T. J. Banks

Contributor

90 articles

T.J. Banks is the author of several books, including Catsong, which received a Merial Human–Animal Bond Award. A contributing editor to laJoie, T.J. also has received writing awards from the Cat Writers’ Association (most recently a Certificate of Excellence in 2019), as well as from ByLine and The Writing Self. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul and A Cup of Comfort for Women in Love, and T.J. has worked as a stringer for the Associated Press, as an instructor for the Writer’s Digest School and as a columnist.

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 8, 2024

5 Shortcuts for Litter Training Your Kitten in Record Time

If your kitten hasn't learned from Mom the finer points of using a litter box, you can help with these steps.

5 min read

Animal WelfareUpdated Oct 11, 2020

Why Cats Need a Gentler Hand in Shelters

It's no surprise that stressful shelter situations can damage a cat's well-being.

5 min read

Animal WelfareUpdated Aug 26, 2020

Special Needs Cats Are Not "Broken" — Just Different

It may mean a little more work, but caring for cats with special needs can enrich your life as well as theirs.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Aug 26, 2020

How Can You Make a Declawed Cat More Comfortable?

Monitoring your declawed cat's paws and making some household changes can ease his discomfort.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 30, 2020

How Cats Comfort Us in Surprising Ways

Our feline friends can even help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 15, 2020

How Do I Know If My Cat Loves Me?

A lot of kittens and some cats do bond quickly with their humans. But the majority of cats I’ve known take their time.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 3, 2020

How Do Cats Communicate With Each Other? (It's Complicated.)

Did you know there are 3 main ways that cats communicate with each other? And no, it's not just by meowing or hissing. Let me explain.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Apr 20, 2020

Yes, Even Cats Can Make Great Emotional Support Animals

Despite their reputation for being aloof, cats can have a deep sensitivity to humans' mental and emotional states.

5 min read

Animal WelfareUpdated Apr 20, 2020

The Serious Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty

Thanks to a new law, fewer victims of domestic violence have to make the heartbreaking choice of escaping their abuser or staying to protect their pet.

5 min read