Virginia Tech’s School of Animal Sciences announced on May 4 that its new Shelter Cat Behavior and Welfare course is giving students hands-on experience with feline behavior while helping shelter cats become more adoptable.
The program aims to benefit both the animals and the students, providing practical training for future professionals in animal care fields. The course pairs nearly 30 students with 14 cats from the Lynchburg Humane Society, using evidence-based techniques to reduce stress and teach behaviors that make cats more attractive to potential adopters.
“It’s crazy because after a lot of training and socialization through the class, she loves the carrier now,” said Roya Cranford, a senior in animal and poultry sciences, as she worked with Delilah, a calico tabby. “When she gets adopted out, she’ll be able to just get into the carrier with no stress and go home, which I think is really cool.”
Lisa Gunter, assistant professor of animal behavior and welfare in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who leads the course alongside Associate Professor Erica Feuerbacher, said: “As far as we know, this is one of very few courses in the country that has cats coming in from animal shelters, living on campus, being trained by students, and being adopted out.” Gunter also addressed common misconceptions about feline behavior: “The idea that cats can’t be trained or don’t like to hang out with people — these are all myths… We saw an opportunity to help cats in need of homes and provide students with a course that offered more hands-on learning that could benefit them should they go into the field.”
Jill Mollohan ’10—executive director at Lynchburg Humane Society—said: “Our field needs more professionals with this expertise. The cats benefit from individualized attention… This partnership introduces our cats to a broader audience.” Students use positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training for skills including entering carriers on cue or performing tricks like fist bumps. Tucker Bugaj said: “It’s not as difficult as one would think. You give them a stimulus, and they respond in a way that produces the desired behavior.”
Eva Giguere manages daily cattery operations while Yasmeen Gomez coordinates adoptions. Gomez said: “It’s been amazing to connect more deeply with shelters…and find them [the cats] homes they deserve.” The program also exposes undergraduates—many initially interested only in veterinary careers—to other paths like research or shelter work. As Cranford noted: “I realized I was getting more hands-on time… Now I want to go the behavior route.”
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences contributes to community development by nurturing future leaders through innovations in agriculture, food, health; it serves as Virginia Tech’s land-grant college; includes over 350 scientists; maintains numerous extension offices; utilizes specialized research centers; tackles issues through practical applications aligned with its mission; extends initiatives globally—all according to its official website.
Bugaj summarized his experience by saying: “You’re in there working with the cats and seeing them grow. From where they are in week one to where they are at the end — that’s one of the best feelings.”
