Ep 2. Homes Divided

In the second episode of season 11, titled "Homes Divided", cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy is tasked with helping a couple who have two cats with clashing personalities. The couple, Stacie and Krista, have been together for five years and own a home in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The two cats, a Himalayan named Mocha and a black and white shorthair named George, have been fighting since they were introduced to each other. The couple is at their wit's end with the constant fights and their relationship is starting to suffer as a result.

Galaxy is called in to help the couple manage the cats and find a way to get them to coexist peacefully. He first observes the cats' behavior and determines that George is the aggressor. He lunges at Mocha whenever she comes near and has even chased her up the stairs and into a room, leaving her too afraid to come out. Galaxy explains that there are several possible reasons for George's behavior, ranging from fear and anxiety to redirected aggression.

The first step in addressing the issue is to separate the cats and create a safe space for Mocha. Galaxy suggests that the couple set up a room just for her with all of her necessities, such as food, water, and litter box, and make sure that George cannot get in. He also provides them with a special cat tree that has multiple levels, which will allow Mocha to feel safe and escape if needed.

Next, Galaxy works with George to determine the root of his aggressive behavior. He notes that George has an unusual gait and suspects that he may be in pain, which could be contributing to his aggression. The couple confirms that George has a chronic urinary tract infection and has been treated by several veterinarians. Galaxy suggests that they take George to see a feline specialist to see if there is an underlying issue that has been missed.

While waiting to see the specialist, Galaxy also works with the couple to teach George that Mocha is not a threat. He recommends using a positive reinforcement method called clicker training to teach George to associate Mocha with good things, such as treats and playtime. With this method, George learns to relax in Mocha's presence and no longer sees her as a threat.

As the episode progresses, the couple follows Galaxy's advice and makes progress with both cats. They create a comfortable space for Mocha, take George to see a specialist, and use clicker training to encourage harmonious behavior between the two cats. Galaxy also helps to mend the rift in their relationship, as they realize that their frustration towards the cats was causing tension in their relationship. They learn to communicate better with each other and with their pets.

Overall, this episode of My Cat From Hell offers a valuable lesson in understanding cat behavior and learning to coexist peacefully with pets. Galaxy's expertise provides insight into how to address problems with cats and his gentle approach helps both the pets and their owners to feel more comfortable and at ease. The episode is an enjoyable watch for anyone who loves cats and has experienced difficulties in their relationships with their pets.