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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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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Announcing CatSci Podcast Coming this Summer!
I am so excited to announce we are launching CatSci Podcast this summer! The podcast will cover the current science behind cat behavior and cognition and discuss cat training and enrichment ideas. This is a collaboration between myself and Tori Peterson of Space Cat Academy. Please follow us on Instagram to stay up to date… Read more
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Up Close with Morty
Playtime from Morty’s point of view. Read more