Feline fact that still surprises 'The Cat Daddy' Jackson Galaxy after 25 years of working with cats
By Rachael Gavin|
Jackson Galaxy's career as a cat expert started with working in a shelter and fostering 30 years ago.
Now, he's got 2 million YouTube subscribers, an online store, hosts the hit show My Cat from Hell and is a New York Times best-selling author?.
The cat behaviourist will be at the Sydney Cat Lovers Festival live via satellite this weekend to help pet owners ?improve our relationship with our cats.
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Before his appearance he sat down with 9Honey Pets to discuss his experiences as a cat fosterer and share his top tips for communicating with our feline friends.
What impact has fostering cats had on your life?
Fostering has absolutely helped in my work. I've learned more about cats being with them on a day-to-day basis, looking at their challenges and their successes, than I ever could reading a book or watching a video.
On a personal level, it just makes me feel good! Being able to be a stop along the way in a cat's life, realising that I serve such an important role in making families whole, is something that's indescribable. And finally, it makes me feel good to know that fostering saves lives.
What are the pros and cons of fostering versus owning a cat?
I think the mistake is in thinking there is an either/or. It should never be seen as a choice จC they're two different things. It's important to recognise the difference because there is a special feeling about animals that become part of your family, and there's also a special feeling about being a foster parent.
I know that I can't possibly be the forever home for every animal that I meet จC it would be irresponsible to my actual family and make them miserable. But I know that I can balance it with foster care and do the most good that an animal lover can do.
I guess the point is that just because you learn to love an animal doesn't mean the best path forward is to become their forever home. Remember, you have value in bringing out the best in that animal so that we can help find the perfect home for them, which might not be your home, and that's OK.
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After 25 years specialising in cat behaviour, what is the most surprising or fascinating thing you've learnt about cats?
Everything about cats is fascinating, which is why I've made it this long! I'm always learning something new about them. One of the things I appreciate so much is that there's always mystery around a cat, no matter how long anyone has spent with them. I love my work as an expert and I love being in the role of the student.
The other fascinating part is that in the years I've spent realising that in living with cats, we're living with their ancestor at the same time, and all of my teaching has revolved around that and grown from that fact. That will always be something I'm excited to talk about!
What are the best ways for humans to communicate with cats?
Learn the history of Cats จC Cats with a capital C จC because knowing their history gives you the toolbox to put your tools in when it comes to communication. Knowing that no animal appreciates when you stare them in the eyes is useful. And knowing that a fight or flight mechanism is very much a part of a cat's makeup, that coming at them with hands when you don't know them will be perceived as a threat.
The best way you can meet a cat and communicate with them is to know their species and their journey - then get to know the individual. Let them come to you. You can't force anything with a cat.
What are your tips for improving our bond with our cats?
The main part of my teaching is to remember that it's a relationship and as such, we have to remember that we can't force anything on them, that compromise is one of the keys to a tight bond with your cat.
Interactive play is a great way of bonding with your cat every day. Activities you can do together where there's a positive outcome จC play, clicker training จC are great ways to relieve energy. And always just make some time for love!
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How excited are you to be a part of the Cat Lovers Festival and what can we expect from your appearance?
I'm incredibly excited to be at the Cat Lovers Festival! I love speaking to as many cat lovers as I possibly can around the world, and every experience I've had with Australian cat lovers has been particularly energising. I can't wait! I'm always excited to teach about creating the best life for your cats.
READ MORE: Kitten and ferret make unlikely friendship at US animal shelter?
One of the most important topics in Australia right now is bettering the life of indoor cats, and the best way to do that is creating a world they love. Remember that cats get their confidence from a territory that includes the entire vertical world as well. Catification makes for a confident cat จC I guarantee it!
The other aspect of having your indoor cat thrive is play. By simulating hunting, you're satisfying their needs in the deepest way possible, plus it's a wonderful bonding exercise! I'll teach some great techniques to bring out their best.
