SPONSORED BY
Introducing Feline Right At Home, a FREE behaviour modification online training program for shelter staff and volunteers to help cats become more adoptable.
Our Vision
To make every scared, shutdown, and defensive shelter cat feel trusting, comfortable, and Right At Home with human interaction.
BECAUSE
Every shelter cat deserves
A LOVING FAMILY, A HOME.
Proven Methodology
I have spent decades seeing cats suffer in shelters and dedicated my non-profit, Cat Behavior Solutions, to keeping cats in their homes, and working with the cats that find themselves in the shelter system.
I’ve developed and used proven behavior modification methods over the years to help cats understand we can be trusted. I’ve crafted a system that allows you to create an individualized plan for a cat based upon its stress level and reactions. Often, we will see a transformation within just a few sessions. Having a “knock-your-socks-off” behavior reinforcer is key to getting a cat brave enough to step out of their discomfort zone and take a chance on you.
I found the Vitakraft Lick ‘n Lap treats years ago and began using them in my work because about 98% of cats love it! Together, we’ve created the Feline Right At Home program to help you duplicate this success in your shelter. I hope you choose to sign up today – and I look forward to mentoring you personally throughout the process.
Molly DeVoss
A renowned Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist, with over 30 years working with cats in shelters and creating cat behavior programs across the country, Host of Cat Talk Radio, and founder of Cat Behavior Solutions.
What You'll Learn
Based upon proven techniques, expert Cat Behavior Specialist, Molly DeVoss shares her years of insight working with these challenging to adopt cats.
Shelter Program Leader: In the first module, you’ll learn how to ready your shelter for a behaviour modification program. The lessons will lead you through a checklist of things you’ll want to set up before kicking off the program.
Topics covered include: cat routing pathways, determining which cats go into the Feline Right At Home program, objective stress assessment system, supplies, identifying Feline Right At Home cats in your shelter software system, and how to keep a journal of the team sessions.
Course Modules
What others are saying...
“Instead of just 'winging it', I know have a set of logical steps to follow to help the scared and/or shy cats blossom. We all know a scared cat when we see one, but I learned specific things to look for, and being able to classify that with a score is extremely helpful.
I have seen the incredible progress the cats have made. It just proves that these steps WORK and ultimately benefit the cat helping them to become more adoptable (which is what we all want for them).”
Kacie B.
Simply Cats
Boise, ID
Sheila B.
Simply Cats
Boise, Idaho
About the Program
Cats are highly territorial creatures, and when faced with a novel environment, strange smells, loud noises, and all the things that come along with a shelter, they often regress into defensive aggression.
WITH PURPOSEFUL INTERACTION, THIS CAN BE CHANGED!
This program provides valuable behaviour modification tools staff and volunteers use to help cats Feel Right At Home during their stay with you.
This online training course allows your team to learn at their own pace. Your Team Leader will complete an up-front course to guide them in setting up the program in the shelter.
The Program Includes
-
Hours of on-demand training courses
-
Full lifetime access
-
Free Lick ‘n Lap bonding treats
-
Downloadable resources
-
Ongoing live (via Zoom) coaching with Molly DeVoss
"The Lick 'n Lap treats are the best I've found for motivating cats to get out of their (dis)comfort zone." Molly DeVoss
FAQ's
-
How much does this training cost?It is free to shelters who apply and are approved.
-
Is there a minimum number of team members we have to have to participate?No, you can have a few people on your team, or many.
-
Do all my team members have to be signed up at the beginning?No, you can add team members at any time. This is a self-paced program where they can move through the materials at their own pace.
-
What is the role of the Team Leader?The Team Leader will enroll the other team members/students, and cats. The Team Leader will also communicate with students about which cats to practice with each week.
-
Is there a minimum number of cats we have to have to participate?No – we understand that your stressed cat population ebbs and flows throughout the year. There will be times where you have only a few cats enrolled, and times where there are many.
-
Do team members have to be staff?We would like at least one shelter staff person on the team, but your team can consist of staff, volunteers, or ideally a combination of both.
-
How many behavior modification sessions does each cat need?It is ideal for each cat to get a couple session in each day, but we understand that is not always possible with limited shelter and volunteer resources. Each cat will need at least four sessions per week.
-
About how long does it take for a cat to graduate?Each cat responds to behavior modification differently; some respond very quickly, within a few sessions, and others take weeks to make minor improvements. Success depends upon consistency and accuracy of the behavior modification tools used.
-
How do I reach out for help along the way?Molly will host regular live/zoom coaching sessions where all participants, regardless of where they are in the training, can attend and ask questions.
-
How do we get Vitakraft samples?Once you are registered in the program you can request Vitakraft samples for your shelter.
