Chirrups and Chatter

Chirrups and Chatter . She grew up with cats, dogs, turtles, rabbits and more. She began volunteering with animal rescues in high school. She is one of only 30 in the world currently!
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For as long as she can remember, Tabitha has had a strong connection with animals and knew that she wanted to work with them in her professional and personal life. Once she graduated high school, she wanted to continue to help animals and she went to school to become a veterinary technician. She graduated from Stautzenberger College and passed her board exam, becoming a Registered Veterinary Te

chnician in 2010. As a veterinary technician, Tabitha worked with animal rescue organizations and in general practice. Her work in these fields shed light on repeated occurrences of animal euthanasia and re-homing due to behavior issues, misreading of animal body language, and the suffering that animals and humans endured due to them being misunderstood. This is what first inspired her to become more interested and knowledgeable about animal behavior and training. She quickly became dedicated to learning about the root causes and permanent solutions to feline and canine behavior concerns. She began to teach herself about behavior through continuing education, workshops, speaking to experts, completing her Low Stress Handling and Elite Fear Free Certifications, obtaining her KPA-CTP through the Karen Pryor Academy , and became a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant through the IAABC . She has also received her Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior Designation . Keeping animals in their loving homes is her utmost goal – this reduces euthanasia as well as displacement of animals from their homes, where they often end up in stressful shelter environments. Helping people better understand and relate to their pets leads to a stronger bond and a more gratifying relationship between animal and human. Tabitha enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge and experience to help clients resolve, manage, and prevent many types of dog and cat behavior issues, such as house soiling, attention seeking behaviors, destructive behaviors, aggression, fear-based behaviors, tension between pets, introducing new pets, leash pulling, and fear and stress associated with handling and grooming. Tabitha also offers educational lectures and workshops to the general public, veterinary professionals, training, and shelter professionals. Tabitha revels in educating others through writing, behavior consulting, and lecturing on all things related to cats and dogs. This includes reducing the fear, anxiety, and stress animals and their owners often experience with veterinary visits, handling, travel, and medical procedures, socialization, preventing behavior issues, fear free handling, shelter enrichment and behavior programs, and more.

07/10/2025

🐾 Through her Chirrups and Chatter education and consulting business, Tabitha Kucera teaches shelter staff, rescue volunteers and pet owners how to help cats feel safe.

When it comes to unsocialized kittens, her "considerate approach" gives them time and space to choose human companionship instead of being forced into it. 💙🐱

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ZY4gFa. 🔗

🌟🌟Big news! 🌟🌟I’m thrilled to share that Chirrups and Chatter has been selected as one of the 22 semifinalists for this ...
07/07/2025

🌟🌟Big news! 🌟🌟

I’m thrilled to share that Chirrups and Chatter has been selected as one of the 22 semifinalists for this year’s Cleveland Chain Reaction!

Out of a record-breaking 141 incredible local entrepreneurs who applied, we’re moving one step closer to funding, coaching, and connections to help our small business grow and make an even bigger impact in our community.

Through Chirrups and Chatter, I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based behavior support that strengthens the human-animal bond and makes a meaningful difference for families, veterinary teams, and shelters in Greater Cleveland. Being able to serve and grow alongside my hometown is truly a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to help build a safer, kinder, and more connected community for both people and animals.

Stay tuned—I’ll keep you posted as this exciting journey continues!

#216

✨ Big news! ✨I’m thrilled to share that Chirrups and Chatter has been selected as one of the 22 semifinalists for this y...
07/07/2025

✨ Big news! ✨

I’m thrilled to share that Chirrups and Chatter has been selected as one of the 22 semifinalists for this year’s Cleveland Chain Reaction!

Out of a record-breaking 141 incredible local entrepreneurs who applied, we’re moving one step closer to funding, coaching, and connections to help our small business grow and make an even bigger impact in our community.

Through Chirrups and Chatter, I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based behavior support that strengthens the human-animal bond and makes a meaningful difference for families, veterinary teams, and shelters in Greater Cleveland. Being able to serve and grow alongside my hometown is truly a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to help build a safer, kinder, and more connected community for both people and animals.

Thank you to Cleveland Chain Reaction, COSE Council of Smaller Enterprises Fox 8 News, Kickin’ it with Kenny, and all the sponsors and partners who make this possible.

Stay tuned—I’ll keep you posted as this exciting journey continues!

Big News from Cleveland Chain Reaction! 🚨

A record-breaking 141 entrepreneurs applied—and now 22 semifinalists are moving one step closer to funding, coaching, and connections to transform their small businesses. 🏙️

This year’s semifinalists are:

Be Browed Etcetera Permanent Makeup Studio & Academy
Blasian Fusion Foods
Candyapple & Co.., LLC
Chirrups and Chatter
Cleveland Cut and Sew
Community Development, LLC
Concession Stand Cleaners
Daisy Makes
FunktiniLand
Gimmeahand Inc
Lake Erie Scoops Shop
Mangia Dolce, LLC
Max & Alayna's Paws Play, LTD.
Phenomenal Foods Co
Reasons To Care Healthcare Services, LLC
Salubata
Sand Pebbles Restaurant
Squash the Beef
The Golden Room Salon
The Healing Studio
The Studio
Zero Doubt Club Cleveland

Congratulations to this inspiring group of entrepreneurs. Your ideas are bold, your impact is real—we’re excited to see what each of you brings to the next round of competition.

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with Fox 8 News News in the Morning’s “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” This season of Cleveland Chain Reaction is sponsored by Medical Mutual, Minutemen HR and Magnet: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network. Mimi Magazine is the competition's print publication partner, and FreshWater Cleveland is the competition's digital publication partner.

I’m so honored (and honestly a bit speechless!) to have been named the 2025 WVC Viticus Group - Animal Health (Western V...
07/04/2025

I’m so honored (and honestly a bit speechless!) to have been named the 2025 WVC Viticus Group - Animal Health (Western Veterinry Conference) Educator of the Year in the Veterinary Technician category.

On top of that, my Handling Fear-Aggressive Dogs lecture at NAVC VMX was the 5th most attended session of the entire conference, with more than 1,200 people and a 5/5 rating — for that talk and my lectures overall.

None of this would be possible without all of you who show up eager to learn, grow, and make the world better for our patients and teams. Thank you!

⁣Remember, fireworks are not only scary for our feline and canine friends but also many other animals and can cause huma...
07/03/2025

⁣Remember, fireworks are not only scary for our feline and canine friends but also many other animals and can cause humans stress and fear too!

Also, there is an huge increase in pets getting lost between July4th-6th. With this in mind, be proactive to keep your animals safe.

A few examples, if having a get-together, keeping animals away in safe space behind door to prevent them from escaping with people going in and out, avoid taking your dog outside during fireworks, and when taking them out, keeping it short and on leash, many dogs can become startled by a sudden boom and jump a fence, and minimizing scary stimuli as mentioned below.
⁣
Fear and Anxiety during scary storms or 4th of July Celebrations can be serious situations but you can help!

Do you know what a VTS (veterinary technician specialist ) is?Many people, including veterinary and behavior professiona...
06/30/2025

Do you know what a VTS (veterinary technician specialist ) is?

Many people, including veterinary and behavior professionals don’t always understand what a VTS actually is or what it takes to achieve so I thought I’d share information about it

A Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) is a credentialed veterinary technician who has pursued advanced training, skill development, and rigorous testing in a specific area of practice. Earning this credential means demonstrating a high level of expertise, case experience, and the ability to apply and teach complex concepts in real-world settings.

I earned my VTS while working in general practice ,not in a specialty behavior practice ,which added an extra layer of challenge and growth.

It’s self-paced, self-directed, and requires you to seek out the right experiences, mentors, and opportunities to grow your skills to a true specialty level on your own. It involves thousands of hours of specialty-level work, detailed case logs, comprehensive case reports, letters of recommendation, and mastering advanced skills to the point of being able to teach them confidently. It also means passing an intensive specialty board exam , all while working full time in a field that can be demanding, underappreciated, and not always clear on what we’re working toward.

There are less than 35 VTS in behavior throughout the world. I want others to recognize the work involved which will help to inspire and support other technicians interested in becoming a VTS.

Those three letters , VTS, stand for dedication, advanced knowledge, a lot of grit, and a commitment to always learning and growing so I can show up as the best version of myself for the clients, animals, and organizations I care for.

At the end of the day, it’s about doing better for the animals and the people who love them and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dave Cowan, CVT, VTS (ECC) What is a VTS? A VTS is a Veterinary Technician Specialist that has advanced knowledge and experience in a specific area of medicine. This is similar to a boarded veterinarian like a Criticalist or Internal Medicine Specialist. Action Vet Tech Services currently has two An...

Thanks to Dr. Andy Roarkfor having me on to chat about something I am very passionate about, animal handling Find more o...
06/23/2025

Thanks to Dr. Andy Roarkfor having me on to chat about something I am very passionate about, animal handling

Find more on Ep 335, The ignored Art of Animal Handling

🌞🔥 Heat Exposure Alert⁣ ⁣With temperatures rising, it’s important to be aware of heat safety for you and your pets. With...
06/22/2025

🌞🔥 Heat Exposure Alert⁣
⁣
With temperatures rising, it’s important to be aware of heat safety for you and your pets. With the temperatures and heat index this week in Ohio being in the 100s with high humidity, activity should be reduced, especially during peak heat hours. ⁣
⁣
Remember, no dog has ever died from missing one walk, but dogs have died from one walk in the heat.⁣
⁣
While most pet caregivers are vigilant about not leaving their pets in parked cars during hot weather, many may not be aware of other common scenarios where their pet is at risk. Recognizing the early signs of heat stroke and knowing what steps to take can mean the difference between a close call and a tragic loss.⁣
⁣
Symptoms of Heat Stroke:⁣
- Excessive panting⁣
- Drooling⁣
- Red or pale gums⁣
- Rapid heartbeat⁣
- Lethargy⁣
- Vomiting or diarrhea⁣
- Collapse⁣
⁣
Protect Your Pets:⁣
🌳 Walk them early in the morning or late in the evening, or not at all. Opt for very short supervised potty breaks depending on your pet’s risk factors and the humidity and temperature.⁣
💧 Ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water.⁣
🏡 Keep them indoors during peak heat hours. Always have a cool, well-ventilated space available.⁣
❄️ Help them keep cool with cooling mats, frozen treats, fans, and A/C.⁣
🚗 Never leave them in a parked car.⁣

Also, during heat waves, providing shallow bowls of fresh water can be a vital way to help wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects. Shallow dishes are best, and adding rocks or pebbles can help smaller creatures access the water without drowning.

Stay safe and keep your pets cool this summer! 🌞🐾⁣

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litterbox, it’s not out of spite or defiance. They’re trying to tell ...
06/16/2025

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litterbox, it’s not out of spite or defiance. They’re trying to tell you, “Something’s not right.”

House-soiling is a common, but often misunderstood, challenge in cats. Behavior and medical issues are complex and rarely caused by just one thing. Medical issues, stress, litterbox setup, and unmet physical and emotional needs can all play a role.

That’s why I created these FREE handouts—Housesoiling 101, Litterbox ABCs, and Cat Body Language—packed with practical, cat-friendly tips to help you better understand your cat, support their needs, and set them up for success.

Check out these great videos and articles for even more insight:
🎥 Rethinking Feline House Soiling: What You Should Know
https://www.dvm360.com/view/rethinking-feline-house-soiling-what-you-should-know

🎥 Why Having the Litterbox Conversation Matters
https://www.dvm360.com/view/why-having-the-litterbox-conversation-matters

📥 Download your free resources at chirrupsandchatter.com

🐾 Like + follow for more cat behavior tips and support!

Let’s Talk About the Most Undervalued Skill in Vet Med 👀👇🎧 Listen here: https://drandyroark.com/art-of-animal-handling/I...
06/13/2025

Let’s Talk About the Most Undervalued Skill in Vet Med 👀👇

🎧 Listen here: https://drandyroark.com/art-of-animal-handling/

I had such a great time chatting with Dr. Andy Roark on The Cone of Shame podcast about one of my favorite (and most overlooked) topics—animal handling

Handling is a skill and an important one that’s often undervalued. Without the right tools or training, teams can fall back on one-size-fits-all approaches (some of which we talk about in the episode) that can unintentionally raise fear and stress for both animals and the people caring for them.

Why aren’t we talking about this more? Why does progress feel slow? What can we do differently? We dig into all of it—and more.

Want to support your team in building confidence and creating safer, more positive experiences for patients? Chirrups and Chatter offers free resources, webinars, hands-on workshops, and implementation support to help teams better understand the animals in their care and approach handling with more tools, flexibility, and critical thinking.

In a recent interview, I talked about the importance of early, proactive conversations with clients about litter box use...
06/12/2025

In a recent interview, I talked about the importance of early, proactive conversations with clients about litter box use.

House soiling is often underreported, with many caregivers not mentioning ongoing issues until they have persisted for a while. Small changes in communication during routine visits can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for cats and caregivers.

Asking clients 1 or 2 questions during every exam about litterbox use can make a big difference, according to Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP, FFCP.

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For as long as she can remember, Tabitha has had a strong connection with animals and knew that she wanted to work with them in her professional and personal life. She grew up with cats, dogs, turtles, rabbits and more. She began volunteering with animal rescues in high school. Once she graduated high school, she wanted to continue to help animals and she went to school to become a veterinary technician. She graduated from Stautzenberger College and passed her board exam, becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2010. As a veterinary technician, Tabitha worked with animal rescue organizations and in general practice. Her work in these fields shed light on repeated occurrences of animal euthanasia and re-homing due to behavior issues, misreading of animal body language, and the suffering that animals and humans endured due to them being misunderstood. This is what first inspired her to become more interested and knowledgeable about animal behavior and training. She quickly became dedicated to learning about the root causes and permanent solutions to feline and canine behavior concerns. She began to teach herself about behavior through continuing education, workshops, speaking to experts, completing her Low Stress Handling and Elite Fear Free Certifications, obtaining her KPA-CTP through the Karen Pryor Academy, and became a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant through the IAABC. I continue to learn from the animals and clients I work with as well as by attending behavior workshops and conferences. Tabitha is also currently working towards her veterinary technician specialty in behavior.

Keeping animals in their loving homes is her utmost goal – this reduces euthanasia as well as displacement of animals from their homes, where they often end up in stressful shelter environments. Helping people better understand and relate to their pets leads to a stronger bond and a more gratifying relationship between animal and human.

Tabitha enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge and experience to help clients resolve, manage, and prevent many types of dog and cat behavior issues, such as house soiling, attention seeking behaviors, destructive behaviors, aggression, fear-based behaviors, tension between pets, introducing new pets, leash pulling, and fear and stress associated with handling and grooming.

Tabitha also offers educational lectures and workshops to the general public, veterinary professionals, training, and shelter professionals. Tabitha revels in educating others through writing, behavior consulting, and lecturing on all things related to cats and dogs. This includes reducing the fear, anxiety, and stress animals and their owners often experience with veterinary visits, handling, travel, and medical procedures, socialization, preventing behavior issues, fear free handling, shelter enrichment and behavior programs, and more.