, living with cats (like anything else!) comes with it’s challenges. You see, I didn’t just learn what I know about cats from a book, or getting certified. Over the years, I have actually experienced almost every behavior issue in the book with my own cats.

Behavior problems in cats may seem small, but I know how they can consume your life, and even your relationships.

My mission is to help dedicated cat parents, like you, realize that you don’t have to choose between your cat, and the life you want.

Black and white photo of me, with my tabby cat, Nia, on my shoulders

Your Cat Isn't Broken...

In our society, we have this distorted view of cats. We end up putting all of these stigmas and expectations on them that really don’t fit them at all. 

We create all of these misconceptions and confusion around their behavior. We compare them to our dogs, we put human qualities and motivations behind their actions that aren’t really there.

We call them solitary beings, we call them evil or psychotic, we say that they’re nocturnal and that’s why they keep us up at night, we say “it’s just a cat” to try to lessen our own feelings of guilt when we don’t know what to do.

And this is not your fault. You love your cat, and in your mind you’re trying to rationalize confusing behavior in the only way you know how to.

Trying to “fix” your cat is never going to work, because they’re not broken. Your understanding of them is. I help cat parents create a relationship with their cat that is based on understanding and respect.

You Don't Have to Choose Between Your Cat and the Life You Want.

  • Have the relationship with your cat that you desperately want, but don't know how to get
  • Stop problem behaviors in their tracks, not by "fixing your cat, but by understanding them enough to give them what they need in order to be the best cat they can be.
  • Stop beating your head against the wall, thinking your cat is just an a-hole, and there's nothing you can do.
  • Face the difficult moments with ease and understanding, rather than frustration and guilt.
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3 Ways to Get Started Today

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What Lauren's Clients Are Saying

We knew we needed help to control some behaviors of our two cats - one scratched everything and the other hid from absolutely everyone. We were also pretty skeptical about a Cat Behaviorist...is that a thing? We met Lauren by Zoom for our initial consultation and she was great. Luckily we are in Orlando and she was able to assess them in person. Totally worth it. Her consultative and caring manner kept the pets in focus and she gave us a detailed plan to follow. I'm proud to share that the behaviors have been fixed which will ensure many happy years with the cats and two sane owners!
Bryan Long
Client's cat, Bogdan, laying on cardboard scratcher
Client's cat, Bogdan, cuddled on her lap
Client holding her cat, Bogdan,

“Lauren has been extraordinarily helpful with her tips and Behavior Plan for my cat, Bogdan. I adopted him as a 2 year old and he had a few behavioral problems. Lauren listened intently as I described my concerns and formatted a lovely plan for me and my cat. The multiple page document I was sent laid out each concern I had with an abundance of solutions. She explained signs of over-stimulation in cats, gave tips on play structure and how to keep him off my counters. I had 6 different concerns and she helped with each and every one. I also appreciated the inclusion of links to purchase different items to enrich my cats environment. I trust Lauren’s opinion and expertise and would recommend her to anyone with a cat they love.”

-Margo M. a.k.a. Bogdan’s Mom

“”I first met Lauren on a cat behavioral page when I adopted my boy. He has had the worst start in life and was terrified of life itself. [He came from a hoarder’s house in Dubai, where he was confined to a cage with two other cats.]

Lauren kindly said she was happy to give me a few helpful tips so we began our journey together. This hasn’t been the easiest for either of us, as we’re on different continents but we have made it work. Unfortunately, toffee is also very ill [and almost completely blind] but with our dedication, patience and mutual understanding, toffee has now gone from being a terrified poorly little boy, to a stronger happier cat that is growing in confidence daily.

When he arrived here, he spent his life in a cardboard box, not moving. Now he loves his bed and cat tree, no box in sight, and he talks to us. He is purring at our tickle times, and even trusts me to rub his belly.

All this has happened in just 11 weeks! He still has a long way to go, but thanks to Lauren’s advice, and our persistence, hopefully he has a long, happy, caring life ahead and NEVER has a negative experience again.

Thank you hunny for your help although I think you’re secretly in love with him too.”

xxx Toffee’s Mom, Sandy

client's cat, toffee, in cardboard box
client's cat, toffee, under cat tree
client's cat, toffee, laying on stairs

Have Another Cat? Take the Quiz Again!

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Feel That Another Personality Type May Be A Better Fit?

Like us, no feline fits into solely one category. I designed this short mini quiz to help you understand what’s going on with your cat, by identifying their most prominent behavior traits. If “Cautious Kitty” doesn’t feel like quite the right fit for your fur baby, please check out the other four feline personality types linked below.

Wild Child
Life of the Party
Cautious Kitty
Zen Cat

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