FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions. Honest Answers.
WOULD A CAT BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION BE HELPFUL TO ME?
If you've been searching for help with cat-related behavior issues or concerns but haven't yet found a solution, then the answer is likely yes. Here are some of the things I can help with:
​​
-
Inter-cat relationships
-
Socializing a nervous, fearful cat
-
House soiling problems including avoidance of the litter box
-
Destructive scratching or other destructive behavior
-
Aggressive behavior
-
Introducing or re-introducing a new cat to animals already in your home (including dogs)
-
Preparing your home for your first cat – set up for success!
-
Preparing to introduce your cat to an expected baby or other new household member
-
And many other issues that may be keeping or could keep you and your cat from living happily together!
IS MY CAT TOO OLD TO BE HELPED?
Absolutely not. I work with young kittens through to senior cats. In fact, it's not uncommon for new and sometimes unwanted behaviors to arise with older cats, even if they've been with you for years. I love working with senior cats and often, their problems have relatively straightforward solutions. Depending on the issues you're having with your older cat, I may ask you for some health information to get started, simply so that I can provide the most useful help to you.
WHICH OF YOUR SERVICES IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you live within about an hour of the Boston MetroWest area, I suggest we begin with at least one in-home consultation. We can then follow up in person or by Zoom or phone call, depending on the behaviors we are working on and your schedule. If you live further afield and would like to make use of my services, I'm happy to schedule a remote consultation with you.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
It depends on the nature of the issue you'd like help with. Some problems can be solved with a single consultation. More complex or long-standing issues may need more. After our session(s), I will leave you with "homework" and will be available to you to answer any questions you have regarding my suggestions. There will be no charge for this.
​
WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER OUR SESSION?
First, you can expect that I will come bearing no judgment on you. I'm here simply hoping to help you find solutions to whatever behavior issue your cat is presenting.
​
Once you've contacted me and I know which issues you'd like to work on, I may ask you to take some photos or videos. I'll carefully review these materials before we meet. This will help us dive right in on the day of our consultation.
​
I plan for our initial consultation to last up to two hours. I'll almost surely begin our session by asking you some additional questions about your cat(s) and about your home environment and routine. I'll then give you any thoughts I have on the behaviors you're seeing and will give you my recommendations. Please know that I sometimes need a bit of time to process what I learn from you, and so I may contact you in the days following our meeting with further thoughts and suggestions. There will also be time for you to ask any additional questions you may have.
​
In the week following our session, I'll send you a brief written summary of our conversation and of my recommendations. And if you have questions as you try to implement the things we discussed, you are welcome to contact me. I'll get back to you as soon as I'm able, within 24 hours. If a single session seems to be enough, I will still schedule a brief virtual or phone follow-up session just to hear how things have gone; this session is included as part of the consultation.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO SOLVING CAT BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS?
My approach is based on the LIMA philosophy. LIMA stands for “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.” I use methods that are gentle and respectful of your cat to minimize any potential fear or discomfort. Whenever possible, I suggest positive reinforcement techniques, which reward your cat for desired behavior. I prefer to avoid punishments and aversives, as I want you to have a positive, trusting relationship with your cat. And because I want our work together to end in a happy outcome, I look to find solutions that set you and your cat up for success.
​
WHAT DO YOU CHARGE?
An initial in-home consultation, including a virtual or phone follow-up session, is $175. An initial virtual consultation is $150, also including a follow-up session. With this, you will have no-charge access to me to ask any questions or to discuss progress after our initial meeting.
​
If this rate is not workable for you but you feel could use my help, PLEASE CONTACT ME ANYWAY. I have set aside time for low and no-cost consultations. I am happy to do this. My top priority is seeing you get the help you need so that you can continue living with your cat(s).
​
Also, if you have adopted or are adopting from Stray Pets in Need (S.P.I.N.) or MetroWest Humane Society, please let me know. I have a special arrangement for adopters from these shelters.
I HAVE A QUESTION NOT ANSWERED ON THIS PAGE.
