Ask the Cat Behaviorist with Dr. Marci Koski

I’m excited announce that Dr. Marci Koski will take over our “Ask the Cat Behaviorist” segment starting next month!

Dr. Marci Koski is a certified Feline Behavior and Training Professional who received specialized and advanced certificates in Feline Training and Behavior from the Animal Behavior Institute. She also holds a doctorate in Fish and Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, and worked as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over ten years, where she focused her efforts on the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species.

While Marci has been passionate about all animals and their welfare, cats have always had a special place in her heart. In fact, Marci can’t remember a time when she’s been without at least one cat in her life. She currently relies on her five-member support staff to maintain the feline duties of her household.

Marci works with two animal rescue organizations, including the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, where she assists with a program that connects cats needing to be socialized with inmates at a minimum-security prison. She also volunteers at Furry Friends, a no-kill cat rescue organization in Vancouver, WA, where she is a member of the Executive Committee and addresses behavior issues of concern both in the halfway house, and before and after cats are adopted to forever homes.

Marci’s own company, Feline Behavior Solutions, focuses on keeping cats in homes, and from being abandoned to streets or shelters as the result of treatable behavior issues. Marci believes that the number of cats who are abandoned and/or euthanized in shelters can be greatly reduced if guardians better understand what drives their cats to certain behaviors, and learn how to work with their cats to encourage appropriate behaviors instead of unwanted ones.

“Having cats (and other companion animals) in our lives is a wonderful thing,” says Marci. “Cats are capable of giving us great gifts of companionship, comfort, love, and even a good belly-laugh at times. And in return, giving our kitty friends happy and healthy lives and relationships with their guardians is what Feline Behavior Solutions is all about.”