My Story
The Highlights
- Radiant Cats was started in 2023 by Alicia (she/they), a registered Veterinary Technologist with a love of cats and over a decade of experience working with animals of all shapes and sizes.
- Due to an "accidental adoption" of a foster kitten with behavioural challenges in 2020, Alicia was inspired to learn more about feline behaviour to help that kitten live a full and happy life.
- Alicia has completed additional courses and attended seminars and conferences to learn more about the science of animal behaviour, positive reinforcement and force-free training, and how to help cats live their best lives:
- Certified Elite Fear Free Professional
- Fear Free Shelters Graduate
- Certified Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional
- Low Stress Handling® Silver Certified
- The Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning through the IAABC
- Better Veterinary Visits through Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Train Your Cat! through KPA
- CAT-alyst! Feline Fun, Tricks, and Training with Melissa Millett through KPA
- Feline Inappropriate Elimination Master Class Certificant through Hippocampus Online
- Pounce! IAABC's Feline Behaviour Conference 2022 and 2023
- EASAV Veterinary Conference 2023: 2 days of behaviour talks by Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
- University of the Pacific's Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Course
- Certified Elite Fear Free Professional
- Alicia is working towards these certifications to show her continued commitment to meeting the highest standards of ethical consulting and training practices:
- Veterinary Technologist Specialty in Behaviour (VTS-B); aiming to achieve in 2028
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP); aiming to achieve in 2025
- Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant (CCBC) with the IAABC; achievement date TBD
Hi, I'm Alicia!
I’ve always had a deep love for animals and have cared for a variety of species, including cats, dogs, horses, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It was only natural that I pursued a career in animal care, so I started my schooling to become a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) in 2009.
I graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a diploma in Animal Health Technology in 2011. My passion for learning led me to enroll at the University of Alberta, where I earned my Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. I loved soaking up knowledge so much that I took more Biology and Zoology classes than required for graduation! (Yes, I proudly embrace my inner nerd.)
I’ve worked as an RVT in various settings, including an emergency clinic, Northlands Racetrack with Thoroughbred horses, and the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) in their spay/neuter program, the Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS). I spent over five years in general practice and have even contributed to a startup company, sharing my insights to help launch their new product. Most recently, I’ve returned to EHS in a new position; RVT-Behaviour Interest.
Throughout my career, I found it challenging to focus on just one area because I love learning about animals and improving their lives. But then, I met a certain cat, and everything changed...
Meet Xenophon
Xenophon, or Xeni, was originally meant to be a foster cat. With three other cats at home, I thought this kitten would allow me to prove that I could successfully foster kittens regularly. I should have known better; every sad cat story pulls at my heartstrings. How could I resist a 5-week-old kitten found alone behind a dumpster in freezing October weather, half-starved and sporting an adorable head tilt? I didn’t even have to ask; my partner saw my instant bond with Xeni and said, “Fine, we can keep him.”
After a few weeks, Xeni recovered from his head tilt, but I believe the trauma left its mark. As he grew, he became increasingly troublesome around food. Once he learned to jump on the counter, nothing was safe! In all my years as an RVT, I had never seen a cat behave like this. We couldn’t eat with him in the room unless he was on a harness and leash, and we had to be extremely careful not to leave any food within his reach. Then he started eating non-food items, and that’s when we knew we were in deep trouble.
By the time Xeni was about a year old, he had his first behaviour consultation with a specialized veterinarian. We had already made multiple emergency vet visits due to his dietary indiscretions. One time, he even inhaled food into his lungs while eating too fast! By the time he turned 1.5 years old, he had undergone two life-saving surgeries to remove material stuck in his intestines. I was doing everything I could think of to keep him safe, but he always seemed to find something else to eat. I was at my wits’ end, genuinely afraid that the next vet visit might be his last.
Why Radiant Cats?
I truly believe that Xenophon wouldn’t have survived to see his second birthday if I hadn’t sought help from a behaviour specialist. She diagnosed him with OCD and pica and started him on medications and supplements. While the medication helped, it wasn’t a cure-all. She also provided guidance on managing his environment and introduced me to clicker training. Without her support, I would have been completely lost, and Xeni might not be here today.
The changes we implemented have made a tremendous difference in Xeni’s life! He now does tricks, has (some) manners, and enjoys road trips and hikes. He’s even visited the ocean! We can finally relax and snack on the couch without constantly defending our food. Xenophon has truly become a radiant cat, showcasing how intelligent and amazing he can be when given the chance to shine.
Xenophon taught me that even with over a decade of experience as an RVT and a lifelong love for animals, I didn’t know enough to save him on my own. It was humbling to realize I needed help, but I’m so grateful I found an expert when I did. Helping Xeni sparked my journey into behaviour consulting, and the more I learned, the more my passion for the science of animal behaviour grew.
My goal is to strengthen the bonds between cats and their guardians through Radiant Cats. I believe every cat is a unique individual and they deserve the opportunity to show off their radiant personality!
I want to help you with your radiant cat, just like I was helped with Xenophon!
If you and your cat would like to hire me, please click the button below to view my services.
Education and Memberships
