Identify Patterns

Once you’ve observed what changed, the next step is understanding why it’s happening.

Cats rarely change behavior randomly. Patterns help reveal whether something is environmental, emotional, or physical.

What patterns to look for
• Timing: Does it happen at the same time each day?
• Location: Only in certain rooms or near certain objects?
• Triggers: After visitors, loud sounds, cleaning, or schedule changes?
• Frequency: Is it increasing, decreasing, or staying consistent?

How to connect the dots
1) Compare today’s behavior to the last 1–2 weeks.
2) Ask what changed before the behavior started.
3) Look for repetition, not one-off moments.
4) Separate coincidence from consistency.

A helpful reminder
Patterns don’t always point to a problem — sometimes they point to stress, confusion, or unmet needs.

Next step
Once patterns are clear, you’re ready to Respond with Clarity