Cats/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience in the area

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials

I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

What do you like about this subject?

My favorite part of being a pet parent is that cats mirror the behaviors that you see in big cats. In essence, being a cat guardian allows people to experience the joy of life with a lion on a smaller scale.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Part of having a lifelong love affair with cats of all sizes is knowing that no matter how many years one studies there`s always something new to learn about cats. If you take a risk and invest your heart in each cat in your life you`ll be amazed at the results. Cats aren't aloof, they simply remember being treated like gods.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Behavioral issues are a common cause of death in cats. Too many healthy cats are euthanised because their humans can`t find good experienced help to correct behavioral issues. A can of compressed air (used for cleaning electronics) or a spray bottle filled with water is handy for delivering unpleasant but humane consequences to curb undesirable behaviors.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Statistics seem to show that cats are viewed as disposable pets, only 3% of cats admitted to shelters are reclaimed. Spaying and neutering is a humane way of reducing these sad statistics. Take responsibility for your cats, spay and neuter them to reduce overpopulation and change these statistics.