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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Services Offered

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Testing Cat-Human Attachment Bonds

    A very cool video that puts our recent research on cat-human attachment bonds to the test! Read more

  • 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

  • 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