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 to enhance cat welfare and strengthen the cat-human relationship through education, behavior consulting, and science outreach.
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
“
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…”
“
The field [of cat behavior & cognition] is definitely expanding,” Vitale says. “Cats are finally getting their due.”
“
….a fairly simple study that attempts to peer into the feline mind can break new ground.”
CatSci Blog
-
Sunspots
This beautiful Siamese-wannabe cat lived in the park near the Weddle Covered Bridge in Sweet Home, Oregon. The Weddle Bridge was built in 1937 in Crabtree, Oregon. The bridge was later disassembled due to safety issues and moved to Sweet Home where it now crosses Ames Creek. I followed the cat as it made the rounds… Read more
-
Backpack Cat
This pair was spotted venturing out of the woods near the Willamette River in downtown Corvallis, Oregon. The cat was just chilling in his comfy backpack watching the scenery go by. Read more
-
Catnap in Portland
Catnapping in Portland, Oregon. Read more
-
Rainy Days
The farm cats were very interested in the strange object they found in the middle of the driveway on a rainy day. All of the cats found different uses for the umbrella- none of which actually kept the cats dry. Some cats found it a suitable resting spot, other cats thought it was the perfect location for a… Read more
Maueyes 