My Story
The Highlights
Radiant Cats is based in Edmonton, AB, and was started in 2023 by Alicia (they/them), a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) since 2011 with a love of animals of all shapes and sizes (especially cats).
Due to an "accidental adoption" of a foster kitten with extra behavioural needs in 2020, Alicia was inspired to learn more about feline behaviour to help that kitten live a full and happy life.
Alicia is working towards these certifications to show their 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
- 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’ve been an RVT in emergency, racehorse sports medicine, and at the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) for their spay/neuter program. I've worked in general practice and helped a startup company launch their pet products. Currently, my full-time job is back at EHS, providing behaviour support for shelter animals and the people who care for them.
I love learning about animals and practicing as an RVT across many areas of vet medicine, but then I met a certain cat and found my calling.
Meet Xenophon
Xenophon, or Xeni, was originally meant to be a foster. I thought this kitten would let me prove that I could successfully foster kittens, but I should have known better; 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 out. Then he started eating non-food items, and that’s when we knew we were in deep trouble.
By the time Xeni was a year old, he had his first behaviour consultation with a veterinarian who focused on behaviour. We had already made multiple emergency vet visits due to his dietary indiscretions. 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 behaviour focused veterinarian. She diagnosed him with a compulsive disorder 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. We can finally relax when we eat and don't have to defend our food. Xenophon has truly become a radiant cat, showcasing how amazing cats can be when given the chance to shine.
Xenophon taught me that even with 10+ years 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 who deserves 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, click the button below to view my services.
Behaviour-Focused Education
Alicia has completed additional courses and attended seminars and conferences to learn more about the science of animal behaviour, positive reinforcement, force-free training, and how to help cats live their best lives:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) #87765
- Certified Elite Fear Free Professional Level 3
- 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, 2023, 2024, 2025
- EASAV Veterinary Conference 2023: 2 days of behaviour lectures by Dr. Lisa Radosta DACVB
- University of the Pacific's Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Course
- Clincal Animal Behavior Conference (CABC): by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) 2024, 2025
- ClickerExpo Live 2025: by KPA
- Cooperative Care Unleashed: Transforming Veterinary Visits Workshop: with Jessica Benoit (VTS in Behavior) at Companion Veterinary Clinic
- Master Behavioral Medicine Certificate Program through IntroVet
Education and Memberships
2026 Update
I’m thrilled to share that I've completed a 6 month training program and am now a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP).
While completing this certification, I experienced high demand and reduced capacity, leading to longer wait times. My response time has continued to be delayed as I strive to reply to every cat guardian who has requested my services over the past few months.
If you are in urgent need of assistance, please consider reaching out to Little Weirdos Training.
I appreciate your patience and understanding as I work to better serve you and our feline friends!