Lessons from the University of Helsinki: Four Essential Cat Care Topics

Recently, I took the  Me and My Cat course  on feline care from the University of Helsinki and discovered several insights that can help every cat parent build a happier, healthier home for their feline companions. This internationally renowned course covers all the essentials of cat behavior and well-being. In this article, I’ll share practical advice across the most important areas I learned: aggression, litter box issues, separation anxiety,  and compulsive cat behaviors. 

Understanding Typical Causes of Aggression

Cat aggression is often misunderstood—it's rarely a sign of “bad behavior,” but usually rooted in physical discomfort, environmental stress, or confusion. Common causes include fear (especially from unfamiliar people, loud noises, or past traumas), redirected frustration, pain (such as after injury or during medical episodes), or even maternal or play-based triggers. Recognizing the context—whether aggression happens when touched, during play, or in stressful situations—enables owners to intervene gently. Instead of punishment, respond with patience, environmental adjustments, and redirection; for example, offering toys during play aggression or providing quiet retreats during stressful times. This approach not only soothes your cat, but strengthens your relationship for long-term harmony.

How Can I Try to Solve Litter Box Issues?

Litter box problems are one of the top challenges in cat care but are highly solvable with a targeted, compassionate approach. First, always consult a veterinarian to rule out health conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or arthritis, which are a common cause of sudden litter box avoidance.

Next, focus on litter box hygiene: scoop daily and replace litter at least once a month, but often more in multi-cat or sensitive households. Cats of all ages—including kittens and elderly cats—require a clean, odor-free environment for successful litter box training. Stainless steel boxes, like our XXL Stainless Steel Semi-Enclosed Cat Litter Box, excel at keeping things non-stick, easy to clean, and bacteria-free, supporting your cat’s health and comfort. Proper cleaning and material choice prevent odor buildup and make maintenance a breeze.

When choosing a litter box, think about size, accessibility, and the quality of litter. An extra-large cat litter box offers plenty of room for digging and turning, especially vital for large breeds and multi-cat households. Using fine, unscented, clumping litter in a non stick litter box encourages consistent use and is gentle on sensitive paws.

Placement is key—a quiet, accessible spot far from food and water is ideal. Options like top entry cat litter boxes, semi-enclosed designs, or a metal litter box with lid can provide privacy, ventilation, and control of litter scatter. If your cat is older or has mobility issues, opt for a box with a side entrance or low walls. Multi-cat homes should always follow the “one box per cat plus one extra” guideline to reduce stress and territorial behaviors. If your cat repeatedly urinates in undesired locations, move the box to those spots and use gentle reinforcement rather than punishment.

Cleaning is not just about the box itself—remove soiled items and protect furniture with plastic covers to minimize future accidents. Minimize stressors by adjusting the environment, such as blocking the view of outdoor cats that might provoke anxiety. Never punish your cat for litter box mishaps; it will only increase anxiety and harm your relationship. If all these steps don’t work, consult your vet about possible medical or behavioral interventions.

For in-depth troubleshooting and litter box selection, read our guide: The Ultimate Cat Litter Box Guide: How the Right Choice Can Change Your Cat’s Life .

If you need an upgrade that is easy to clean, x large, or non-stick, check out our  XXL Stainless Steel Semi-Enclosed Cat Litter Box for a hygienic and low-maintenance solution.

Reducing Separation Anxiety

Many cats experience separation anxiety, which can lead to vocalizing, destructive behaviors, or even litter box issues. Support starts by proactively stimulating your cat through play or with enrichment toys before periods alone, ensuring they feel content and relaxed. Quality time is equally important—cats thrive on undivided attention from their humans, and simple moments together help foster trust and calmness. For times when the cat is left alone, enrichment toys are invaluable. Severe anxiety might benefit from medications originally used for dogs; consult your veterinarian for tailored guidance. As a digital solution, tools like Digital Dogsitter can sometimes ease loneliness by providing interactive sounds or monitoring, though more feline-specific research is needed. By using these methods, cat parents can provide a stable, safe routine and minimize stress at home.

Supporting Cats with Compulsive Behaviors

Compulsive behaviors, like tail chasing or eating non-food objects, may signal stress, medical needs, or environmental mismatches. Your first step should always be a veterinary check to rule out medical reasons. Reduce stress at home by providing a predictable routine, calming spaces, and positive enrichment. For cats with strange eating habits, make feeding a positive experience through tasty food and interactive toys. In more serious cases, medication prescribed by a vet can help, but behavioral redirection and creating a stimulating, comfortable home environment are key. Avoid punishment—it only exacerbates anxiety. With patience and tailored enrichment, most compulsive issues can be improved, keeping your feline companion safe, engaged, and happy.