Episode 5: What Is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist?

The term “clinical animal behaviourist” is often misunderstood, and frequently used interchangeably with trainer, behaviour consultant, or veterinary behaviourist.

In this episode of Cat Talk by Alice Cat Expert, clinical animal behaviourist Alice Chau explains what the role actually involves, how it differs from other behaviour-related professions, and why clarity matters when seeking help for cat behaviour problems.

You’ll learn:

• what “clinical” means in a behavioural context
• the level of postgraduate study involved
• how behavioural diagnosis and treatment planning work
• the difference between clinical animal behaviourists, trainers, behaviour consultants, and veterinary behaviourists
• why collaboration is often essential
• why the industry is not formally regulated in many countries
• and why the educational pathway can be complex and difficult to access

This episode provides a factual overview of the profession, including its scope, limitations, and the realities of working in a small, largely self-employed field.

Understanding who does what in animal behaviour care helps you seek the right support — at the right time.

Behaviour isn’t random — there’s always a reason.

Support the show

If you find this podcast helpful, please like, follow, or subscribe, and share it with other cat people who might benefit.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

1. You can send in questions to be answered on the podcast at podcast@alicecatexpert.com
2. You can also find out more about my work at https://linktr.ee/alicechaucat

DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST?

You can buy me a cup of tea at https://ko-fi.com/alicecatexpert ☕

Episode 4: Why Does My Cat Attack Me for No Reason?

Sudden pouncing, ankle attacks, or rough play can look like aggression — but often it’s misplaced hunting behaviour.

In this episode of Cat Talk by Alice Cat Expert, clinical animal behaviourist Alice Chau focuses on misplaced hunting behaviour and how to redirect it safely.

Before you say “but I already tried toys”, this episode goes beyond the usual “play with your cat more” advice and looks at what actually makes a difference.

You’ll learn how to recognise misplaced hunting behaviour, why punishment increases frustration, and how appropriate outlets — such as choosing toys that suit your individual cat, using toys correctly, feeding puzzles, and clicker training — can reduce unwanted attacks and improve quality of life for both cats and people.

Unlike the previous episodes that focus on situations requiring urgent professional help, this episode looks at patterns many people can start addressing at home, with realistic expectations and practical guidance. These are trial-tested approaches Alice has used with her clients over the years.

Behaviour isn’t random — there’s always a reason.

In this episode:

• What misplaced hunting behaviour looks like in everyday homes
• How to choose toys that match your cat’s prey style
• How to play with the toys that is actually engaging to your cat
• Why timing and routine matter more than play duration
• How feeding puzzles and clicker training provide healthy outlets
• When extra support may be needed

Resources mentioned

• Play With Your Cat! by Dr Mikel Maria Delgado
  https://amzn.to/4tiDaFA
  
  
• Food puzzle ideas and DIY options
  http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com/

Support the show

If you find this podcast helpful, please like, follow, or subscribe, and share it with other cat people who might benefit.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

1. You can send in questions to be answered on the podcast at podcast@alicecatexpert.com
2. You can also find out more about my work at https://linktr.ee/alicechaucat

DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST?

You can buy me a cup of tea at https://ko-fi.com/alicecatexpert ☕

Episode 3: Is It Aggression — or Is It Misplaced Hunting Behaviour?

Aggression is one of the most worrying cat behaviour problems people seek help for - but not everything that looks aggressive actually is.

In this episode of Cat Talk by Alice Cat Expert, Alice breaks down what aggression really means from a behavioural perspective, and why it’s often confused with misplaced hunting behaviour.

The episode explores how behaviours like biting, scratching, chasing, or ambushing can have very different motivations, why context and body language matter more than the behaviour itself, and how mislabelling behaviour as aggression can increase frustration and risk.

Alice also discusses when behaviour truly is aggression, why these cases should always be taken seriously, and when seeking experienced professional support is urgent.

Behaviour isn’t random — there’s always a reason.

In this episode:

• What aggression actually is — and what it isn’t
• Common behaviours that get mislabelled as aggression
• How to tell aggression from hunting behaviour
• Why aggression requires urgent help

Support the show

If you find this podcast helpful, please like, follow, or subscribe, and share it with other cat people who might benefit.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

1. You can send in questions to be answered on the podcast at podcast@alicecatexpert.com
2. You can also find out more about my work at https://linktr.ee/alicechaucat

DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST?

You can buy me a cup of tea at https://ko-fi.com/alicecatexpert ☕