166 Chapter 11● Gathering of all relevant information about the cat’s environment – a home visit
may be required.
● Time, and sufficient knowledge of feline ethology to be able to counsel the client,
sensitively, non-prescriptively and accurately.
The average length of a full feline behaviour consultation is around 2–3 hours. First
aid advice is often required because when the owner initially asks for help and advice
it is highly unlikely that the veterinary surgeon or nurse/technician will have the time
and necessary resources available at that point to counsel the client fully.
Client expectations
Clients may not be aware of the necessary complexity of a full behavioural consulta-
tion and may expect the behavioural issue to be resolved quickly and easily. They
might also expect the vet or nurse/technician to be fully knowledgeable in feline
behaviour, especially if they have been advised, albeit correctly, that the veterinary
practice is the first place to go to if their pet is exhibiting changes in behaviour but
have not been advised why, i.e. that the behavioural changes may be a sign of disease,
which needs to be ruled out or confirmed and treated before a full behavioural inves-
tigation can begin.
The client’s needs
● Owning a pet that is exhibiting undesirable behaviour problems can be very dis-
tressing, especially if the owner does not understand the reasons for the behaviour
or how it may be managed.
● Pet behaviour problems can cause a breakdown in the pet–owner relationship and
have damaging effects on the owner’s relationships with family, friends and part-
ners. For example, people may be reluctant to visit if the house smells of cat urine
or if the cat is aggressive towards them. Partners may argue as to the best way to
deal with the cat’s behaviour or even if they are willing to keep the cat.
● Owners may also suffer physical injury from the cat and/or substantial damage to
property and subsequent financial costs.
● It is also possible that the owner has lived with the problem for some while and is
now becoming increasingly desperate for help. Reasons why owners may not
have sought help before can include:
● Being unaware that help is available. This can be especially the case with cat
behaviour problems.
● Being unaware of who or where to go to for help.
● Having already tried ineffective advice from friends, family, the internet and/or
social media.
The animal’s needs
Behaviour problems can be sign of poor behavioural and emotional welfare, plus
changes in behaviour can be an indicator that the cat may be unwell or is suffering