When Should I Seek the Help of a Cat Behaviorist?

Cat behavior can be a complex puzzle, and it’s perfectly normal to feel frustrated or overwhelmed as a cat parent when things don’t seem to be adding up. Maybe it’s a sudden bout of hissing, a once-friendly cat now hiding under the bed, or just a persistent feeling that something has changed. In moments like this, my best advice is to reach out to a professional – a cat behaviorist.

Seeking help isn’t a sign of failure; it’s proof of your dedication as a loving pet parent. You’re recognizing that your cat deserves the best possible quality of life and that, sometimes, we need a little expert guidance to get there.

So, what exactly is a cat behaviorist and how can they help your best friend? This post is going to bring you all those answers and more…

Normal Vs. Problematic Cat Behavior

Understanding the difference between normal and problematic behavior in your cat is the first step to ensuring their well-being. By knowing what to expect from a healthy, happy cat and learning to spot changes or deviations, you can better address potential problems when they arise.

Normal Cat Behaviors

Cats engage in many behaviors that are perfectly normal and essential for their well-being, often rooted in their instincts. Scratching, for example, is an instinct for our cats, allowing them to sharpen their claws, mark their territory, and stretch their muzzles. This is why offering a suitable place for your cat to scratch, like a cat tree or scratching post, is so important.

Grooming is another common behavior that serves as a way for cats to maintain hygiene and self-soothe. Play is also crucial for a happy, healthy cat, offering physical and mental stimulation, mimicking hunting behaviors, and keeping your cat active. Marking, whether through urine spraying or cheek rubbing (although we all prefer to avoid spraying indoors) is a way for cats to establish their presence and communicate with others.

While some aspects of these behaviors may be seen as problematic, they are all rooted in your cat’s instincts and play an essential role in their daily routine.

Recognizing Problem Behaviors

Distinguishing between normal and problematic behavior requires careful observation and consideration of the greater context. What’s considered acceptable and normal in one situation may be a sign of high stress and anxiety in another. For example, a cat scratching their designated scratch post is normal (and healthy). However, a cat relentlessly scratching and destroying your furniture despite having suitable scratching opportunities available is a sign of a potential issue.

A temporary behavior change, like hiding after a loud noise, may be normal. That same act of hiding may be a sign of trouble if your cat constantly hides or withdraws from activities they once enjoyed and people they were once comfortable with.

Paying attention to patterns and frequency can help you better understand what your cat is experiencing and what warrants further investigation.

Common Mistakes and Misinterpretations

One of the biggest obstacles cat parents face when trying to understand their cat’s behavior is overcoming the common misconceptions others share. Cats are often more independent than some other pets, but they are not “spiteful” or “vindictive.” Most behavioral problems stem from underlying issues, such as fear, anxiety, pain, environmental stressors, or underlying medical conditions.

Instead of attributing negative intentions to your cat, strive to understand why. Why is your cat suddenly acting this way? Why do they feel they need to engage in that specific act? Can you change something in your home or routine that could make them more comfortable? This shift in perspective can make a world of difference!

The Importance of Early Intervention

If your cat is demonstrating behavioral problems, early intervention is crucial. Just as with physical health, addressing behavioral issues early on can prevent them from escalating. The longer your cat is allowed to engage in a behavior, the more ingrained it becomes and the more challenging it is to resolve.

Plus, your cat’s mental and emotional health must be considered. After all, we all want to give our cats the best lives we can give them. By learning to recognize the signs of problematic behavior and reaching out for help when needed, you can ensure your cat is happy and healthy.

Specific Behavioral Issues that Require Professional Help

Many behavioral problems can be addressed at home with minor changes to your cat’s environment or daily routine. However, some scenarios are more likely to require the expertise of a professional.

Aggression

While cats may be smaller than dogs, meaning they will do less damage when they bite or attack, aggression is still a serious concern that requires your attention. Inter-cat aggression occurs when a cat’s frustration is directed toward another cat. It can arise from territorial disputes, resource guarding (such as food or litter boxes), or redirected aggression.

Human-directed aggression, on the other hand, can be triggered by fear, pain, or learned behaviors. Even play aggression, while not intentionally harmful, can become problematic when it’s allowed to escalate to dangerous levels, resulting in bites or scratches that break the skin.

Effectively addressing aggression can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s crucial to document the events, including the triggers, the cat’s body language, and the context in which the event happened. This will allow you (and the professionals) to spot behavior patterns.

Inappropriate Elimination

If you notice your cat is doing their “business” outside the litter box, you can start by addressing the box itself, the litter choice, where it’s located, and other factors that could influence their decision. These behaviors could also be brought on by changes in your cat’s environment, such as the presence of a new animal or the ongoing disruption of home renovations. Addressing these potential root causes doesn’t lead to a solution, it could be a sign of a deeper problem.

Contact your veterinarian to rule out medical causes with a thorough checkup. If medical issues are ruled out, you may be dealing with a problem behavior. It’s important to distinguish between marking and bathroom accidents. Marking is a territorial behavior, while bathroom accidents can indicate stress, anxiety, or litter box aversion.

Excessive Vocalization

Is your cat overly chatty? While a cute little meow or purr can melt our hearts, constant meowing or yowling can be frustrating for cat parents. For example, with inappropriate elimination, you should first rule out possible medical causes. Age-related health issues like cognitive decline in senior cats can lead to a more vocal approach to life. Anxiety and stress, triggered by separation anxiety or changes in routine, are also common causes. Sometimes, vocalization can be a learned behavior. A professional can help you identify and modify the triggers in those situations.

Destructive Behavior

As we already discussed, most destructive behaviors start as normal behavior that is redirected to an inappropriate situation or becomes excessive. For example, normal scratching is essential for cats, but destructive scratching (destroying your furniture or home) requires intervention. This, along with the bad habit of chewing on inappropriate items, can be a sign of boredom, anxiety, or pica (eating non-food items).

Environmental enrichment, such as providing scratching posts, cat shelves, hideaways, and interactive toys, can help. But sometimes, it’s not enough. A professional can help you identify the underlying cause and develop a plan to redirect the behavior.

Anxiety and Fear-Based Behaviors

Some problematic behaviors are rooted in feelings of intense anxiety or fear. Some examples include hiding, withdrawal, over-grooming, and pacing. Hiding and withdrawal can be triggered by new environments, loud noises, or changes to your family unit (addition or loss of a member of the family). Over-grooming can be a sign of stress and compulsive behavior. Pacing and other signs of anxiety are red flags that your cat is feeling distressed.

Not only are these behaviors frustrating, but untreated stress and anxiety can also lead to long-term health and behavioral issues, making professional intervention essential.

Changes in Appetite or Activity

Have you noticed sudden changes in your cat’s appetite or activity levels? These warning signs should always prompt an immediate visit to your vet.

If these changes are gradual, however, they may indicate stress, depression, or another underlying medical condition. For example, environmental changes, such as moving or introducing a new pet, can affect a cat’s desire to eat or engage in normal daily activities. A professional can help you identify and address the causes of these changes.

What is a Cat Behaviorist?

Now that we have identified behaviors that would benefit from the expertise of a professional let’s talk about who you should contact. A cat behaviorist is a specialized professional dedicated to understanding and modifying feline behavior. Unlike a veterinarian, who focuses on physical health, or a traditional trainer who may teach basic commands, a cat behaviorist looks even deeper into a cat’s psychology. They are experts in interpreting body language, identifying the root causes of behavioral issues, and developing tailored plans to address these problems.

Certified cat behaviorists typically hold advanced degrees or certifications in animal behavior.

They have a deep understanding of the many cat-related instincts and behaviors, using evidence-based techniques to address a range of problems from aggression and anxiety to litter box issues and destructive habits. They serve as a guide, offering knowledge and tools to empower cat parents to improve their best friend’s quality of life.

What to Expect from a Cat Behaviorist

When you reach out to a cat behaviorist for help, you’ve taken the first step towards a stronger and happier relationship with your best friend. Congratulations! Here’s what you can generally expect from this process:

Initial Consultation

The first step is an initial consultation, during which the behaviorist will gather a detailed history of your cat’s behavior, including when the problems started, the frequency, and any potential triggers you may have identified. They will likely observe your cat in their environment and conduct a thorough assessment of their behavior to identify things that you may have overlooked (after all, they are professionals).

Providing accurate and thorough information throughout this process is essential as it will help the behaviorist develop an effective plan. Be prepared to answer questions about your cat’s daily routine, environment, and more.

Behavior Modification Plan

After the initial consultation, the behaviorist will develop a personalized plan to address and modify the problem behavior. It’s important to understand that this will be a gradual process, requiring patience and consistency.

Some common techniques used by behaviorists include:

• Counter-Conditioning: Changing a cat’s emotional response to a trigger
• Desensitization: Gradually exposing a cat to a trigger in a controlled manner
• Environmental Enrichment: creating a stimulating and enriching home environment for your cat

Environmental Changes

Often, the behaviorist will recommend changes you can make around your home to help your cat. This could include adding more vertical space with cat trees and shelves, changing the location of their food and water bowls, or adding more litter boxes. While these changes aren’t necessary, they are a significant part of helping put an end to your cat’s problem behaviors.

Training and Owner Education

A large part of a cat behaviorist’s job is to educate you, the cat parent. They will teach you how to read your cat’s body language, properly interact with your cat, and implement the behavior modification plan.

Follow-Up and Support

After the behavior modification plan is in your hands and explained to you, you’re not suddenly left to tackle this alone. Ongoing communication and adjustments to the plan are essential. The behaviorist will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your cat’s progress and make small changes, as needed, to improve the final result.

Finding a qualified behaviorist can be challenging. Look for professionals with certifications from reputable organizations, such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).

It’s also important to keep in mind throughout the process that your vet may still play an important role in addressing underlying medical issues and helping to support the behaviorist in a comprehensive approach to their care.

Address Problems and Improve Your Cat’s Life with a Cat Behaviorist

If you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your cat’s health and well-being. After all, many of these behaviors are rooted in your cat’s mental and emotional health due to stress, anxiety, fear, and other factors.

Most cat behavior problems can be addressed and resolved with patience, consistency, and a little professional guidance. With the right support, your cat can overcome whatever challenges they face and thrive! 

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