FAQs

What are your hours?

Current hours (Eastern Time):

• Monday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Tuesday – Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Hours are reduced in 2026 while Laura completes her Master’s degree. If these times don’t work for you, reach out and we’ll refer you to another qualified consultant.

Do you offer in-person appointments?

As of 2025, Laura is virtual-only. Virtual consultations are just as effective — and often better for fearful or reactive cats, since there’s no stranger in their home creating additional stress.

Occasional in-person follow-ups (not initial appointments) may be arranged on a very limited basis.

Why email only? Can’t I call or text?

A few good reasons:

• It’s impossible to give useful behavioral guidance without a full history first
• Email creates a written record of everything discussed
• It allows more thoughtful, thorough responses

Not ready to commit to booking? Laura offers 30-minute Q&A calls via Zoom for $50 if you want to connect first.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Typically 3–4 weeks. This is because Laura is highly specialized and in demand — the wait is worth it. For the inter-cat aggression subscription, spots are extremely limited. Join the waitlist as soon as possible.

What’s the difference between a Mini with Mary and a full consultation?

Minis are 30-minute sessions with Mary, designed for single, minor behavior questions. Full consultations are 90-minute deep dives with Laura for complex, multi-issue, or serious cases. See the comparison table on the Services page if you’re unsure.

Do you work with kittens?

Yes. Whether you’re proactively setting your kitten up for success or already dealing with a problem behavior, we can help.

What happens in the first session?

Laura will ask you to walk through your situation from the beginning — even if you’ve already submitted the history form. She’ll also do a virtual home tour to see your litter boxes, feeding stations, and your cat’s favorite spots. Together, you’ll build a behavior plan and, if your cat is comfortable, Laura will demonstrate training techniques live.

Does my cat have to be present?

Not for the initial consultation. For follow-up sessions, you may work on specific skills in real time — but you’ll be prepped in advance.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the severity of the issue, your cat’s history, and how consistently the plan is implemented. Most cases require more than one session. Laura will give you a recommendation after the first appointment.

Inter-cat aggression cases typically require several months of support — which is why that service uses a subscription model.

Is virtual as effective as in-person?

Yes — often more so. The majority of behavior work is coaching you (the human), not physically interacting with the cat. Virtual sessions also mean less stress for fearful or reactive cats.

Why do you need video of my cat’s behavior?

Video lets Laura see the behavior firsthand — body language, context, timing — before your appointment. This means your session time is spent on solutions, not descriptions. Phone video is fine.

What does the inter-cat aggression subscription include?

After an initial 90-minute evaluation ($275), you move into a month-to-month subscription ($200/month) that includes:

• Weekly 30-minute Zoom sessions
• Access to a private Facebook support group
• Monthly group sessions with other clients in the same situation
• Ongoing plan adjustments as your cats progress

How long does inter-cat aggression take to resolve?

It varies widely depending on the cats, the history, and the severity. Months is realistic. This is why we use a subscription model — so you’re supported every step of the way without being locked into an expensive package upfront.

What if my cats never fully get along?

It’s a real possibility, and Laura will be honest with you about it. Not every cat can live harmoniously with another. A resolution might mean peaceful coexistence, managed separation, or — in rare cases — rehoming. The goal is always a safe, low-stress home for every cat in it.

Why positive reinforcement only? Isn’t that just bribing with treats?

Punishment (squirt bottles, loud noises, scruffing) creates side effects: increased fear, damaged trust, and behaviors that return the moment you’re not in the room. Research is clear on this.

Positive reinforcement teaches your cat what TO do — and makes doing it rewarding. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s the only fix that holds.

Do you guarantee results?

No — and you should be skeptical of anyone who does, especially with cats. What Laura does guarantee: by the time you’re finished working together, you’ll have a thorough understanding of why your cat behaves the way they do, and you’ll have a clear path forward. Most cases have genuinely happy endings. Some take longer than expected. A small number require hard decisions. Laura will always be honest with you.

My vet says there’s no medical issue — do I still need to share their info?

Yes. A vet’s medical clearance is an important piece of the behavioral picture, and Laura always wants the full context. Please have your vet’s contact info and any relevant records ready before your first appointment.

Why choose Pawsitive Vibes?

Qualified cat behavior consultants are genuinely rare. Laura built Pawsitive Vibes because cats have been treated as second-class citizens for too long — deserving the same level of professional behavioral support as dogs. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behavior (in progress at Virginia Tech), has published a book on cat adoption, provided expert testimony for Maryland’s Anti-Declaw Bill, and currently serves as Feline Division Chair for the Pet Professional Guild.

You’re not choosing between a lot of great options. But you are choosing the best one.