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. Vitale is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and expert in cat behavior and cognition. Her research and expertise has been internationally featured in media outlets such as Science and National Geographic and in film documentaries such as How the Cat Conquered the World (ARTE France) and Inside the Mind of a Cat (Netflix).
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 are always learning 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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Upcoming Event: Cross-Cultural Cats
This Saturday, March 11th at 12PM ET, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Foundation will present “Cross-Cultural Cats: Comparative Studies in Pet Parenting and Cat-Human Relationships in the U.S., Japan, and India.” Registration ends this Friday, hope to see you there! Event description from the IAABC website: “Cross-Cultural Cats! A Live Research Presentation… Read more
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Upcoming Event for Corvallis Area Cat Owners!
Do you live in the Corvallis/Albany Oregon area? Do you have a kitten or cat that you are interested in training or socializing? Would you like to connect with other local cat owners? Then join us July 29th at 6PM PT for an online cat training event!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The online event will include a… Read more
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