A Professional?s Guide to Feline Behaviour

A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour is an invaluable resource for the feline professional, yet written in such an accessible way that it would be of interest to anyone who shares their life with a cat and wants to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviour.

The book is presented in easy-to-navigate sections, each packed with practical advice and the colour illustrations, tables and graphics throughout make it approachable for every type of reader.

What this guide offers:

• A greater understanding of cats and how to meet their needs.


• How to recognise and mitigate negative emotions and deal with challenges that cats face both at home and particularly in the workplace.


• How to analyse feline behaviour accurately, with a view to designing a tailored behaviour modification plan.


• Comprehensive information on common, and not so common, problematic feline behaviours.


• The fundamentals of learning theory, with step-by-step training guides.


• Real-life case studies, accompanied by behaviour plans that integrate clinically proven methods to help manage or resolve a range of behaviour issues.

Written by Caroline Clark, a Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and RCVS listed veterinary nurse, this well-researched book draws from her knowledge and professional experiences, offering a unique insight into feline behaviour.

I thoroughly recommend this delightfully written but informative book and its both a welcome addition to the more clinical veterinary and behavioural setting as well as for the general cat owner.  No easy feat to straddle both worlds but Caroline has achieved this admirably with her easy-writing style and own extensive clinical knowledge and her general love of cats.  This comprehensive guide has chapters ranging from how to observe the pain status of the cat, to enriching its home-life with easy fixes, pharmacology intervention and behavioural modification treatment plans. 

The inclusion of the coloured diagrams and the ?keynote take home points? and ?scientific snippets? make it easily accessible as a point of reference for those short of time or wanting to refresh their knowledge.  In addition, little has been written about learning theory for cats and so the use of positive reinforcement is particularly welcome.  I fully support this book as ?recommended reading? for those not only embarking on their careers but for those more experienced whether in cat rescue, clinical settings or facilitative care? as there is more than one golden nugget to be found. 

Claire Klima, APBC Accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist, ABTC Accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist

As a veterinary surgeon dealing with the complexities of feline behaviour which challenge me on a daily basis this new and exciting publication is an essential for any veterinary professional who wishes to improve the experience and welfare of their feline patients. Despite the modern advancements in feline veterinary medicine, feline behaviour is still so often over-looked and the importance of recognizing the unique behavioural needs of cats is more relevant than ever as they become one of our nation?s most popular pets and the expectation of cat owners understandably increases. In A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour Caroline uses her insight and expertise to bring together an informed and enriched text which clearly assists and aids us to ?demystify? the needs of our most behaviourally challenging patient.

Dr Paul Knott BVM&S, MRCVS, GPCert. in Feline Practice

A Professionals Guide to Feline Behaviour is an invaluable tool for anyone working in the field of cat behaviour as well as super passionate cat lovers alike. It is a comprehensive resource offering practical insights for identifying cats needs, resolving behaviour problems and developing a solid understanding of this unique and often misunderstood species, underpinned by the latest scientific research. Caroline expertly navigates the complexities of feline behaviour counselling, providing clear guidance on how to transform the lives of the cats we work with for the better. This is absolutely one for the bookshelf for me and will no doubt be one I return to time and time again. I highly recommend it.

Lucy Hoile, MSc, CCAB, Feline Behaviourist

There are very few veterinary publications dedicated solely to feline evolution and behaviour. It is important that anyone involved with feline care, especially those in a professional capacity, keep up to date with understanding feline behaviour to safeguard their welfare. I would therefore thoroughly recommend A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour, as it brings together the rapid advances in feline behaviour in a clear, interesting, and easily accessible manner.

Dr Rayana Kamal, BVSc., MRCVS, PG Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy, PGCert in Small Animal Behaviour

A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour is a must read for all cat advocates. Caroline?s wonderful way with words and obvious passion for the species makes this a powerful addition to any bookshelf. The species-specific needs of the feline variety is discussed in depth but with a kind and considerate message on how cats are definitely not small dogs. A fantastic follow-on from Caroline?s canine fear and anxiety book, this book is an up to date, evidence based, kitty behaviour bible!

Nikki McLeod, BSc(Hons), PG Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour, NCert. (Behav), ISFM Cert. in Feline Nursing, Advanced Cert. in Feline Behaviour, RVN

Caroline leads the reader on a journey through the mind of our domestic cats. A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour gives the reader a solid grounding of the cat and its inner mind, but digs further into how they can then influence and improve their pet?s welfare.

Samantha Lympany-Tier, MSc, BSc(Hons), PTLLS, (Feline Fine Behaviour Consultancy)

A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour is an absolute must-have for anyone delving into feline behaviour or beginning a career as a feline behaviourist. As a newly qualified cat behaviourist I had been looking for a comprehensive book which covered all aspects of cat behaviour and one that also encompassed practical tips for helping with behaviour consultations. This book applies the theory of feline behaviour to the practical aspects of working as an animal behaviourist which is exactly what a newbie behaviourist who is just starting out in the world of feline behaviour needs! It would also be an extremely useful tool for vets and vet nurses who see feline behaviour cases within the veterinary clinic.

Francesca Lees, BSc(Hons), NCert. (AnBeh), ISFM Cert. Feline Nursing, RVN, (Wildcats Feline Behaviour)

This is my absolute favorite kind of companion animal book! Lots of important, useful info, in a very readable and entertaining format, and backed up by the science (with citations!).  This is a great addition to any cat fan's library, and a fantastic resource for all those who live with companion cats.

Emma K. Grigg, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA