I help owners & cat caregivers work with their cats to resolve or change behaviors that are having a negative effect on the cat's or people's lives.
What is cat behavior consulting?
My job has three primary components: WHAT, WHY, and HOW.
- Identifying and clarifying exactly WHAT the problem behavior is;
- Figuring out WHY the behavior is occurring; and finally
- Guiding you on ways (HOW) to change the behavior.
Figuring out WHY a behavior is happening is essential to figuring out HOW to change it. This can be especially challenging with cats, who are so skilled at hiding when things are bothering them. If your cat has not been examined by a veterinarian since the behavior issue began, please schedule an appointment to diagnose & treat any possible medical causes. The HOW depends on the why; but my goals are to increase connection and trust between you and your cat(s) with methods based on "LIMA" (least intrusive, minimally aversive). This means I do not condone the use of punishments like spray bottles, etc. Instead, my methods focus on positive reinforcement, environmental enrichment, and problem-solving. Whenever possible, I strive to resolve the root cause of the behavior problem.
I have experience with cats that have litter box "issues"; cats that are shy, un-socialized/under-socialized; cats that have outside or feral history; cats with medical conditions that can affect their behavior (note: for these cats, I will need to be in contact with your veterinarian); cats that are new to a situation or environment; and more!
SPECIFIC SERVICES:
Cat Behavior Consulting services offered in-person within 15 miles of Grasonville, MD or through video chat (Zoom, Facebook messenger video, FaceTime, etc.) for other locations. Video chat sessions require use of a smart phone or laptop with video chat capabilities. Telephone sessions will be considered on a case-by-case basis—but video chat sessions are preferred. Please record and email me videos of concerning behavior prior to scheduled sessions. I'm also available for "Pre-Cat Adoption Consulting" and can help you pick the right cat for your family!
After I receive your New Client Form, I will contact you to schedule an Initial Virtual Consult, during which I will "meet" you and your cats and we can discuss the challenges you are facing. At the end of this session, we then move on to in-person or virtual consult sessions. After each session (other than the Initial Virtual Consult), I will provide a custom "Cat Behavior Plan" or "Cat Adoption Plan" PDF file with specific recommendations for you to try prior to the next scheduled session. Fees for sessions include the Behavior/Adoption Plans and after-session email support.
Schedule Limitation: Please be aware that I only schedule consultations on weekdays between 1:00-4:00PM in Eastern Standard Time.
FEES: $65 USD/hour, plus Travel Fee if In-Person
Initial Virtual Consult (video chat/telephone): $30 USD for 30 minutes | *REQUIRED for ALL new clients*
This consult is for us to have the chance to "meet" prior to making a formal commitment to work together. During this consult, I will introduce myself, review my policies and procedures, review/clarify information you provided on your New Client form; and you will have the chance to ask me any questions about my policies or how I work or what to expect. At the end of this consult, we will decide whether or not to pursue further consults. This consult may be done via Video Chat or telephone (video chat preferred).
Cat Behavior Consulting:
- Virtual (video chat/telephone): $65 USD/hour
Virtual consults offered for anyone not within 15 miles of Grasonville, MD, or for those who would prefer virtual sessions. - In-Person: $65 USD/hour + Travel Fee
Travel Fee variable depending on distance; minimum $20
If you live within 15 miles of Grasonville, MD, in-person consults will allow me to work directly with you and your cat(s)! Don't worry about cleaning your house or tidying up before the consult; I'm here to help your family and your cat(s), not judge your house-keeping skills!
Masking Policy: Due to being immunocompromised, I require masks to be worn by ALL people for any in-person interactions.
Pre-Cat Adoption Consulting:
- Virtual (video chat/telephone): $65 USD/hour
Virtual consults offered for anyone not within 15 miles of Grasonville, MD, or for those who would prefer virtual sessions. - In-person: $65 USD/hour + Travel Fee
Travel Fee variable depending on distance; minimum $20
If you live within 15 miles of Grasonville, MD, in-person consults will allow me to work directly with you! I am also available to accompany you to local shelters or rescues (within 15 miles of Grasonville, MD) to help you decide which cat to apply to adopt.
Masking Policy: Due to being immunocompromised, I require masks to be worn by ALL clients for any in-person interactions.
POLICIES:
- Payment Policies:
- A minimum $30 deposit is required within 3 business days of scheduling to reserve your appointment.
The remainder is due 2 business days prior to time of service or your appointment will be canceled. - All fees are non-refundable.
- Payment preferred through PayPal.
- A minimum $30 deposit is required within 3 business days of scheduling to reserve your appointment.
- Clients are required to provide advance notice at least 2 business days prior to the scheduled appointment time if there is a need to reschedule or cancel. Clients who repeatedly reschedule appointments will be asked to provide FULL payment when appointments are first scheduled.
- Due to cats being cats, I cannot guarantee results; but I can guarantee that I will be open and transparent about my work and that I will do my best for you and your cat(s).
- Confidentiality: personal information will not be shared without explicit permission from the client.
- Non-discrimination policy: I do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, neurodiversity, gender, gender identity, health status, religion, political beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, or relationship/family structure.
- Forms: New Client form
