Vito and Jett
Cat Behavior Problem
Vito and jett were well introduced but despite that Vito will still sometimes attack Jett, usually in response to movement, silently mounting him and biting his neck. It was serious enough that they couldn't leave the two of them together in the same room for more than a few minutes at a time.
Solution
Redirecting Vito, providing exercise, predatory problem solving, scheduled (ritualized) play 4-5 times a day with a high value food reward to create routine can all contribute to Vito calming down. Teaching him that leaving Jett alone for something better like Honest Kitchen treats and play with problem solving can help. I also taught them a pattern game called "1...2...3...Treat" that they used to get and hold Vito's attention.
Pet Parent Response
– Caylin & Eric F.
Marcus
Cat Behavior Problem
A couple’s cat Marcus was bonded with Andrew, the husband, but not with his wife Michelle.
Solution
People are often in a mother-kitten relationship with their cats, as kittens crave food, as well as attention, comfort and play. Since Andrew was the sole meal provider, I had Michelle take over all the feeding for the next two weeks. This helped reset her relationship with Marcus by getting her into the kitten-mother relationship.
Pet Parent Response
“You helped Marcus love me too, just as much as Andrew! He loves us equally and I am able to hug and love on him with zero resistance. He even hugs me back!! Andrew and I want to thank you for all of your help over the years. Marcus is super affectionate and loves us both equally now.”
– Michelle N.
Jeff
Cat Behavior Problem
Jeff is a very sweet and affectionate cat who had two, seemingly random episodes where he seriously attacked Amy’s live-in boyfriend who required hospitalization. It was a very unusual case, because Jeff was normally very friendly.
Solution
After taking a detailed history and consulting with the rescue organization that Jeff came from, I was convinced that he might have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, a rare neurological condition. The vet confirmed my suspicion, diagnosed it, and prescribed the appropriate medication.
Pet Parent Response
“When Jeff started having violent episodes in his newly adopted home, we were all at a loss and had no idea what to do. His ‘episodes’ were completely out of character and didn't seem to have a pattern. We tried everything from new toys, longer play sessions, and puzzle feeders but nothing worked. Finally we reached out to Stephen who was able to help us get a diagnosis for Jeff after just one session! We now have a better understanding of Jeff's condition and although it's only been a couple weeks, he already seems to be doing significantly better! Thank you Stephen!”
– Amy N.
5 Kittens Rescues
Angel
Cat Behavior Problem
Stephanie’s cat Angel had a habit of waking her up in the middle of the night and a tendency to be nervous.
Solution
I gave Stephanie two plans: one to address Angel’s late night activity and one that focused on helping her gain confidence that would help reduce her nervousness. We got Angel to sleep through the night and also raised her confidence through various enrichment techniques.
Pet Parent Response
"I first reached out to Stephen as a sleep-deprived, first-time cat mom with so many questions! Stephen’s advice and support has proven invaluable as my new cat and I have gotten to know each other. Living with a cat is much more nuanced than providing food, litter, and toys; my life and my cat’s life is richer and happier thanks to Stephen’s expertise and compassion. Thank you so much!”
– Stephanie F.
Ernie
Cat Behavior Problem
John and Lisa did a street rescue of an older adolescent kitten (nine months old) who was hissing, growling and swatting at them while living in his crate.
Solution
After putting a specific socialization technique in place, using food and gentle touch, they are now able to pet Ernie without being swatted at or bitten.
Pet Parent Response
“We came to Stephen with an urgent need. We had trapped and neutered a young stray cat and needed to know if he could eventually become a happy household pet or if he was destined for a life on the mean streets. Through a video conference, Stephen was able to observe Ernie and see how he interacted with us. He gave us great advice on how to proceed to socialize our future family member. He gave us the steps to take and the confidence to know we were doing the right thing. Stephen has the knowledge, expertise, and the personality to help in any situation and we plan to meet with him again soon to follow up. My wife says that he is as good with the cats as he is with people.”
– John and Lisa B.
Odd and Bent
Cat Behavior Problem
An elderly couple Wendy and Donald have two young cats, Odd and Bent. After attending one of my webinars the couple approached me to discuss Bent’s habit of urinating outside the litter box. Wendy later broached a much more difficult subject about making provisions for their beloved cats if she and Donald should predecease them.
Solution
I was able to formulate a plan for Bent to solve the litter box problem. Later on Wendy and I had a heartfelt discussion that was emotional for both of us about making provisions for the cats. In addition to giving practical ideas, I helped Wendy understand that having a plan settled in advance will be a source of comfort.
Pet Parent Response
“Stephen is a treasure for both felines and their humans! His knowledge and sensitivity have made him our go-to expert about everything from sorting out litter box ‘peculiarities’ to more emotionally charged subjects like including Bent and Odd in our long-term care planning. We got to know him through his webinar, but have turned to him since then for all cat-related questions. I always end up purring!”
– Wendy M.
Marcus
Cat Behavior Problem
A couple’s cat Marcus was bonded with Andrew, the husband, but not with his wife Michelle.
Solution
People are often in a mother-kitten relationship with their cats, as kittens crave food, as well as attention, comfort and play. Since Andrew was the sole meal provider, I had Michelle take over all the feeding for the next two weeks. This helped reset her relationship with Marcus by getting her into the kitten-mother relationship.
Pet Parent Response
“You helped Marcus love me too, just as much as Andrew! He loves us equally and I am able to hug and love on him with zero resistance. He even hugs me back!! Andrew and I want to thank you for all of your help over the years. Marcus is super affectionate and loves us both equally now.”
– Michelle N.
Jeff
Cat Behavior Problem
Jeff is a very sweet and affectionate cat who had two, seemingly random episodes where he seriously attacked Amy’s live-in boyfriend who required hospitalization. It was a very unusual case, because Jeff was normally very friendly.
Solution
After taking a detailed history and consulting with the rescue organization that Jeff came from, I was convinced that he might have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, a rare neurological condition. The vet confirmed my suspicion, diagnosed it, and prescribed the appropriate medication.
Pet Parent Response
“When Jeff started having violent episodes in his newly adopted home, we were all at a loss and had no idea what to do. His ‘episodes’ were completely out of character and didn't seem to have a pattern. We tried everything from new toys, longer play sessions, and puzzle feeders but nothing worked. Finally we reached out to Stephen who was able to help us get a diagnosis for Jeff after just one session! We now have a better understanding of Jeff's condition and although it's only been a couple weeks, he already seems to be doing significantly better! Thank you Stephen!”
– Amy N.
5 Kittens Rescues
Angel
Cat Behavior Problem
Stephanie’s cat Angel had a habit of waking her up in the middle of the night and a tendency to be nervous.
Solution
I gave Stephanie two plans: one to address Angel’s late night activity and one that focused on helping her gain confidence that would help reduce her nervousness. We got Angel to sleep through the night and also raised her confidence through various enrichment techniques.
Pet Parent Response
"I first reached out to Stephen as a sleep-deprived, first-time cat mom with so many questions! Stephen’s advice and support has proven invaluable as my new cat and I have gotten to know each other. Living with a cat is much more nuanced than providing food, litter, and toys; my life and my cat’s life is richer and happier thanks to Stephen’s expertise and compassion. Thank you so much!”
– Stephanie F.
Ernie
Cat Behavior Problem
John and Lisa did a street rescue of an older adolescent kitten (nine months old) who was hissing, growling and swatting at them while living in his crate.
Solution
After putting a specific socialization technique in place, using food and gentle touch, they are now able to pet Ernie without being swatted at or bitten.
Pet Parent Response
“We came to Stephen with an urgent need. We had trapped and neutered a young stray cat and needed to know if he could eventually become a happy household pet or if he was destined for a life on the mean streets. Through a video conference, Stephen was able to observe Ernie and see how he interacted with us. He gave us great advice on how to proceed to socialize our future family member. He gave us the steps to take and the confidence to know we were doing the right thing. Stephen has the knowledge, expertise, and the personality to help in any situation and we plan to meet with him again soon to follow up. My wife says that he is as good with the cats as he is with people.”
– John and Lisa B.
Odd and Bent
Cat Behavior Problem
An elderly couple Wendy and Donald have two young cats, Odd and Bent. After attending one of my webinars the couple approached to discuss Bent’s habit of urinating outside the litter box. Wendy later broached a much more difficult subject about making provisions for their beloved cats if she and Donald should predecease them.
Solution
I was able to formulate a plan for Bent to solve the litter box problem. Later on Wendy and I had a heartfelt discussion that was emotional for both of us about making provisions for the cats. In addition to giving practical ideas, I helped Wendy understand that having a plan settled in advance will be a source of comfort.
Pet Parent Response
“Stephen is a treasure for both felines and their humans! His knowledge and sensitivity have made him our go-to expert about everything from sorting out litter box ‘peculiarities’ to more emotionally charged subjects like including Bent and Odd in our long-term care planning. We got to know him through his webinar, but have turned to him since then for all cat-related questions. I always end up purring!”
– Wendy M.
Success Stories
75+ Five Star Reviews on Google
Success Stories
150+ Five-Star Reviews on the Airbnb Online Experience Classes Platform
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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. 
Kelsey
7/07/2021 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 
Constance
7/01/2021 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 
Sarah
3/01/2021
