Stephanie Merlin CFTBS FFCP

Feline Behavioral & Emotional Wellness Specialist ​

Certified Cat Behavior Specialist (CFTBS)

Fear Free Certified (FFCP)

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Stephanie got her start working with cats in 2013, volunteering at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando without any idea it would lead her into a career path with cats. Stephanie felt an immediate intuitive connection to cats when working in the shelter and calling to become their advocate.

Stephanie knows cats are sensitive beings who are often misunderstood and underserviced, leading them to be relinquished into shelters and not receive quality care in homes. Through her shelter work, Stephanie found a passion for helping people better understand the needs of cats to improve their emotional wellness and enhance the cat-human bond.

In 2017, Stephanie became a Certified Feline Behavior Specialist via the Animal Behavior Institute to gain better insight into the feline mind and behavior. In 2022, Stephanie became a certified Fear Free Professional to further help educate people on the emotional wellness and welfare of cats.   

While Stephanie has education and training in conventional behavior practice with cats, she adopts a holistic, intuitive, and compassionate approach to her practice. Stephanie believes that addressing and nurturing all areas of the cat, mind, body, soul, emotions, and the cat-human bond are all integral aspects when addressing behavior concerns.

Exploring emotions with cats and their human counterparts is of particular interest to Stephanie as she sees emotions as the root of behavior. Stephanie believes exploring our cat’s emotions and our own opens us to greater understanding and connection with our cats and ourselves.

Stephanie integrates her conventional behavior background with her intuitive and holistic approach to help cat guardians seek a meaningful connection and a greater understanding of their cat’s emotional and behavioral wellness. Outside of behavioral wellness guidance, Stephanie will recommend complementary energetic modalities like crystals, herbal therapy, sound therapy, and meditation to help support you and your cat’s emotional wellness and bond.  

Stephanie would love to be your supportive guide in helping you, your cat, and your bond.

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Credentials:

2017- Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist (CFTBS)

2021- Fear Free Shelters Graduate

2021- Usui Reiki First Degree

2022- Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)

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Continued Education & Training Courses:

2020- Compassion Fatigue & Resiliency Education

2021- Healing the Emotional Wounds of Animals

2022- Crystal Healing for Animals

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Professional Organization Memberships:

Human-Animal Bond Association

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

American Association of Feline Practitioners

Pet Professional Guild

Cornell Feline Health Center

Shelter Animal Reiki Association

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Volunteer Work:

2013- Present- Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

2022-Present- Orange County Animal Services

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✩✩Fun Tidbits✩✩

Sun Sign: Cancer

Moon Sign: Capricorn 

Rising Sign: Capricorn

Myers Briggs Type: INFJ

Enneagram: 1w2 

Core Values: Compassion, connection, and vulnerability 

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Please note that I am not a veterinarian and cannot treat or diagnose medical issues regarding your cat. Behavior modification and emotional/energy healing modalities complement conventional medicine and should never replace medical guidance and advice from a veterinarian. If I suspect your cat may have a medical issue, I will always refer you to a veterinarian.

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