Cats at Heart - It’s Not Just a Business Name…
Cats at Heart isn’t just a business name, it’s a philosophy - one that recognizes and celebrates the true nature of cats and the unique joy they bring into our lives. It represents my unwavering commitment to feline welfare and my desire to help cat guardians and their feline companions overcome the challenges of problem behaviour and enjoy life together.
Choosing the right name for a business is a decision that holds significant meaning and reflects the essence of what you do. When it came to naming my feline behaviour consulting and training business, "Cats at Heart" was the perfect choice. This name encapsulates not only my professional focus as a feline-specific behaviourist but also the deep understanding and respect I have for the natural instincts and innate behaviours that our domesticated cats retain from their wild ancestors.
A Feline-Specific Approach
"Cats at Heart" is a name that directly reflects my commitment to working exclusively with cats. In the world of animal behaviour, there are many generalists — behaviourists and trainers who work with a variety of species. However, I believe that cats deserve an expert who is entirely dedicated to understanding and addressing their unique needs. Cats are often misunderstood creatures; their behaviours can be subtle, complex, and sometimes puzzling to the untrained eye. My focus on feline behaviour means that I am not just familiar with these nuances—I’m an expert at decoding them.
As the name "Cats at Heart" suggests, my heart lies with felines. Every aspect of my work, from consulting with guardians and caregivers to developing individualised behaviour modification programmes and training plans, is rooted in a deep love and respect for cats. This specialisation allows me to stay current with the latest research and techniques in feline behaviour and training, ensuring that my clients receive the most effective and compassionate science-backed support available.
The Wild Within: Cats' Ancestral Behaviors
Another key reason for the name "Cats at Heart" is my recognition of the wild instincts that our domesticated cats still retain. Although they may spend their days curled up in armchairs or playing with toys, domestic cats are not far removed from their wild ancestors. In fact, many of the behaviours that cat guardians observe in their feline companions are directly linked to survival strategies used by wildcats in their natural habitats.
For example, a cat's tendency to stalk and pounce on toys is not just play—it’s a refined hunting technique inherited from its wild relatives. Similarly, the territorial behaviours cats display, such as scratching, facial marking with scent glands, urine spraying and middening, are rooted in their need to establish and defend their core territory. Even cats’ insistence on perching high up on the top of bookcases, wardrobes or refrigerators, can be traced back to their instinctual desire for safe refuge and vantage points out of reach of predators.
By acknowledging these innate species-specific behaviours, "Cats at Heart" emphasises a compassionate approach to understanding and addressing problem behaviour. Rather than viewing these actions as mere quirks or problems to be corrected, I see them as expressions of a cat's natural instincts. My role as a feline behaviourist is to help guardians understand these behaviours and find ways to manage and live harmoniously with them, respecting the wild-at-heart nature of their cats.
By acknowledging these innate species-specific behaviours, "Cats at Heart" emphasises a compassionate approach to understanding and addressing problem behaviour.
Understanding Cats on a Deeper Level
The name "Cats at Heart" also speaks to the deeper connection I strive to foster between cats and their guardians. Understanding a cat's behaviour is more than just addressing immediate issues; it's about building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Cats are independent and often enigmatic creatures, but they are also capable of forming deep bonds with their human companions. My goal is to help owners see the world through their cat’s eyes and to appreciate the unique personalities and the species-specific and individual needs of their feline friends.
This approach is crucial because many behavioural issues arise from misunderstandings between cats and their people. When a cat’s natural behaviours are misinterpreted, it can lead to frustration on both sides. By helping guardians understand why their cats act the way they do—whether it’s scratching the furniture, avoiding the litter box, or being aloof—I can guide them toward solutions that honour the cat’s natural instincts while also meeting the needs of the household, allowing you to enjoy life together.
A Commitment to Compassionate Care
Ultimately, "Cats at Heart" is a name that represents my unwavering commitment to the well-being of cats. It is a reminder that every cat, no matter how domesticated, is still a creature with a heart full of wild instincts and natural behaviours. My mission is to honour that wild spirit while helping cats and their guardians live together peacefully and happily.
In choosing this name, I wanted to convey the idea that, genetically and at their core, cats are still connected to their wild ancestors, and understanding that connection is key to nurturing a healthy and fulfilling relationship with them. "Cats at Heart" is not just a business; it is a philosophy—one that recognizes and celebrates the true nature of cats and the unique joy they bring into our lives.
If you're facing challenges with your feline friend and need behaviour support or simply want some behaviour advice or 1:1 training to deepen your understanding of their behaviour and discover how to help them thrive and prevent problem behaviours from arising, "Cats at Heart" is here to help.