Who Are the Cat Writers’ Association: Krista Schulte

In conversation with Mollie Hunt.

Who are the Cat Writers’ Association? is a series of interviews with CWA members, but not your usual who, what, and where discussion. I like to ask a different set of questions and am always amazed by the answers. I hope you are too.

Our guest today on Who are the Cat Writers’ Association? is Krista Schulte.  As a Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant, Krista has dedicated her life to understanding and enhancing the bond between cats and their human companions. With a passion for feline behaviour and welfare, she has honed her skills through education and hands-on experience to become a trusted resource for pet parents seeking guidance. 

Her ultimate goal is to create harmonious homes for cats and their humans by promoting understanding, compassion, and positive reinforcement. Through personalized training and behaviour modification techniques, Krista empowers pet parents to build strong, trusting relationships with their cats based on mutual respect and clear communication.

Part 1:

About My Craft:

I’m currently in my second year as a monthly contributor to a local pet magazine blog here in Ontario, Canada. I collaborate with the team to choose topics that resonate with their readers. My goal is to gather helpful knowledge, raise awareness about cat behaviour, find resources, and offer tips, tricks, and fun facts to keep things light and engaging.

How Cats Inspire My Creativity:

Cats inspire my creativity through their incredible complexity. They can be fiercely independent one moment and incredibly affectionate and cuddly the next. This duality provides such a source of material for storytelling. Observing their subtle body language, whether it be a twitch of the ear or a slow blink, helps me pay attention to the small, meaningful details that make writing more vivid. They always remind me that there is way more beneath the surface. They are fascinated with the simplest things, such as a sunbeam on the floor or a curtain blowing from the window. And I enjoy watching their play and prey drive unfold.

What I Enjoy About Belonging to CWA:

I enjoy the networking, creativity, education, and sense of community. Although I am relatively new to the association, I am very excited and inspired to connect with other writers, educators, and bloggers who are passionate about cats. The professional development opportunities are fantastic. I crave to learn from like-minded people to improve my craft. It’s a great feeling to be a part of an association that promotes high-quality communication about a topic that I care so much about–cats!

Part 2:

Mollie: What is your favorite cat movie and why?

Krista: Without a doubt, one of my favourite cat movies would be the 2016 film Kedi. This film speaks beautifully about animal welfare, community, and the human animal bond. I love how it’s a beautiful tribute to the cats of Istanbul, but it is also a profound statement on the kindness of the people who live there.

This film shows them as independent beings with their distinct personalities. It showcases the symbolic relationship they have with Istanbul’s human residents. It’s a heartwarming example of a community living in harmony with animals, and it’s a wonderful reminder of the deep and meaningful connections that can be formed between humans and cats.

Mollie: If you were a cat, what would you be like?

Krista: This is an easy one. I’m pretty sure I’m already a cat. For starters, I’m a bit of a grazer. I need multiple small meals a day to avoid getting ‘hangry.” I’m also not afraid to be vocal with my loved ones until they feed me. As for my energy levels, I’m the queen of napping and could spend most of my days off doing so, but don’t be surprised if I suddenly get a burst of energy and break out into a zoomie or a random dance move. After that, I’m usually done for the day until my second wind hits in the evening. 

I’m also a huge fan of treats; I’ll never say no to a good potato chip. Much like a cat getting its claws trimmed, my nail appointment goes much more smoothly when paired with positive reinforcement–specifically a nice hot or iced coffee. Much like a cat, you won’t catch me swimming; I am a land cat, thoughI might be persuaded to play in the water fountain for a bit of splashing around. And just like a cat, I could go for head scratches and a soft blanket to curl up with at the end of the day.

Mollie: “Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate, Educate” is a common slogan for animal rescue. What do you like to do?

Krista: For me, the two most important actions are to volunteer and educate. I am fortunate enough to combine both of them. I volunteer as a behaviour counsellor for one of Canada’s biggest cat rescues. In this role, I provide guidance and support to adopters and foster families, helping them understand cat behaviour, addressing any challenges, and ensuring the best possible outcome for the cats in their care. 

This is invaluable to my writing; it allows me to write with more authority and empathy. Ultimately, it’s incredibly fulfilling to use both my time and my writing to support the well-being of cats and the people who care for and love them.

Please give us the names and short descriptions of your cats.

1. Walter (Wally) is a fiercely independent, eight-year-old boy with bright blue eyes and bunny-soft fur. Don’t let that fool you, though; belly rubs are not always

welcomed.

2. Theodore (Theo), my glorious five-year-old, is a go-to for morning snuggles. He’s always waiting excitedly by the front door with his tail held high, ready for a rump pat when I get home.

3. Delilah (Lila), my soon-to-be five-year-old, is my little rescue from a chicken coop. She’s my only “daughter,” and I always know where she is because she’s consistently trilling and chirping. She’s as sweet as sweet as can be.

You can find Krista Schulte on her website.

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