How to Find a Great Cat Trainer

It might be surprising, but just like dog training, cat training and behaviour is an unregulated field.

What does this mean for cat parents? Anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist, no matter their values, techniques, or education. That can put you in a tough, and sometimes even dangerous, situation.

Since there isn’t a governing body that certifies only the best and most ethical professionals, it’s up to you to take some extra steps to make sure the person you hire is reputable and trustworthy.

How can you make sure a behaviour expert is right for you?

Starting with a certified professional and checking their certifications is a great first step. But don’t get too caught up in trying to understand every single letter beside their name.

It’s often more important to get to know them as a person before hiring them.

• Check what they share publicly. Look at their social media and website. Do their posts, wording, and blogs match your own views? Do they treat cats with compassion and respect? Do they stand for kind, fear-free training and behaviour modification?
• See what others say about them. Great trainers and behaviour specialists will have strong testimonials (on Google, Facebook, or their own website) and will happily show them off.
• Reach out directly. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information. You can request past training videos, case histories, or anything else that feels important to your journey.

Now, what does this look like in action?

I share that I’m an ABC Certified Cat Trainer and a Fear Free Professional proudly on my website, but more than that, I like to show my values through real, helpful, and compassionate tips on social media. I share client cases, training videos, and practical advice cat parents can use right away.

On my website, you’ll also find:

• My Training Philosophy right on my home page.
• Client Testimonials also on my home page.
• Clear and in-depth explanations of my Services & Packages.

And to really ensure we are a good fit for each other, I offer initial calls so potential clients can get to know me better and understand what working together looks like. Everything I do is rooted in fear-free, positive-reinforcement training and behaviour modification that respects your cat’s emotional and physical needs.

Final thoughts

Always keep a careful eye out when you’re searching for a trainer or behaviourist, because unfortunately, there are still harmful methods and outdated approaches out there.

These tips and tools can help you make sure you find the perfect fit for both you and your cats.