Chirrups and Chatter

08/29/2025

Business milestones aren’t something I usually share, but my semi-finalist experience in COSE Cleveland Chain Reaction reminded me how far I’ve come. Today, I want to celebrate everything Chirrups and Chatter has grown to be.

Seven years ago, I started Chirrups and Chatter fueled by passion and determination to make a difference for animals and the people who love them. I built this business from the ground up, wearing every hat, learning as I went, and putting my whole heart into the work.

Since then, the business has grown in ways I never imagined:
🐾 Thousands of pets, cat and dog caregivers, and animal welfare professionals supported through resources, guidance, and behavior consulting
🏡Nearly 1,000 families supported in navigating pet behavior challenges and strengthening their bonds
🏥 175+ veterinary hospitals and shelters strengthened through consulting and education
🤝 Referral relationships with 25 clinics and industry partners
🌎 Speaking internationally at veterinary and animal welfare conferences
🔹 Became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior

Running this business solo has been demanding and emotionally draining. I give 150% every day. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, making me stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

💡 What’s next?
– Expanding partnerships
– Launching courses + an affiliate program
– Creating new education resources
– Continuing to build a business that makes a lasting difference for animals and the people who love them

I’m proud of how far Chirrups and Chatter has come, grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and so energized for what’s ahead. 💗

08/26/2025

Join me and Maddie's Fund this Thursday Aug 28 at noon PT/3 pm ET, where I'll discuss about how to apply a considerate approach when working with cats in animal shelters.

This is a follow-up webcast to my April 2025 Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection webcast about feline communication (the recording is available to watch) . There were lots of questions about how to use the Considerate Approach so we decided to add on a part 2!

Register ⬇️
https://maddiesfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m94_cttbQpihXlKlrkBiIQ #/registration

08/24/2025

‼️Attention to all the awesome vetmed and animal welfare pros in Northeast Ohio and nearby!‼️

I travel a lot teaching the art and skill of animal handling, and lately I’ve been thinking it’s time to bring these workshops locally in Cleveland. I was chatting with a friend who owns a clinic I work with and we both often care for high FAS (fear, anxiety, stress) patients , animals who haven’t been able to get the care they need because of their fear and stress.

We talked about how important it is to empower more people in our community with practical skills like creating emergency handling plans, steps to prevent and manage stress, the foundations of handling, and a critical thinking approach that adapts to each patient’s needs.

I just want to get a feel if this is something you or your team would be interested in before next steps

If so, drop me a comment or send me a quick message

08/24/2025

I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds podcast to talk about something often overlooked in anesthesia recovery, our patients’ emotional well-being.

Sure, we track temperature and pain, but what about enrichment and comfort to support their mental health? 🐾

In this episode, we dive into practical ways to make recovery smoother and less stressful—physically and emotionally.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts

🌟 What’s one thing you do to make recovery less stressful for your patients?

And if you missed it, check out my other VAN episode 19 where we explore the dangers of “boxing” inhalant chambers and masking down animals and why choosing safer, more humane methods matters for both patients and veterinary teams.

08/22/2025

🐾💙 Take Your Cat to the Vet Day 💙🐾

Scruffing, pinning, thrashing cats? 🚫 That’s not cat care.
Cat handling is a skill, not a wrestling match. 🐾

Many caregivers skip vet visits—not because they don’t care, but because cats can experience fear and stress, and that feels overwhelming for everyone involved. And honestly? I get it. Search ‘cat vet visit’ online and what you’ll see are cats being manhandled, pinned, and restrained while they thrash and cry. Their fear is ignored—or worse, mocked for laughs.

But here’s the thing: that isn’t the norm, and it’s not okay. Handling is a skill. Most of us as veterinary professionals were not taught handling as a skill—we were not up to succeed. That gap matters. Caregivers also need to know that all the fear, stress, misunderstanding, mocking, and manhandling you see in viral videos is not what most veterinary hospitals look like, and it should never be accepted as ‘just the way cats are.’

Let’s stop normalizing severely traumatic vet visits for cats. Cats don’t lash out for no reason—they’re scared. The good news? There are steps we can take to prevent, reduce, and manage stress—for cats, caregivers, and animal care professionals alike.

Every cat deserves compassionate care, and every professional deserves the knowledge and confidence to handle cats safely and respectfully.

I teach handling lectures and workshops to help animal care professionals feel confident, reduce fear and stress, and prevent situations from escalating—using critical thinking, handling techniques, and, when needed, strategies like sedation and pain management to keep cats safe and comfortable.

Let’s change the narrative. Vet visits can build trust, strengthen bonds, and keep cats healthy.

💙🐾 Follow for more tips on cat care, handling, and creating positive veterinary experiences.

08/21/2025

Helping Cats & Dogs Thrive, Supporting Caregivers: Cosmo’s Story 🐾💙

Cosmo was anxious, restless, and keeping his caregiver up at night. When his caregiver reached out for support, we worked together to create a tailored action plan.

Some of the steps I take to help pets and their caregivers succeed:

Truly listening and understanding your struggles as a pet caregiver

Observing and creating strategies specific to your pet’s needs

Implementing a plan that addresses physical, social, and mental well-being

Watching Cosmo thrive and seeing his caregiver feel empowered has been such a joy. 💙 Stories like his remind me why I do what I do—listening, observing, and creating plans that make a real difference for every pet and their human.

08/20/2025

It’s pitch day! ✨

This morning I presented my pitch as a finalist in this season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, but most of all, gratitude. 💙🐾

With the support of JumpStart Inc. and COSE Council of Smaller Enterprises, I’ve learned so much these past few weeks. I created and presented my first pitch, a challenging and empowering experience that has already given me invaluable tools to grow. Along the way, I’ve also met so many incredible fellow entrepreneurs.

I have big plans for expanding Chirrups and Chatter, and while winning would be an amazing opportunity to take those plans even further, I’m truly thankful for everything I’ve gained through this process, no matter the outcome.

I’m also excited about the chance to dive into a more in-depth JumpStart program in the future. Having access to the right tools, guidance, and support will make such a difference as I continue to grow as a business owner, so I can help even more people and animals.

Wish me luck today, I’m ready, I’ve worked hard, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads!

08/10/2025

For all my fellow behavior nerds who’ve said, “I wish I could see you speak in person!” here’s your chance! Stop and say hi!

📣 Covering all things behavior and handling to empower you to advocate and provide the best care for your patients and topics to help you take care of yourself!

🐾 September 11–14, 2025 – I’ll be presenting 14 hours of behavior-focused lectures at the Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference in sunny Tampa, FL.

https://fvma.org/conferences/tgavc2025/

I’m also thrilled to be speaking at the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference in Tacoma, WA Plus, I’ll be leading a hands-on handling workshop you won’t want to miss.
🔗 Learn more: pnwvc.org

And for my cat lovers who can’t make it in person — I have got you covered! 🐱
💻 Feline Focus: A Virtual Learning Event for Cat Lovers & Caregivers
Details & registration: chirrupsandchatter.com/events/feline-focus-a-virtual-learning-event-for-cat-lovers-caregivers-professionals

Wherever you join me in Florida, Washington, or from your couch , I can’t wait to connect and talk all things behavior with you! 💬💛

08/09/2025

🚫The bathroom scale + "hold the cat 🚫 Not accurate.

🔽Watch for the tool every cat caregiver needs🔽

Purchasing a baby scale and weighing your cat at home is a wonderful way to help advocate and monitor your cat’s health. In this video, I share the benefits...

08/08/2025

✨ Happy Tails: Kane’s Story ✨
Stress is part of life—we can’t erase it, but we can help our animals handle it with confidence.

When I first met Kane, the world felt overwhelming: strangers, sudden noises, vet visits—you name it.

Our work together focused on:
🐾 Pinpointing and managing his stressors
🧠 Allowing recovery time after stressful events
🎯 Creating a safe foundation for learning
💪 Teaching confidence-building exercises
🤝 Helping his caregiver understand Kane’s communication and needs

Now, Kane can relax when the doorbell rings and walk past dogs and bikes without worry.
Even better? His caregiver feels connected, empowered, and ready to help Kane navigate life’s challenges with trust and teamwork.

Changing behavior starts with trust, grows through communication, and leads to lasting wellbeing

Want to work together? I’m currently accepting new clients only through my referral network. Have your vet join my referral network to get started!

08/03/2025

🌟Registration is NOW OPEN! 🌟

Feline Focus: A Virtual Learning Event for Cat Lovers, Caregivers & Professionals
🗓 November 8–9 | 11am–5pm EST

🎟 Limited to 150 attendees – reserve your spot now!

https://chirrupsandchatter.com/events/feline-focus-a-virtual-learning-event-for-cat-lovers-caregivers-professionals/

Whether you’re a dedicated veterinary or animal welfare professional , an amazing animal welfare volunteer , cat sitter, or passionate cat caregiver—this event is for you. Gain practical, science-based tools to better understand, support, and advocate for cats in every setting.

Lectures will be led by Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Karen Pryor academy certified training partner and one of the leading voices in feline behavior, handling, and caregiver support.

Panels feature diverse voices from veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and advocacy—including Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, a passionate community cat advocate driving equity and empathy in the field.

🧠 Featured Lectures:
• Purr-fecting Medication: Techniques and Tips for Medicating Cats with Ease
• From Mess to Success: Managing and Preventing Housesoiling
• Cracking the Cat Code: Recognizing Feline Signals for Better Care
• Pawsitive Beginnings: Socializing Kittens for a Lifetime of Success
• Enhancing Cat Welfare: Gentle Handling Practices

🎤 Thought-Provoking Panels:
• Being the Advocate – Elevating Voices in Veterinary & Animal Welfare
• Tough Questions Panel: Ask Us Anything
• Words Matter: Language, Labels, and the Stories We Tell About Cats
• Staying in It: Compassionate Careers Without Losing Yourself

✨ Registration includes:
Live access to all sessions & panels
1 month of access to recorded sessions and panels
Downloadable guides and handouts

07/27/2025

🌟 Nominate your favorite, amazing, superstar veterinary technician 🌟

Animal hospitals around the world earn AAHA accreditation to strengthen their business, advance their team, and provide the best possible care to companion animals.