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.

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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?

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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 ☕

Episode 2: Going Outside the Box — Why Do Cats Stop Using the Litter Box?

When a cat stops using the litter box, it’s not about stubbornness or cleanliness.
Litter box problems are a sign that something isn’t working.

Litter box problems are one of the most common, and most misunderstood, cat behaviour issues.

In this episode of Cat Talk by Alice Cat Expert, Alice explains why cats stop using the litter box, why it’s not about stubbornness or cleanliness, and why toileting changes should always be taken seriously.

We will explore the difference between litter tray avoidance and marking, common medical contributors, emotional and environmental factors, and why litter tray setup matters more than many people realise. Alice also addresses common myths: such as assuming it’s always anxiety or territorial behaviour, and explains why random fixes often fail.

If you’re dealing with litter box problems, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to approach the issue in a structured, welfare-focused way.

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

In this episode:

• Why litter box problems happen
• Medical vs behavioural considerations
• Litter tray avoidance vs marking
• The impact of stress and environment
• Common myths and mistakes
• What to do when problems start

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 ☕

Cat Talk by Alice Cat Expert – Episode 1
Cat Behaviour Isn’t Random — They Might Be Asking for Help

Cat behaviour problems don’t come out of nowhere — and they’re rarely about being “naughty”. Behaviour isn’t random. It’s often a sign that something needs attention.

Why does cat behaviour problems sometimes seem to come “out of the blue”? In this episode, Alice Chau explains why behaviour changes aren’t random, why cats aren’t being naughty or spiteful, and how behaviour can be a sign that something needs attention.

This episode breaks down what cat behaviour actually means, common misconceptions (like jealousy or revenge), and when behaviour may point to physical health, emotional wellbeing, or environmental stress.

You’ll also hear what clinical animal behaviourists do, the types of cases commonly seen in practice, and why taking behaviour seriously and early, can improve quality of life and help strengthen the human-cat bond.

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 ☕