Dr. Alison Gerken

Dr. Alison Gerken is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the San Francisco SPCA. She graduated from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Following veterinary school, she completed a one-year internship at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists where she then worked as an emergency clinician for another year. She completed her clinical behavior residency at the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service in 2022. Dr. Gerken has a special interest in feline behavior and is inspired by her three kitties, Hetch-Hetchy, Louise and Jasper. Learn more about veterinary behavior and the San Francisco SPCA at: https://www.sfspca.org/veterinary-care/behavior-training/

Recent Articles

Do Cats Feel Embarrassed?

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Has your cat ever lunged after a toy mouse or wand, only to fall off their perch, clumsily skid across the floor, and fail to catch their target? Pet parents often wonder whether their cats feel embarrassed...

Cat Love Bites: Why They Happen and How To Respond

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of gentle nibbles from your feline companion? Often referred to as “love bites,” these delicate gestures are a unique form of communication that allow...

10 of the Healthiest Cat Breeds

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Any cat can experience health challenges, but choosing a breed celebrated for robust health may help reduce the risk of certain genetic conditions that some cats are known for—and give you peace of mind....

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Have you ever bought new toys or a towering cat tree for your kitty, only for him to be much more excited about the box it came in? You’re not alone. Cats seem to possess an unexplainable fascination with...

How To Read a Cat’s Body Language

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Our feline friends have their own cat language to communicate their thoughts and emotions. They use both their body (including their eyes, ears, whiskers, and tail) and their voice to show what they are...

9 Cat Noises and What They Mean

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Like humans, cats have a vast vocabulary. Up to 21 different feline vocalizations have been described in scientific research, but their vocal repertoire probably contains even more. Cats can use these...