Hi, I’m Rachel!
I believe understanding the motivation behind a cat’s behavior is the first step toward helping them feel safe, comfortable, and confident.
Cats are constantly communicating with us, but their messages can be easy to miss or misunderstand.
By exploring what’s happening around the behavior, we can often identify factors contributing to behavior concerns—and sometimes, small changes can make a big difference.
I’ve always loved animals, especially cats. With ten years experience in animal welfare, my work focuses on supporting cats and dogs with big feelings, who are often fearful, overwhelmed, or struggling to feel comfortable.
I’m CSB-C, CPDT-KA, and Fear Free Certified. My approach is compassionate, practical, and grounded in behavior science. I’m especially passionate about working with a cat’s species-typical behavior, like climbing, scratching, and hiding, rather than working against them. I think cats are endlessly fascinating!
Certifications
The Cats Who Keep Me Curious
Billy
Billy doesn't usually make a big first impression. He prefers to keep his distance until he gets to know you. But once you're part of his club, you'll discover he's still a kitten at heart, happiest when he's stretched out on his back, keeping an eye on the neighborhood, or bird-watching.
If you can't find him, chances are he's dreaming in one of his favorite spots around the house.
Favorite Toy: Catnip teabag
Favorite Treat: Tuna juice
Pigeon
Pigeon believes everyone who walks through the front door is there to see her. She greets visitors like a one-cat welcome committee and firmly believes laps exist for her comfort. If she's not curled up on or beside me, she's usually following me from room to room, helping us cook in the kitchen, or telling us all about her day in her very loud, very human-like meow.
Favorite Toy: Bottle caps
Favorite Treat: Cheese and popcorn, but just about any “people” food
Liam
Liam was the first cat I adopted as an adult, and it always felt like he chose me. He spent nearly six months in my bedroom before he was comfortable exploring the rest of the house. Getting to watch his personality blossom over time was one of my favorite parts of living with him.
He wasn't much of a cuddler, so whenever he slept above my head on my pillow, it was especially meaningful. Those were the moments that reminded me just how far he'd come. We said goodbye to Liam in 2020.
Favorite Toy: Feather wand toy
Favorite Treat: Crunchy cat treats he could chase across the floor