Recorded Live on Saturday, September 2, 2023
This resource is a recording of a live event that occurred on September 2, 2023. Introducing new cats to other cats in the home can often be a tricky proposition, especially if your clients went too quickly or followed outdated techniques. Sometimes owners can experience issues with reintroductions of two resident cats if one was out of the home for an illness or other reason. Dealing with cat introductions, reintroductions and inter-cat conflict successfully are some of the most common complaints from cat owners. Anyone who works with cats, such as veterinarians, veterinary technicians, cat behavior consultants, shelter staff or volunteers, pet sitters and others will find useful information for their work with cat owners. This event recording examines the ins and outs of introducing cats properly, using practical techniques you can implement right away in your behavior practice!
The Separation (Presenter: Joey Lusvardi)
This presentation will cover the initial planning and setup for the “separation” period when introducing two cats. It will cover the “hows” and “whys” for your separation plan including how long it should be, what separate spaces are needed, and how to set up a common space for successfully integrating cats. The presentation will include a review of logistics, suggested tools, and other considerations for cat behavior professionals and cat owners.
The Exposure (Presenter: Laura Cassiday)
This presentation will cover the next step in a cat introduction plan where the cats are exposed to each other past the separation period. The presentation will provide detailed steps for exposure, how to determine the speed of progress, and using duration and benchmarks at each step. A review of suggested tools and logistics and other issues of concern will be covered.
Life After the Gate (Presenter: Tabitha Kucera)
Once the cats have been separated and slowly exposed to each other, this presentation will cover the third step in the process when the cats can move about freely. Considerations for when and how to open the gate, management tips for the process, supervision, safety concerns, logistics, and suggested tools will be touched on during this presentation.
Basics of Clicker Training Cats (Presenter: Katenna Jones)
While clicker training will be discussed during the previous three presentations, this presentation will provide an in-depth review of common clicker training techniques, mechanics and application used during cat introductions. Specific behaviors to be reviewed will include engage/disengage, targeting, and go to place.
CEU Details:
CEUs are approved for CCPDT (0 CEUs for trainers and 5.5 CEUs for behavior consultants). Approved for 5.5 CEUs from KPA. 5.5 CEUs approved for IAABC.
Registration:
$85 for on-demand (recorded) version. This conference was recorded live on September, 2, 2023. We offer a 10% discount for IAABC and PPG members, as well as staff and active volunteers of 501c3 nonprofit shelters and rescues. Email [email protected] for a registration discount code.