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.
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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Can Your Cat Copy You?
I was recently interviewed by Science about a fascinating new study published this month in the journal Animal Cognition. The study demonstrated that a pet cat was capable of reproducing the actions of their human owner. The cat was trained using the Do as I Do (DAID) training method to repeat behaviors that their owner… Read more
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CatSci Ep. 5: Cats on a Plane, Navigating Air Travel
Remember when we used to be able to leave our homes and go on trips? For many of us stuck inside due to the Stay at Home order, traveling seems like a thing of the past. But someday when our countries open back up you may find yourself stuck in a situation where you have… Read more
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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