What to expect when working with a cat behavior consultant.
Most clients I start working with tell me they have tried everything and are “at their wits’ end.”
I believe it. Having one or more cats that consistently don't use the litter box, multiple cats that don't get along and fight every day, or a cat that is like an alarm clock every morning at 5 am can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It helps to listen and give the cat owner an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns before jumping into the assessment.
1. Assessment
Observations: Watching the individual in daily routines.
Interviews: Asking caregivers about history and triggers.
Data Tracking: Finding out exactly why behaviors occur.
2. The Plan
Custom Strategies: Creating a personalized intervention plan.
Skill Building: Teaching positive ways to communicate.
Rewards: Using positive reinforcement to motivate change.
3. Collaboration
Caregiver Coaching: Training you to handle behaviors confidently.
Consistency: Aligning strategies across home and school.
Environment Tweaks: Modifying routines to reduce stress.
4. Monitoring
Progress Tracking: Graphing data to see what works.
Regular Reviews: Tweaking the plan as things improve.
VETERINARY CLEARANCE COMES FIRST
It is the first step in almost everything we do. Underlying medical issues must be ruled out before it's time to work on the behavior side. A sudden onset of behavior change may be rooted in pain. This can include dental pain, arthritis, or internal issues. Cats that do not use the litter box regularly may have developed urinary tract issues. A proper medical evaluation and a clean bill of health are essential for behavior work. Sometimes it is not possible to rule out medical issues 100%, so it is crucial to be aware of these situations.
Many clients share that they feel they've "tried everything,” are “at their wit's end,” and have struggled with this issue for months or years.
I often wish they had contacted a fellow behavior consultant or me earlier, before following all the advice from the internet. Bad advice can make things worse and leave you at a point where rehoming or behavioral euthanasia is the only option.
Behavior is usually not simply on or off; it requires thorough evaluation, patience, and commitment. If you've dealt with a problem for years and have tried various solutions from well-meaning but unqualified people, consider viewing the situation holistically rather than blaming the behavior expert after only one week if progress isn't as expected.
FORCE AND FEAR-FREE
I am a Fear-Free and cat-friendly certified professional. To me, this is more than a one-time certification that looks good on a letterhead or website. It is my deep belief that no animal should experience force, fear, or punishment at any time.
The range of tools and interventions I see on social media and in online recommendations these days makes me sad. Scat mats and water bottles are more obvious and clearly a form of punishment. Others are a little more subtle:
The fearful baby kitten that is wrapped in a towel so it cannot run away or defend itself.
The fearful kitten that only gets food when it moves close and allows petting.
The fearful cat that gets cornered and poked with a fork-like tool with a liquid treat on it.
When cat owners and everyone involved in caring for cats work together, the results tend to be much better. It's important to be on the same page with your vet, cat sitter, or partner when it comes to managing your cat's behavior. Making sure everyone follows the same rules every day helps prevent confusion, which can slow down progress and make it harder for your cat to improve. Consistency and teamwork make all the difference.
Cats learn best when rules stay consistent, creating a predictable environment.
Having extra eyes means we can catch the first signs of stress early, making it easier to support and comfort.
When we work together as a team, we can reach our training goals more quickly, making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
Share your behavior expert’s plan with everyone to keep things clear and consistent.
Celebrate what went well and gently discuss what felt hard or impossible to manage.
Invite your vet to the team to foster a supportive, collaborative environment.
CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE MATTER
Look for credentials and experience relevant to your situation. Cat behavior is a profession like any other, and education matters. Most cat behavior experts work virtually, so you have options in finding someone you feel comfortable with. Check out the IAABC directory of consultants certified by the International Association of Behavior Consultants.
https://iaabc.org/certs/members
Consultants on this list have experience and education, and they are bonded and insured.
Because the companion animal training industry remains unregulated, the title "behaviorist" isn't legally protected. Many uncredentialed cat behavior consultants charge premium rates, sometimes even higher than those of qualified professionals. This distorts the market and risks animals and owners by bypassing scientifically trained experts who can safely modify complex animal behavior, potentially making the situation worse.
A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) must hold a rigorous PhD in behavioral science, whereas many market themselves with little more than videographic skills, believing their cat-grooming or cat-sitting business has just found a new area to expand into. Driven by aggressive marketing and branding, some charge between $500 and $800 per session, exploiting pet owners in crisis.
Handling complex behavior cases truly requires dedication, experience, education, and a united team. But with the right guidance from qualified professionals, creating a peaceful and happy home is completely possible.