(YES, CATS REALLY ARE THAT MAGICAL, AREN'T THEY?)
When a feral cat (who I’ve since named Tortie!) scampered up to my doorstep, I employed the same tactics I used as a primate researcher in Africa: I watched, I listened, and I responded based on what this specific cat needed from me.
Over the course of a few months, I trapped Tortie and brought her to the vet, where they identified a deadly infection growing.
After addressing her infection and getting her spayed, I brought her home and — slowly, intentionally — trained her to trust me and other humans, so I could continue giving her the care she needed and deserves.
Operating off of my training in reading and interpreting animals' physical and verbal cues and my own intuition, I helped Tortie find the safety and comfort she was looking for.
MY
STORY
ABOUT THE MINDFUL MEOW
Intentional and research-based cat behavior training
In my work and in life, I believe in the power of a mindful approach. Whether it was working with primates in Kenya, creating eco-conscious spaces for my interior design clients, or caring for my cats, I go against the fast-paced, quick-fix approach that dominates our culture. (Because quick-fixes never work.)
The Mindful Meow exists to empower cat owners to understand the root cause of their cat’s problematic behavior and make intentional and practical shifts to create a place of peace and joy in their home with their cat.
ABOUT THE SPECIALIST
meet andrea
From the field in Kenya to your home, working with animals and their caretakers is my passion.
I spent my first career in Kenya and other parts of Africa, studying the behavior of primates in the wild. After watching their big and nuanced behaviors, I used the data collected to develop conservation management plans for these species.
When that career was cut short by an illness related to being in the field, I pursued another lifelong passion for interior design. For ten years, I ran a successful interior design business, crafting joy-sparking, eco-conscious homes for busy women who craved something different.
But through all of this, my love for animals and a desire to learn about them has never waned.
As a believer in home and in the cats who bring us joy, I am humbled that I get to help cat and kitten owners find their way to peace and harmony through strategic and empathy-led behavior modifications.
Because when you’re home, it should feel like home.
01
Life is better when shared with a furry companion.
02
Aesthetics and comfort matter in bringing both an elevated and calm feel to a home.
03
Seeking to read and understand people and animals is central to any healthy relationship.
04
Cats are the perfect teachers of boundaries — I love that while they can be very affectionate, they also enjoy their alone time and will communicate when their boundaries haven't been respected.
05
I believe change is the driver of growth and that beautiful outcomes (especially in relationships) come from being open and willing to adapt.
"I can't express how grateful I am to Andrea for her incredible help with my cat's litterbox issues! Our cat, Whiskers, had been having trouble using the litterbox properly for months, and it was causing a lot of stress in our home.
From the very first consultation, she put us at ease. She took the time to thoroughly assess Whiskers' environment and behavior. Her insights were spot on, and she provided us with practical, easy-to-follow advice. Within just a week, Whiskers started using her litterbox consistently, and there were no more accidents. It was like night and day! I would highly recommend Andrea to anyone struggling with their cat’s behavior. She is a true miracle worker, and we're so thankful for her help!
—SARAH P. & WHISKERS
“I was at my wit's end with my mischievous cat, Luna’s destructive scratching! Nothing I did was working to deter her from scratching everything. From the moment we spoke to Andrea, I knew she was different.
She listened patiently to my woes and spent lots of time observing Luna's behavior and our home environment. It turned out, Luna wasn't just scratching – she was stressed! Andrea pinpointed the source and created a personalized plan that addressed both Luna's scratching and her underlying anxiety. The results were nothing short of amazing! Within a few weeks, Luna's scratching on furniture completely stopped. She's now happily using her scratching posts, and I feel I finally understand her needs. Consulting with Andrea was worth every penny!"
—EMILY R. & LUNA
FREE GUIDE
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As a seasoned business owner and animal expert, I know that working with a service provider is both about their expertise and their personality.
Just like our cats and kittens, not all cat behavior specialists are created equal. Here’s what I’m about beyond my credentials and training.
5 things I believe:
A feral cat showed up and aligned the stars.
