When Behavior Deserves More Than a Quick Fix

As a behavior consultant, I’m often asked for quick advice.

A message about litter box issues. A short description of aggression between cats. A 10-minute phone conversation to “just get pointed in the right direction.”

And I understand why.

When you’re living with a behavior challenge, you want relief. You want clarity. You want something that works.

But behavior is not a quick fix.

Behavior Is a Science — Not a Shortcut

If behavior challenges were easily solved with a simple tip or a single adjustment, far fewer people would be struggling with their pets.

Behavior is not just about stopping what we don’t like. It’s about understanding why it’s happening in the first place.

In my work, we shift the focus from: “How do we stop this?”

to “Why does this behavior make sense for this animal?”

Because it always makes sense — in context.

Why Context Matters

When someone says, “My cat is peeing outside the litter box — what should I do?” a quick answer might include:

• Add another litter box

• Clean it more frequently

• Try a different litter

Those are common recommendations. Sometimes they help.

But what if:

• The cat has arthritis and climbing into the box is painful?

• There is tension between cats in the home?

• The litter box location feels unsafe?

• There is an underlying medical issue?

• A recent change disrupted their sense of security?

Without understanding history, relationships, health, routine, environment, and stress levels, advice is just guessing.

And guessing is not responsible behavior work.

The Risk of General Advice

A good behavior professional recognizes that generalized advice can sometimes do more harm than good.

It can:

• Escalate the behavior

• Increase stress

• Damage trust

• Use up emotional or financial capacity

• Be the last thing someone tries before making a heartbreaking decision

Many people come to me feeling exhausted because they’ve already tried “everything.” In reality, they’ve been given scattered suggestions without a cohesive understanding of the behavior.

I don’t want to add to that frustration.

Why I Recommend a Consultation

When I suggest scheduling a consultation instead of offering quick advice, it’s not about withholding help.

It’s about doing it responsibly.

A proper consultation allows us to:

• Take a full behavioral history

• Explore medical considerations

• Evaluate environment and routine

• Understand social dynamics in the home

• Identify underlying stressors

• Develop a thoughtful, individualized plan

That depth matters.

Because behavior isn’t built on guarantees or definitive promises.

It’s built on listening. On observing. On understanding. On navigating the true challenge at hand.

Support Without Shortcuts

For more general questions, I’m always happy to direct you to educational blogs, resources, or research. Education matters. Support matters.

But when it comes to your specific cat and your specific situation, a consultation is the only way to truly do it right — for you and for them.

Behavior deserves depth. And so do you.

I will always advocate for the care you and your cat deserve!