Maueyes

A cat’s eye view of our world.

Cat Science & Education

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.

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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.

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Cat Learning & Training

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.

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Cat Social Cognition

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.

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FRC Social Behavior

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.

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Shelter Cat Behavior & Welfare

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.

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Applied Animal Behavior & Education

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…”

from an article by David Grimm, Science Magazine. 2019

“

The field [of cat behavior & cognition] is definitely expanding,” Vitale says. “Cats are finally getting their due.”

from an article by David Grimm. Science Magazine. 2019

“

 ….a fairly simple study that attempts to peer into the feline mind can break new ground.”

from an article by Karin Brulliard, The Washington Post, 2017

CatSci Blog

  • Chin

    Chin is a scrawny cat with a lot of personality.  He makes up for his small stature by having very large paws. He is a polydactyl, i.e. he has extra toes! Read more

  • NNTabby

    The water bucket was a popular spot around the farm. Many of the cats would defend the water, chasing others off when they came too close. Though this cat was born on the farm, he did not have an official name and was only called No Name Tabby. Read more

  • Southern Siblings

      These cats live outside of a condo complex in Hilton Head Island, SC. They appear to be siblings as they are both a manx mix with only a stub of a tail. They patiently wait on the porch in the early evening to be fed their dinners. Read more

  • Jerry

    Currently I am in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This is Jerry, he lives outside of a condo complex and is cared for by the residents. As seen in the first photo, he is extremely talkative. But, he has an issue with meowing, he is extremely bad at it… it seems as though he never… Read more

  • Pester

    This is Pester. His ear is a little funky in this photo, but the farm dogs have gladly helped him wash it out and now it is back to normal. He got his name from his clingy nature. He acts like a little kid, constantly pestering the farmer for attention and staying directly in front… Read more