How Cat Behavior Consulting Works

Sam holding a large, brown tabby wo is looking softly at the camera

My late cat Charm (aka Master Charming)

Cats can be trained, and cat's behavior can be changed to help them feel better.

You may have been told

That's just how cats are

They'll grow out of it

You can’t really train cats

This is the best it will get

They’re doing it on purpose

I learned a lot about management in cat training; including how we can adjust our living spaces to help our cats and how to use management to reduce stress in a household where 2 cats aren’t getting along.

- Vic, Sweetie, and Bean

What a Cat Behavior Consultant Does

- Figure out why your cat is behaving the way they are

- Reduce fear, stress, and frustration (for all of you)

- Investigate unmeet needs, medical contributions and stressors

- Create a plan with you to meet your cat’s needs

- Teach skills that make daily life safer and enjoyable

a black and white cat in a relaxed position looking tup and to the side

Mister

What We Do Together

- Virtual or in person sessions

- Discuss what you are seeing and experiencing and make adjustments to daily life

- Change your environment to help meet your cats needs,

- Learn about cat behavior and body language to to empower you with understanding and knowledge

- Teach your cats new skills

I assumed that cat training would mostly be tricks to keep my cat mentally stimulated and engaged, and training for me to better support my cat. I was surprised to learn that much of the training for my cat includes strategies that lower her anxiety and make her feel safer at home.

- Karis and izzie

Examples of Cat Training

This is a photo of mat training with Ollie. We are preparing to move into a new place and are teaching Ollie the skill of being in one place to make it easier for the dog to learn how to be relaxed in sessions.

Summary of Izzie:

referral from vet to support her after a traumatic gunshot in the house, she had urinary symptoms (outside box)that needed to have low stress.

We worked together to create and embolden safe spaces i nthe house

adjusted litter and litterboxes to make them easier for her

kepot a log of her behavior to track patterns of increase stress, vocalization, biting

taught her skills to use when she needed help (go to bed/mat to get distance from guardian), hand target to use her brain and help redirect her when she needed

Explored different wayus to meet her needs in safe ways (ddifferent toys, rearrnging futniture)

Consistently discussed quality of life for everyone.

Many cats that see me have a hard time with eating medication, or we want to make it a positive experience for the future.

I've worked to create medication plans for cats. This video is one way you can medicate cats. Each cat is different and working with a pro to create a safe, low-=stress plan can help.

Check out my resources page for a handout with more ideas.

Mister example on instag

Fun Training

This is an example of one way to train cats that is a "pattern game".

Some training can be just for fun - and can have positive impact on future sessions.

I've used this pattern for my own and client cats to teach them they can approach new or swcary things, and then move away. I used it for crate training my cat Sushi too.

Check out this video for examples of cat enrichment.

Start training yoru cat now - teach them their name

Pettignis a conversation. always itneract with consent!

5 star review from Clare Kramer: Sam has been so helpful! Within the first month of working with them I feel so much more confident in what I can do for my cat. Plus I know I have someone in my corner when I go to the vet to understand and provide the information they need to help best. Sam is so supportive and accepting when I haven’t been able to make certain changes. It’s always a conversation about how to break down barriers to success. I never feel shame about any questions or admitting I didn’t complete a recommendation yet. I feel confident that I can help and understand my cat because Sam is there to assist along the way!
5 Star Review: I cannot say enough great things about Sam and Wise Whisker Training!! They have all the top-notch training and certifications, plus the requisite knowledge, professionalism, and experience you could ever want in a trainer! They have the perfect calming and loving demeanor to put you and your pet at ease. We have a very special needs cat with complicated behavioral and health issues and Sam taught us how to learn his behavioral cues and work with his unique personality so that we can minimize his stress when giving him multiple medications per day. I give Sam and Wise Whisker Training my absolute highest recommendation!

Common Questions

Can my cat really change?

YES! I’ve helped cats with a wide range of challenges, and helped first-time cat parents understand what cats need. We will learn together what your cat is communicating, what its underlying challenges are, how to provide enrichment that is effective, and more.

Can you train cats?

Yes! Not only can you train cats to do fun things like tricks, you can also teach them skills that help them with everyday life. Plus, a lot of our work will be understanding what cats need to thrive and how we can set up the environment for them.

© 2025

In Person in Colorado: Broomfield, Westminster, South Boulder, Arvada,

Virtual everywhere!