Feline Wellness in Action: Inside the Work of Stephen Quandt
In this episode of 19 Cats and Counting, Rita Reimers sits down with feline behaviorist Stephen Quandt to explore his journey into the world of feline behavior and shelter volunteerism. Stephen shares how his work with numerous shelters shaped his approach to behavior consulting and discusses the diverse clientele he serves today.
He also gives listeners a glimpse into his own home life with his husband Thom and their two beloved cats, Crickett and Jenny, who prove that friendship knows no limits. Stephen will be joining the show on a semi-regular basis to share his expertise across many aspects of feline wellness.
What draws someone into a lifelong career helping cats?
In this conversation, Rita welcomes feline behaviorist Stephen Quandt to discuss:
• How he first entered the field of feline behavior
• His extensive volunteer work with animal shelters
• The intersection between shelter behavior and private consulting
• The range of behavior challenges he addresses with clients
• How shelter experience informs real-world problem solving
Stephen also shares a personal glimpse into life at home with his husband and their two cats — Crickett and Jenny, who is blind. Their close bond highlights how cats adapt, connect, and thrive in supportive environments.
Listeners will get to know Stephen not only as a professional but as a dedicated advocate for feline wellness. As a recurring guest on 19 Cats and Counting, he’ll be returning to explore additional topics related to behavior, shelter work, and holistic feline care.
Stephen is also the author of the children’s book Happy Comes Home, illustrated by his husband, artist Thom Heyer. Together they share their home with two cats: Jenny, blind from birth and queen of the household, and her devoted best friend, Cricket.
Listen to Episode #158 Now:
BIO:
Stephen Quandt, CFTBS, FFCP, is the founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates, LLC. He is a writer, author, public speaker, Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist, and Fear Free Certified Professional with nearly 25 years of experience working with cats in private consultations, animal shelters, and field settings.
Stephen’s nationwide rescue work with the ASPCA deepened his understanding of the communities who care for cats and the challenges they face. In 2019, he participated in a spay/neuter and research campaign assisting animals living in the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear plant — many descended from pets left behind after the 1986 disaster.
He currently works with Animal Care Centers of NYC and serves as executive producer and resident feline behavior expert of The Shelter Cats Podcast.
Stephen is also the author of the children’s book Happy Comes Home, illustrated by his husband, artist Thom Heyer. They share their home with two cats: blind-from-birth Jenny who is queen of the household, and her devoted best friend, Cricket.
Transcript: