Joan Levergood has over a decade of experience doing feline behavior consultations for both private clients and as behaviorist for Tree House Humane Society where she has helped feline caretakers understand their cat companions.  In thousands of consultations for all types of problems, Joan has been a valuable resource for owners who are at their wits end.  Many clients feel that they have tried everything and yet the problem has continued.  Joan will explain the most likely causes for the unwanted behavior and how to make changes for the cat that can really turn things around.  A multiple cat owner long before becoming a feline behavior counselor, Joan has lived through some of the worst problems faced by owners.  She has the personal as well as professional experience to know what works and what doesn't.

Cats are very sensitive and can be affected by things in the home that seem irrational to their humans.  When owners can see the world from the cat's point of view, they can begin to develop a plan to change unwanted behavior.  Joan specializes in the most difficult behavior problems such as litter box problems, aggression between cats, and urine marking.  Joan will help you understand how to make changes in your cat's environment and improve the situation for everyone.

Joan also is a faculty member of the Animal Spirit Network training students and other animal professionals about feline behavior.  She has presented behavior workshops through Tree House and has spoken about feline behavior and humane issues in Chicago area schools, to community groups.  She was a featured speaker at the 2006 symposium "The Emotional Intelligence of Animals" sponsored by S.P.E.A.K in Chicago.  She has written articles for the Tree House News and contributed to their Guide to Humane Cat Care.  She has also worked as a veterinary assistant in the Tree House clinic for the past 12 years and is knowledgeable about feline medical issues and nutrition as well as behavior.