The Cat Behavior Clinic’s Philosophy:
Lasting Humane Results
Schedule with Cat Behaviorist and New York Times Acclaimed Feline Behavior Science Author, Mieshelle Nagelschneider.
Our Feline Behavior Philosophy
Award-winning and Acclaimed New York Times Feline Science Author: Mieshelle’s cat behavior science book has become required curriculum for a number of animal behavior certifying organizations.
Cats are not like dogs. They are also not like humans. Most importantly, you must view the world through a cat’s eyes to solve any behavior issue. All cat behavior consulting has to start with this awareness. That’s because nearly all failed efforts to modify cats’ behavior assume that cat psychology is like dog psychology (or worse, like human psychology). These efforts are doomed to fail because they are based on ignorance of the uniqueness of individual cats and colony behavior dynamics.
Working with a behaviorist that has formal study in animal behavior is vital in solving any cat behavior issue. Without a behavior plan that isn’t carefully created drawing from current research on animal behavior to appropriately address all the critical components and factors of a presenting behavior, is like trying to conduct a symphony without sight or sound. Mieshelle has studied cats for 3 decades and her most recent study of animal behavior was through The Royal School of Veterinary Studies – The University of Edinburgh (MOOC), Oxford University, and through Harvard University Extension. She works with owners to help them understand how their cat really thinks by first helping them understand their cat’s feline instincts and biology. The advice she gives can therefore last for as long as you own a cat, not just until your current issue is resolved.
Experiential work with cats is also vital. Mieshelle has worked with many veterinarians (her partner is also a veterinarian) and veterinary behaviorists, and they all say the same thing, “we never really learned about what to do with cats in school”, or “our behavior studies relied on dogs and other animals that are easy subjects to study”. Because cat behavior is not easily studied and not a focus (almost forgotten, really) in formal education, a major component to understanding cat behavior is by observing them on our own along with a good basis in understanding animal behavior, learning, and cognition.
Mieshelle does not dispense medical advice or provide a medical diagnosis. Our veterinarian performs in-home consultations only at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
All cat behavior solutions must take into consideration feline instincts and their evolutionary biology. The clinic has exclusive rights to Mieshelle Nagelschneider’s proprietary Cat Whisperer™ consulting, easy-to-implement C.A.T. Plan™ positive behavior modification, the most effective, comprehensive, and up-to-date system for curing any cat behavior problem.
Because every cat and environment is different, the plan allows for customized behavior techniques and environmental changes when needed – because cat behavior is not one-size-fits-all. Mieshelle has spent 20 years developing a method so effective that when clients follow it, their success rate is well over 90% (even higher for the most common issues).
Her science-based cat behavior book, The Cat Whisperer, has been featured in the New York Times and a best-seller on Amazon and published in 4 languages (Random House Publishing with co-writer Cameron Powell).
For cat behaviorists seeking certification, her book is a required curriculum by a number of cat behaviorist certifying organizations.
Love is born of mystery, and our cats are mysterious and loved in equal measure. But sometimes the greatest blessing of all is a bit of light thrown into a dark place. Mieshelle Nagelschneider holds that light. Allow her to share it with you.”– Gwen Cooper Author, Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, of Life With a Blind Wonder Cat (Random House), New York, NY
Veterinarian: “Over the course of many years, Mieshelle has developed and refined her unique ability to think like a cat. On numerous occasions I have witnessed the life-changing benefits Mieshelle’s techniques can bring to cats and their sometimes very frustrated owners.” – Veterinarian, Dr. James R. Shultz DVM, Portland, Oregon
Cat Behavior Veterinarian Referral from Dr. Lisa Berger DVM: “Despite all the disruptions, there have been no incidents of urination on the bed or the couch, and neither have been covered by plastic all week!” – Juanita H. Portland, Oregon
You have the African wildcat, your domestic cat’s ancestor, to thank for many of your cat’s “unwanted” cat behaviors. Learn more about this during your consultation to better understand and help your cat and solve its behavior issues. We often misunderstand cat behaviors. Once cat owners understand their cat instincts and biology, they can better understand why the behavior strategies work so well and can better apply them.
Mieshelle The Cat Whisperer™ has been the spokesperson and cat behavior expert for Comfort Zone, Arm & Hammer Cat Litter, and Cat Expert for Whiska’s International Media Tour Australia. Her cat behavior expertise is seen in the New York Times, The Today Show, NBC Dateline, MTV, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The Hallmark Channel, Modern Cat Magazine, Parade, Reader’s Digest, Cat Fancy Magazine, The New York Post, The Boston Globe, USA Today, This Wild Life, The Divine Cat, Real Simple Magazine, Salon.com, Petside, Freekibblekat, The Toronto Star, Canada Globe and Mail, Animal Rescue Site, The Daily Cat, Feline Wellness Magazine, Advisory Council Pet360.com, This Wild Life, The Cat Channel, Pets Magazine, The Circle, New Republic, The Sunrise Show, Yahoo.com, Herald Sun, Toronto Star, and countless others. See our Media Room below for the latest.
Feline behavior therapy is very different from canine behavior therapy and the approach to changing a cat’s behavior is even more unique. Cats do not display obedience problems like dogs. The help you need is not focused on physical or verbal behavior modification strategies, like dog training with a dog trainer present. All cat behaviorists conduct consultations by phone or video via Skype. Our behavior plans are specific to cats and still allow for the natural feline instincts, but when and where you want them displayed. We will cover the behavior plan during the phone or video consultation and offer follow-up over the course of several weeks for all of our consultation programs.
Call The Clinic Today at 503-267-8888
