Photo Credits
Header Photo: Photo of Kristyn Vitale in 2016, Credit to University Marketing, Oregon State University.
All Other Photos: Cat Photography Belongs to Kristyn Vitale, 2004-2024.
Screenshots: Credited below image.
Dr. Kristyn Vitale is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and internationally recognized expert in cat behavior. In 2014, she founded Maueyes Cat Science & Education. At Maueyes, we advance the science of cat behavior and turn scientific research into practical education and guidance for both professionals and the public.
Cats readily learn new behaviors. Cats can be taught tricks, to walk on harness and leash, and to participate in their own care, also known as cooperative care. Cats learn from their environment, whether their caregiver actively trains them or not. Learning principles can be applied to promote the welfare of cats.
Cats and humans have a long history of co-existence that spans back nearly 10,000 years. Cats can form strong relationships with humans and research indicates that domestic cats display socio-cognitive abilities, such a responsiveness to human behavior and gestures, that help them engage in social relationships.
Free-roaming cats (FRC) display flexible social behavior. FRCs can develop friendly relationships with other cats and they can live in highly gregarious social groups.
Shelter cats have unique welfare needs. Shelter professionals can provide enrichment opportunities to cats as well as recruit volunteers to foster cats in their homes.
Applying science to promote the welfare of cats and their caregivers. Early education in animal behavior is also key to promoting the welfare of cats.
Media Quotes
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Cats rival dogs on many tests of social smarts. But is anyone brave enough to study them? Social cognition researchers are finally probing the secrets of the feline mind…”
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The field [of cat behavior & cognition] is definitely expanding,” Vitale says. “Cats are finally getting their due.”
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….a fairly simple study that attempts to peer into the feline mind can break new ground.”
CatSci Blog
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Supporting Kittens’ Learning Through Training and Socialization
Our research indicates that training and socialization support learning success in kittens. Kittens, aged 3–8 months old, who participated in a 6-week training and socialization class maintained their ability to learn a new task better than kittens who did not attend the class. These findings highlight how positive social experiences and training can support learning… Read more
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Study Indicates Cats Can Be Effective Partners in Animal-Assisted Interventions for Youth
Our research suggests that cat training programs can benefit both children and their cats! Companion cats can be effective partners in animal-assisted interventions for youth with developmental disabilities. Children who participated in the program took greater responsibility for their cats, taught their cats more new behaviors, and spent more time walking with their cats. Children… Read more
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Study Reveals How Context Shapes Human Perception of Cat Emotions
Our research suggests that context influences how people interpret cats’ emotions. Participants rated the same cat as happier when it was pictured indoors rather than outdoors. This work helps advance our understanding of the factors that shape how humans perceive cats. Because human beliefs can directly influence the cat care practices people choose to implement,… Read more
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New Course Explores the Role of Scent in Cat Behavior and Social Relationships
Sniffing Out FriendshipThe importance of scent in cat social relationships Instructor Course created by Dr. Kristyn Vitale for Small-Paws Education. Dr. Vitale is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and an internationally recognized expert in cat behavior. About the Course From birth, kittens rely heavily on their sense of smell to interpret the world around… Read more
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Free Virtual Travel Cat Event
I’m providing the keynote speech at the Travel Cat Summit on October 5th! Read more