How to Find a Cat Behavior Consultant

To find a cat behavior consultant, start with your veterinarian, since medical problems can cause behavior changes like peeing outside the litter box. Once your cat has a clean exam, look for a professional with a recognized credential, such as an IAABC Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC) or a board certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). Then ask about their methods before you book.

Start with a vet exam

Behavior problems in cats can have a medical cause. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) says medical issues can cause behavior changes in cats, such as peeing or pooping outside the litter box. Its client handout says every cat that starts to house soil "requires a thorough physical examination and urinalysis to check for medical problems." Conditions it lists include infections, cystitis, arthritis, kidney problems and diabetes.

The same rule applies to aggression. The ASPCA says "a number of medical conditions can cause or contribute to your cat's aggression," and that "the first step in resolving your cat's aggression problem is to have a complete veterinary exam."

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) agrees. Its guide to choosing a behavior professional says a physical exam with your veterinarian "is the first step in treating any behavior problem."

A behavior consultant who isn't a vet can't diagnose your cat. VCA notes that unless they are veterinarians, CAABs "are not qualified to identify or treat physical problems." So book the vet visit first, and share the results with whoever you hire next.

Types of cat behavior professionals

Job titles in this field don't prove much. VCA says "Training is not legally regulated; there are no licenses or certifications required," and adds that the term behaviorist "does not indicate any specific qualification or level of education." That makes credentials the best way to compare people. The table below lists the main ones for cats.

| Credential | Who grants it | What it requires | Veterinary degree required? |
|-|-|-|-|
| Board certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) | American College of Veterinary Behaviorists | Veterinary degree plus a 2 to 3 year residency, per AVSAB | Yes |
| Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) | Animal Behavior Society | Doctorate in a biological or behavioral science with an animal behavior focus, plus years of experience | No, though one path is a veterinary degree plus a behavior residency |
| Associate CAAB (ACAAB) | Animal Behavior Society | Master's degree with an animal behavior focus, plus two years of experience | No |
| Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC) | IAABC | Consulting experience, education hours and case studies | No |
| Fear Free Certified Professional | Fear Free | Completion of Fear Free's certification program | No |

Veterinary behaviorists (DACVB)

A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who has also completed specialty training in behavior. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board, and its board certified specialists are called Diplomates. AVSAB says they complete a residency of two to three years at an accredited veterinary college and must see over 400 supervised behavior cases.

ACVB says these specialists are trained to address "the relationships between an animal's health, environment, experiences and its behavior." They are also licensed to prescribe behavior medications when needed. ACVB runs a "Find a DACVB" search on its website. Read more on our resources page.

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB)

The Animal Behavior Society certifies applied animal behaviorists at two levels. A CAAB needs a doctorate in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, or a veterinary degree plus a residency in animal behavior. The doctorate path also calls for five years of professional experience.

The associate level, ACAAB, requires a master's degree with an animal behavior emphasis and at least two years of applied experience. The ASPCA recommends a CAAB, ACAAB or veterinary behaviorist for help with cat aggression. Our resources page has more on the CAAB credential.

IAABC cat behavior consultants (CCBC)

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) offers a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant credential. IAABC says its certifications are for consultants "working with complex cases such as fear, anxiety, and aggression."

IAABC lists recommended experience and education hours for applicants, and applicants submit case studies. AVSAB describes IAABC certification as requiring 500 hours of consulting experience and three case studies. Certified members must earn 36 continuing education units every three years.

IAABC's consultant locator lets you choose Cat as the species and pick your country. You can also filter for consultants who offer virtual consultations. See our resources page for more on IAABC.

Fear Free Certified Professionals

Fear Free is an education provider whose mission is to "prevent and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for pets worldwide." Veterinary professionals and pet professionals such as trainers and groomers can earn the Fear Free Certified Professional designation. Clinics can become Fear Free Certified Practices.

Fear Free provides online education, so ask a Fear Free professional what other behavior credentials they hold. Fear Free also runs a directory of its certified professionals and practices. Read more on our resources page.

Which professional fits your problem

Your vet's findings help you pick the right person. If your vet thinks medication may be part of the answer, a veterinary behaviorist is the specialist who can prescribe it. ACVB says its Diplomates have "extensive knowledge of psychotropic medications" and are licensed to prescribe them when indicated.

For aggression, the ASPCA points owners to a certified applied animal behaviorist or a board certified veterinary behaviorist. For litter box trouble or scratching after a clean exam, try the setup steps below first. If they don't help, a professional with one of the credentials above can look at your cat's case. Whoever you choose, VCA says your veterinarian "can refer you to another professional as needed," so ask your vet for names too.

Fees and wait times vary by professional and by area. Ask each person what they charge and how soon they can see you.

Common cat problems people hire help for

Litter box problems

After your vet rules out medical causes, the litter box setup is the next thing to check. AAFP and the International Society of Feline Medicine name "optimizing the litter box/tray" as one of two universal steps for every house soiling case.

AAFP's client handout gives specific numbers:

• One litter box for each cat, plus one extra, in different spots around your home.
• Remove waste at least once a day and add litter as needed.
• Wash the box every one to four weeks with soap and hot water only.

AAFP is firm on one more point: never punish your cat for house soiling. It says punishment can lead to fear related aggression and can hurt the bond between you and your cat.

Aggression

Cats can be aggressive toward people or toward other cats in the home. The ASPCA lists many types, including fear, play, territorial and redirected aggression. It calls redirected aggression "probably the most dangerous type of cat aggression."

The ASPCA also warns against painful punishment. It says painful punishment is not effective for changing cat behavior. It can also trigger pain related aggression and make fear and territorial aggression worse. The ASPCA says a qualified professional can take a complete behavior history. Book that after your vet has checked for pain or illness.

Scratching furniture

Scratching is normal. AAFP's materials call it "a natural, normal, and necessary behavior for your cat," and say your cat "does not scratch to upset you." The goal is to move the scratching to a better spot.

AAFP's tips from its claw friendly materials:

• Most cats like to scratch upright surfaces, so start with a sturdy post that's taller than your cat's body length.
• If your cat scratches carpet, a flat scratcher that lies on the floor may work better.
• Put a scratcher near where your cat sleeps, since cats often scratch when they wake up.
• Place a scratcher in front of the spot your cat already likes to scratch.
• Reward your cat within 3 seconds of using the new post.

AAFP says cats "should always be positively reinforced and never punished." Punishment can raise anxiety and lead to more scratching. If these steps don't help, a cat behavior consultant can look at your home and your cat's routine.

Questions to ask before you hire

Use these questions on the first phone call. Several come straight from AVSAB's guide to choosing a behavior professional.

• What credentials do you hold, and where can I check them? Look the person up on the IAABC, ACVB or Animal Behavior Society directory.
• How much experience do you have with cats? IAABC certifies consultants by species, so ask whether they hold the cat credential.
• What is your approach to behavior problems and behavior change? AVSAB suggests asking about their philosophy directly.
• What methods will you use? AVSAB says a red flag is a professional who is "unable or unwilling to define what techniques they will use."
• Who do you refer to if my cat's case is outside your expertise? A good consultant knows when to send you to a vet or veterinary behaviorist.
• Will you work with my veterinarian? VCA notes that physical and behavioral illness are often linked, so your vet and consultant should talk.
• Do you offer virtual sessions? IAABC's locator shows who does.

Red flags to watch for

AVSAB names several warning signs. Watch for anyone who:

• Uses punishment or aversive tools.
• Tells you not to use food as a reward.
• Talks about being "dominant" or a "pack leader" over your pet.
• Guarantees they can fix any behavior problem.

On that last point, AVSAB says, "Professionals can guarantee their service but should not guarantee a specific outcome."

How to use our directory

Our cat listings come from public professional directories and trainers' own websites. Each listing shows where it came from, so you can check the credential at the source. Browse cat trainers and behavior consultants by state, and read how results are sorted so you know which listings are paid Featured placements.

If you're a cat behavior professional and see your listing here, you can claim your profile for free.