Class Act Cats LLC is a feline behavior consultation service run by 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:
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!
Best of all, I use positive reinforcement methods to minimize the distress to your cat. I don't use methods involving pain or fear to modify behavior because they not only don't work, but they can actually make behavior concerns worse. Your cat will actually enjoy the process so you can be assured you're doing the right thing for them!
Want to learn more about our story? Check out this feature about Class Act Cats in VoyageMinnesota!
Joey 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 member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and 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 and is a Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional. Joey holds a bachelor of science d egree 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 with cats who are emotional support animals.
Joey is the proud feline father of website cover model, Z! 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.
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!