Brighthelm Centre, 28th November 2024
If you’ve ever found yourself baffled by your cat’s antics, Dr Jon Bowen’s talk at the Brighthelm Centre might have held the key to unlocking some of their mysterious ways. From the quirks of their behaviour to the subtle strategies they use to twist us around their little paws, this was a lively dive into the feline psyche.
Dr Bowen, a veterinary surgeon with over 25 years’ experience tackling animal behaviour issues, brought a wealth of expertise to the evening. His passion for cats shone through in every moment, peppered with amusing anecdotes about his own feline companion. At times, it felt less like a formal lecture and more like an engaging chat with someone who genuinely loves the subject.
The content itself was a fun blend of science, storytelling and practical advice. Topics explored included what keeps cats content, how they perceive our attempts at affection and why their reactions can sometimes seem unpredictable. It turns out cats have quite strict rules and they expect us to follow them.
Dr Bowen’s explanation of cats’ need for independence while still enjoying our company was particularly interesting. It shed light on why a cat might request attention one minute and recoil the next. And then there were the revelations about their secret life beyond the cat flap including where they go and what they get up to.
Perhaps the most entertaining part was the discussion of how cats have evolved to manipulate us. Those soulful meows and head nudges aren’t as innocent as they seem. It was both amusing and slightly humbling to realise we’ve been expertly trained by our pets.
The Q&A session at the end gave the audience a chance to dive deeper into their own feline conundrums. Dr Bowen handled each question with patience, humour and a genuine desire to help. Whether you came in as a cat lover, a curious observer or an exasperated owner, you left with a new appreciation for these enigmatic creatures.
This was a talk that entertained as much as it educated. Dr Bowen’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the evening fly by, leaving everyone with a fresh perspective on their furry friends.
The Psychology of Cats, Seed Talks review – 5 stars
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