Gunhild Jensen is the founder of Smiling Kitty and our lead cat behaviorist. Smiling Kitty is a small cat behavior business based in Stamford, Connecticut. We provide guidance on basic cat care to cat lovers all around the world, as well as specialized cat behavior modification plans, training, and cat-sitting to cat parents in Stamford CT, and surrounding areas. Gunhild is a certified cat behaviorist and professional cat sitter. She is also the author of the fantasy book series Aya and the Firecats and writes the ongoing Facebook story Simba The Office Cat about the adventures of her own cats Simba, Stella, and Sheba.

Gunhild holds a degree in Advanced Feline Training and Behavior from the Animal Behavior Institute (ABI) in Durham, NC. Her education has involved the study of feline history, reproduction, causes and treatment of problem behaviors, common health issues, correct training techniques, cat enrichment, CPR / first aid, and nutrition. Gunhild specializes in creating individualized behavior modification plans that address all common problems experienced by cat owners. She also helps with nutrition advice, leash training, declawing, and cat health in general.

Gunhild grew up surrounded by cats and often cites her childhood at her grandfather’s farm as the source of the great love and admiration she feels for her feline friends. Gunhild has lived and worked with cats her entire life. As an animal rescue worker, she has volunteered her time to help cats in need. Gunhild created Smiling Kitty to provide cat behavior services that are easily accessible everywhere.

Gunhild Jensen

At Smiling Kitty, we don’t believe in punishment as a means of cat training. It is cruel, unnecessary, and counterproductive. Instead, we utilize the cat’s instincts, including their desire to hunt, play, and explore, in our efforts to break bad behavior patterns. With our training plans, we change the cats’ experience of their home environment and help them form new, healthier habits. Through play and positive reinforcement, we attract cats to new toys, scratching posts, litter boxes, etc. If cats are struggling with depression or anxiety, we use cat music, special massages, and petting techniques to improve their well-being. Our behavior modification plans are easy to understand and can be implemented by thoughtful owners without much difficulty.

Yes, you read that right! Cats can be taught to sit up straight, jump on command, lift their paws, and even give you a high-five! If you ever visited a zoo and watched the feeding of the sea lions or penguins, you may have noticed how their handlers use a combination of commands, target practice, and treats to get the animals to perform certain acts. At Smiling Kitty, we use similar, well-established cat training techniques to create special play sessions and Kitty Spa Days full of positive cat experiences. Such training sessions help cats break negative behavior patterns, reestablish trust with their favorite humans, and overcome trauma or anxiety. Provided your cat is food-driven and loves treats, most of our cat training plans will involve teaching you cat tricks.

 

If you struggle with cat behavior problems or have questions about important issues such as nutrition, kitten care, cat safety, or declawing, please do not hesitate to contact us. Click here for a full list of our Problem Prevention Services and here for a full list of our Problem-Solving Services.