Stephanie Merlin CFTBS FFCP

Cat  Behavior & Wellbeing Educator

Advocate for Cat Advocates

Stephanie is dedicated to enhancing the lives of cats through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. Her journey in feline welfare began in 2013 as a volunteer, igniting a lifelong passion for understanding these often-misunderstood animals.

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As a Certified Feline Behavior Specialist and a Fear Free Certified Professional, Stephanie collaborates with shelters, rescues, animal welfare organizations, and cat guardians. She empowers them with the knowledge and tools needed to foster optimal feline well-being, recognizing that the human-animal bond is a dynamic system where the well-being of one impacts the other.

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Driven by a holistic and trauma-informed approach, Stephanie blends her behavioral expertise with deep empathy. She understands the intricate connection between a cat's emotional state and their behavior, guiding clients to create nurturing environments that support both. Her work considers the broader systems that influence feline and human well-being, addressing the barriers that can impact their shared quality of life.

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Beyond individual cat care, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for advancing the well-being of animal welfare professionals themselves. Recognizing the unique challenges of the field, she openly discusses and champions addressing systemic barriers like burnout and empathic strain, offering crucial support to those committed to caring for animals.