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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CatSci Ep. 2: Everyday Enrichment, Spice Up Your Cat’s Life
Providing enrichment allows your cat to behave like a cat. Join us for our next episode where we discuss easy ways to provide enrichment to your cat in order to stimulate their mind and increase their wellbeing. If you enjoy the episode remember to subscribe to us on YouTube. Listen to the full episode below! Read more
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Cat Tricks: Train Sit, Stay, and Stand on a Stool
Interested in training your cat? Watch as Bo Learns to Sit, Stay, and Stand on a Stool Read more
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Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans
Our research on cat-human attachment bonds was recently published in Current Biology. We found that cats display distinct attachment styles toward their owners. These styles are the same styles that human infants and dogs display toward their caregivers. As seen in this video, secure cats use their owner as a source of security and comfort… Read more
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Cat Tricks: Train Jump Over a Stool
Interested in training your cat? Watch as Bo learns how to jump over a stool. Read more
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CatSci Podcast Ep. 1: Are cats social? Should you train them?
Did you know cats can live alone or in social groups? Or that training can help improve communication between you and your cat? Join us for our first episode where we discuss these questions and more! If you enjoy the episode remember to subscribe to us on YouTube. Listen to the full episode here! Read more
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