Class Act Cats: Minneapolis Cat Behavior Consulting and Training Services

If you're looking for cat behavior help or cat training, you're in the right place!

Cats are amazing creatures. They bring such joy to our lives and they're pretty dang cute, too! However, when they are stressed, in pain, or their needs aren't being met, they may try to communicate that in ways that aren't fun for humans. They might bite, stop using their litter box, scratch furniture, or exhibit other undesireable behaviors.

As a cat parent who loves their feline friend very much, these behaviors can be extra stressful because you don't want to be angry with your pet. Can't things just go back to how they were before? Why is my cat, who I really love, acting like this? It takes a huge mental toll on you!

Thankfully, there is help available so you don't need to navigate this alone. Rather than rehoming a cat with behavior problems, consider hiring a behavior consultant! Class Act Cats is a Minneapolis, Minnesota based feline behavior consultation service run by Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Joey Lusvardi designed to turn your cat from sassy to classy. I service cats of all ages, from kittens to senior cats, in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding subburbs along with offering virtual appointments nationwide. I have extensive experience helping shy or fearful cats, preventing and managing territorial behavior, and more. Whatever your concern is, chances are I can help!

Behavior consultations involve a thorough assessment of your cat's behavior. I will then come up with an individualized plan for you to implement so you don't have to guess about what to do next. If you need to make tough decisions, I will be here to support you in a non-judgemental way regardless of what you ultimately decide.

You'll set the goals for what you want to accomplish and develop a plan based on the science of cat behavior and learning. I'll make it as low stress as possible and at times, it will even be fun! You'll learn to love your cat again and enjoy your time with them.

Scroll down or see my individual service pages to learn more about behavior consultations, what services are available, and see pricing.

Zoloft, a lynx point siamese cat, wearing a bow tie

What Is A Behavior Consultation?

Many people are familiar with cat training, which is a service I offer, but are less familar with behavior consultations. A behavior consultation is a meeting with a feline professional, (sometimes referred to as a cat behavior consultant, cat behaviorist, cat whisperer, or even a cat therapist!) to assess your cat's unwanted behavior and figure out how to address it. You'll get a plan and suggestions on what to do next to address your cat's behavior. Afterward, things may need to be altered so you'll get continued support and the option to set up follow up sessions until we reach a satisfcatory conclusion.

Cat Behavior Help For Every Situation

Behavior consultations can answer a variety of questions about cat behavior including:

  • Why is my cat being aggressive?
  • Why isn't my cat using the litter box?
  • How do I stop my cat from biting me?
  • How do I stop my cat from peeing in the house?
  • Why is my cat meowing so much?

During our consultation, we'll focus on both the why and the how questions. We'll figure out the reason behind your cat's behavior and how to change it.

You can learn more about behavior consultations and behavior consultants from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Do I need a cat behaviorist?

Modifying your cat's behavior may involve a variety of different interventions and doing it on your own can be challenging. This is especially true if you've already tried some unsuccessful interventions. By working with a cat behavior specialist, you'll have someone who really understands cats there helping you! We may change the environment, have you train your cat, or have you modify how you interact with your cat. Everything is individualized based on you and your cat's needs. You'll leave feeling more confident that you and your cats will be living happily again!

happy cat receiving chin scratches

What do people have to say about Class Act Cats?

Read these reviews of satisfied cat parents whose cats are less sassy and more classy!

  • "Highly recommend: My shy year old rescue kitty, Calypso, was exhibiting bothersome biting behavior at cuddle time. After a brief consultation with Joey to chose the most appropriate training, I enrolled in Class Act Cats Top Hat program and couldn't be any happier!! Joey was very thorough in his evaluation of Calypso's behavior and explained things to me very well. He developed a practical behavior plan that I could easily implement at home. He also provided other suggestions to help enrich my time with Calypso (and her cat sibling, Virgil). After a few weeks of following through with Joey's plan, Calypso has improved so much and no longer bites for attention. Overall, she has grown to be more affectionate and trusting. I am so excited about Calypso's improvement that I am planning to enlist Class Act Cats' help again to work on clicker training Calypso and Virgil in the near future. Thank you so much, Joey and Class Act Cats!!!"

    Katie
  • "Joey is brilliant, and he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to cats. I’m a first time cat owner, and when I brought home two kittens, Joey knew everything that I needed to do to prepare my home for my two babies. He was patient and thorough with me when meticulously going through each room to ensure that my kittens would be safe, healthy, and happy in their new home. Since bringing them home, he has coached me regularly and ensured that my kittens are looked after well. Joey has such a gentle approach of ensuring that cats are positively reinforced, and it has worked so well for my kittens! Joey’s coaching has been such a huge help for my kittens, and I cannot recommend Class Act Cats enough. ❤️"

    Meenal
  • "Joey is very knowledgeable, patient, honest and doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear. 

    We adopted our cat in August, not knowing/understanding as much as we thought about cats. She was definitely sassy after going through too many changes in a short time.

    She was biting and clawing us a lot, specially me. He opened our minds to what she needed more of. He was very quick to reply to emails, spent a lot of time with us to help our girl and us live happier and lives filled with more fun and less biting.

    Even when we thought it was time to throw in the towel, and almost did…he was supportive of that with us.

    We are forever grateful to you Joey.

    Thank you."

    Kathryn
  • "Joey @ Class Act Cats saved me, seriously! I adopted Bernie February 2021 and I hadn't slept a full night since. I contacted Joey September 2022 and asked for his help. He provided empathy, care, expertise and kindness in offering ways for me do things differently so Bernie & I can live in harmony. Joey's love of all things cats and his knowledge is beyond measure. Since meeting with Class Act Cats, I am so happy to share I am now sleeping through the night! Bernie is so much happier, which makes me happy! If you are experiencing any issues with your furry feline friend, do yourself a huge favor and contact Class Act Cats! Joey is the absolute best "Cat Whisperer!" "

    Karin