Raja
Bhanu and Chhaya
About Me
I’m Elsa Homberg-Pinassi, a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and the founder of FelineFluent. While choosing to dedicate my work to improving the lives of cats and their guardians was my own decision, the credit for leading me down this path belongs to Raja, one of my all-time favorite feline companions.
In his senior years, Raja developed arthritis. As a former healthcare professional with a strong belief in holistic care, I chose to complement his conventional treatment with massage therapy. Through small animal and feline massage coursework, I became increasingly curious about how cats experience their bodies, their environment, and the people who care for them. That curiosity naturally grew into a broader interest in feline behavior and communication and eventually led me to become certified in feline behavior consulting.
Before opening FelineFluent, I spent most of my professional life working as a Registered Nurse, often caring for people in high-stress situations. I also hold an MPhil in Art History, which strengthened my skills in critical thinking and research analysis. These skills continue to shape my work today, allowing me to thoughtfully assess feline behavior research and translate it into practical, compassionate guidance for guardians.
I also completed training in the use of Bach Flower Remedies for cats. This reflects my interest in supportive, holistic approaches to animal welfare. While my work is centered on evidence-based behavior modification, I may occasionally incorporate Bach Flower Remedies as an optional, complementary wellness support when appropriate.
Alongside my work at FelineFluent, I volunteer at Bideawee, where I help enrich and socialize cats awaiting adoption. I also teach German part-time and have previously taught English as a Second Language. Teaching has strengthened my patience, clarity in communication, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds - qualities I consider essential when working with cats and the people who love them. I have also volunteered as a museum docent, further developing my skills in education and engagement. Together, these experiences allow me to support both cats and their guardians with empathy, structure, and clear guidance.
I live in Brooklyn, New York, with my two cats, Bhanu and Chhaya, whose perspectives continually inform and inspire my work at FelineFluent.
Credentials & EDUCATION
At Feline Fluent, my work is grounded in science-based, humane behavior practices and ongoing professional education. Staying current with research in cat-specific behavioral health and animal welfare is central to how I support cats and their guardians.
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Feline Nutrition - Academy of Natural Health Sciences (2026)
Bachblüten für Katzen (Bach Flowers for Cats) - Bablü Akademie, Graz, Austria (2026)
Certified Advanced Feline Training Professional (C.A.F.T.P) - Animal Behavior Institute (2025)
Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (C.F.T.B.S) - Animal Behavior Institute, (2025)
Small Animal Massage Therapist - Ojai School of Canine Massage (2024)
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Supporting Member - International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Student / Trainee Member – Pet Professional Guild
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Fear Free Shelter Program – Fear Free (March 2026) Completed training in recognizing and reducing stress in shelter animals through gentle handling, enrichment, and low-stress care practices.
The Feline Elimination Master Course – Hippocampus (March 2026)
Advanced training focused on resolving litter box and house soiling issues by addressing health, environmental and social factors.Cat Behavior Consulting Mentorship – IAABC (December 2025)
Mentorship covering case evaluation, client communication, behavior modification strategies, and private practice development.Scaredy Cats and Painful Pee: Feline Idiopathic Cystitis – IAABC (December 2025)
Explores stress-related urinary issues and integrated, science-based treatment approaches.Feline Confident with Pattern Games – IAABC (September 2025)
Teaches the use of interactive “pattern games” to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the human-animal bondThe Science of Feline Introductions – IAABC (August 2025)
Covers safe strategies for introducing and reintroducing cats to prevent conflict and stress.Training Your House Tiger – IAABC (August 2025)
Practical applications of clicker training to shape positive behaviors and provide enrichment.Feline House Soiling from the Prescriber’s Perspective – IAABC (August 2025)
Case presentations and treatment approaches for feline house soiling.Feline Massage Workshop – Integrated Touch Therapy (June 2024)
Hands-on training in feline massage techniques to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
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Annual Animal Behavior Conference – IAABC (2025, 2026)
Pounce! – IAABC (2025)
Annual conference on all things feline, covering the most current research, theory and practice in feline veterinary medicine, behavior, and training.