1st Edition
A Professional’s Guide to Feline Behaviour Understanding, Improving and Resolving Problems
Demystifying Feline Behaviour is an invaluable resource for the feline professional, yet it is 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.
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.
What this book 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 work place.
· 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 with behaviour plans that integrate clinically proven methods to help manage or resolve a range of behaviour issues.
Dedication
About the Author
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part One: Understanding Cat Behaviour and Meeting Their Needs
Chapter 1: Domestication and the Influence of Genetics
Chapter 2: Life Stages and Behavioural Development
Chapter 3: Identifying and Fulfilling the Cat’s Needs
Chapter 4: Feline Communication
Part Two: Negative Emotional States: Their Effects and How We Can Help
Chapter 5: Fear, Anxiety and Stress
Chapter 6: Pain and its Effect on Behaviour
Chapter 7: Working with Cats: Challenges and Practical Solutions
Part Three: Analysing, Understanding and Dealing with Feline Behaviour Problems
Chapter 8: The Fundamentals of Behaviour Analysis
Chapter 9: Understanding and Dealing with Problematic Behaviours
Chapter 10: Improving Emotional Well-being: Complementary Therapies and Integrated Treatments
Part Four: Applying the Knowledge
Chapter 11: Training Cats and How They Learn
Chapter 12: Case Studies
Appendices:
Appendix 1: Training Guides
Appendix 2: Advice and Guidance
Appendix 3: Useful Resources and Recommended Reading
End Note
Glossary
Index
Biography
Caroline has been working with cats and other companion animals for over 40 years and during that time has amassed a wealth of knowledge. She began her career as a veterinary nurse and, after many years in first opinion veterinary practice, spent some time lecturing. Having a passion for animal behaviour, she gained a post graduate diploma in companion animal behaviour at Southampton University, being fortunate to study under some of the world’s leading behaviourists. Since then, Caroline has been working with cats and their caregivers to help them overcome a range of problematic behaviours so they can lead happier lives. Caroline divides her time between seeing clinical behaviour cases, mentoring budding behaviourists and providing online and in-person continuing education to the veterinary community and other pet professionals. In her spare time, Caroline loves to spend time with her animals in the Yorkshire Wolds where she lives. Caroline can be contacted at www.carolineclarkauthor.co.uk
As a veterinary surgeon dealing with the complexities of feline behaviour which challenge me on a daily basis this new & exciting publication is an essential for any veterinary professional who wishes to improve the experience & 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 & the expectation of cat owners understandably increases. In Demystifying Feline Behaviour, Caroline uses her insight & expertise to bring together an informed & enriched text which clearly assists & aids us to “demystify” the needs of our most behaviourally challenging patient.
Dr Paul Knott BVM&S, MRCVS, GPCert. in Feline Practice
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 Demystifying 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
Demystifying 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), 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. Demystifying 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)
Demystifying 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)
