If your cat is displaying difficult or hard to handle behaviours, it may be time to call in a cat behaviourist. Find out all you need to know about how to find a reputable behaviourist, what to expect from your first appointment and more in this guide.
What is a cat behaviourist?
A cat behaviourist is a professional who works with you and your cat to understand and resolve certain behaviours they鈥檙e displaying.
Often, they deal with difficult behaviours such as aggression, overgrooming and going to the toilet in areas they shouldn鈥檛 around the house, but they can also advise on less serious issues too such as furniture scratching.
How to find a cat behaviourist
Most cat behaviourists work on vet referral only so if you鈥檙e seeking help with your feline, this is a good place to start. We advise seeing a veterinary professional first to rule out any possible health concerns that could be related to their undesirable behaviour.
It鈥檚 not a good idea to go to a cat behaviourist that hasn鈥檛 been referred to you by your vet. There are many people making claims to be a pet behaviourist but they may not have the right qualifications or experience. By going through your vet, you鈥檒l ensure that they鈥檙e registered with the right bodies, certified as a pet behaviourist and fully qualified to treat your pet.
Once you鈥檝e received your referral, you may want to check out your recommended behaviourist鈥檚 website (if they have one) and read testimonials and reviews to ensure that they鈥檙e a good fit for you and your cat.
Prior to your visit to the vet, you may be curious about which cat behaviourists are in your area, you can use the CAPBT online tool to check.
What happens at a cat behaviourist appointment?
The most common practice with your first appointment is for the cat behaviourist to visit your home and see your cat and the environment in which they live. Alternatively, if this isn鈥檛 possible, they may ask for photos, videos and floor plans instead.
During the appointment, they鈥檒l talk to you about your cat to get an understanding of their history, overall health and also ask you about their behaviour and what in particular is concerning you. Once they鈥檝e got to grips with the issue, they鈥檒l provide tailored advice and instructions for you to follow, often in the form of a written report. This advice may include things such as changes to your home, new routines to try or acting in a different way toward your cat.
As most cat behaviourists work in tandem with your vet, they鈥檒l likely send a copy of the written report to them too and if necessary, work with them to see if there鈥檚 anything they can advise from a medical standpoint. For example, if your cat鈥檚 feeling particularly stressed, they may prescribe medication to help calm them down. After your first visit, your cat behaviourist may arrange a follow up appointment to check in on your progress.
How much does a cat behaviourist cost?
The price of a cat behaviourist can vary depending on their experience and region. It鈥檚 worth bearing in mind that many cat insurance policies now cover consultations with behaviourists, so you should check to see if this is covered with your policy. That鈥檚 our guide to cat behaviourists! Want to find out more about your cat鈥檚 unique behaviour?
