What Is A Feline Behavior & Training Professional?

In simplest terms, it is similar to a professional dog trainer, but for cats! Yes, it is possible to modify the behavior of and train a cat! 

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In more detailed terms, a Certified Feline Training & Behavior Professional is versed in feline enrichment, behavior and communication, and has keen knowledge on the physical, emotional, environmental, & innate needs of a feline. We specialize in working with both cats and their guardians, to help prevent, manage, improve, and hopefully reduce concerning feline behavior. This can be a range of behaviors, from litter box avoidance, to aggression, to destructive behavior, to counter surfing, just to name a few. 

In addition, we help you understand feline communication and advise on how to listen to your feline, to help uncover what they are communicating and why.

| Tip:  please be advised- a thorough, recent medical exam by a trusted vet professional is lucrative before contacting a Certified Feline Behavior Training Professional. A majority of behavior concerns could be medical/health related. Please see a trusted vet first! Note: some Certified Behavior Training Professionals will ask for medical history/report

(I did!), please be prepared. They may also contact your vet for further medical information, and work very closely alongside your vet to assist you and your feline(s) in the most thorough and best way possible.

Reputable and respectable Certified Behavior Training Professionals will never claim the ability to stop or cure undesired behavior. We aim to prevent, manage, substantially improve, and reduce challenging behaviors. 

With that said, there is chance the behavior may cease all together, however that does not mean the behavior will not resurface in the future. 

| Tip: it is recommended to seek out a Certified Feline Behavior Training Professional. There are non-certified, self-proclaiming 'cat behavior experts' or 'cat behaviorist' out there. Tread cautiously and do your research.

| Fact: the term "Behaviorist" is inaccurately used majority of the time. In order to be a "Behaviorist" true in form, one must have a Master's or Doctorate degree in a Biological or Behavioral Science plus an additional 2-5+ years of professional experience. Once completed, then and only then may you call yourself an animal, cat, or dog 'Behaviorist'. Again, throw caution to those who are not properly master's/doctorate accredited self-proclaiming they are any type of animal - "Behaviorist".

A feline's behavior is contingent on so many factors and variables- health/medical; diet/nutrition; enrichment and innate behavior outlets; home environment; triggers and the ability to decrease or cease the triggers; outside stimulants; human and animal occupants in the home; the duration, predictability, and severity of the behavior; their humans behavior or emotional state (yes this most certainly plays a part!). All play a role in their behavior, health, and happiness.

When working with a Certified Feline Behavior Training Professional, an important factor to success or improvements commonly underestimated is the behavior of the guardian(s) and household members. It is imperative to the success and well-being of all involved, that the guardians and household members are willing to change their behavior but also are consistent with their effort, involvement, and participation in implementing the suggestions, recommendations, and full behavior modification plans. It is teamwork- when guardians and household members change their own behaviors, provide appropriate diet, proper species-appropriate outlets, and disperse resources properly, the feline’s behavior organically aligns to more desired behaviors. 

The role of the guardians and household members are indispensable to a more successful outcome. We are a team, and it requires 200% participation, effort, and desire to improve a situation..

The guardian and household members’ dedication, participation, compliance, consistency, and implementation of the recommendations, suggestions, and overall behavior plan play a leading role in the potential success rate/prognosis of improving challenging behavior(s).

A Certified Feline Behavior Training Professional may choose to assist via remote/virtual or may choose to come into your home. When I was taking feline behavior modification clients, I chose solely remote/virtual. Virtual consults are just as affective as in-home consults, it does not affect the ability to gain an overall view / perspective of the feline(s) environment. In some cases, it is better performed virtual, as to not further upset fearful or aggressive feline(s) with the addition of an unknown human in their territory / home. The virtual consult was the bread & butter of a beneficial curated behavior modification plan, recommendations, and suggestions as I could see their environment in its entirety.

When utilizing a Certified Feline Behavior Training Professional one can expect to transform your territory to accommodate the innate needs and behaviors of a feline living in your home; provide species-appropriate enrichment; engagement; and diet modifications (so important!). In my feline behavior plans, I also included homeopathic remedies, herb formulas, natural non-toxic alternatives. Everything I recommend or suggest is for good reason and always for the highest betterment of the feline, environment, and household.

| Tip: try to find a Certified Feline Behavior Training Professional who has an open mind and heart, thinks outside the box, and is genuinely open to unconventional supplementation/actions - no medication! We want to help the feline (animal) feel better in their body, their environment, and have healthy relations with household members - the most natural route is best as it helps the animal heal themselves. Conventional options can disrupt body systems/organs, causing more problems or issues down the road.

| Please Note: THF Behavior Consultations & Plans Service Ceased Indefinitely, we are shifting to new services for pets & people!

I hope you enjoyed this tidbit of information on feline behavior and learned a little along the way! 

When we know better, we do better.

Angela Warrick, CARM, CAFTP

The Holistic Feline

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all content is for informational purposes only.

all original written composition