What is a cat behaviorist & How Do I find the right oNe?

What is a Cat Behaviorist?

Written by The Cat Behavior Clinic Cat Behaviorist and Founder Mieshelle Nagelschneider

What is a cat behaviorist? The cat behavior profession is a relatively new one, but there are cat-only behavior professionals, such as myself at The Cat Behavior Clinic, that can help you and your cat. Our doctors and cat behavior team has been practicing cat behavior for over 33 years and back in the beginning there were only a handful of us helping cats behaviorally. Still today, not much has changed, and there are only a few cat behavior experts as compared to dog trainers. I think this is due in part to the problem of cats being underserved both medically and behaviorally. One should also not forget that cats can be very difficult to figure out! I have always said that a cat behaviorist is like saying there is a behaviorist for sloths. I’m sure there may be a behaviorist for sloths, but it would be a very small niche! Still, after all these years, and with the increased popularity of cats in social media, I’m surprised (or more puzzled would be closer to the truth) there are not more cat behavior experts today.

It’s important to note that animal behavior in general is considered a “soft” science and there are many theories of how to address an animal’s behaviors and it’s generally accepted that there may be more than one way to address a behavior issue.

Choosing an animal behavior expert who specializes exclusively in feline behavior is paramount for addressing the unique intricacies of cat psychology and behavior. In searching for a health professional for yourself, you would likely choose a specialist that had an in-depth understanding of your condition. A cat behaviorist focused solely on cats possesses a deep understanding of cat behavior nuances, allowing for more accurate assessments and comprehensive interventions.

Moreover, a cat-exclusive behaviorist is more likely to stay abreast of advancements in feline behavior studies and treatments. This continuous focus on cats allows them to provide a level of expertise that might be diluted in professionals who work with a broader range of animals. Ultimately, finding a cat behaviorist dedicated to understanding and addressing feline behavior ensures a more effective and specialized approach, fostering a harmonious relationship between cats and their owners.

Section 1: Telebehavior and Connecting – Zoom Appointments

Just like telemedicine has made human health care more accessible, the rise of telebehavior has revolutionized the way cat owners access behaviorists. This convenient approach transcends geographical barriers, allowing cat owners to connect with qualified behaviorists remotely. Telebehavior offers a flexible and accessible solution, making professional guidance available from the comfort of one’s home. In regions where cat behaviorists are sparse, scheduling Zoom appointments emerges as a practical solution. This approach not only bypasses geographical limitations but also ensures that cat owners can access expert guidance and advice without the need for in-person consultations. Another important factor? There simply are not very many cat behaviorists; and video appointments have become the norm when it comes to consulting with a cat-only specialist.

Section 2: Identifying Legitimate Cat Behaviorists

Recognizing authentic cat behaviorists or experts presents a challenge due to the absence of standardized regulations. Cat owners must navigate through a myriad of individuals who may label themselves as cat experts. To overcome this hurdle, thorough research into a cat behaviorist’s credentials, reading reviews, and verifying recognized certifications becomes imperative. However, a certification these days are easy to acquire even with no formal education in animal psychology.

Section 3: Experience vs. Certification

I was one of the first certified cat behaviorists in the United States through one of the only cat certifying organizations you see online today, the International Association of Animal Behavior Counselors or the IAABC, and I didn’t have to do anything other than be a member for several years. One day I received an email that I was now certified. While certifications today may be indicators of training or coursework, I have found that formal education in animal psychology at the university level is more important than certification. Anyone can become certified and never have taken one animal psychology course at a university or college. Practical experience should not be understated either. An experienced cat behaviorist brings a nuanced understanding of feline behavior, honed through real-world situations, which complements theoretical knowledge acquired through certification or education. Certification serves as a mark of professionalism, ensuring that cat behaviorists adhere to ethical standards and possess the necessary skills to address a variety of feline behavioral concerns. It provides cat owners with assurance and confidence in their chosen behaviorist, but does not ensure university level knowledge and the study of animal psychology or ethology. I also believe that anyone working with cats should have somewhat of a medical background as either a veterinarian or a veterinary technician to really understand the whole cat both physically and behaviorally. So many cats come to us each year renal disease, diabetes, and thyroid issues. It’s critical that any cat expert understand the physical presentation of these health issues so that adjustments can be made to a behavior plan or when to point the cat owner back to their veterinarian for further help or diagnostic work.

Section 4: Referrals from Vets and Online Searches

Seeking recommendations from veterinarians and conducting online searches are two effective avenues for finding reputable cat behaviorists. Recommendations from vets to our clinic come with a built-in level of trust, while online searches provide a broader pool of potential behaviorists, often with reviews and testimonials. Our clinic has over 600 testimonials and you can read 350 of them here.

Section 5: Holistic Approach: Clinical, Behavioral and Nutritional

Opting for a cat behaviorist who adopts a holistic approach, integrating clinical, behavioral, and nutritional expertise, ensures a comprehensive behavior analysis and therapies. This not only addresses immediate behavioral concerns but also considers underlying medical or nutritional factors that may contribute to a cat’s behavior. Cat behaviorists are not medical doctors, but having experience in the veterinary field or pet nutrition can be important when understanding cat behavior because many behavior problems can stem from health or diet issues. An unfortunate common example of this is a stress-related behavior condition know as overgrooming. We see hundreds of purported overgrooming cases each year and most of them are flea allergic dermatitis which is a physical issue (not behavioral).

Section 6: Distinguishing Cat Counselors from Cat Behaviorists

It’s crucial for cat owners to understand the distinction between cat counselors and behaviorists. A cat behaviorist or an animal behaviorist that specializes in feline behavior, with formal university-level training in animal psychology, possesses a deeper understanding of feline behavior, making them better equipped to address complex issues. A cat counselor may only have training from online courses specifically for cat counselors vs. animal psychology courses at a university. Speaking from personal experience, I will tell you that understanding animal psychology on a deeper level than a certification course, can make all the difference with solving a cat’s behavior issue.

Section 7: The Value of Published Works by Cat Experts

Cat experts who have contributed to scientific literature or extensively written about feline behavior demonstrate a commitment to advancing their field. The credibility and authority associated with published works enhance a behaviorist’s reputation and expertise. My cat behavior science book, The Cat Whisperer, published through Random House Bantam Dell was the first scholarly-cited cat behavior book for cat owners. It’s now published in 5 languages and is required textbook curriculum to certify cat counselors at the Animal Behavior Institute (one of the only other certifying organization for cat counselors besides the IAABC). The book is also used for college entrance exams in Japan. I guess you need to know about cats to get into college there.

Section 8: Selecting the Right Cat Expert for You and Your Cat

When choosing a cat expert, it’s essential to consider factors such as their formal education in animal behavior (this is what sets a cat behaviorist apart from others learning from Youtube channels), experience (meaning how many years conducting real appointments), certifications, and communication style. Finding someone who aligns with your values and can provide a personalized approach tailored to your cat’s specific needs and environment is crucial for a successful behavioral intervention.