So Fluffy has been scratching up your furniture and you don’t know what to do. Could a cat behaviorist help?
According to the Animal Behavior Society, certified animal behaviorists have studied and researched why certain animals do things and can present that information to pet owners. “Cat behaviorist has become a general title many people inappropriately use to describe their cat expertise,” says Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behavior consultant and best-selling author of Think Like a Cat. “There is actually a professional difference between various titles based on the certifying organization. Certified cat behavior consultants are certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.” Other animal behaviorists are certified through the Animal Behavior Society or the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
Dealing with your cat’s behavior is an important part of being a cat parent. “A lot of problems I see aren’t physical,” says Dr. Mark Waldrop, a veterinarian the Nashville Cat Clinic. “Many people come in with issues that are really behavioral.” Cat behaviorists help you teach your cat good behavior. But they’re also there to just explain why cats do what they do.
Johnson-Bennett has a few tips to help you deal with your feline:
- Remember Cats Are Not Dogs
“Sounds silly,” says Johnson-Bennett. “But many people expect cats to act like dogs and then become disappointed when they don’t.” Instead, take the time to learn about and appreciate her feline sensibilities.
- Understand Cats Are Smart
Cats are intelligent hunters with finely tuned senses. To help prevent behavior problems or boredom, channel your cat’s energy in a positive way through environmental enrichment, regular playtime and positive force-free training, says Johnson-Bennett.
- Educate Yourself
Take the time to learn about your kitty. “Enter into this new relationship with a commitment to educate yourself on what cats truly need,” says Johnson-Bennett.
- Cat Proof Your Home
“Your cat may not understand the difference between the interactive wand toy you use for playtime and the dangling cord of the window blinds. Secure objects that could be too tempting to resist by keeping them out of reach,” advises Johnson-Bennett.
- Realize Cats Are Trainable
It’s important for new cat parents to realize that cats are very easy to train. “Many people assume that they aren’t trainable, so they don’t even bother,” notes Johnson-Bennett. “Then they get very frustrated when behavior issues arise.”
- Start Early
Get going as soon as possible. “It may seem cute when he bites your fingers during playtime,” Johnson-Bennett warns. “But when he grows up, those bites are going to hurt.”
- Expose Him Gradually to Stimuli
“You don’t want your cat to be terrified of the doorbell or run and hide every time he sees his crate. Start by gradually exposing him to stimuli in a positive way,” advises Johnson-Bennett. Then he’ll learn to accept sudden noises or new experiences.
- Be Positive
Use positive reinforcement when working with your cat. “Punishment is stressful to animals,” says Johnson-Bennett. “It damages the human-animal bond.”
- Show Patience
“It can take time for cats to change unwanted behavior and learn new ones,” says Johnson-Bennett.
- Work With Your Cat’s Natural Instincts
“It’s counterproductive and not fair to the cat to try to stop instinctual behaviors such as scratching,” says Johnson-Bennett. “Rather than trying to stop your cat from scratching give him a more appealing place to scratch such as a sisal-covered post.”
- Demonstrate Consistency
Make sure you praise or reward your cat for good behavior consistently. “You can’t expect a cat to learn if you keep changing the rules,” says Johnson-Bennett.
- Get Everyone Involved“Everyone in the family should be a part of training the cat,” advises Johnson-Bennett. “Not only does this help the cat learn faster, but it also reinforces the need for proper behavior with every member of the family.”
- Talk to a ProfessionalWhen all else fails, it’s time to talk to your vet or a certified cat behaviorist. The best way to protect yourself is to choose someone who has documented experience in their field and has been certified by one of the above organizations.
“Take the time now,” encourages Johnson-Bennett. As she advises, it will have huge long-term benefits.
Shellie Braeuner is an award-winning children’s author. She earned an M.Ed from Vanderbilt in human developmental counseling and has worked as a nanny for more than 25 years.
