Who is Bastet?
Bastet is an Egyptian Goddess who offered people protection from disease and negative energy. She preserved the well-being of her people, and for that she was related to a lioness protecting her cubs. Bastet is a Cat Goddess, and is often depicted through images of cats. It is believed that cat statues were created in her honor and decorated people’s homes to symbolize her matronly protection. At Bastet Behavior we draw from this idea of preserved well-being, hoping to grant you and your cat(s) the mental well-being you both deserve with our assistance.
What is your training style?
Bastet Behavior follows the LIMA standard of training and behavior modification, meaning we aim to use the least intrusive and minimally aversive techniques possible. Research in dogs has shown that although positive punishment can accomplish behavior change, it can also correlate with an increase in fear, anxiety, and even aggression in some cases that causes other unwanted behavior and a compromised mental state for the pet*. That is not a risk we are willing to take with our feline clients. We want to strengthen your bond with your cat and help support the two of you. We aim to improve your cat’s emotional response to triggers that can cause problem behaviors, and we find that to be best achieved through desensitization, classical conditioning, counterconditioning, and operant conditioning. You can toss your spray bottles – we won’t be needing them.
*for more information on one of many of these studies, click here.
Why are consults done over video call rather than you coming to our house?
There are really three explanations for this:
- Virtual consults allow for a greater flexibility in scheduling. You have busy lives and so do I (this is not my full time job – hopefully someday!). I am able to help more clients this way.
- We are conscientious of COVID and want to keep you safe!
- In most cases, I learn more valuable information from having a long discussion with you about your cat and reviewing any video footage you may have than if I interact with your cat myself in person. Most cats don’t interact with strangers the same way they do with their people when in their own home – and that’s okay! The shelter setting is a bit different since the cats are usually not comfortable there, which is why we do prefer to prioritize in person evaluations then. We are more likely to see the problem behaviors for ourselves with shelter cats vs cats already in their loving forever homes.
What behaviors constitute a Basic Issue, Intermediate Issue, and Advanced Issue?
Basic issues typically involve no significant problem yet. They tend to include skills you want to work on or pointers you may need in preparation for things to go smoothly with your cat. Examples could be kitten behaviors, preparing for a cat to cat intro, or harness training.
Intermediate issues are problem behaviors that have just started, or are happening in a mild form. Examples include sudden litterbox accidents, a cat to cat intro with minimal aggression, or mild human directed aggression (hissing/growling).
Advanced issues are problem behaviors that have been happening for an extended period of time, worsening over time, or are happening in a high intensity. Examples include litterbox accidents happening for six months, physical fights between cats in the household, or severe human directed aggression (biting and scratching, breaking skin).
What if I can’t afford a consult?
Reach out via our Contact Form. We can discuss if there may be a more financially feasible option we can sort out. Check out our Resources tab as well to see if any information there may help you!
How long should I expect it to take to receive my written behavior plan following my initial consult?
You should receive your behavior plan within 48 hours after your initial consult, unless specifically told otherwise.
How quickly will I receive email support?
In most cases you will receive a response to your email within 24 hours. If it is a more complex question or being sent on the weekend, it may take longer. Our goal is always to respond as soon as possible!
How do I pay?
We accept secure electronic payments only. We will provide more information regarding payment at the time of scheduling.
Bastet Behavior LLC 