My Mission
To enhance the welfare of fearful cats, broaden public understanding of feline behavior, and create stronger bonds between cats and their caregivers
Shelter Shock
Every day, cats enter shelters terrified, hiding in litterboxes, hissing, or shutting down emotionally. I call this "Shelter Shock." Many believe these cats should be left alone to “decompress,” but that is a harmful myth. While they may need a day or two to settle down, early intervention is critical. Without it, cats risk becoming desocialized, aggressive, and harder to adopt, often leading to months of isolation, inappropriate placement as barn cats, or even euthanasia. Additionally, improper handling of fearful and aggressive cats puts both people and animals at risk, often resulting in bites or scratches that lead to quarantine, longer lengths of stay, and unfair outcomes for the cat. With the right training, these situations are preventable. My website provides anyone who works with cats the resources needed to better understand cat behavior, handle aggressive cats safely and humanely, and improve the well‑being of cats in their care.
Why Socialization Matters
These cats aren’t “mean” or "spicy" at all; they’re just scared. Just as shelter dogs need walks and play time, cats need daily socialization and time out of their kennels, too. But that can be difficult for cats with high FAS levels. A scared cat will not socialize on their own, no matter how many Churu's you offer them. That’s why intentional interaction is essential. Cats benefit from enrichment rooms where they can stretch, play, and connect positively with people or other cats. Socializing and handling fearful cats can be challenging; that's why I developed The Bundle & Bond Technique, a fast‑track socialization method that builds confidence in fearful cats. A less fearful cat is happier, easier to work with, and more likely to be adopted. Socialization should begin within 72 hours of intake, regardless of the cat's temperament. I also advocate for shelters to create the role of Feline Facilitator, aka someone skilled in cat handling and behavior, to ensure cats receive equal attention and care as their shelter dog counterparts.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
"...to show people that these cats are not mean, they're just scared."
Understanding Fearful Cats
Shelter cats want and need attention, especially those hiding or hissing in their kennels. These behaviors their normal responses to fear, not signs of being mean, unsocialized, or feral. It's important to realize that this is not how these cats will act once back in a home environment, so they don't need to wait for the "perfect adopter", they just need to get out of the shelter. That is why appropriate Marketing of these cats is also crucial. Many display “kennel aggression” just as dogs do, but transform once removed from their solitary confinement. Again, they're just terrified at the shelter, so they should be made available for adoption as soon as possible. The best place for them is in a new home. When socializing with a fearful cat, the key is showing them you’re not a threat, even if it means getting them out of their comfort zone. It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between a terrified house cat and a truly feral cat, so never assume they're feral, especially if they were owner-surrendered. For more information on assessing feral cats, click here.
Changing Perceptions
In veterinary practices, we don’t dismiss fractious cats as unfit pets. We recognize that they simply hate the vet and are stressed. Yet, shelter cats showing aggression are often treated as such and considered unadoptable. When in reality, they’re simply overwhelmed by strange smells, strange people, and a new environment. To expect this cat to act anything other than terrified is unrealistic. All it takes is a little compassion, confidence, and proper handling to transform these scared cats back into the loving companions they once were. This goes for cats at the vet, too. If all we do is poke and prod them when hospitalized, they're not going to be happy about it. As caretakers, we must understand why cats behave aggressively and learn techniques to reduce fear, improve welfare, and increase adoption success. The techniques used throughout this website don't just apply to shelters and rescues, but to anyone who cares for cats for any length of time, including veterinary hospitals, rescues, and HQHVSN clinics.
"When you treat a cat like they're feral, they will act like they're feral."
The Impact of Confident, Compassionate Handling
Cats can sense our body language, too. When we act afraid of them, they'll act equally afraid of us. Harsh handling or fearful hesitation fuels their aggression (defense mechanisms), while gentle, confident interactions set a calmer tone. My website is filled with videos and information on how to properly handle aggressive cats and even feral cats. Because when you treat cats with quiet compassion, they often respond accordingly. Watch the video below for a good example of this.
"Chorizo" was a feral cat brought to our clinic for treatment of several bite wounds. Due to his severe FAS, medicating him was a challenge. This video shows me working with him for the first time. After only a few minutes of showing him some love and compassion, he became much more relaxed and was no longer aggressive.
Cat Behavior
So why do even the nicest house cats behave so aggressively at times? These limited “kitty minutes” have to do with their evolutionary history. Descended from African wildcats, they are both predators and prey. Being domesticated much later than dogs, and due to their independent nature, they've retained more of their natural behaviors. Because of this, they exhibit a stronger fight-or-flight response, unlike dogs, whose wolf ancestors faced few predators. Their sharp claws, hissing, and evasive skills are all survival and defense mechanisms. This natural reactivity is why calm, quiet, and slow movements are essential when working with them.