Cat behavioural consultations, a brief overview

One of the many services I offer to cat owners is help with behaviour. This can really range from introducing a new pet to a change in character and problems with aggression. The majority of behaviour consultations start with a video or phone call. Pre-pandemic, a home visit would also be an option. I thought it would be useful to write about how these consultations work and the things I will be looking out for to help understand yourself and your cat better.

Firstly, get a vet check-up

Before a consultation is booked I always ask that you get your cat checked with your vet. A vet check will establish if there are any underlining health problems. A common cat problem such as urinating may relate to a kidney problem rather than a behavioural issue. Let’s rule out medical problems first to ensure that is it a problem I can help with.

Let’s talk about ‘stressors’

If your cat’s behaviour has changed there will be a reason. Usually, we refer to these as ‘stressors’. They are often internal or external factors that have had an impact on your cat. Some examples can include your neighbour getting a dog or the arrival of a new baby. Initially, a change in behaviour can be very subtle, however, cat owners usually contact me when changes start affecting their relationship with their pet cat and these also start affecting home life. Before we talk in a consultation think about things in your life and those of your cat that might have changed recently.

Qualified Vet Nurse & Behavioural Specialist

• International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) certified feline-friendly nurse
• ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour (AdvCertFB) with distinction
• Qualified Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
• A Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
• Registered with the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA)
• Working:
  ⁃ In an Orthopaedic and Neurology Referral Centre
  ⁃ As The Friendly Pet Nurse
  ⁃ locum veterinary nurse including time at the Cats Protection National Cat Centre
• Studying the Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Feline) Level 5

Consultation expectations

Your relationship with your cat is special and as all cat owners know, every cat is a unique character. Ultimately we want to make your cat happier, maximise their welfare and ensure their environment is exactly what they need. This will have a knock-on effect on your relationship and it will improve, if not get better. However, we must be realistic as something is different and no cure is overnight. Working together, with my knowledge and expertise along with a desire to help, we can ensure solutions are at hand and I will follow up with further assistance.

Read more about cat behaviour

To help understand how a cat can be helped by a consultation, please read this case study about Pico the Norwegian Forest Cat and his bouts of aggression.
You can find out more about my qualifications and studies in a recent blog post and also about working with those who need additional aid with their pets. Lastly, further reading about what you will need for consultation.

Cat behaviour testimonial:

“I turned to Zoe for help as I have a rescue cat with a lot of behavioural issues and past trauma. A family member had also worked with Zoe in the past and found her to be extremely reliable and knowledgeable. Before Zoe had even been to visit she gave me a lot of advice, which started to help immediately. She came and did a full consultation and devised an action plan which was completely tailored to my boy. She had a wealth

of knowledge about what may be causing his behavioural problems, and many solutions. She really knows her stuff and I feel totally confident that she can help him. I’m seeing results already and am enjoying working on giving my boy a better life.
Zoe’s rates are extremely reasonable and she is clearly driven by a genuine desire to help. She doesn’t make any unrealistic promises and is completely honest about what is achievable. She’s also very sensitive about costs and makes recommendations on the most affordable ways to achieve results.
We have been with our vets for around 30 years and they are a very sought-after and respected veterinary practice in Horsham. The staff there know Zoe very well and couldn’t recommend her enough. In addition, Zoe has continued to support me whilst I implemented the recommendations she has given me. I would like to thank Zoe and would not hesitate to recommend her.”
– Dawn & Oscar, Horsham

Book a consultation now:

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Before any consultation work takes place, The Friendly Pet Nurse will require your pet’s clinical vet records. These must be obtained by yourself via your registered veterinary clinic and sent to: zoe@thefriendlypetnurse.co.uk