To say I’m obsessed with cats is an understatement. I’ve always been fascinated by behavior, what shapes it, what animals are communicating through it, and how we can use that understanding to improve their lives.
My career in behavior analysis began in 2005 working with children with autism, many of whom were non-speaking. That experience taught me the importance of observing subtle nonverbal communication and understanding behavior as communication, skills that ultimately became invaluable in my work with cats.
I have worked with animal shelters and rescues for over eight years, specializing in feline behavior, community cats, and cats experiencing fear, anxiety, stress, and other behavioral challenges. Some of the cats I’ve worked with were considered extremely difficult or even unadoptable because of their behavior. Helping humans understand what these cats are actually communicating can change, and sometimes save, their lives.
I am a Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist (CFTBS) through the Animal Behavior Institute as well as numerous other certifications. My approach is science-based, positive reinforcement focused, and rooted in consent, choice, and respect for cats as individuals.
Through Wild at Heart Cats, my goal is to help people better understand the complex, fascinating, and still wonderfully wild animals sharing our homes and communities. When we understand why cats behave the way they do, we can stop trying to punish or suppress behavior and start giving them what they actually need.
If you follow me on social media, you already know I’ll always give it to you straight. I raise the bar for cat care, follow the latest science and research, and believe we can always learn how to be better and do better for cats.
Keep Cats Wild!
🧡 shani - CFTBS
Wild at Heart Cats
