Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Behavior & Nutrition

Why should I choose your services over someone else’s?

I understand you have options, and I thank you for trusting my expertise. Cats are often misunderstood and frequently treated as second-class citizens compared to dogs. I want to help you see your situation from your cat’s point of view, without an anthropomorphic lens. 

I believe in science, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Animal Welfare and Behavior at Virginia Tech to better assist my clients. 

Your cat is neither a dog nor a small child. Behavior is complex and shaped by early life experiences, genetics, and environment. I specialize in working with cats, and my background in nutrition and veterinary medicine enables me to approach your situation from multiple perspectives. 

I specialize in feline nutrition and behavior. Many cases involve both aspects, and my experience in both fields will benefit your case, whether you booked a nutrition or behavior consultation. 

What can I expect during the initial consultation, and why do you offer so many different follow-up packages?

During the initial consultation, we will review the intake form together to ensure I understand the situation and the order of events correctly. When handling behavior cases, small details can sometimes make a big difference, and I want to make sure I fully understand your concerns. Sometimes, there are updates or lab results that come in on short notice, and I want to make sure I don't overlook anything. 

The written plan you receive after the initial consultation will include recommendations and instructions. You have three days to ask me any questions for clarification. 

The cat introduction package includes a 30-minute follow-up session after 2-3 weeks. This brief follow-up is meant to review training videos or answer specific questions. Cat introductions usually take months to complete and require a very personalized approach for each household and situation. Depending on your situation you can book as many follow-ups as needed.

How do virtual consultations work?

Virtual consultations are like in-person meetings, but without disturbing the environment of the cat(s). The intake form helps you summarize the case, allowing me to understand the situation better. Zoom provides an efficient way to communicate over long distances without the need to travel. 

Before we spend valuable time together via Zoom, I have already invested a significant amount of time and effort to understand the situation. It is often beneficial to see the facts on paper before we talk. During the virtual consultations, I will ask you for a tour of your home to understand how your resources are distributed. (A virtual tour of your home is not necessary for nutrition consultations.)

Why do you prefer to communicate via email only?

Email is an excellent way for me to communicate effectively and thoughtfully. When it comes to nutrition consultations, we often discuss very detail-oriented topics. I want to make sure my clients have a chance to go back and review what was discussed during our sessions and what they have been talking to the vet about.

Many nutritional terms sound alike (e.g., arachidonic acid, arginine, taurine, MER, RER). Seeing all these terms in writing helps us both stay on the same page when it comes to caring for your four-legged child.

Email is also a very convenient way of communication across multiple time zones. Many of my clients live in different parts of the world, and through email, we can both easily stay in touch.

How many sessions will I need?

It really depends on the situation or case. You can always send me an email to ask. Many factors influence the situation. For example, how long the unwanted behavior has been happening, how many cats live in your home, and whether you recently moved or experienced changes in your household. 

Most nutrition cases usually need just one session to develop a plan moving forward. Many behavioral cases require multiple sessions, which is why I offer follow-up visits. 

Specifically, when introducing cats, be prepared to work with me for several months. Each case varies, and the process for introductions depends on different factors and how much time and effort you can dedicate.

As a rule, if more than one cat is involved in the unwanted behavior or if your cat is actively attacking and biting you, booking a package is the best option. For cat introductions plan for more sessions.

Can you guarantee your services work?

In our line of work, offering a guarantee would be highly unethical. While I cannot promise to fix your problem, I assure you that I am exceptionally good at what I do.

However, many behavior cases need changes in the environment, feeding routine, and especially expectations. Things might not progress as quickly as you want; the cats set the pace. That's why I offer different follow-up packages. 

You might see other behaviorists claim they can fix all your problems, but we don’t operate that way. Behavior issues can take months or even years to resolve, depending on how long the unwanted behavior has been happening and many other factors. 

A good example is cat-to-cat aggression cases. The goal is not for these two cats to become best friends. The goal is that they tolerate each other in the same space. So, we do not need to rehome a cat and contribute to the already dire situation in rescues and shelters.

Why do you only use positive reinforcement?

Many studies show that punishment can damage your relationship with your cat. My goal is to teach your cat appropriate behavior instead of focusing on what not to do. Squirt bottles, scat mats, and scruffing are outdated methods. They are inhumane and have been proven ineffective in the long run. 

If you have been recommended methods like a squirt bottle, a scat mat, or loud noises, please know you are not alone. Many trainers still believe in punishment. But I promise you, once we discuss the side effects and you see how incredibly smart and sensitive cats are and how well they respond to training, you will not want to go back to punishment.

My goal is to help strengthen your bond with your cat, and rewarding good behavior has proven to be the most effective approach.