Cat Lovers Festival Melbourne

10:00 am

The most common cat problems solved - Dr Katrina Warren

About the Talk

If you’re a cat parent, you may be familiar with these common cat problems that Dr Katrina will address in her presentation including: Scratching furniture and carpets (argh!), Waking you up at night or very early in the morning (oh no!) and Litter-box issues.

Gather some great advice from our home-grown cat expert (and everyone’s favourite!) Dr Katrina, at the Cat Lovers Festival!

Read Dr Katrina Warren's bio

Dr Katrina Warren is a media veterinarian who first appeared on our television screens in 1994 as a presenter on the children’s show, Totally Wild. She then went on to co-host the hit tv show, Harry’s Practice and became a household name for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Dr Katrina has worked extensively in Australia and the US and has appeared across all media platforms- television, radio, print and internet.

Katrina is passionate about cats and hosted 3 series of Housecat Housecall for Animal Planet, USA- the show helped cat owners across the US solve their cat behaviour problems.

Katrina’s home is currently ruled by her own Maine Coon cat called King Leo.

11:00 am

What to do with cats that don't get along - Jackson Galaxy live via satellite

About the Talk

There are many reasons why cats who may have at one point gotten along (or at least tolerated one another) now can’t be in the same room for any length of time for fear that one or both of them will get seriously hurt. This issue not only is a strain on animal relationships, but almost always puts all of the human family members on edge as well.

In this session, Jackson Galaxy will give you tools to give you the best chance at a fresh start. When dealing with these types of serious conflicts, you first want to be your very best cat detective, tracing the problem back to roots that may be eluding you. This is crucial not only because we then have an idea about how to approach a remedy, but also because if we don’t know the cause of the blowup in the first place, then even if we ‘fix the problem,’ chances are it will happen again.

The second step I will cover is a step-by-step approach to reintroducing the feline combatants as if they’ve never met before and trying to replace the energetic loop of toxic behavior with positive associations. Peace can happen! Join Jackson to find out how.

Read Jackson Galaxy's bio

Popularly known as “The Cat Daddy,” Jackson Galaxy is the host and executive producer of Animal Planet’s long running hit show “My Cat From Hell.” Jackson, an animal advocate and cat behaviour and wellness expert, is also a two-time New York Times best-selling author with more than 25 years of experience working with cats and their guardians. Long before Jackson was known as “The Cat Daddy,” the working musician found he had a unique ability to connect with cats when he took a job at a local animal shelter.

After a decade of working with thousands of cats, he joined a private practice working with cat guardians and cats in their homes, which ultimately became the premise for “My Cat from Hell.” An immediate hit, the show has been a broadcast staple for ten seasons and has become a global phenomenon, placing Jackson at the forefront of a worldwide obsession with all things feline.

Jackson has extensively detailed his work and life in his growing collection of authored books, including “Catify to Satisfy” and “Catification,” which both landed on the New York Times BestSellers List, and his latest book, “Total Cat Mojo,” a comprehensive guide to his approach on total cat wellness and eliminating behavioural problems by understanding cats and their instinctive behaviour.

True to his goal of helping to save all animals, Jackson started the Jackson Galaxy Project in 2015, now a Signature Program of GreaterGood.org, which seeks to better the lives of at-risk animals by transforming the places they live and helping the people who care for them through life-saving JGP Programs and partnerships. Jackson’s mission is to educate people about cats and deepen the human and cat bond, while reducing the number of animals that end up in shelters.

Jackson Galaxy presenting at the Cat Lovers Festival Melbourne

11:45 am

Raising a Confident Adventure Cat: The Building Blocks of Training and Communication - Sonia Hankova

About the Talk

Ready to pounce into a world of adventure with your cat? Join Sonia and her educated adventure cat, Kepler Copernicus, for an insightful session on the fundamentals of cat training and communication. Discover the basics of how cats learn, what motivates them, and effectively apply that knowledge to start raising an adventure cat, immediately. Take away practical strategies for shaping behaviours through positive reinforcement and using hand signals and words for clear communication. Perfect for all cat owners looking to enhance daily interactions or embark on exciting adventures with confidence.—We’ll get you going!

Read Sonia Hankova & Kepler Copernicus's bio

Sonia Hankovsa is a seasoned educator—a former snowboard instructor, science teacher, STEAM educator, education director, and current university lecturer, with over 20 years of experience designing and facilitating learning experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Her passion for education extends beyond traditional classrooms into the realm of cat education, exploration, and adventure.

Together with her Cat, Kepler, Sonia is on a mission to inspire a new generation of feline adventurers—and their devoted human companions.

1:00 pm

Keeping indoor cats happy - Jackson Galaxy live via satellite

About the Talk

There are many good reasons to keep your cat family indoors. Whether you do so because of the potential dangers to them or to other animals, it is a fact that your decision will lead to a longer life for your feline companion.

Why, then, might you feel guilty for making such a positive choice? Is it because cats historically spent their lives freely going indoors and outdoors? Because exploring, claiming and hunting in their territory is part of what it is to be a cat and you feel bad for denying them the freedom? Are you just worried that they are going to be bored and will act up if they can’t get outside?

These are all perfectly valid concerns and reflect your love for your cat family and the desire to give them a life full of engagement and confidence. The good news is that with my help you can make your indoor-only cat content, confident, engaged, and yes…Happy!

Join me for a session full of essential information and tools designed to help you build a world that any cat would love, and then fill it with activities that will have your cat saying, “Outdoors? Nah, I’m fine right here next to you!”

Read Jackson Galaxy's bio

Popularly known as “The Cat Daddy,” Jackson Galaxy is the host and executive producer of Animal Planet’s long running hit show “My Cat From Hell.” Jackson, an animal advocate and cat behaviour and wellness expert, is also a two-time New York Times best-selling author with more than 25 years of experience working with cats and their guardians. Long before Jackson was known as “The Cat Daddy,” the working musician found he had a unique ability to connect with cats when he took a job at a local animal shelter.

After a decade of working with thousands of cats, he joined a private practice working with cat guardians and cats in their homes, which ultimately became the premise for “My Cat from Hell.” An immediate hit, the show has been a broadcast staple for ten seasons and has become a global phenomenon, placing Jackson at the forefront of a worldwide obsession with all things feline.

Jackson has extensively detailed his work and life in his growing collection of authored books, including “Catify to Satisfy” and “Catification,” which both landed on the New York Times BestSellers List, and his latest book, “Total Cat Mojo,” a comprehensive guide to his approach on total cat wellness and eliminating behavioural problems by understanding cats and their instinctive behaviour.

True to his goal of helping to save all animals, Jackson started the Jackson Galaxy Project in 2015, now a Signature Program of GreaterGood.org, which seeks to better the lives of at-risk animals by transforming the places they live and helping the people who care for them through life-saving JGP Programs and partnerships. Jackson’s mission is to educate people about cats and deepen the human and cat bond, while reducing the number of animals that end up in shelters.

1:45 pm

Things cats do and why - Dr Katrina Warren

About the Talk

Cats amuse us with their quicky behaviours but have you ever wondered why they do the things they do – from their obsession with boxes to relentlessly kneading your lap or drowning their toys in the water bowl, Dr Katrina will unravel the secrets of our feline friends.

Read Dr Katrina Warren's bio

Dr Katrina Warren is a media veterinarian who first appeared on our television screens in 1994 as a presenter on the children’s show, Totally Wild. She then went on to co-host the hit tv show, Harry’s Practice and became a household name for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Dr Katrina has worked extensively in Australia and the US and has appeared across all media platforms- television, radio, print and internet.

Katrina is passionate about cats and hosted 3 series of Housecat Housecall for Animal Planet, USA- the show helped cat owners across the US solve their cat behaviour problems.

Katrina’s home is currently ruled by her own Maine Coon cat called King Leo.

2:30 pm

Helping Cats Thrive: Creating Safe and Enriching Environments for Feline Well-Being - Zoos Victoria - Naomi Thomson

About the Talk

From the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife program by Zoos Victoria and RSPCA Victoria, learn from experts in feline behaviour and welfare about the key ingredients for caring for cats and helping them thrive. We’ll explore essential aspects of cat behavior and how you can strengthen your bond with your feline friend, share how to provide mental and physical stimulation in a safe and secure environment and provide some valuable tips and resources to create a fulfilling space for your cat to live their best life.

3:15 pm

Understanding and addressing inappropriate toileting in cats - Dr Kate Mornement

About the Talk

Struggling with a cat that’s refusing to use the litter box? This presentation reveals the underlying causes of inappropriate toileting and provides you with simple, practical strategies to address the issue and encourage your cat to use the litter box consistently.

Read Kate Mornement's bio

Dr Kate Mornement is a Ph.D qualified and Board Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist (CAAB) through the Animal Behavior Society. She has devoted her professional life to sharing her expertise through her consulting business Pets Behaving Badly and recently founded Pet Behaviour Academy; an online education platform for pet parent and pet industry professionals. In her role as a consultant, Kate has had the privilege of assisting, educating and advising pet owners, pet professionals, industry, local government and media outlets.

Her focus on enhancing human-animal relationships has been a cornerstone of her work, where she helps address behavioural challenges and fosters stronger connections between pets and their families. Kate is a sought-after speaker, freelance pet writer and pet brand ambassador.

4:00 pm

Kitty Cosplay Competition Saturday Only

About the Talk

Get ready to paw-ty at the biggest Cat-dress up party competition in Melbourne on the WHISKAS® Stage on Saturday at 4pm.

Show off your cat-creativity and either design or hire an impressive feline-inspired costume, then register below to be part of the Kitty Cosplay Fashion Purrr-ade.

WHISKAS® Stage

WHISKAS® Stage

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Daily Timetable

The most common cat problems solved - Dr Katrina Warren

About the Talk

What to do with cats that don't get along - Jackson Galaxy live via satellite

About the Talk

Raising a Confident Adventure Cat: The Building Blocks of Training and Communication - Sonia Hankova

About the Talk

Keeping indoor cats happy - Jackson Galaxy live via satellite

About the Talk

Things cats do and why - Dr Katrina Warren

About the Talk

Helping Cats Thrive: Creating Safe and Enriching Environments for Feline Well-Being - Zoos Victoria - Naomi Thomson

About the Talk

Understanding and addressing inappropriate toileting in cats - Dr Kate Mornement

About the Talk

Kitty Cosplay Competition Saturday Only

About the Talk

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Daily Timetable

The most common cat problems solved - Dr Katrina Warren

About the Talk

What to do with cats that don't get along - Jackson Galaxy live via satellite

About the Talk

Raising a Confident Adventure Cat: The Building Blocks of Training and Communication - Sonia Hankova

About the Talk

Keeping indoor cats happy - Jackson Galaxy live via satellite

About the Talk

Things cats do and why - Dr Katrina Warren

About the Talk

Helping Cats Thrive: Creating Safe and Enriching Environments for Feline Well-Being - Zoos Victoria - Naomi Thomson

About the Talk

Understanding and addressing inappropriate toileting in cats - Dr Kate Mornement

About the Talk

Kitty Cosplay Competition **Saturday Only**

About the Talk

Kitty Cosplay Competition Saturday Only