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
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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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Stroller Cat
The farmer’s market in downtown Corvallis, Oregon is filled with crafts, vegetable stands, food carts, music and tons of dogs enjoying constant attention from strangers. In the middle of all the commotion I was surprised to see a beautiful Abyssinian cat getting pushed in a stroller. He did not seem fazed by the excitement and calmly… Read more
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Tortie Girl
This beautiful tortoiseshell cat is another member of the feral “popcorn cats” colony. This colony, located behind a movie theater, is well taken care of by colony caretakers who feed the cats daily and provide warm shelters. An additional indicator that this colony is being managed is the ear tip missing on the top left ear of… Read more
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Milk Mustache
Milk donning her stylish mustache. Read more
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Lover not a fighter
Stosh, known for being a tough guy all his life, has a soft spot for Kristi the farmer. Stosh often solicits her for attention, cuffing at other cats who dare try to take Kristi’s attention away from him. Read more
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Window shopping
A shelter cat sleeping peacefully despite the strange people constantly staring into her cage. Read more
Maueyes 