1. What does a Certified Feline Behavior Specialist do?

As a Certified Feline Behavior Specialist, I help cats and their families solve behavior problems using science-based, fear-free methods. Similar to what you may have seen on My Cat From Hell with Jackson Galaxy, I work with complex cat behavior issues like aggression, biting, scratching, excessive meowing, litter box problems, and cat anxiety.

As a professional cat behaviorist in New York City, I observe your cat’s body language and environment to uncover the root cause, then design a customized plan to restore peace and trust in your home.

2. Do you make in-home visits in my area?

Yes! I offer in-home cat behavior consultations in New York City. Seeing your cat in their home environment helps identify triggers, stressors, and routines that may be contributing to unwanted behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or litter box avoidance.

In addition to my regular work in NYC, I also provide in-person consultations in select U.S. and U.K. cities while traveling for professional and educational visits. Cities may include San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, New Orleans, Boston, Philadelphia, London, and others depending on my schedule.

If you’re outside New York City, you can still receive personalized cat behavior help through virtual consultations, which are available to cat guardians anywhere in the world.

3. What kinds of cat behavior issues do you help with?

I help with a wide range of cat behavior problems, including:

• Aggression toward people or other cats

• Biting, scratching, or attacking

• Excessive meowing or nighttime vocalization

• Litter box avoidance and marking or spraying

• Anxiety and stress-related behaviors

• Over-grooming and excessive licking

• Cat introductions and territorial disputes

• Weight management and boredom-related behaviors

• Scratching on furniture or unwanted surfaces

4. How long does it take to see improvement?

Every cat is different. Some show improvement after just one behavior consultation, while others need a few weeks or months of consistent follow-through. I provide ongoing email support after your full consultation to help you stay on track. My gentle, positive-reinforcement methods focus on lasting results rather than quick fixes.

5. What areas of NYC do you serve?

I provide cat behavior help throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and select parts of Staten Island and the Bronx. Virtual consultations are also available for cat guardians outside NYC or across the U.S.

6. Do you work with kittens and senior cats?

Absolutely. I work with kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. I help kittens learn confidence, adult cats adjust to change, and senior cats manage anxiety or litter box issues related to aging. Every plan is tailored to your cat’s life stage and unique personality.

7. What’s your training?

I’m a Certified Feline Behavior Specialist with advanced training in feline behavior, emotions, and fear-free handling. I combine science, intuition, and compassion to uncover what your cat’s behavior is truly communicating. I collaborate closely with veterinarians across New York City to ensure every cat’s medical and behavioral needs are fully supported. My education includes professional training through the Animal Behavior Institute and Neighborhood Cats, along with extensive field experience at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and Best Friends Animal Society.

8. Did you rebrand from Michelle Danahy to Michelle Grace?

Yes. I recently rebranded from Michelle Danahy to Michelle Grace. The change reflects both my mission and my identity as someone who truly speaks cat. Using my middle name makes it easier for people to find me online and helps distinguish my work from others in the pet behavior field. I’m still the same Certified Feline Behavior Specialist, offering in-home and virtual consultations throughout New York City and beyond. The new name simply represents the heart of what I do.

9. Do you work with dogs?

No. I specialize exclusively in feline behavior and do not work with dogs, nor have I ever. My entire practice is dedicated to understanding and improving cat behavior using fear-free, science-based techniques. Whether it’s aggression, anxiety, litter box problems, or introducing new cats, my work focuses 100% on helping cats and their guardians build trust, confidence, and connection.

10. What’s your background?

I’ve lived with cats my entire life and understand them on a deeper level than most. Many of my clients call me a cat whisperer or say “she speaks cat” because I can read a cat’s body language and emotions almost instantly. Clients often tell me, “My cat doesn’t trust anyone, not even people they’ve known for years, but within five minutes, my cat sat on Michelle’s lap!”

I’ll literally sit on the floor of your home, letting your cat come to me on their terms. My fear-free, gentle approach builds trust and helps even the most fearful or aggressive cats relax and begin to heal.

If you’re looking for a cat behavior specialist who truly understands cats, I’m here to help, because I don’t just work with cats, I speak cat.