Living with a cat who is weeing around the house, fighting with your other cat or lashing out can be upsetting and exhausting. You're not alone, and it isn't a sign you've done something wrong. Cats often show stress or illness through their behaviour, and the right help usually makes a real difference.
Common reasons owners look for help
- Weeing or pooing outside the litter tray, or spraying
- Fighting or tension between cats in the same home
- Scratching, biting or swiping at people
- Over-grooming, leading to bald patches
- Hiding, fearfulness, or problems after a move or a new baby or pet
- Night-time yowling or constant attention-seeking
- Scratching furniture
See your vet first
With cats, a vet check really does come first. Medical problems are common causes of toileting problems, over-grooming and sudden aggression, and cats are very good at hiding pain. Your vet can check your cat and, if the cause is behavioural, refer you to an accredited behaviourist.
Speak to your vet urgently if your cat is straining in the litter tray or passing little or no urine. This can be an emergency, especially in male cats.
Who can help
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registers professionals who work with cats as well as dogs, using the same role names.
- Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Veterinary Behaviourist or Accredited Animal Behaviourist: for all types of unwanted, problem or dangerous behaviour. They only see clients on veterinary referral (ABTC), so ask your vet practice.
- Animal Behaviour Technician: helps prevent problem behaviours and gives behavioural first aid. For complex cases, works with one of the behaviourists above. No referral needed.
Not everyone on the register works with cats, so check that their entry covers cats, or ask before you book.
Finding an accredited cat behaviourist
We don't list cat professionals on our city pages yet. Until we do, search the ABTC's own find-a-practitioner directory, and ask your vet who they work with. Before you book:
- Check the person's entry on the ABTC register, and that it shows the role they say they hold.
- Ask whether they visit your home, work online, or both.
- Ask what the first consultation involves, how long it lasts, and what follow-up support is included.
- Avoid anyone who uses punishment, such as spraying water or shouting. It makes stressed cats more stressed.
Our accreditation guide is written for dog owners, but checking the register works the same way for cats.
Free help
The charities Cats Protection and International Cat Care both publish free advice on cat behaviour. If you're worried about your cat's health, call your vet.