Fascinating Cat Behaviors Explained
In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Primm sits down with veterinary behaviorist Dr. Chris Pachel to unravel the mystery of why cats love boxes—and other quirky feline behaviors. They explore the science behind a cat’s instinct to seek enclosed spaces, how boxes reduce stress, and whether big cats share the same fascination. Dr. Pachel also breaks down other curious cat habits, from zoomies to kneading, and explains what they reveal about feline psychology. Listeners will gain practical insights on enriching their cats' lives while enjoying a fun and enlightening conversation about the wild and wonderful world of cat behavior.
Listen to Episode #148 Now:
BIO:
From Curious Kid to the Veterinary Behaviorist
I’ve worn many hats in my life: veterinarian, behaviorist, business owner, speaker, educator, musician, and perpetual problem-solver. Whether I’m working with pets, people, or an audience of thousands, my work has always centered on the same thing: helping others see what’s possible when we take the time to understand.
From the moment I took my first job at a young age—running the pet department at a local dime store, I was hooked. I didn’t just love animals; I loved figuring things out. How did changing one small thing completely shift an animal’s response?
Vet school was always the plan… University of Minnesota, years of study, a veterinary degree in hand. I stepped into general practice, excited to be the kind of veterinarian I had always envisioned. But along the way, I kept noticing something that pulled me in a different direction.
I saw cases where medicine alone didn’t solve the problem. Why did some pets recover effortlessly while others struggled? Why did some owners navigate challenges with ease while others felt stuck? There was something bigger happening. Something about the relationship between animals, people, and their environments that shaped the outcomes.
I became enthralled with understanding behavior—not just in pets, but in people too. That curiosity led me back to school to specialize in veterinary behavior medicine. But the path wasn’t straightforward. My first program wasn’t the right fit. I had to take a leap, find my own mentors, and carve my own path forward.
And it was the best decision I ever made.
Fast-forward to today, and I’ve built a career that approaches science, psychology, and human connection through a new lens. I run the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, serve as VP of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct Dog Behavior & Training, and speak on stages across the world, helping veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners explore what behavior can teach us about animals, relationships, and ourselves.
This work isn’t just about pets. It’s about being more thoughtful in how we respond, more curious in how we listen, and more collaborative in how we connect.
In my book, every day is a school day, and my field is always evolving. Whether I’m teaching, problem-solving, playing music, or tackling a new project, one thing remains constant: I’m always learning, always adapting, always looking for meaningful ways to support well-being.
So, let’s discover how to stop “fixing” behavior and start understanding it. The more we take the time to listen, the more we open up possibilities.
And that’s a lesson worth sharing.
