About

Certified in feline behavior and experienced in adoptions, veterinary assisting and rescue work, and writing frequently on topics related to cat behavior, I appear regularly on podcasts and I also give webinars for companies, shelters, and libraries. As a cat behaviorist I work with clients privately and consult with the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Ready For Rescue, City Critters, the Wisconsin Humane Society, and the Animal Care Centers of NYC and in 2025 I spoke at the Ultimate Cat Conference.

I also hold several certifications from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI), which provide the foundational framework for my national disaster response and field rescue deployments (such as my work with the ASPCA disaster response team). I live with my husband and our two cats: happy-go-lucky Cricket, and Jenny, her blind-from-birth bestie, who rules our home.

See this 1 minute welcome video I made and you can watch this short (6 min.) interview with me and videos I’ve made on YouTube discussing behavior.

A Few Companies & Libraries I've Worked With Include:

target logo, cat behaviorist stephen quandt worked with several companies including target
mars petcare logo, cat behaviorist stephen quandt worked with mars petcare
everett public library logo, stephen quandt has given webinars on the topic of cat behavior for several companies, including libraries
carmel terrace logo, stephen quandt has given webinars on the topic of cat behavior for several companies, including carmel terrace assisted living.
eisenhower public library logo, stephen quandt has given webinars on the topic of cat behavior for several companies, including libraries
dover public library logo, stephen quandt has given webinars on the topic of cat behavior for several companies, including libraries
stephen quandt with his cats cricket and jenny

Stephen Quandt

Feline Behavior Associates, LLC

A dedicated and principled professional driven by a lifelong passion for animal welfare, Stephen helps decode the sources of cat behavior by filtering them through the lens of the evolutionary and adaptive forces that drive feline behavior. He then creates customized behavior plans that address and solve issues between cats and the humans who love them, as well as with cats and other animals, in an empathetic and non-judgmental way.

1-Minute Video

Welcome to Cat Behavior Help!

I'm proud to be NYC's Only Certified, Private-Practice Feline Behavior Consultant who also works at NYC's Municipal Animal Shelter (ACC), giving me extensive experience and compassion to handle difficult cases. Please check out my short intro video!

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cricket and jenny are stephen quandt's cats and have benefited from his cat behavior help

Cricket & Jenny

Meet Cricket, pictured on the left and adopted in 2014. She is a happy-go-lucky girl and Jenny, on the right is her blind-from-birth bestie, adopted in 2011 and who rules our home!

Stephen Quandt Former Lighting Designer is currently a cat behavior specialist

Theatrical Lighting Designer Becomes Cat Rescuer

I am a former freelance theatrical lighting designer who has taught at Yale University and Queens College. In 2002 I turned my attention to helping cats in need. From 2002 to 2011 I volunteered with a small cat rescue organization in New York City.

Stephen Quandt Cat Behavior Help Jopin MO Disaster Relief

Changing Lives One Cat at a Time

In 2011 I discovered that one of the greatest of human gifts is relieving suffering. After changing the life of one particular cat at the site of the terrible Joplin MO tornado my own life was transformed. I began deploying professionally with the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response Team, now the National Field Response Team.

Stephen Quandt Cat Behavior Help Chernobyl

International Rescue: The Dogs of Chernobyl

In 2019 I was extremely fortunate to assist on a spay/neuter and research campaign for the dogs and cats descended from the pets left behind after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. It was a life changing experience. I created an uplifting webinar,The Dogs of Chernobyl: A Story of Hope and Resilience – with original photos and video.

Stephen Quandt Cat Behavior Help ACC

Dedicated to a Compassionate Approach

My experience with the ASPCA led to my current position as a feline behaviorist with the Animal Care Centers of NYC, where I serve the cat and human communities in New York City. I've worked with many more cats at ACC than I otherwise would have if I only worked in private practice. My work in the community, particularly those hard hit by disasters nationwide, has deepened my empathy for the complexities of the human-cat bond.

Success Stories

75+ Five Star Reviews on Google

Posted on Google Google
Marion Quinn profile picture
Marion Quinn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very thorough with practical and realistic advice. Is ok with admitting when he’s not sure what to advise although we found that the advice he gave in spite of that was sound. If you seek a consultation you will also get access to all kinds of useful information that he’s developed through his experience. Easy to communicate with - prompt responses to emails.
Posted on Google Google
Rebecca Altneu profile picture
Rebecca Altneu
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I hired Stephen when I knew I was getting a second cat to make sure that everything went as smoothly as possible with my resident cat. He was amazingly reassuring and so easy to reach. He had so many different ideas and thoughts in preparation for their arrival and made the process so seamless for me. Although I will not be adding any cats to my family, I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
Posted on Google Google
David Colodny profile picture
David Colodny
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steven did a fabulous job working with us to reintroduce our two cats. His written materials are very detailed and he took the time to understand what was going on with our cats and help us map out the reintroduction process. The process was successful and our cats are back together and happy. And he's a pleasure to work with. Thank you Steven!
Posted on Google Google
Deborah Platz profile picture
Deborah Platz
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Imagine coming home from the vet with one of your two 7 year old bonded cats (Nadja) and your other cat (Petunia) starts aggressively hissing and growling. Then imagine your two 7 year old bonded cats get into a fight and they each retreat into hiding. That was the unimaginable situation I was dealing with when I started searching for help and answers on the internet. And that led me to Stephen who sensing my panic and complete desperation in my email to him, called me from an airport gate as he was boarding a plane to offer me hope and comfort and to tell me WE could work through this. I’d never heard of non recognition aggression but I am very familiar now. And after a week of working through Stephen’s step by step guideline and personalized plan, my girls are back to living each other and I can finally breathe again. Stephen is the best: caring, patient, always available and a resource for those of us cat parents that need support, comforting and guidance.
Posted on Google Google
Wendy Ann Miller profile picture
Wendy Ann Miller
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Why aren’t there MORE stars??? Stephen deserves at least 10! Our cat had surgery yesterday…of course I emailed Stephen immediately which of course he answered immediately with spot-on answers and reassurance. He is a whisperer for cats as well as their agitated parents. It is no wonder at all that we got in touch with Stephen Quandt right away. And no need to wait for an emergency. Never too early to anticipate your cat’s needs…
Posted on Google Google
Jamie Mercado profile picture
Jamie Mercado
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stephen Quandt was recommended by my veterinarian. I have two seniors who came with litter box and anxiety issues. Multiple veterinarians had tried various anti anxiety meds and nothing helped. My current vet remembered Stephen helping another client. Stephen is knowledgeable and patient. He works to get to the heart of the concerns and help the human understand a cat’s thought process. Based on our discussions, he was the only person who recommended both cats be put on Effexor. My vet agreed to try this course of treatment and prescribed the medication. The cats have been on Effexor for over two months now, and we have not had an accident since they started. They actually seem calmer overall. If you are dealing with feline behavioral concerns, there is help! Stephen’s guidance and education were well worth the time. He approaches issues differently than a veterinarian which is exactly what we needed. His plan in conjunction with our veterinarian’s support has significantly improved the lives of everyone in my home… two legged and four legged, alike.
Posted on Google Google
Tracy Grammer profile picture
Tracy Grammer
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Compassionate. Experienced. Accessible. Practical. Offers clear, proven strategies for addressing key behavior issues and educates his clients as to why cats do what they do. Once you consult with Stephen, you've got a cat behaviorist in your pocket for life. He's supremely kind, helpful, and in love with all things cat. That's the guy you want helping you help your furry friend. On behalf of Pickles, Mr. Brown, and Pepper Jack, I owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
Posted on Google Google
Miller Kress profile picture
Miller Kress
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stephen is the best. When I first adopted my senior kitty, I thought I was going to have to rehome her due to her aggressive behaviors towards my other cat. With Stephen's help, I was able to slowly integrate them into each other's lives and now they coexist beautifully. Stephen is obviously extremely knowledgeable, but also incredibly understanding and really meets you where you're at. I can't recommend him enough and am so grateful that the shelter I adopted from put me in contact with him.
Posted on Google Google
Benjamin Arad profile picture
Benjamin Arad
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stephan is amazingly knowledgeable, detail oriented, and a pleasure to work with.

Success Stories

150+ Five-Star Reviews on the Airbnb Online Experience Classes Platform

  • stars 5 yellow  Great experience, really helpful and knowledgeable.

    thumb Lucas
    3/09/2021

    stars 5 yellow  What an awesome opportunity! Thank you so much, I learnt a lot about my own cats and about cats in general and felt very welcomed. A unique experience. I think... read more

    thumb Sarah
    3/01/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen did a great job of listening to the issues I am having and delivered a thorough and thoughtful plan that is already starting to show results.

    thumb Kelsey
    7/07/2021
  • stars 5 yellow  I can’t recommend Stephen highly enough! Since I booked a little further in advance, he even took some time prior to our private session to get to know more about... read more

    thumb Max
    3/19/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Our experience with Stephen was excellent. He listened to all our concerns and was thoughtful and thorough in his recommendations. He sent us materials before and after our experience. He... read more

    thumb Maria
    2/23/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Helpful information

    thumb Halley
    1/04/2022
  • stars 5 yellow  If you’re thinking of contacting/booking - stop thinking and do it! Stephan is fantastic - I just wish I’d found him 2-3 months ago, it would’ve reduced my stress.... read more

    thumb Gina
    10/25/2022

    stars 5 yellow  Exactly as advertised - Stephen is a pro. He asked great questions before our meeting and really dove into our specific situation during the session. On top of bringing experience... read more

    thumb Sarah
    5/03/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen gave me hope that I didn't have before. And he helped give me peace of mind that whatever direction I go I will have support along the way. Thank... read more

    thumb Dionna
    11/10/2021
  • stars 5 yellow  Meeting with Stephen was absolutely wonderful! He is so knowledgeable and sympathetic about cats with behavioural issues!! This experience was absolutely worth it, you get so much out of it!... read more

    thumb Elizabeth
    4/24/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen is a real expert for cats‘ behaviour, highly experienced and oberwhelmingly friendly. Highly recommendable. Don‘t miss it!????????

    thumb Bettina
    3/12/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen was very kind and shared a lot of great information and ideas for helping my senior cat! It was a very personalized and positive experience! I would highly recommend!

    thumb Diana
    7/06/2021
  • stars 5 yellow  Wow, just wow! Stephen is so professional, prepared, and knowledgeable . We learned so much that we can apply to our Lola to overcome her fears and anxiety. He not... read more

    thumb Carol
    2/16/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Wow, what an amazing experience. Stephen is obviously a qualified expert, but he is also a really warm and personable host. He went above and beyond in helping me figure... read more

    thumb Sarah
    3/13/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen went above and beyond to make my Mom and I️ feel welcome. He is incredibly knowledgable and eager to help in any he can. I️ learned so much in... read more

    thumb Stephanie
    5/06/2021
  • stars 5 yellow  Stephen is the best! He has the expertise and experience helping people understand and care for their cats and is also a wonderful and caring person. I met with Stephen... read more

    thumb Anne
    4/28/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen was attentive and knowledgeable. Would recommend!

    thumb Charlotte
    4/10/2021

    stars 5 yellow  No encantó conocer a Stephen, preparó una plática especial para mi hijo de 8 años en la que le enseñó como leer las actitudes de los gatos y le contó... read more

    thumb Nadia
    2/20/2021
  • stars 5 yellow  Stephen is such a thoughtful, kind, and generous person. I felt completely at ease as soon as I booked the experience. We immediately corresponded and I just knew from there... read more

    thumb Natalie
    4/23/2021

    stars 5 yellow  He is a wonderful human, period. He has so much information and experience and seemed so interested in our own cats, it was as if he lived with us! Worth... read more

    thumb Constance
    7/01/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Stephen is amazing! Even if you don't think your cat needs behavioral work, I highly recommend booking a session. Our cats are pretty well-adjusted, so we were just looking to... read more

    thumb McKinley
    2/19/2021
  • stars 5 yellow  We really love the experience with Stephan! Although we were not looking for this behavior help and we say it by random - we were so happy to find it.... read more

    thumb Sophia
    3/13/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Whether you have cats or are thinking about adopting one and want to know more about how to prepare, this is the perfect experience. Stephen was super available from the... read more

    thumb Andreia
    4/24/2021

    stars 5 yellow  Don’t want to make this too long and believe me, I could write pages about how much we enjoyed Stephen’s consultation. He is a down-to-earth guy, very knowledgeable, and very... read more

    thumb Alexei
    3/30/2021

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Creating a Happier World for Cats
& the Humans Who Love Them

Based in New York City, and available virtually over Zoom, worldwide.
New York, NY, 10044

 

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