Why Happy Cats Behaviour

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I have worked as a vet in small animal practice for many years. During that time I would frequently see cats (and dogs!) for various behavioural problems, and did my best to help those pets and their owners. However, doing so in a general practice clinic situation can be difficult, as vets are often restricted by time and a busy schedule. Yet properly addressing behavioural problems requires a substantial amount of time! Also, there is often benefit, particularly for cats, in assessing the home environment in order to be able to review the cat’s living space including important resources, and give advice about how this could be optimised for the cat’s wellbeing (and therefore minimise any issues the cat might be causing for the care-giver). 

I have endeavoured to spend time educating my cat clients on cat behaviour and emotional health, but always felt time-constrained in the general practice clinic. Sadly, cats are an incredibly misunderstood (yet amazing) species, and many of the feline behaviour problems I have seen over the years, might have been prevented if the cats’ unique needs were met adequately, and if their owners had been given appropriate advice when acquiring their feline friend. Cats experience their world in a vastly different way to humans - their ears can locate the high frequency squeak of a mouse yet still detect the distant low rumbling of thunder; they can recognise their owner’s scent, and sniff out a hidden treat; they are both predator, and prey. Looking at the world from the cat’s point of view is the first step in understanding your feline best friend, and helping to ensure their happiness!