We were lucky to catch up with Dusty Rainbolt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dusty, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From the moment I wrote my first short story in third grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. Science fiction was my passion. In the mid-1980s, a friend found a pregnant cat abandoned in the snow. Knowing I already had a cat, she asked for my help. Suddenly, I was caring for a mama cat and her six kittens! Finding homes for most of them opened my eyes to the desperate plight of homeless cats and the need for foster homes. That experience ignited a passion for animal welfare, and a year later, when I landed my first journalism job, I naturally gravitated towards animal-related stories. My editor quickly recognized my enthusiasm, and soon, I was the go-to person for pet features. I submitted an article to Cat Fancy Magazine, and they loved it! That led to more opportunities, and joining the Cat Writers’ Association connected me with a community of like-minded professionals. I attended veterinary conferences and symposiums on cat behavior. I wrote a series of award-winning problem-solving books that helped countless owners resolve behavior issues and keep their beloved cats in their forever homes. My writing began to make a real difference in the lives of animals. Looking back, I realize that helping that abandoned cat wasn’t just a kind deed, it was the beginning of my true purpose: to give a voice to animals and the people who love them. Life has a funny way of guiding you. You never know where a single act of kindness, like helping a stray cat, will take you. The key is to be open to those opportunities, embrace them, and follow your passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My passion for animal welfare, ignited by fostering those kittens years ago, has become the driving force behind my professional life. I’m a writer and author specializing in cat behavior and welfare. What started with articles for Cat Fancy and other magazines has blossomed into a fulfilling career dedicated to helping cats and their owners.
What I find most exciting is the direct impact of my work. I’ve written a series of award-winning problem-solving books that have helped countless cat owners understand their feline companions better and resolve common behavior issues. Knowing that my books have helped keep cats in loving homes, preventing them from ending up in shelters, is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about writing; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of animals. Nothing makes me happier than to hear from someone that something I wrote saved their cat.
Beyond the books, I’m deeply involved in the cat writing community. As a past president of the Cat Writers’ Association, I connect with and support other professionals dedicated to advocating for cats. Since joining in 1995, I’ve received over 60 awards for my books, articles, columns, and blogs. I’ve also had the privilege of attending veterinary conferences and symposia on cat behavior, constantly learning and expanding my knowledge to better serve the feline population. And it all started with rescuing that pregnant cat – since then, I’ve rescued and rehomed over 3,000 cats and kittens!
I’m currently revising Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintain Peace and Sanity in Your Multicat Home, which offers strategies to help cat housemates get along. It’s scheduled for release in October 2025. I’m also thrilled to be hosting the Cat Writers’ Association Regional Creativity Retreat in Alma, AR, in March 2026. This retreat is open to both members and non-members.
Finally, I want readers to know that my brand, if you will, is built on trust, expertise, and a genuine love for cats. I’m committed to providing accurate, reliable information and practical solutions to help cats thrive and strengthen the bond between cats and their people. If you’re a cat lover or owner, I encourage you to check out my books and resources at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dusty-Rainbolt/author/B001H6U1IM and follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dusty.rainbolt.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been most impactful in my journey. First, a cat-like curiosity. Like a cat exploring every nook and cranny, I’ve always had an insatiable desire to learn more, especially about cats, their behavior, and the human-animal bond. This curiosity has driven me to attend conferences, read countless books and articles, and constantly seek new information. For those starting out, my advice is to never stop learning. Be curious, ask questions, and explore different facets of your field. Don’t be afraid to delve into areas you’re unfamiliar with – you never know what you might discover. This is especially important when dealing with complex topics like veterinary or behavioral issues.
Second, persistence. Writing is a craft that requires constant practice. As I often say, everyone wants to be a writer, but not everyone is willing to write. You’re not going to produce masterpieces with your first attempts. In fact, as I’ve jokingly said, some of those early drafts might belong in a cat litter box! But the key is to keep writing, even when it’s hard, even when you feel discouraged. The more you write, the better you become. My advice to aspiring writers is to establish a writing routine and stick to it. Set realistic goals, celebrate small victories, and don’t give up on your dream. And don’t be afraid to inject humor into your writing, even when tackling difficult subjects. It can make complex information more accessible and engaging.
Third, editing. Writing is only half the battle; editing is where the real magic happens. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of reading my work aloud. It’s amazing how many errors, awkward sentences, or missing words you catch when you hear your writing. For those starting out, I highly recommend developing strong self-editing skills. Read your work aloud, as I mentioned. Get feedback from trusted friends or writing groups. And don’t be afraid to revise and rewrite – that’s how good writing becomes great writing. In my own work, I strive to break down complicated subjects, like veterinary and behavioral issues, into easily digestible pieces for the average cat owner. And I always try to add a touch of humor, without ever talking down to my readers. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s at the heart of my writing style.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Ironically, the most helpful person in my journey was someone whose name I don’t even know. It was a judge at the Cat Writers’ Association awards. I had entered an article about spaying and neutering for the Responsible Ownership award, and I’d pulled out all the stops – shocking statistics, comparisons to trash trucks filled with euthanized animals… I was sure I had it in the bag. But the winner was Cats for Dummies, a book that used humor instead of hard-hitting statistics. The judges’ comment on my entry was blunt: my approach was too heavy-handed. Ouch. That stung. But after I got over the initial sting, I realized they were right. My message, however important, wasn’t being heard because of how I was delivering it.
That critique was a turning point. It forced me to rethink my entire writing style. I began to experiment with humor, finding ways to make my points without alienating or overwhelming my readers. It wasn’t easy, but I persisted. And the results speak for themselves. Since then, I’ve earned over 60 writing awards from the Cat Writers’ Association, and I was even approached to write Kittens for Dummies! Humor has become my trademark, and it all started with that painful, but ultimately invaluable, feedback. It taught me that sometimes, the most helpful lessons come from the most unexpected places, and that being open to criticism, even when it’s tough to hear, can be the key to unlocking your true potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Dustycatwriter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffysdailymews
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dusty.rainbolt/
Image Credits
Caricature by Neal Asher
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
