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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Free Event! Kitten Socialization Quarantine Quintessentials
The event has ended but it can be viewed here! Upcoming free event! Join us this Friday May 22 at 8pm Eastern Time (5pm Pacific) for a free webinar in which we will discuss kitten socialization essentials to consider while in quarantine. The webinar costs nothing to attend, but please visit this website to register.… Read more
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CatSci Ep. 4: Adventuring With Your Cat
Some may believe that cats are not cut out to travel, go on hikes or camping trips, or join their owner out on a kayak. But new trends in cat ownership are proving quite the contrary. Join us for our next episode where we discuss what it means to be an adventure cat. If you… Read more
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Upcoming! Virtual Talk on Cat Behavior
The event has ended but can be viewed here. Join us this Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 6:30 pm (Pacific time) for the second virtual Science Pub from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry! From OMSI: Pour a pint (at home!) and follow along as Dr. Kristyn Vitale discusses the purr-suasive science behind cat… Read more
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CatSci Ep. 3: Cat Relationships, Human-Cat and Cat-Cat
Did you know that cats can lead rich social lives? Join us for our next episode where we discuss the social relationships cats have with people and other cats. If you enjoy the episode remember to subscribe to us on YouTube. Listen to the full episode below! Read more
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