Welcome to Module 1 of the Cat Behaviour Consulting Course. I’m so excited you’re here and I can’t wait to be a part of your journey learning all about cat behaviour consulting!
No doubt, as dog trainers and animal care professionals, you’re likely very familiar with dog behaviour and training but perhaps cats feel like a bit of a mystery? Fortunately, the same learning and training principles apply. The biggest difference is understanding what motivates cat behaviour, the behavioural and instinctual needs of cats and how we meet these needs in the home environment.
Welcome to Module 2 of the Cat Behaviour Consulting Course. In this module we will explore how cats learn, advances in our understanding of animal training principles and practice, effective and humane cat training and behaviour modification techniques as well as environmental and management considerations. Understanding how cat’s learn and how to modify problem behaviour is essential when it comes to creating harmonious cat-owner relationships.
Welcome to Module 3 of the Cat Behaviour Consulting Course. In this module we will explore common cat behaviour problems and their causes and contributing factors. In Modules 1 and 2 we learned all about cat behaviour, training and behaviour modification techniques including desensitisation and counter conditioning. This knowledge will help you better understand why common behaviour problems develop.
As a behaviourist, the most common cat behaviour problems I’m called in to assist with include fear, stress and anxiety; inappropriate toileting and/or spraying; destructive scratching; aggression towards people or other animals, and; excessive vocalisation and attention-seeking behaviour.
We know that pain and illness can cause or be a contributing factor for many behaviour problems. For example, UTI’s or bladder infections can cause cats to eliminate outside their litter tray. Similarly, if a cat experiences pain when picked up they are more likely to show aggression. For this reason, it’s important to rule out an illness or medical issue before addressing these issues as behavioural in nature.
In Module 4, we will learn how to work to successfully resolve these issues. But first, let’s have an in depth look at common cat behaviour problems and their contributing factors…
Welcome to Module 4 of the Cat Behaviour Consulting Course. In the previous module we explored common cat behaviour problems and their causes and contributing factors. In this module, you will learn effective management, training and behaviour modification techniques to work to improve or successfully resolve these issues.
When helping clients understand and modify problem behaviour it’s important that the animal in question has a check-up at the vet to either diagnose and treat, or rule out, a medical cause. Even if a health issue was initially ruled out following a vet visit, always keep in the back of your mind that perhaps something was missed. I’ve personally seen this occur many times over the years. Vets are human after all and sometimes mistakes are made!
The strategies we use to work to address behaviour problems in cats are very similar to those we use in dogs. Let’s explore management and behaviour modification strategies for common cat behaviour problems to work towards resolution…
Welcome to Module 5 of the Cat Behaviour Consulting Course. In the previous module we discussed how to address common cat behaviour problems through effective management, training and behaviour modification. In this module, we look at some real life case studies from Dr Kate’s consulting practice which demonstrate how these strategies can be put in place to help pet parents address their cat’s problem behaviour.
We will also investigate various forms of enrichment as well as environmental considerations to help optimise welfare and wellbeing, reducing instances of problem behaviour. Ok, let’s get started!
Welcome to Module 6 of the Cat Behaviour Consulting Course. In the previous module you learned about how to resolve common cat behaviour problems. However, knowing how to work to resolve cat behaviour problems is just part of the puzzle. The other part of the puzzle is the client you’re working with.
In this module, you will learn why client communication, education and setting realistic expectations is so important; how to obtain a comprehensive health and behavioural history; structuring the behaviour consultation, whether in-home or virtual; how to write the consultation report and behaviour modification program and provide follow up support as well as relevant safety consideration and injury prevention.
Lastly, the course will wrap up with a few parting words from your instructor Dr Kate.