Thanks to everyone who asked questions! Here are the answers to a few we didnt have time to get to
Is there a video or tutorial I could follow that would teach me how to approach fearful cats in a shelter environment using a clicker, please? I am new to this. Currently I am trying to clicker train some of my cats and my foster kittens but my focus is mostly on those shelter cats that everyone else is afraid to approach. I work in a shelter. Thank you. - Magdalena Turcott
You are already working towards foundations in being able to use clicker training with fearful cats which is learning how to better understand body language and foundations of a considerate approach, awesome job! As far as video tutorials, I have shared a few short video examples on my Chirrups and Chatter Instagram and Facebook pages. In many cases, when I am first working with a fearful cat, I avoid using a marker (clicker or marker word like yes for example) due to them being fearful and all stimuli including sounds possibly causing more stress. Instead, I first build a relationship with them through a technique I call picnicking and do everything I can to create a feline friendly low stress cage environment then start to build on that. You can find more about these techniques at the handout attached as well as on this podcast episode I did Supporting Fraidy Cats podcast I do commonly present workshops and lectures on the topic at conferences as well as with shelters along with helping shelters build behavior programs and SOP's for fearful cats, keep up the paw some work!
The shelter I volunteer at removes the kitties (into a box) to clean the cages - the cages are on the small size. Any suggestions? - anonymous attendee
A future project that would be helpful is installing portals in the cages you currently have to provide more space which has been shown to decrease stress, infection, and increase adoption rates https://shor-line.com/professions/shelters/retrofitting-feline-cages/ Maddies has alot of great resources on this
Immediate recommendations include providing a hiding spot, if you have not already, which can also provide a vertical space as well. A hiding spot can be a Hide,perch and go box, small box, small crate with towel, etc. When cleaning, can place towel over hiding area (if they are already there or lure them into place with a treat or toy) and transfer them to a nearby area rather than moving them to a completely different room to reduce stress. Also when possible, doing a spot clean can be very helpful. Instead of removing and replacing all the cage linens, you can keep them in place and simply clean the affected area, scooping litter, tidying up, and using a paper towel that was sprayed with cleaner to wipe the spots needed. Of course, if the linens are soiled, they should be replaced and the whole cage should be cleaned. When feasible, keeping the cat in the cage during a spot clean helps maintain their sense of security, reduces handling stress, and keeps their environment familiar
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Tabitha Kucera
RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP
Chirrups and Chatter
OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-28-2025 01:20 PM
From: Tabitha Kucera
Subject: Making the First Move: Approaching Cats w/ Care, Tabitha Kucera. Aug 28, 2025, Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection
Thank you to everyone who attended!
Be sure to check out Part 1 Feline Communication: Maddies Monthly Behavior Connection, Cracking the Cat Code: Recognizing Feline Signals for Better Care
Here is the online conference I mentioned that is in November and will cover everything from medication techniques and handling to housesoiling prevention, Feline Focus: Virtual Learning Event.
You can also find other events and resources via Chirrupsandchatter.com & @chirrupsandchatter on Facebook, instagram & @behaviorvettech on TikTok
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Tabitha Kucera
RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP
Chirrups and Chatter
OH
Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 07:27 PM
From: Sheila Segurson (she/her)
Subject: Making the First Move: Approaching Cats w/ Care, Tabitha Kucera. Aug 28, 2025, Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection
Hi,
Save the date! On Thurs Aug 28 at noon PT/3 pm ET, join us for a webcast where we'll learn from @Tabitha Kucera about how to apply the Considerate Approach when working with cats in animal shelters.
This is a follow-up webcast to Tabitha's April 2025 Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection webcast about feline communication. There were lots of questions about how to use the Considerate Approach so we decided to add on a part 2!
Sign me up or learn more!
About Tabitha Kucera, RVT, KPA-CTP, CCBC, VTS (Behavior):
Tabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling Certified Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She is the founder of Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio.
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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Shelter Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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