A one-on-one chat with Daniel “DQ” Quagliozzi:
Q: What’s the funniest/weirdest cat behavior you’ve come across? Were you able to successfully resolve it?
I once had a client with a cat that defecated on her couch, but only when she and her partner were having sex. True story. I never discounted that this was taking place and we sure did have some awkward conversation, but, it turned out that the litterbox set up was a total sh*t show, so once we made some changes there, the behavior stopped. It’s possible the noise, smell or interruption from them doing the deed, stressed out the cat, but the solution didn’t come with abstinence. It came by giving the cat better accommodations.
Q: What’s the most challenging behavioral issue you’ve seen? Were you able to successfully resolve it?
I once had a client with a cat that was murdering mallard ducks. They lived on a community pond and the ducks were protected by the property management. Well, not anymore. This beefy, orange tabby was dragging them home to the doorstep. Needless to say, they faced eviction and an action plan was needed asap. So…. We worked on a solid play and foraging routine inside the house (food puzzle toys and lots of aerobic play), added harness walks to his morning and evenings and made sure to outfit him with some annoying bells, when he went outside. They still live there and the ducks are doing what ducks do…alive.
Q: What is one of the worst things that many cat owners do? (those who don’t follow the Catlandia Charter)
I think that cat guardians force their intentions on cats too much. Let your cats call the shots. ALWAYS. I think we try to use our very presence as a way to sooth cats when they are scared or anxious. We need to make it less about us and more about the things that make cats feel safe, like freewill, abundant resources, choices and an environment rich with self-serving benefits.
Q: What’s the BEST thing about being a cat behaviorist?
I do what I do because I want to save cats lives, but I also want to shift the thinking of the humans who love them. I believe there is a direct connection between how we feel and how our pets feel, living in our boxes with us. You can’t very well get to the bottom of a cat problem, if you don’t have an understanding and connection with your client. I want to make humans better humans through the veil of cat advice. The best part for me is being of service.
Q: What’s the WORST thing about being a cat behaviorist?
How much we spend on lint rollers. Oh… and getting attacked by cats.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Catlandia Charter: Five Rules for a Living in Harmony with Cats” quote=”Catlandia Charter: Five Rules for a Living in Harmony with Cats”]
Summary
We asked Daniel his Top 3 Tips for every cat owner:
- Playing with your cat is not arbitrary.
- Cats will go anywhere they please.
- Surrender yourself. Not your cat.
We thank Daniel for his open and candid commentary and insightful perspective. We’re on board with the Catlandia Charter! Visit Go, Cat, Go!
Check out Daniel’s video below called the “Cat’s Meow”
Drop us a comment below – what’s been your funniest or most challenging cat behavior issue?
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All this sounds pretty sensible and realistic!