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 Presentation! The Science of Cat Training and Behavior: Current Work and Future Directions
On April 24th the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Foundation will hold an event as part of their Learning Bond Series. Event description from the IAABC website: “Leading-edge researchers and educators Kristyn Vitale and Saho Takagi will host a half-day live event on current work and future directions of cat training and… Read more
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CatSci Podcast Awarded the Fear Free Pets Award!
CatSci Podcast is happy to announce that this October we were awarded the Fear Free Pets Award as part of the 2020 Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) Communications Contest! This was awarded to Kristyn Vitale and Tori Peterson of CatSci Podcast and our guest speaker, Tabitha Kucera. Thank you for the award, we are very grateful!… Read more
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Upcoming Presentation: Dispelling Feline Myths, Kittens and Cats Benefit from Training and Socialization Opportunities
On November 27 & 28th the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Foundation will hold Pounce!, a virtual conference focused on cat behavior and training. Topics will include cat individuality, cat enrichment, cat socialization, cat play behavior, cat fostering, cat training and more! Sunday, November 28th, 2021 @ 1PM Eastern Dispelling… Read more
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Learn about your dog or cat’s behavior! Research participation opportunity in Oregon!
The Oregon State University Human-Animal Interaction Lab is is seeking participants for a research opportunity in Corvallis, OR! How Has the Pandemic Impacted Your Pets? Help us understand pet behavior and human-animal bonds were impacted by the events of this past year. This study will take place on the Oregon State University Corvallis campus (Withycombe Hall) and… Read more
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