Meet Laura Cassiday: a certified cat behavior consultant (CCBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a Fear Free certified animal trainer. Formerly a professional copywriter and editor with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Towson University, Laura decided in 2017 to pursue her lifelong passion for working with animals.

After volunteering and fostering with cat rescues for several years, Laura’s dedication led her to Maryland SPCA. There, she recognized the need for improved treatment and understanding of shelter cats’ behavior and body language. Rising to the occasion, Laura became the shelter’s cat behavior coordinator, implementing enrichment programs, protocols for working with shy cats, and initiatives to enhance shelter cats’ lives.

With her expertise growing, Laura ventured further by launching Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training in 2021. Her ultimate goal was to prevent cats from entering shelters by addressing behavior issues in private homes. Through remote consultations worldwide and local in-person sessions in Baltimore, Maryland, Laura has successfully resolved aggression, destructive behavior, and litter box concerns, all while empowering caregivers with a better understanding of their feline companions.

Laura published her first book, The Complete Guide to Adopting a Cat, in 2021 and is proud to have provided expert testimony in support of Maryland’s Anti-Declaw Bill, which went into practice in 2022. In 2023, she began working on a second Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behavior at Virginia Tech. She currently serves as Feline Division Chair for the Pet Professional Guild and sits on the organization’s Steering Committee. Laura’s journey is an inspiring testament to her commitment to creating harmony between cats and their families.