PROFESSIONAL, QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED, ACCREDITED, ETHICAL & EVIDENCE-BASED

Cat behaviour veterinary referral service…

for cases of urine spraying, inappropriate elimination, human-directed aggression, inter-cat aggression, destructive scratching, pica, psychogenic alopecia, feline idiopathic cystitis, anxiety, fearfulness, preventative behavioural advice and cooperative care training.

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

professional, qualified, experienced, accredited, ethical & evidence-based

In line with APBC, FABC and IFB Codes of Practice, clients must always consult their cat’s registered Veterinary Surgeon before I work with them on a behavioural issue. This applies to referrals and clients who contact me directly. As there is an intrinsic link between behavioural and physical health, I believe it is in the best interests of clients and their cats for behaviourists and vets to work collaboratively. Following your client’s consultation with me, I will provide you with a report and a copy of the behaviour modification programme, liaising with you about the case if necessary.

I understand that it can be difficult to choose a behaviourist. Regulation of the industry began with the formation of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) in 2010. However, it is not currently illegal for unqualified, non-accredited people to offer behaviour services or to call themselves a 'behaviourist', which of course can cause more harm than good. I’m a qualified, accredited, insured professional, holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. I’m a Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)*, an Affiliate member of International Feline Behaviourists, a Candidate member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians and a Fear Free Certified Professional.

* Provisional members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of Knowledge and Understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a Full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its Provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.

Hello, I’m Claire

Learn a bit more about me:

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour with Distinction from The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

  • Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)*

  • Candidate member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)

  • Full member of International Feline Behaviourists (IFB)

  • Behaviour and Training Professional member of Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

  • International Cat Care Certificate in Advanced Feline Behaviour for Cat Professionals with Distinction

  • Fear Free Certified Professional

  • Over 20 years experience working with cats in veterinary practice and rescue

  • Work solely on veterinary referral

  • Fully insured with Petplan Sanctuary

* Provisional members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of Knowledge and Understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a Full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its Provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.

I can help your clients with...

  • Behaviour Support

    My expertise complements veterinary care by providing clients with behaviour support for a wide range of feline problem behaviours, including urine spraying, inappropriate elimination, human-directed aggression, inter-cat aggression, destructive scratching, , feline idiopathic cystitis, anxiety, fearfulness, phobias and compulsive behaviours, including pica and psychogenic alopecia.

    I'll assess the cat's emotional state and motivation for the problem behaviour, identifying the initiating and maintaining factors. I'll provide first aid advice to action immediately and a comprehensive report and behaviour modification plan tailored to meet the client and cat's specific needs and circumstances. The plan typically involves a combination of environmental management, enrichment and lifestyle changes. Dependent on the problem behaviour, it may also include a desensitisation and counter-condition programme and/or training.

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  • Behaviour Advice

    I can provide expert guidance on preventing problem behaviours and promoting cats' overall emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. I provide tailored advice on understanding feline behaviour and body language, identifying and eliminating or minimising stressors, and creating an enriched feline-friendly physical and social environment that gives cats the predictability, consistency, choice and control they need to thrive, allows them to display innate feline behaviours, meets their species-specific and individual needs, and helps them to cope with potentially challenging events and changes in their circumstances.

    By focusing on the five pillars of a healthy feline environment, prevention and early intervention, I can support your clients in preventing common behavioural problems like aggression, anxiety and inappropriate elimination from occurring and improving the quality of life of their cats and the cat-human bond.

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  • Training

    Training cats for enrichment and cooperative care offers significant benefits for cats, their guardians and veterinary professionals. Enrichment training keeps cats mentally and physically stimulated, improving overall health and wellbeing, reducing stress-related problem behaviours, improving cat-human communication and strengthening the cat-human bond.

    Cooperative care training, such as teaching cats to voluntarily enter their carrier and willingly participate in grooming, toothbrushing, veterinary examination and treatment, increases compliance with veterinary care and minimises fear and anxiety during vet visits. This not only makes examinations and treatments easier and safer but also improves the likelihood of regular veterinary check-ups. As a result, owners are more likely to follow through with recommended care, leading to better health outcomes for the cats and a more positive experience for everyone involved.

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YOUR OPTIONS

To refer a patient

If you’d like to refer a patient to me for behavioural support, you can choose to either complete an online referral form or download a PDF document to complete, scan and return, along with the patient’s clinical history.

Online Referral

Complete the referral online by clicking on the button below. You will also be asked to upload the patient’s clinical history or this can be sent over by email if you prefer.

PDF Download

Download the referral form by clicking on the button below. Once complete, please scan this and email it to me (address is on the form), along with a copy of the patient’s clinical history.

CPD for the Veterinary Team and Client Education

Cats at Heart - Feline Behaviour and Training can also offer in-house feline behaviour courses, “lunch and learn” continuing professional development sessions, client education events or webinars, branded client fact sheets and advice on making your practice more feline-friendly and behaviourally aware. Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information or to discuss your requirements.