Kelli Brinegar

Kelli Brinegar might as well be a cat. She likes naps, can be kind of moody, has too much hair, and will swat you if you try to take her food. But don't be fooled by the feline front—there’s a dog curled up inside her heart too. She’s got the loyalty of a Labrador, the curiosity of a terrier, and the snack-driven motivation of a Beagle. Her dual-species spirit makes her the perfect bridge between the whiskered and the waggy-tailed.

For more than five years, Kelli’s been using her love of storytelling and passion for research to unravel the mysteries of cat behavior and explain just what’s going on behind those narrowed eyes. But her dedication to animals doesn’t stop there.

Having cared for more than thirty cats in her lifetime, Kelli currently shares her home with seven feline companions: Renwick, Allan, Violet, Corbie, Harrison, Frenchie, and Lady Tia. Meanwhile, her lifelong bond with dogs continues to shape how she approaches pet behavior, care, and communication. Whether it’s a hiss or a tail wag, Kelli is always tuned in—and eager to help others understand what their pets are trying to say.

Education: Troy University, B.A. in English and History

Expertise: Cats, Dogs, Animal Behavior, Creative Writing, Research

Education: Troy University

Location: Troy, AL

Title: Writer