Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not in the Orlando/Lake County area, can you still help?
Yes! I conduct most of my consultations virtually, especially because of COVID-19. We can also do it over the phone, if you are more comfortable with that. If you have concerns, schedule an introductory call with me.
What if my cat's behavior problem isn't resolved after a consultation?
Cats are independent beings, and while we can have a strong influence on their behavior, we cannot control it. Many feline behavior problems require a lot of time and patience to correct – some are simpler and quicker than others. There are many influencing factors, and many times the issues are not standalone.
Behavior packages can be extended if you need more time, and in some cases, this may be strongly recommended. You may also purchase single consultations after you have already purchased an evaluation or other behavior package from me. If you are concerned, you may schedule an introductory consult with me to make sure that we click!
How do I know which consultation package to choose?
Many of the services I offer are specific to the most common behavior concerns. If you’re unsure I recommend booking an introductory call with me, or using the chat widget in the right-hand corner to send me a message.
I would like to adopt a new kitten/cat. Can you help me to get started on the right foot?
Yes! For this particular situation, I recommend choosing the Basic Cat Behavior Package, so I can set you up with a custom behavior plan. You may also purchase follow up consultations with me if you need additional support and guidance.
Are you able to communicate with my cat directly, and tell me what is wrong?
No. I am not a pet medium, animal communicator, or a psychic of any kind. My skills are based in behavior science, observation, and problem solving. For the most part, I work with you directly to make adjustments to your cat’s routines, interactions, environment, etc., in order to influence their behavior.
What will be discussed in an introductory call? How long will it last?
A free introductory call with me will last a max of 25 minutes. It’s purpose is for me to get a quick background on your cat’s situation, to answer any questions you may have regarding the packages or the consultation itself, and to help you decide whether or not my services are right for you. No behavior questions will be answered during this call, and it does not take the place of a consultation.
What types of techniques will you recommend for modifying my cat's behavior?
Let me first tell you what I do not recommend. I do not recommend ANY type of fear-based training/behavior modification techniques (i.e. caging, flooding, squirt bottles, etc.) . I will never recommend any alpha training techniques (which is basically trying to put your cat in it’s place by being the top cat yourself).
What I do recommend is positive reinforcement techniques (such as clicker training), trust building exercises and techniques, desensitization (strategically exposing the cat to something to diminish the associated fear), and counterconditioning (turning a negative experience into a positive one). There are many nuances when it comes to cats and their individual behavior, and I never recommend throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks. There are no magic erasers when it comes to living beings, so it’s very important to be strategic and have a good understanding of how learning and behavior works when creating a behavior and training plan.