Turning the Exception to the Rule – My Interview With Jackson Galaxy of “My Cat From Hell”
“What I Did on My Winter Break” by Debbi Barnes (with the “i” in my name dotted with a heart). Remember those essays we had to write in class after winter break? If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would be sitting at home waiting for my phone to ring to interview a Hollywood Cat Behaviorist who had his own TV show, I would have thought you were nuts. Well, here it is, January 2nd, 2012 and I am sitting in front of my computer in my sweats, doing that very thing as I get ready to write about what I did on my winter break…
Jackson Galaxy - The Cat Daddy
In case you have not heard of him or the news, Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist and cat listener extraordinaire is returning for Season 2 of “My Cat From Hell” that premiers on January 7th at 8 pm on Animal Planet. Hoping to spread the word about his show, Jackson was kind enough to reach out to a few of us cat bloggers to help in his crusade to educate the world about the ever-growing cat community.
Nerves on high alert, moments after I received his call, I quickly learned that Jackson is an absolute pussy-cat and delight to talk to. No Hollywood airs, no pretentiousness, and nothing other than a conversation between two people who share an enormous love and respect for the feline species… This was going to be a lot easier than I thought and my jittery nerves calmed down immediately. This guy was for real.
Jackson has been working with cats for over 16 years – from his time in a high stress cat shelter at the Humane Society in Boulder Valley Colorado, to teaching cat behavior, to personal consultations with clients in a one-on-one situation between himself and the cat with behavioral issues in question, he has seen and done it all when it comes to cats. I was curious – did he pitch Animal Planet with the concept of the show or did it come about by some other reason?
He says it all happened by chance – he had moved from Colorado to Los Angeles 4 years ago and was teaching a class on cat behavior that happened to be attended by someone in reality TV. A light bulb went off with this person and he brought the idea to 3 Ball Productions who pitched the idea to Animal Planet. Jackson said he had very little involvement at all and the process happened rather quickly after that.
A pilot was shot, and believe it or not, the hard part was sealing the deal for a green light and about a year went by before the show was actually picked up. Jackson elaborated that the cat world has a long way to go and the perception by the media and the public was hesitant at best. Historically, consumer money was spent on dogs. Would people buy into the concept of a reality show about cats? Jackson’s immediate reaction was “Hell yeah we will,” but he had a much more logical and difficult concern to address. Would the cats cooperate for filming? Take one scared and difficult cat and mix it with strangers and a camera crew… Clearly, Jackson did not have a guarantee for that, so it was an uphill and risky battle getting the show on the air.
Jackson with one of his rescue cats, Chips
Since I live and breathe cats, I found this to be quite fascinating and somewhat incomprehensible. This is especially true because I am part of a very devoted, like-minded and compassionate circle of people that are completely focused on the feline species. We already “get” cats. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true Jackson’s statement was and why our efforts to educate the world that cats have an array of feelings, emotions, and needs, and are not just collectively one stereotypical lump of independent, aloof, and un-trainable creatures, remains critical.
In essence, he concludes, “We need to educate the consciousness of mainstream America that cats are not furniture, they are not fish, they are not dogs, and they don’t have one unique personality trait – they are individual creatures with individual needs.” According to the Humane Society, over 35 million U.S. households have cats, and over 1/3 of these cats have behavioral problems. For Jackson, the solution is simple, we need to “up the level of investment” in our cats and realize that cats have needs that must be met in order to thrive in a home, just like a child would. He feels too many cat owners currently see that mindset as the exception, not the rule, and he wants “My Cat From Hell” to help change their misguided perceptions.
Jackson with his trademark guitar case filled with all his "cat behaving gear" as he meets a client for a consultation
For example, he cites a wealthy client who had a sprawling home for her many cats. For some reason the cats were causing problems and she could not understand why. Upon closer inspection by Jackson, yes, the cats had a lot of square footage to live in, but no real life. There was a vast barren wasteland devoid of vertical space, toys, and proper stimulation for a cat to exercise its mind and body in. I think for many cat owners, they may erroneously or unintentionally think that a bowl of dry kibble and a litter box is all you need for your cat to survive. In their minds, they have given the cat the bare essentials and think they have done well by the cat, but do not realize that a cat needs so much more to be the multi-facted and intelligent creature they are meant to be.
I wholeheartedly agree with him and my own light bulb went off. While I will certainly promote his show in my circle of friends, that is not where the difference will be made. It is up to me to reach outside of my box and try to find a new audience to watch his show – if we all can do that, it will be a small step towards a much larger goal that we all share – to make the world a better, happier, and healthier place for cats. The bottom line is simple – we want less cats dumped in shelters for behavioral problems and we want more cats to be adopted into homes that already understand that a proper environment must be provided for this animal to peacefully and happily co-exist in a human setting.
Jackson learned many of his behavioral techniques from his cat Benny
Jackson realizes he can’t help everyone and is doing his best to branch out in other avenues. He is in the final stages of his first book, Cat Daddy: My Life with the Original Cat From Hell, that will be released on May 10th, 2012 and is available on Amazon for pre-order. This book was inspired by his grey and white cat Benny who he describes as “the most difficult cat he ever worked with.” Benny has given him over 14 years of personal challenges to overcome and Jackson credits him, without getting overly dramatic, with “pulling him out of a very bad spot, of which he is sure he would not be here today, if that had not happened.”
Benny taught Jackson many invaluable lessons, one of which his touchstone “3 step handshake” that was integral in initially building trust in leery cats in his shelter work. This technique has been honed to a one step technique that he continues to use to this day with all cats he meets. This will be described in detail in the book along with the challenges that Jackson had to face with Benny. The book will also feature a lot of “how to’s” for cat guardians who are unable to work with Jackson directly.
I decided the best way to end the interview was with a segment that focuses more on what we DON’T know about Jackson and I threw a few contemplative questions his way. Being that this interview was completely unscripted, I think I threw him for a loop now and then!!
Deb: “You have been working with cats for over 16 years. What was your job prior to that?”
Jackson: “Wow… well, after grad school, it has been a little of everything! I was a barista, a landscaper (rock lugger), I worked in a pawn shop, and I cleaned rental audio books with a toothbrush. Basically, I did anything to pay for cat food, tattoos, and guitar strings!”
Deb: “You are also a musician and a songwriter. What kind of music do you write and if you could be in any band, past or present, what band would it be?”
Jackson: “Hmm… Man, that’s a good one…. Tough one to answer. I’m a rock and roller and R & B kind of guy. I guess if I had to pick a band, I would like to front for Prince’s band for about a second and a half or be in Radiohead.”
Deb: “In article after article, you are referred to as a somewhat intimidating figure – a tall man with a shaved head and arms sleeves of cat tattoos. Many have likened you more to a Harley biker than a cat listener. Do you have a bike, or have you ever ridden one?”
Jackson: “Do mopeds count? No, actually I’m not a bike guy, I’ve ridden them, but I’m more of a late 60’s muscles car guy who loves cars when they were art and I loved sitting in that art.”
Deb: “We know you are writing a book that will be released on May 10th, 2012. Do you have a favorite author and what kind of books do you enjoy reading in your free time?”
Jackson: “I enjoy authors such as Henry Miller who can combine the delicate and the surreal and because of my background in the theater, I also enjoy the playwright Tennessee Williams.” (It must be of note here, I thought for sure Jackson would say, “what free time,” but he surprised me, and did not!)
Deb: “It’s all about positive reinforcement and behavior with you and cats. Do you have any bad habits you need improving on?”
Jackson: *Laughs*“Where do I start? Actually, I trimmed away most of them and my last vice is my “carby man-food” – pizza and pasta. Drugs, drinking, and smoking – I gave it all up.”
Deb: “Jackson, this was so much fun, but I know we have to start wrapping things up. Last question – the title of your show is My Cat From Hell. What about Heaven? If it exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?”
Jackson: “I really don’t need to hear God say anything, but my worst nightmare would be if I got there and there were no cats and dogs. I would be lost without them.”
I’m with you on that one Jackson. We kind of chit chatted for a few minutes after that and I hung up feeling like I had made another dear friend. I know we will be glued to the TV on January 7th and hope we can help inspire a few more people to join us. I thank Jackson for very much for the opportunity to interview him and wish him many more seasons of My Cat From Hell.
For more information about Jackson Galaxy and My Cat From Hell, please visit his site at http://jacksongalaxy.com/
Great interview! Looking forward to the new season!
Thanks Angie! I’m looking forward to the new season to, as well as your interview tomorrow!
Great interview – you asked some really unusual questions. Love it!
Glad you enjoyed the interview Ingrid – I felt like it would be fun to as a few “different” questions and he was such a good sport about it!
What a delightful read! Thanks Deb, great interview! I love the show, btw
Madalina – glad you watch the show. I know your kitties are well behaved, so you just watch for the fun of it!!
Very good Interview Deb.
Thank you John – so nice to have you drop by and comment – I really appreciate it!
Simply an awesome glimpse of a delightful character on a wonderful mission. Very informative and insightful interview. I’m convinced… time to shave my head and get those tattoos started of our seven cats! 😉
Dan – I’m all for it!! We all know I’ve branded myself as the “leopard lady.” May as well give you a new look too!!
That was a good interview. Wonder if he works with feral cats?? What sort of problems does he work with. I can’t watch this program because I don’t have cable or a dish. Too many cats to feed. Good interview.
Marg – since he’s been in extreme shelter conditions, I’m sure he has worked with feral cats. If I’m not mistaken, I think the show that premiers on Saturday deals with a couple that has a feral cat. He says the techniques he uses work on all cats, it’s just a matter of how committed you can be to making them work. I believe there are other ways to watch his show – check out the website for Animal Planet to see if they have videos you can watch. I think iTunes also allows you to watch the show.
As far as what types of problems, they run the full gamit and range from shelter cats to very expensive pedigree cats. It’s really a case by case situation and his book that will be coming out this May should be very helpful for you!
Great interview! I hope Animal Planet here in “Yurrop” has the same schedule? Will keep an eye on the channel.
It shocks me that such a high percentage of cats have behavioural problems!! And then I wondered about how many of them are kept indoors with little or no stimulation. It’s not natural for them to not be able to hunt and stalk and all the other things they did in the wild, and also to have company, whether cat or human! I think you have it sussed with yours, Deb. But then, you’ve had much experience lol.
Carolyn – I thought the number was high too, but it is probably somewhat subjective. I’m sure the range of behavior issues go from very basic scratching issues to extreme behaviors when a cat is almost dangerous to its human. I can claim that my cats have behavioral problems, yet I would not say that they were serious enough to warrant them being a statistic! But yes, the environment is crucial to what makes a cat tick properly and their moods and behaviors change frequently, just like that of a human. I am just happy that Jackson is causing people to think a bit more about how they live and interact with their pet. Hope you will get the show in the UK!!
I really liked the guy from the first time I saw him on AP reminds me you cant judge a book by its cover I happy to knoe he got a show this year .Enjoyed your interview and Happy New Year to youDan and the kitties deenie
Thanks for stopping by Deenie! He really is a great guy and completely the real deal! I was so honored to talk to him and share my interview with everyone!! Happy New Year to you to!
Oh Dog! Ya mean there’s hope yet for June Buggie? I dare not hope!
Oh Rumpy, June Buggie can’t be that bad, can she???
Pawesome interview!!! We agree with you & Jackson…kitties aren’t all the same – maybe we need a PR purrson to elevate awareness about us to the General Public!
We think it’s wonderful that he understands a litter box and kibble aren’t enough for our inquisitive minds, too.
aTonksTail – I LOVE your suggestion about a PR purrson to elevate public awareness!! And yes, I found it quite invaluable that the message about cats is that they are a complex creature with many needs – the kibble and litter box scenario really put it into perspective for me and the cat loving community at large needs to understand that.
I’ve seen that guy and the show. We are so lucky that at my house our cats are loving and make life a living hell…I mean joy! We couldn’t live without their naughty antics. My cats are smarter than dogs and require even more attention. Kitty heaven. Great interview and Happy New Year!
MOL Sharon!! We share the same kind of house – a little naughtiness is okay by me and is usually just playful fun! I can deal with a knocked down trinket now and then in exchance for the love I get from these delightful creatures! Glad you enjoyed the interview and Happy New Year to you too!
The Woman and I are working on the Male to see if we have that channel and can tape it or something…
Chey – in light of the current cat behavioral issues going on at your house, I really think you would like this show and hope you can find a way to watch it!
Deb, this is my favorite interview of Jackson this week. You captured his essence with your usual charm and asked questions from the heart and out of the box. Will happily share.
Layla – thank you for today’s smile. It all really fell into place after I spoke with him – he is just such a genuine person, that I couldn’t help but write from the heart! I felt like I had already known him for years and could have talked to him all night if it was possible! It must have been a blast working with him – I mentioned the taping of the Daily Show segment and he said he really enjoyed working with you. I’m so excited for Season 2 and the renewed possibilities to spread the word about cats!
That was a great interview, and this is a most excellent post! I have been waiting for season Two to begin ever since I watched all of season one. I wrote about Jackson and the show on the RPO blog then. I think this show will help a lot of cat owners understand their cats. I don’t have what I’d consider a “problem child” (although Rocky is quite naughty!) but I still learned things from the show. I agree that changing people’s perceptions of the feline mind and their needs is paramount. Thanks for this post!
Thank you Julia – I am very happy at the reception I am getting over this interview. The segments on his show are about extreme cat behaviors, so I think it is really important that we can help spread the word that it’s not just about those kinds of cases. It’s about respecting a living creature and giving them the tools and environment to thrive in, much as how we would want our own lives to be… It’s nice to have such a champion like Jackson out there to help in that regard to such a wide audience!
GREAT interview, Deb! Loved it! You’re right on target and I think we need to band together to help Jackson’s show get to a third season, too. The more information he can get out there on helping solve cat behavior issues, the more cats will get a chance to have a happier life. 🙂
Thank you Robin!! I am quite happy to report that this interview is doing what I had hoped – a lot of people that normally don’t drop by my blog have taken the time to not only read the article, but to post a comment. I consider that a small victory and I am thrilled at the opportunity we can have together collective to make a difference!!
First I must tell you that your book that I ordered from Amazon arrived yesterday = YEAH !!!
Me and my beans will NOT miss any episod of Jackson´s Cat from Hell !
We are soo glad that we can watch that chanel in Sweden too 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by today Kjelle Bus!! Thank you for getting the book too! I really think you will enjoy it – it turns out that I have been using many of Jackson’s techniques for years on my kitties without even realizing it! I think you will find out from reading the book, just how passionate and committed I am to making the place a better world for felines!!
I am so happy that you will be able to watch the show in Sweden!!! 🙂
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Sorry for the long comment! Have a great day!
Great interview, Deb! We love Jackson’s show, and always tell people about it. We’re glad it’s being picked up for a second season, too. Hooray!
Happy New Year, dear friend. 🙂
Meowmeowmans – Thank you! I am glad to hear you are telling people about his show. Being that you are so involved in shelter work, it realy is critical that people understand behavior issues in cats and try to manage them, rather than deem the cat “untrainable.” I’m happy for Season 2, and working on getting Season 3 picked up!! 🙂
ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!!!!!!
I agree that you asked questions that were different and I am certain that Jackson appreciated it as much as we did!
I love how he would like to educate people outside of the immediate cat circle…that is key……
I also loved his comment about Heaven….
You had nothing to fear my dear friend!!!! You more than rose to the challenge!
Howdy my dear friend Caren – I’ve missed you and hope all is well at Cat Chat World!! Glad you enjoyed the interview – there was so much more that we talked about, but, for me, the thing that stood out more than anything, was that just becasue you have a cat, does not mean you are caring for it properly…. It really blew my mind when I gave it some thought and now that is my new mission to spread the word! His Heaven comment was priceless….
I’m glad I rose to the challenge – now I know how you felt reviewing my book after so many other people did it!!! You certainly rose to the challenge as well!! xoxo
You didn’t sound nervous at all and very professional…and we think Mr Galaxy’s responses were very real and human too…Teri quit cable to save some money but maybe she can hang with friends the nights it’s on…
Thanks Teri! I’ll admit I was nervous at first, but literally after a couple of minutes I was so at ease with him, that I felt like I was talking to an old friend. He really is a very humble, sweet, intelligent, and sharp witted guy with enormous love for cats, but really, he loves all creatures! Oh, we really hope you will hang with some friends and make a night out of it watching the show!! I know most of us cat bloggers will be glued to the TV!!