Zoe Blake, qualified veterinary nurse and cat behavioural specialist

The learning never stops… (as well as working and being a mum)

As The Friendly Pet Nurse, I strive to learn more and extend my knowledge about animals, specifically pets. Having qualified some time ago (1996) as a Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) I still find myself in the profession and am proud to call myself a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). I currently work in an Orthopaedic and Neurology Referral Centre but in-between hours and shifts I also work as The Friendly Pet Nurse caring for your pets, from dogs to cats and small furries. I offer general healthcare which can include home visits and phone consultations, preventative healthcare advice in addition to cat sitting and cat behavioural services, and much more. These qualifications also mean I am on the register with the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Local veterinary surgeries can contact me to help out with any cases that may require help and support.

With a strong interest in cat behaviour, welfare and health in 2018 I achieved the International’s Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour (AdvCertFB) with distinction. I am also an ISFM certified feline friendly nurse and find the ISFM an invaluable source of help and resource on many aspects of the feline species.

More studying

Currently, I am studying the Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Feline) Level 5 with Compass Education and Training. This diploma is to prepare participants academically to work in the role of feline behaviour specialist. Some of the aspects covered within the diploma include; how cats learn, their genetics, the structure of their brain and nervous systems, pharmacology, the effects of the cats’ environment on their wellbeing both in and outdoor.

It also covers how to work as a behaviourist; interacting with pet owners, marketing and also legislation. 
The diploma will be recognised by the Animal Behaviour Council (ABC) and Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). My ultimate aim is to be recognised as a cat behavioural specialist by these main governing bodies and become a listed specialist with them, this qualification will take me a step closer to that goal.

Working with rescued cats

Recently I was contacted by the Cats Protection National Cat Centre to ask if I could work as a veterinary nurse for them. They were really impressed with my feline-friendly CV and thought I would be the purrfect person for the job. I felt very privileged to help out with such a great charity, and of course, get to meet some fantastic cats!