Meet Your Instructor

Muhzina Shajid Pyari
BS-MS, PhD
Behavior and Cognitive scientist with an insatiable curiosity about how animals think, feel, and play, Muhzina brings a wealth of insight into companion animal behavior and cognition. Her research dives deep into the subtle intricacies of social play, cognitive flexibility, and the developmental impact of environment, especially in companion cats and dogs.
At Maueyes, she collaborates on groundbreaking studies in cat social play, building bridges between scientific discovery and real-world application. Whether developing novel problem-solving paradigms or analyzing behavioral quirks, Muhzina is passionate about uncovering what makes cats (and the people who love them) tick.
Her academic journey has taken her from the bustling streets of Kolkata, where she studied free-ranging dogs, to the heart of Budapest, where she completed her doctoral work exploring predatory play of domestic cats and cognitive flexibility in dogs. Along the way, she’s presented her findings internationally and co-authored peer-reviewed papers that challenge conventional thinking.
Beyond the lab, she’s a seasoned educator and science communicator with a flair for storytelling and a heart for animal welfare. She’s on a mission to enrich companion animals and human lives through thoughtful research and playful inquiry.

Small Bites
Short, focused learning designed to fit into busy schedules. Dr. Muhzina Shajid Pyari’s first small bite course will be announced soon!

Additional Learning and Support

For information about Dr. Muhzina Shajid Pyari’s research, collaborations, or speaking engagements, please contact support@small-paws.ca.
