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THE CAT CODE™Cat Academy · A little knowledge. A better connection.

Sources & editorial approach

Curiosity, with context.

Original educational summaries informed by veterinary associations, universities and cat-welfare organizations. Source inclusion does not imply endorsement.

Edition 2026-10-13.1 · Authored material pending editorial review. No veterinary review or accreditation is claimed.

An observation worksheet and pencil on a desk, with a cat resting separately on a low cushion.
Record observations while giving the cat space. Paper scenarios can replace live practice.Teaching illustration.
  1. Cat body language

    PDSA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Read signals together with context; distinguish observation from an assumed emotion.

  2. How to pet a cat

    Cats Protection · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Voluntary approach, brief preferred contact, stopping when the cat withdraws or appears uncomfortable.

  3. Signs of Pain in Cats: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Hurting

    American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Behavior and mobility changes can reflect pain; seek veterinary assessment rather than diagnosing from a lesson.

  4. Your Cat’s Environmental Needs: Practical Tips for Cat Caregivers

    Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Five environmental needs, separated resources, hiding, choice and consideration for feline senses. No source images or sponsored product suggestions reproduced.

  5. 2024 Indoor/Outdoor Lifestyle Position Statement

    FelineVMA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Essential resources, safe territory and enrichment regardless of lifestyle; no prescription for unsupervised outdoor access.

  6. Common Feline Toxins and Poisons

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Secure medicines and hazardous substances; suspected exposure requires prompt professional advice. No home treatment instructions.

  7. Feeding Your Cat

    Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Feline Health Center · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Complete balanced nutrition, fresh water, individualized amounts and care-plan-compatible rewards. No calorie prescription or source treat-percentage rule adopted.

  8. Everything You Should Know About Litter Boxes

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Number as a starting guide, separated locations, access, size and litter care; environmental review does not exclude disease.

  9. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

    Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Feline Health Center · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Suspected urethral obstruction and straining with little/no urine require immediate veterinary attention; no treatment protocol reproduced.

  10. Cat Not Eating Normally Requires Medical Care

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Refusal to eat merits prompt veterinary contact; not a training motivation problem.

  11. Cats and Play

    Cats Protection · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Short adaptable play, opportunities to catch, toy inspection and avoiding hand/foot play. Specific DIY bottle/foil instructions and fixed play-frequency suggestions not adopted.

  12. Playing With Your Cat

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Play and hunting-like opportunities adapted to the individual; safe toy selection and supervision.

  13. Help! Is This a Pet Emergency?

    AAHA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Breathing difficulty, collapse/unresponsiveness and serious injury require urgent veterinary care; emergency examples are not exhaustive.

  14. Cat Scratching

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Scratching is normal; provide suitable outlets and reward voluntary use. Commercial sprays, nail caps and procedures are not part of this curriculum.

  15. Intercat Tension

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Recognize subtle tension and support separated access; no forced introductions or aggression treatment.

  16. Cats and Fighting

    Cats Protection · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Observe interactions and avoid unsafe confrontation; seek help for persistent conflict.

  17. Setting Up the Environment for Success

    FelineVMA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Normal scratching/play, individual preferences and environmental context; changes may require medical assessment.

  18. Behavior and Environmental Needs: Senior Cats

    AAHA / AAFP 2021 Feline Life Stage Guidelines · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    New senior-cat behavior and reduced jumping can require medical assessment; practical access changes are separate from treatment.

  19. Senior Care: caregiver brochure

    FelineVMA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Monitoring changing daily function, adapting the home and discussing individual care with the veterinary team.

  20. How Cats Learn

    FelineVMA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Associations, positive reinforcement, avoiding aversive stimuli and recognizing that threatening exposure can increase fear.

  21. Positive Reinforcement Techniques to Prevent Unwanted Behaviors

    FelineVMA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Individual reward preferences, timing, calm training conditions and gradual learning. Source percentages and success claims are not repeated.

  22. Cat Training Techniques for Caregivers

    FelineVMA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Marker pairing, small steps, targets and voluntary cooperative care. Source sponsor logos and branded products not reproduced.

  23. Cat training 101

    AAHA · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Marker, nose target and voluntary mat/station foundations; avoid punishment and physical placement.

  24. Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian: Reducing the Stress of Veterinary Visits

    AAFP / ISFM (hosted by FelineVMA) · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Carrier familiarity, bedding, positive associations, patience and access features. Forced-entry techniques, named products and medication suggestions excluded.

  25. Choosing the Perfect Cat Carrier

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Carrier construction, openings, stability and transport suitability; no product endorsement or crash-safety guarantee.

  26. Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Carrier familiarity and coordination with the veterinary team for visits; preparation must not delay care.

  27. How to Pet & Handle Cats

    FelineVMA / Cat Friendly Homes · Source access recorded 2026-10-13

    Cat-led approach and low-pressure handling; this curriculum limits practice to already accepted familiar touch.

Education and commercial recommendations

These lessons require no branded purchase. Any future affiliate recommendation must remain relevant, identify its material connection near the recommendation and pass the separate partner review. Compensation must never determine a health or welfare claim.

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