Cat Behaviorist Jackson Galaxy Converts Stephen Into A Cat Person 

I don't understand when people say they don't feel love from cats. You just have to know what to look for. It's when they rub against you, blink their eyes slowly at you, and purr when you pet them. But when cats show extra love (like when they follow you around, meow when they see you or hear your voice, lay on top of your chest, bring you a dead rat) that's when it's so precious and special.

I think part of the reason some people don't like cats as much as dogs is...ironically, cats are a bit more like people than dogs are. What I mean is, you have to earn respect, trust, and affection from another person; people rarely give those things blindly. Cats are similar; once they feel they can trust you, respect and affection quickly follow. Some people are just lazy and don't want to earn that, they just want something to love and obey them blindly without any question. Personally, I feel that love from a cat is more genuine because it has been earned and given when they were ready.

I think a common mistake people make is that.... cats aren't dogs. And some people seem to hold that against them. I explained the differences in what cats are into and how they show emotion and that they aren't better or worse than dogs, but just different, and when I finished, his immediate reply was, "I just don't understand why they can't just be more like dogs!" And showed examples of how dogs are great animals. I agree that dogs are great too but I couldn't help but facepalm and want to reply, "You didn't really listen to a thing I said, did you?" Sigh. Some people just don't get it. And that's fine. Because there are a lot of dogs that need good homes too. Sadly, there's more than enough to go around.

They literally did a study where they had cats isolated from food, humans, and toys/entertainment for long enough that they'd miss it. Then they gave the cats all three at once to see which one they would go for. The food was even their favourite treat, the toy/entertainment was their favourite one. The cats pretty much always chose their owner. Cats love their humans, they really do just show it in a different way. Dogs'll be all over you, you can't get a moment of peace. Cats just are almost always in the same room as you. And if you've really gotten a good bond with them? They comfort you when you're upset. They often sleep up against you. They are excited to see you when you wake up or get home. But they also go for snuggles and loving! Dogs are extroverts and cats are introverts, that's all! I love cats. I like dogs plenty, but I prefer cats because they're better on my autistic sensory sensitivities lol (Plus cats provide free pest control so hey! Bonus!)

When my cat jumps into my lap while I'm studying and purrs away, that feels a lot like love to me

cats are the most misunderstood domestic animals in the world. They actually are really loving, they just dont suffer fools gladly like dogs do (who are also awesome animals).

My cat waits for me to wake up outside my bedroom door every morning. When I open the door, he meows like crazy and follows me around until I climb back in bed and let him lay with me for 20 minutes or so. He'll climb right on top of me and just turn into a puddle of purring. That's love if I've ever seen it.

Jackson is such a rare gem. A man who truly loves cats and advocates for them! So inspirational and I loved his comment about how spiritual cats are!

Just because cats don't leap all over you with neverending neediness doesn't mean they don't love you.

This guy is the fucking cat whisperer! We have cats and watch his show all the time, and he does magic, folks.

Jackson is also really good with people. He goes into situations where it is obvious that the person is causing the problem. For example, I recall a couple had their cat living in a closet, then wondered why it was aggressive. Jackson quietly and politely gets people to see things as the cat would. He's the man.

If cats had thumbs and disposable incomes, Jacksons show would be called; "My Human from Hell" "Dear Jackson, You gotta help me out. This stupid human I adopted thinks I'm a dog. He keeps thumping his paws against my head and ribs or he plays way to rough. Hurts like hell. I tried gentle corrections but that was ineffectual. I increased the correction but, now he get upset and yells and kinda freaks out. Another issue is he fills the place with only with his stuff and get upset if I play with anything. Please Jackson. I'm desperate to make this work but if you can't help me retrain him, I'm going to have to rehome him. Your mojo bro, Prince Fuzzy Butt"

The slow blink thing is true. If you do that to cats, or most animals, once they understand what you're doing, they'll calm down, and start blinking back to you. I've seen it happen with all my cats, the cats at the shelter where I worked, my birds, ... It's a calm and trusting gesture: "I'm relaxed and I trust you enough to close my eyes around you".

My mom's cat is definitely attached to her. He is visibly upset when she goes out and chooses to cuddle with her overnight. Don't talk to me about cats not being attached to people.

Jackson Galaxy is such a pure, amazing human.

I feel bad for people that don't like cats because they are missing out on so much

This annoyed me as a cat owner. Stephen doesn't know how to hold kittens properly.

Cats are wonderful animals. Dogs are wonderful animals. It's all in how you raise them.

I’ve had hundreds of cats but my most recent love bug (who passed away in December :(. ) was adopted and he didn’t trust anyone. He had three legs bc of human animal abuse and had been giving back to the shelter many times. I went to go see him and immediately he waddled up to me and meowed and rubbed on my legs. I had him for 5 years and although he had an attitude problem in the beginning, I just showed him that I loved him and that I would always be there for him no matter what and that I wasn’t going to just dump him like so many people had done to him. He adjusted within the first year I had him and I think he realized I was going to be his final home. He’d follow me around everywhere; would lay as close as possible to me (even on my head or face haha) and he trusted me even when I had to take him to the vet all the time (he had many health issues when I adopted him) but he always knew I’d stick around. It bugs me when people say cats aren’t loving or don’t show it. Yes they do. You get what you give. He did a total 180 and I’m so thankful that he came into my life. I really needed him as much as he needed me, I learned. I will miss his sweet little demanding meows. He really was like a person. Everyone who met him said he acted just like a human in a cats body haha miss you my sweet Lyga. cats rule ❤️❤️❤️

Jackson is just so kind and cool, he was probably cat king in his past life and decided to take human form to teach stupid hoomans to treat his children right. 😂😻

The problem with being around cats all the time: Every now and then I tend to instinctively do the slow blink at dogs and sometimes humans too, and then I feel really stupid.

I don't know about everyone else's cat, but mine has no trouble expressing her love. I can barely walk in my home without tripping over her, and the moment I sit down she's in my lap purring and rubbing her face on my hands. Maybe it's because I follow the recommendations Jackson makes on My Cat From Hell :D

Every cat shows love in a different way. My family has 5 right now and each is completely unique. My oldest will literally sit on anyone's lap and purr and rub his face and get petted for literally hours. He would all day if you let him. Another one shows love by "catching" dirty clothes that are in the basement to be washed and bringing them upstairs and then meowing and purring. Another one meows every time he sees someone and flops upside down for belly rubs and is a massive teddy bear. Humans have multiple love languages, so do cats.

I love Jackson! I cry often when I see how he helps all these cats. It’s amazing! He saves so many cats.

The "mirror neuron theory" is applicable with some people and their cats. When my beloved Mac was dying, after a few years of suffering from diabetes and taking insulin shots without complaint, I was terribly upset. Close to the end he reached out with his paw and gently placed it in my hand. He literally held my hand as he died, knowing how inconsolable I was at losing him. All my cats have reciprocated the love I give to them. They also enjoy playing "fetch" like dogs. Some people have this neurological bond with felines but most do not. Lucky to be one who does.

Jackson Galaxy: The Original Cat Daddy

okay. I like Stephen. But.... really? that was hard to watch. it's a kitten. not a snake. grow a pair man.

My cat laid on my stomach while I started having contractions before my miscarriage. The purring actually was like a natural pain reliever on my abdomen. My cat hadn’t laid on my stomach since then! They definitely have an energy field they’re tapped into

Stephen was disappointing to watch in this. He wasn't interested at all, and made it awkward for everyone.

Cats show a lot of affection, what are you talking about Stephen? How does it feel when they rub themselves against your legs or purr at your touch? The overenthusiastic, jumping, tail-wagging affection from dogs tires me out very fast. I prefer the relatively calm and subtle affection of cats.

Cat love is earned, dog love is available to everyone.

Dogs love a very human way. like touch and jump and lick they are very animated (i've had cats like this) but cats are so different and I'd recommend anyone to get one because they show such love, but it's suttle and gentle. and to show a cat love you have to listen to that individual cat on HOW they want to be loved. it's a patient thing but it teaches respect for distance and how to appreciate the moments where you are their whole world.

Stephen = definitely still not a cat person haha

For some reason his facial hair just screams "cat behaviorist"

I've become addicted to watching my cat from hell /heaven . What I find most amazing is how much Jackson galaxy has transformed in only a few years . He looks slimmer,his eyes are clear and bright,his whole appearance has completely changed. Thankyou for such an important series on human cat relationships and the importance of spending time playing and interacting with each other 👣🐾😸👩

That's the problem actually...they sell cats too young. The should leave kittens with their mother until they are three months old. They will be more well adjusted and happy.

Lol he's stiff as a board holding that kitten, I can just feel the awkwardness. If he's like this with his own cats no wonder they don't seem to like him much, they probably think he's a nervous, needy weirdo lol.

Cats get a bad rap. They're sometimes overly lovey! You get out of them what energy you put into them.

I hate it when talk show hosts use an animal as a prop for laughs, dropping them, complaining the animal intentionally hurt them, damaged their suit (like the millions they are paid a year doesn’t cover the cost), etc. It’s just a major pain, don’t book this type of segment if you’re in need of laughs. I stopped watching Conan because there were too many of these segments. Under educated people need to see animals as something more than toys for laughs. Just stop 🛑

That moment when the 🐈 LOOKS at him and bows.... Amazing 😍!!

I'd freak out if way those kittens too, the noise of the studio and the audience would be enough to send my 3 guys under the bed.

I remember a research paper finding something like cats don't love their humans or something, but my cat would follow me into every room and insisted on being with me whenever I was home. He would always seek me out to nuzzle and sleep near or on top of me at night. I wasn't even the one responsible for feeding or cleaning after him. It felt like love to me.

Jackson has a double millennium amount of love in his soul. Kudos❣️

You are just too blind to see cats' emotions. Actually, they express their emotions all the time. They are just not as loud as dogs!

I foster kittens and all were once feral. I've had no problems. They are all exceedingly affectionate. They love to be held, lie on their backs for belly rubs, purr and cuddle constantly. I don't know if it's because I bottle fed them but so far I've had many happy adoptions.

a cat's love is more "I respect you and let you have your space, so I hope you do the same," and not the direct happiness of a dog.

I adore Jackson Galaxy!🥰 FINALLY an ambassador for cats ❤️ They're just misunderstood, cats are very affectionate

I have had two cats for several years, and adopted a puppy last year. It's been a really interesting experience, living with both at the same time and experiencing their different kinds of love simultaneously. I say that my dog owns me during the day, but the cats own me at night. Puppy needs to be with me ALL THE TIME, anywhere I go during the daylight hours. Of course, he'll come flop down beside me or ask for belly rubs sometimes, but I also see how much of his affection and excitement directed toward me is actually motivated by food/anticipation of rewards. As soon as he's in his crate at bedtime and I'm in my bedroom, the cats are there with me, ready to settle in. My boy headbutts me and kneads, purrs so loud, and gets in such a trancelike state that he sometimes start drooling. None of that is motivated by food or reward. I'm just there with him. My presence is all he wants. Anyone who says cats, as a whole, aren't affectionate, just hasn't met the right cat, or hasn't taken the time to get to know/understand cats.

I love this guy. I wish he would post more on his RU-vid channel. I've learned so much from him!

Not really a cat person, but I feel like I know everything about cat behavior after watching seasons of My Cat From Hell.

I'm not totally sold on the spirit realm aspect, but I appreciate that this guy understands we need to communicate with cats differently than we do dogs.

I had a cat that followed me from room to room. Always looked at me and responded to his name. All my cats have been very affectionate.

I love Jackson Galaxy so much! My Cat From Hell is the best show. hahah

When Stephen said 'bring out the cats' I was expecting adult ones but then those little tinies appeared and oh my word.

So unfair to bring pets out onto a noisy stage full of people.

Love Jackson. I’ve had cats all my life & thought I knew about them. I’ve learned a lot from him.

SO not true!! Cats are SOOOO loving! it just requires understanding their language.

Anyone who has a pet cat knows the blink and, if they're empathetic, returns the long blink to the cat. Those cute critters are all about body language.

Cats are awesome

Jackson is a gift to humanity

When I saw the title I screamed.. IM SO HAPPY OMG.

Jackson is so intuitive towards cat behavior, its incredible

I love Jackson Galaxy. I've learned so much from him.Bless him !

cats reacted based on how you treat/raise them, when people say they don't like or aren't good with cats and prefer dogs, I worry about their dogs ha. It's how you train them, each cat is different some hate attention and some crave it. I've had cats who owners say don't touch them, they're evil or bad, come up to me, rub against me and sit on my lap. So it's not the cat, it's you that's the problem.

Is it just me or this the first time Stephen is awkward AF?

I have worked in the entertainment field all my life. Interviewing and interacting with a lot of stars : rockers, movie actors, motivational speakers etc. such as Bon Jovi, Pierce Brosnan, and Jackson Galaxy is the one that, among them, has the most powerful impact on me. I attended Jackson Galaxy's press con once in Bangkok. I stood far faraway from the stage but the aura and positive energy of his came across the room. Wow I was amazed.

The slow "I love you" blink Jackson gave Steven, proves that Steven is part cat.. he looooved that

Just how fucking cool was that clip that they showed. You can literally see the cats expression go from intense anger to curious and sad sweetness. Just amazing

Jackson is an Amazing person, and I've learned so much from watching his show. My cats are my babies!

I love Jackson Galaxy! He's an awesome man that shows that cats are as amazing as dogs!

This is hilarious & Jackson is incredibly #sincere in creating awareness of cat-to-human affection :D Love it! Please bring him back Stephen, we want more.♡♡♡♡

I love Jackson Galaxy - he’s a wealth of cat information!

When my cat bites my toe at 2am, that feels like love to me.

Jackson Galaxy is a beautiful soul. Love him!

Well you would need to, have to understand cats to love them and love them to understand them. I get them. Meow! !!

When my cat and I were living back with my parents for a time, and I left for 3 weeks to check out the city I was hoping to move to, and I came home... I came through the front door, and my cat was in the living room where she could see me. Her eyes suddenly went wide, as if in disbelief, and then she promptly ran to the bedroom, where I followed her. She proceeded to flop down on the bed for belly rubs and then to sniff all of the new smells on me. She's a former feral (first 15 months, and one litter of kittens, in an urban colony... before rescue. She had been hit by a car and her pelvis was completely fractured and had to be wired together). I socialized her, myself. She likes to stay close to me, and in the winter she curls up on the blankets right up against my stomach (I'm a side sleeper). Yep, pretty sure she loves me. I love her right back.

There's much truth to what Galaxy is trying to convey about how animals, and perhaps especially cats, are more naturally in touch with "what lies beyond the tangible". We humans are more superficial... which is why many of us prefer the more boisterous dog love, not being able to completely trust that cats can, indeed, love. But they do! They feel love, and will love you in return, they are more subtle and refined about it, that's all. Also, having had experience with both cats and dogs I will even go so far as to say, that a cat's love can feel more profound. Might be something to do with the purring . .

I adopted a rescue that was a tuxedo just like those. awwww.

More with Jackson, please!!! He is a great guest!!!!! :-)

Love Jackson ! He’s a great cat educator

didn't look like Stephen was converted *at all*

Jackson! **meow, meow, moew** Shoulda taken your cool guitar case! Fun interview.

Difference between cats and dogs: You have to earn a cat’s respect to receive love, dogs give it whether you respect them or not. Cats are more like people. And they don’t take any bs. That’s why I like them.

Jackson Galaxy is amazing man that do big work our family and our dear companions thank you so much Jackson. i love you & god bless you

I love Jackson and have learned a lot about cat behavior. One of my cats and I headbutt Good morning and both cats slow blink love and appreciation. Christmas morning they both snuggled on the couch with me...it was a X-mass miracle (first time ever). I felt at the time that they could sense my sadness of not being with Family and put aside being jerks to each other. I love all animals...Cats and I have the same vibration....chill.

My cat is sitting with me on my chair as I watch this video.

I love your comments about cats being zen and observing things we can’t see. I bet that’s why they gravitated to you in the shelter; they sensed you being a calm and caring person. I’m not bad mouthing people animals dislike - at points in my life that was me! They could tell how anxious I was, and it made them similarly agitated. Since I’ve become more comfortable in my skin, animals have liked me much better. And part of how I’ve grown more comfortable in myself (in addition to medication and therapy) is by spending time observing and loving animals.

My cats show love all of the time. They sleep with me, come running when I come home to get loves, and cry when I leave.

I want to be Jackson Galaxy when I grow up.

My cats are actually very loving, one of them even hugs me. The other one would have been a "normal" cat who isn't that attached if it wasn't for the hugging one, she always imitates her and now they both follow me everywhere I go and want to always be with me or be ruffled and stroked.

Love Jackson, such a good hearted man.Have to say the blinking thing works..it is so weird

I enjoy watching Jackson Galaxy's videos and My Cat From Hell episodes. To see a scared or angry cat living with owners at their wits end become a loving cat who the owners love and truly understand is amazing. Jackson really works some amazing magic with cats. My own cats are definitely not from Hell. Amos, my russian-blue tabby mix, is the sweetest cat I ever owned, and he certainly chose me. I lost my solid orange male tabby Oliver; he ran out the door and never came back. I was devastated. Eventually, after a year of waiting for him to come back but he never did, my boyfriend at the time took me to the shelter and let me pick out a cat to adopt. There were several that looked almost exactly like Oliver, but I decided to go with a grey tabby because I knew it wouldn't be fair to the orange tabby if I expected him or her to be exactly like Oliver; each cat have their very own personalities and traits, so much like humans. So, I decided to go with a grey tabby. I remember Amos kept reaching out to me but I was concerned; one of his eyes had this circular film over it and I feared he was either partially blind or entirely blind in that one eye. I wanted him then and there, but I hadn't looked at the other cats so I passed him and continued on; what if there was another cat just as loving as him that wanted a forever home just as badly? I wanted to adopt all of them, to be honest. I went back to Amos and he really put on the love. I asked the caretaker of the cats if she would let him out so I could interact with him a bit better. She did and even seemed happy I asked. He walked around and explored a bit, but he always came back to my crossed legs and curled up in my lap and purred. I scratched his chin, scratched behind his ears, around his neck, even petted down his back and sides. His fur was a solid blue, hardly any tabby markings at all except on his face. His ears and skin were a solid dark blue, almost purple color. I thought it was so awesome! With his green eyes, one slightly off color due to the strange film over it that didn't seem to bother him, I had thought he was such a beautiful cat. The woman came back and said that his name's Amos and they nicknamed him Famous Amos because he's so loving and sweet. She said they got him when was about a year old after animal control picked him up from the ally as an older kitten. Everyone that came in to adopt a cat didn't want him because of his eye! Of all the reasons not to adopt a cat. I shook my head and asked if he was blind or partially blind. She assured me that their vet checked him out and said he wasn't bind at all and it didn't bother him. I discovered he had one quirk, however, and that is he refuses to let anyone, even me, scratch his belly. He will latch on, not super hard or for long, but as a warning to stop touching his belly. That's another spot where his tabby markings show. I respected that, having been a cat owner for a long time, and petted every where else but his belly. He started playing with me and he stuck all twenty of his claws in my arm. I froze. I knew if I pulled away I would have my entire arm scratched, so I relaxed and even pushed my arm further against him. He eventually let go; the attendant was terrified when she saw him latch on because she was afraid I wouldn't adopt him after that. When she saw I didn't freak out, she knew I was a cat person with a lot of respect and love for cats. He loved me, accepted me off the bat, and once I got him home, he was the best lap kitty/companion I could ever ask for. He healed my heart after Oliver ran away and he was there for me with his unconditional love and affection when my boyfriend and I broke up. He's been my companion ever since and I'm able to hold him for however long I wish--something he won't allow my mom, dad, or sister to accomplish. He'll snuggle up to them while I'm away at work, but when it's time for to come, he will wait for me. And when I do come home, he greets me at the door and demands my immediate attention to which, I cave in every time. So yes, cats are more than capable of love, you just have to respect them as their own person and treat them as roommates. Their affection, once won, is truly unconditional and exceptional. Dogs will love you instantly, but cats select their person and choose who they want to love. That's why they're so special. However, the instant and unwavering love of dogs is just as precious.

Yes cats are from the spiritual world. My grandma passed away and I know she is in my cat's body watching over me and that comforts me.

Of course the cat whisperer has a giant tiger's eye ring. :)

Ohhhh...we rescued kitties like those and just lost the last black one to cancer. They were so playful, so loving. I miss them so much.

My dear childhood cat passed a few days ago, and was as sweet and loving as any dog if not moreso at times once you gained her trust. She came over for snuggles when I called her, purring on my lap. She was deeply attached to my dad and literally slept curled against him every night. She was such a calm, gentle presence and the house is so empty without her, even with our dog still around.

Thank you Jackson, and Stephen Colbert, for hosting this wonderful topic! I love Jackson Galaxy - his work is so skilful both with cats and their people, making a huge difference.

Jackson is a really cool guy

My cat snuggles with me almost every night, sometimes even under the covers. He's a sweet tinny tiger.

Jackson has honestly helped me and my 3 cats out so much... his advice and tips are excellent in helping you to raise lovable cats!