Jackson Galaxy began working at an animal shelter in Colorado about 30 years ago to earn a little side money while looking for his big break as a musician.
During his lunch breaks, he spent time with the cats and quickly earned the nickname “Cat Boy” because of how the animals gravitated to him. The idea of training them was not discussed.
“There was no conversation’ about cats,” Galaxy said. “We don’t have a baseline understanding of their motivation like we do with dogs.”
Three decades later, he is changing how shelters and pet owners view cats, and he recently came to Pittsburgh to spread the word about how felines think.
His mission began at age 27 at the Animal Welfare Association in Boulder, Colorado, a high-turnover, high-euthanasia shelter in the 1990s. Using the concept of positive reinforcement (rewarding desired behavior when it happens), Galaxy began working with fearful cats by rewarding them for gradually coming toward the front of the cage instead of huddling in the back.
Eventually, Galaxy was able to work with them to overcome their fear, come to the front of the cage and “high-five” the glass when he put his hand up.
From there, Galaxy continued his work with cats and went on to become a New York Times best-selling author and the longtime host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell.” Most recently, he developed Cat Pawsitive 360, an initiative of Greater Good Charities’ Jackson Galaxy Project.
The initiative takes a 360-degree view and includes everything from behavioral models to environmental enrichment — all with the objective improving the well-being of cats both in and out of the shelter.
“I took everything I know from a cat perspective and presented it back to my home (shelter community),” he said.
Cat Pawsitive 360 hosts two-day workshops in cities across the country, with a wide range of sheltering topics including feline body language and communication, feline behavior challenges and adoption counseling.
Last month, Galaxy visited Animal Friends in Ohio Township to offer an invite-only, free feline workshop to animal welfare professionals from local rescues and shelters. In addition to helping cats in their care, Galaxy aims to keep people engaged in animal welfare instead of burning out.
“Basically, we are talking about who is a cat and what do they need to succeed and thrive. We want to help start a conversation from a species perspective — and to appreciate cats for being cats,” he said.
Key objectives of the initiative are to help shelter staff and volunteers understand cats at a fundamental level, from their history and evolution to their body language and the ways they communicate. Unlike dogs, cats are seen as not needing high levels of enrichment, or behavior work, but these are important for cats to thrive in a home or shelter, Galaxy said.
The premise is that shared understanding and common language from intake through veterinary care and adoption result in happier cats and more adoptions.
The workshop is a series of presentations about “shelter catification” — a unique take on environmental enrichment that aims to satisfy the needs of both cats AND humans.
From teaching high fives and head bumps, to “sit” and “come”, caregivers were shown ways to enhance the human-animal bond, encourage interaction and maintain adoptability.
Presenters discussed topics such as feline communication, clicker training for cats and The Three Rs (routine, ritual and rhythm). There was also a Q&A with Galaxy and Christie Rogero, director of pet programs for The Jackson Galaxy Project.
In addition to receiving 7 tips for a happy cat (see below), participants left with a comprehensive reference manual with ideas and steps to implement the various topics and strategies discussed at during the workshop.
In part, they might help conquer what Galaxy calls the biggest challenge for animal welfare, “to eliminate dog people vs. cat people and get people to consider being ‘bi-petual.’”
Cat Pawsitive 360 was underwritten and made possible by Life of Riley at Spring Point. For more information visit greatergood.org.
7 tips for a happy cat
1. Implement the 3Rs — Routine, Ritual and Rhythm. “Cats need to hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom, sleep,” Galaxy says. Getting cats into a routine is integral to developing their circadian rhythm.
Feed the cat at the same time every day. If you open up a treat box before play, or training, start the activity right after you open the treat box. The cat will learn that certain actions mean certain activities will take place, which will increase their confidence. Wherever possible, establish a routine and structure for meals, treats and play.
2. When introducing a cat to a new home, establish a “base camp” — a special room where a new cat can settle in and feel safe. It should be a quiet area away from other pets with food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, a window, toys and a bed. Visit the base camp frequently to play with your cat to increase their confidence and establish a bond and connection.
Leave the cat in the base camp for a minimum of a week, depending on the cat’s comfort level. Gradually open the base camp and move items throughout the house to increase confidence and familiarity. Return the cat to base camp during times of change, high activity or loud noises.
3. Block your “unders.” Cats need escape routes and places to decompress and that’s what base camp is for. Decompression should not be under a chair or bed. “Unders” prevent the cat and the family from connecting in a meaningful way.
4. Do not “free feed” your cat or provide smelly, exciting food. Cats should eat at certain times of day so that treats can be used to motivate them. If your cat doesn’t eat its food after a certain amount of time, say 15-20 minutes, pick up the food and feed the cat later.
5. When introducing new cats or dogs, start with the animals separated by a secure, closed door where they cannot see each other. Put their food as close to the door as possible so that they can become familiar with the sounds and smells on the other side.
Each day, move the food a little closer and walk away so that the animals have time to adjust. If either animal is hesitant, move the dish back. Eventually open the door, but with a pet gate and a blanket over it that you can raise a little each day. If it is too much for either animal, close the door.
Do not let the animals “work it out on their own.” Cats are territorial and it can take time for them to get used to other animals. Resident cats “own” the territory and should not be forced to let outsiders in. Introductions are very important.
6. Let cats “come to you.” Don’t push them if they aren’t ready. Find out what motivates them, then implement the Santa Claus Effect principle. That means having the person that you want the cat to like and bond with give the cat good things to help them bond and develop trust.
7. Keep expectations realistic and don’t set cats up for failure. Integrating a new cat into a new environment, foster home, forever home or shelter environment takes time and patience.
Abby Kirkland (abbykirkland77@gmail.com) is a freelance writer living in Mt Lebanon.
First Published: September 6, 2023, 9:30 a.m.
Updated: September 6, 2023, 9:15 p.m.
