THE CAT BEHAVIOR ALLIANCE LEARNING ANNEX
A Forever Home for Every Cat
Project Description
Executive Summary
The Cat Behavior Alliance (CBA) is a women-owned business dedicated to fostering harmony between cats and their humans. With over 30 years of expertise in cat behavior consulting, we aim to reduce cat surrenders, improve feline welfare, and educate cat owners nationwide.
Our proposal seeks funding to establish a Cat Behavior Alliance Learning Annex—a hub for education, training, and support. This annex will empower cat owners, train professionals, and provide resources to address cat behavior challenges, ultimately reducing shelter intakes and improving cat-owner relationships.
Statement of Need
Cats are the second most popular pet in the U.S., yet behavioral issues are one of the leading reasons they are surrendered to shelters. An estimated 3.2 million cats enter shelters annually, with many facing euthanasia due to behavioral challenges that could be resolved with proper education and support. Despite this, there are few accessible resources for cat owners to learn how to address these issues.
The Cat Behavior Alliance Learning Annex will fill this critical gap by providing workshops, online courses, and hands-on training to cat owners, shelters, and veterinary staff. By equipping the community with knowledge and tools, we can reduce the number of cats surrendered and improve the overall quality of life for both cats and their humans.
About Cat Behavior Alliance
Founded by certified cat behavior consultants Rita Reimers and Linda Hall, CBA has been recognized as one of the "10 Top Cat Behaviorists" by Hepper.com and LifeWithCats.tv. Our team has over 30 years of experience as cat owners, rescue volunteers, and consultants, as well as 17 years of running a Cats-Only pet sitting company.
In addition, Nicole Castro, a Certified Surrender Prevention Specialist, enhances our ability to assist clients in keeping their beloved cats. Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert advice to create lasting bonds between cats and their owners.
Goals and Objectives
Goals:
- Reduce cat surrenders to shelters by educating owners and professionals.
- Improve cat welfare through better understanding of feline behavior.
- Train professionals to address feline behavioral challenges.
Objectives:
- Host 50+ workshops annually, reaching at least 1,000 participants.
- Develop and launch three online courses within the first year.
- Partner with five shelters to provide behavior training for staff and volunteers.
- Certify 100 professionals in cat behavior consulting over two years.
Project Design and Implementation
The Cat Behavior Alliance Learning Annex will include:
- On-Site Facilities: A dedicated space for interactive workshops, training sessions, and consultations.
- Virtual Learning Platforms: Online courses and webinars to reach a global audience.
- Community Programs: Partnerships with local shelters and rescues to provide behavior training and support.
- Professional Development: Certification programs for aspiring cat behavior consultants and veterinary staff.
We will begin by securing a centrally located facility, outfitted with cat-friendly training rooms and multimedia capabilities for virtual learning. A phased rollout of programs will ensure quality and scalability, with workshops and online resources launched in the first six months.
Impact
The Cat Behavior Alliance Learning Annex will:
- Reduce cat surrenders by 20% in the first three years.
- Improve owner satisfaction, leading to better retention of adopted cats.
- Provide shelters with tools to address behavior challenges, increasing adoption rates.
- Create a network of certified cat behavior professionals to expand our reach.
By addressing the root causes of cat behavioral issues, our annex will save lives, strengthen human-cat bonds, and elevate the standard of feline care.
Funding Request
We request $250,000 to establish the Cat Behavior Alliance Learning Annex, allocated as follows:
- Facility lease and renovations: $100,000
- Equipment and materials: $50,000
- Program development and marketing: $50,000
- Staffing and operations: $50,000
This funding will enable us to launch a comprehensive, sustainable program that addresses a pressing need in the pet community.
Sustainability
To ensure the annex’s long-term viability, we will:
- Generate revenue through workshop fees, course subscriptions, and certifications.
- Build partnerships with veterinary clinics, pet stores, and shelters.
- Seek ongoing support from donors and corporate sponsors.
By creating a self-sustaining model, we will continue to serve the community and advance feline welfare for years to come.
Conclusion
The Cat Behavior Alliance Learning Annex represents a transformative step in improving the lives of cats and their owners. By funding this initiative, you will play a critical role in reducing shelter surrenders, promoting humane education, and fostering a more compassionate society.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the feline community.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
1. What is Cat Behavior Alliance?
Cat Behavior Alliance is a dedicated online resource providing expert advice, training, and support for cat owners dealing with behavioral issues. We offer educational materials, consultations, and solutions to help improve the relationship between cats and their owners by addressing behavioral challenges such as aggression, litter box problems, scratching, and more.
2. Why is my cat acting out?
Cats can exhibit undesirable behaviors for a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, changes in their environment, medical issues, or boredom. Some common behavioral issues include:
- Litter box avoidance
- Aggression (towards people or other pets)
- Scratching furniture
- Excessive meowing or vocalization
- Destructive chewing
We recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our certified behavior consultants to better understand the root cause of your cat’s behavior.
3. Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes! We offer virtual consultations via Zoom for cat owners anywhere in the world! Our experienced behaviorists can work with you over video calls to assess your cat’s behavior, offer guidance, and develop a tailored action plan to address your cat’s specific needs.
4. How can I stop my cat from scratching the furniture?
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that helps them mark territory, stretch muscles, and sharpen their claws. To prevent furniture scratching, we recommend:
- Providing scratching posts or pads in areas your cat frequents
- Using cat-safe deterrents (like double-sided tape or sprays)
- Trimming your cat’s claws regularly
- Training your cat to use the scratching posts by rewarding them when they scratch there
Check out our detailed guide on scratching behavior for more tips and solutions.
5. My cat refuses to use the litter box. What should I do?
Litter box problems can stem from various causes, including:
- A dirty or improperly placed litter box
- Stress or anxiety
- Medical conditions like urinary tract infections
- Litter type preference
We recommend checking the following:
- Clean the litter box regularly (at least once a day)
- Ensure there are enough litter boxes in multi-cat households
- Use a type of litter your cat prefers
- Consider a trip to the vet if your cat’s refusal to use the litter box is sudden or persistent
For a more personalized solution, consider scheduling a behavior consultation.
6. Is my cat’s aggressive behavior normal?
Aggression in cats can have various causes, such as territorial disputes, fear, pain, or overstimulation. Some signs of aggression include swatting, biting, or hissing. If your cat’s aggression is frequent or severe, it’s important to:
- Rule out medical issues (pain or illness)
- Identify triggers and stressors in your cat’s environment
- Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage calm behavior
If the aggression persists, we highly recommend consulting a certified behavior consultant for guidance.
7. What is positive reinforcement and how can I use it with my cat?
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your cat for desirable behaviors, which encourages them to repeat those behaviors. For example, if your cat uses the scratching post, give them a treat or praise. This helps your cat associate the behavior with positive outcomes. It’s an effective, gentle way to modify behavior without resorting to punishment.
For more on positive reinforcement techniques, check out our training videos and blog posts in the CBA Learning Annex.
8. Do you offer training programs or courses?
Yes, we offer a variety of online training programs and courses for cat owners. These programs cover common behavior issues such as litter box problems, aggression, and training your cat to be more social. Our courses are designed to provide you with the tools and strategies you need to address behavioral challenges effectively.
Check out our Self-Study Videos page for more information.
9. Can you help with multi-cat households?
Absolutely! Multi-cat households can present unique challenges, such as territorial disputes, resource guarding, and aggression between cats. We offer specialized advice and strategies for managing multiple cats and fostering a harmonious environment.
Our consultants can help you with:
- Cat introductions
- Managing territorial behavior
- Reducing competition for food, space, and attention
Feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation.
10. How do I get started with a consultation?
Getting started is easy! Simply visit our Consultation Booking Page to choose your preferred service and schedule a time that works for you. Our consultants will assess your cat’s behavior, offer advice, and work with you to develop a tailored action plan.
11. Do you have any resources for first-time cat owners?
Yes! We understand that bringing a new cat into your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Our website offers a range of resources specifically designed for first-time cat owners, including:
- How to introduce your cat to your home
- Essential supplies every cat owner needs
- Understanding cat body language
- Basic training tips
Be sure to check out our Beginner’s Guide to Cat Care for more information!
12. How can I support the Cat Behavior Alliance?
We’re passionate about helping cats and their owners, and we’re always grateful for the support of our community. You can help by:
- Sharing our resources with fellow cat owners
- Donating to our cause (to support free resources and outreach)
- Following us on social media and spreading the word
For more details on how to support us, visit Help Second Chance Cats.
13. I have a question that’s not listed here. How can I get in touch?
If you have any other questions or would like more personalized advice, feel free to contact us directly at [email protected]. Our team of experts is happy to assist!
14. What is the Carolina Cat Sanctuary?
The Carolina Cat Sanctuary is a safe and loving home for cats with behavioral challenges, special needs, or those that have been overlooked by other adoption agencies. Our sanctuary provides a peaceful environment where these cats can receive the attention, medical care, and behavior rehabilitation they need to thrive.
Some of our sanctuary residents are available for adoption once they are ready for a forever home, while others will remain with us as permanent residents.
Just Because I Care
Rewards
Just Because I Care