168 Chapter 11consultations within the veterinary practice should: be escape-proof so that
the cat can be allowed the freedom to explore; have available a white board or
similar so that the owner can draw relevant maps of the home environment;
contain comfortable seating for the behaviour counsellor, the owner and all
family members that attend the consultation; have water, tea and coffee mak-
ing facilities available; and have no risk of disturbance during a consultation.
● There should be sufficient time available:
● To conduct a full behavioural consultation, which can take 2–3 hours.
● To prepare a full written report for the client following the consultation, detail-
ing analysis of the behaviour problem and behaviour modification advice.
● To provide the client with continued advice and support as required.
The code of conduct of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) states that
a veterinary surgeon should recognize when a case or treatment is out of their area
of competence and be prepared to refer to an individual with the necessary skills and
expertise (RCVS, 2017). Although this primarily relates to medical or surgical cases,
the same should also apply to behaviour cases. The best option for the client and their
pet should always be the primary consideration.
If a decision is made to treat a behaviour case ‘in-house’ it must be closely mon-
itored and if the behaviour problem increases or is not improved within the expected
timescale, or the client wishes to investigate the issues at a level that the practice is
unable to offer, then the option to refer, if available, should be offered.
Who to Refer to?
If a feline behaviour case is to be referred it should be to someone who can offer more
in terms of relevant education, experience and practical help than can be offered by
the veterinary practice. It is important to be aware that if the person the pet is referred
to is not also a veterinary surgeon, the referring vet will retain duty of care. Therefore,
both the referring veterinary surgeon and the client need to feel assured that the per-
son is suitably qualified, and that any treatment or advice given will be based on the
correct identification of the underlying cause of the behaviour and that both the
evaluation and treatment will be based on scientific and ethical principles. Identifying
a suitable person to refer a feline behavioural case to can, however, be a minefield.
● There is currently no statutory requirement regarding who can treat companion ani-
mal behaviour problems. An impressive title or assertions of ability made by an indi-
vidual are not sufficient evidence that they have the necessary education or experience.
● The qualifications of a potential behaviourist should be investigated to ascertain
if they are current, relevant and/or sufficient. Unfortunately, this may not be an
easy task as there are now numerous course providers offering qualifications at
varying standards in the field of companion animal behaviour.
● Membership or accreditation by an animal behaviour group or organization
may provide some indication of education and ability. However, there are sev-
eral organizations in existence with variable requirements for membership.
Competent and reputable behaviour practitioners are more likely to belong to,
or be accredited by, an organization that sets strict academic and clinical stand-
ards, and ensures that members are insured, adhere to a code of conduct and