Class Act Cats: Your Pathway to a Happy Cat Without the Guesswork

Class Act Cats is a feline behavior consultation service run by Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Joey Lusvardi based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I service the Twin Cities metro area including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs, but am available for virtual consultations wherever you are!

I offer services to help reduce the stress and uncertainty that comes with having a cat with behavior concerns. I can help with a variety of behavior problems including:

  • Biting
  • Litter box problems and litter box training
  • Excessive meowing
  • Aggression toward humans or other cats
  • Compulsive grooming and other compulsive behaviors
  • Destructive scratching
  • Behavior problems in kittens/kitten training
  • Problems between cats and dogs
  • Separation anxiety in cats
  • Reducing fear in shy or fearful cats
  • Attention seeking behavior

My approach takes into account your cat's and your family's needs. If your cat isn't behaving their classiest, you have enough stress as is. We'll come up with a plan together that meets your needs and lifestyle. I'll be here to support you along the way, too!


If your cat is experiencing behavior issues caused by a medical problem, I can work with your veterinarian to support their treatment plan. From helping your cat take pills to helping your cat get into their carrier easily, I can teach you how to work with your cat to make your life (and your vet's!) much easier.

cat trainer with three cats and a kitten smiling and giving an orange cat a treat

What sets Class Act Cats apart?

  • Education

    Joey is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and has an extensive background in behavioral sciences and biology. He really understands how cats learn and why they do what they do! He completed education from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Pet Professional Guild, Animal Humane Society, Karen Pryor Academy, and more. He even earned a certificate specifically in feline inappropriate elimination (litter box) problems!

  • Understanding Humans

    Understanding cats is important, but so is understanding the human component. Joey works in mental health and knows how to work with people, too. Happy cats mean happy humans! Your needs will ALWAYS be taken into account and the plan will be as low stress for you as possible.

  • Science Based Approach

    We use positive reinforcement methods to modify behavior whenever possible. This approach is scientifically backed and more effective than other methods.

  • Value

    Hiring a behavior consultant is a worthwhile investment! You save yourself the time, stress, and money of failed attempts at managing unwanted behaviors. You'll have an expert supporting you at every step!

  • Options

    We offer a variety of services to address or prevent behavior problems. Regardless of what you need, chances are we have an option that fits your needs and budget!

Joey has been featured in CNN, Insider, Mic, Rover, and more! Check out some of his media mentions on our media page.

About Joey

Joey Lusvardi CCBC owns and operates Class Act Cats. He has always been an animal lover, but his passion for cats really took off when he adopted his first cat. To say his life was changed would be an understatement! After going through some of his own behavior challenges with his cat, Joey became interested in feline behavior. He decided in 2020 that he wanted to do something to help cats and their humans lead more harmonious lives. That's when the idea for Class Act Cats was born!

Joey is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant through International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. He completed the IAABC Foundation's comprehensive course on animal behavior consulting prior to starting Class Act Cats in 2021. He is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid through the Pet Emergency Academy, is a Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, is Low Stress Handling® Certified- Silver Level, is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, and is a recipient of a certificate in Feline Inappropriate Elimination Management. Joey holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree from Concordia University Wisconsin in physician assistant studies.

Outside of his work as a feline behavior consultant, Joey works as a psychiatric physcian assistant. Because of this, he has a particular interest in problem behaviors in cats who are emotional support animals.

Joey is the proud feline father of website cover model and Class Act Cats' Chief Purr Officer, Zoloft! Z came into Joey's life due to his former pet parent developing allergies. Z enjoys chicken, getting chin scratches, and stealing the office chair from Joey.

Besides cats, Joey enjoys making pottery, knitting, running, and growing (cat safe!) houseplants.

Joey and his cat

Statement on Declawing

I am against declawing as a way to manage behavior problems in cats. Not only is it cruel, but in many cases it can CAUSE behavior problems rather than solve them. I do not recommend declawing your cat as a way to prevent scratching furniture or humans. If you are having trouble with scratching, get in contact and we’ll find a safer, more effective alternative!

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cat in a party hat