Animal behavior is more than just training. It is the way animals communicate with the world and express their emotions.If your cat spends all day hiding under the sofa, your dog destroys objects when you’re away, or your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box – it’s not mischief, it’s a sign your pet needs help.
A behaviorist specializes in diagnosing and treating problematic behaviors of companion animals.
This professional combines knowledge of psychology, ethology, neurophysiology and biology to understand the root cause of a problem and help resolve it.
A behaviorist is not a miracle worker, an exorcist, or a magician – they cannot solve a problem with a wave of a wand.
They are also not a veterinarian, and therefore do not diagnose diseases or prescribe medication.
Since many behavioral issues have medical causes, a behaviorist works closely with veterinarians to ensure comprehensive care for the animal.
This collaboration allows for more effective therapy planning and timely response to the animal’s needs.
A consultation begins with a detailed interview and observation of the animal’s environment.
Before the meeting, the guardian receives a questionnaire and a request for photos and videos.
The behaviorist analyzes the data, explains the causes of the behaviors to the guardian, and prepares an individual therapy plan adapted to both the animal and its owner.
After the session, the behaviorist prepares a report with recommendations , and if necessary, a report for the veterinarian.
If needed, therapy continues in stages, following the animal’s own pace.
We never rush therapy – the animal sets the rhythm.
The goal of behavioral therapy is to reduce the animal’s emotional tension by meeting its needs, adjusting its environment, and minimizing stress.
The behaviorist may also recommend supportive methods such as diet modification, pheromones, supplements, aromatherapy, or massage.
Each plan is individually tailored to the owner–animal duo.
Therapy isn’t training – it’s a process of understanding emotions and needs.
Only this approach allows us to uncover the real cause of the problem and support lasting behavioural change.
COAPE behaviourists use the MHERA model, which helps understand an animal’s emotions and needs.
MHERA analyses Mood, Hedonic Budget, Emotions, and Reinforcements that shape behaviour.
It’s a holistic tool that views each animal as a complex, emotionally responsive being.
Every behaviour results from many interconnected factors.
Do you have questions or need help with your pet’s behavioural issues?
Get in touch to schedule a consultation or learn more.
I’ll be happy to help you and your animal regain balance.
Is a cat a loner? A little dog? Or maybe kibble is the best food?
Discover three of the most common myths about cats that can harm your pet – and find out the truth!
Year after year, cats are becoming increasingly popular companion
animals.They are more and more present in our homes, and with this,
the way we perceive them is also changing. The cat is no longer just
a predator hunting rodents and protecting our food supplies. It has
also lost the status of a revered deity to which offerings were once
made in exchange for peace and abundance.
Today we choose it
mainly for its charm, character, and fluffy companionship. The
purring presence of a cat can improve our mood, influence our
well-being, and sometimes even benefit our health. It often also
inspires us to new activities. The former mouse-catcher has become a
full-fledged member of many families.
As the number of adopted
cats increases, so does interest in their nature and behaviors. More
and more scientific studies and publications appear, allowing us to
better understand these animals. Nevertheless, in the minds of many
owners, popular myths still persist, making it harder to understand
the true needs of cats. Below, I present what I believe are the
three most commonly repeated myths.
This popular belief makes many potential owners think that a cat is a completely trouble-free animal.
All it supposedly needs is access to a window, the bowls of food and water, a litter box, and a few toys – and left alone at home, it will spend the day sleeping.
Today we know that cats can experience a wide range of emotions and form strong attachments to humans.
They form deep emotional bonds, so long absences of the owner can affect them very negatively.
This can cause them stress, suffering, and even separation issues.
Where did the belief in the solitary lifestyle of cats come from?
Mainly from the fact that cats – as medium-sized predators – hunt prey they can catch on their own, i.e., smaller animals.
They don’t need group cooperation, unlike hunting larger prey where each individual plays a role.
Additionally, they are very territorial and reluctant to share their areas with other cats.
Adult males do often lead a solitary lifestyle, patrolling and defending their territory.
However, this does not mean that cats are antisocial.
In places rich in food – for example, near ports – they can form specific social groups.
Female cats raising kittens also live in colonies with other females.
And at home, in relation to humans, cats can be extremely sociable and often show a great need for closeness.
How many times have we heard: “Get a cat – you’ll have company, and you don’t need to take it for walks!”
This is another misconception. A cat is not a little dog but an entirely different species.
A cat has its own species-specific needs, unique way of communicating, distinct diet, and behaviors.
The similarities between dogs and cats end with the fact that both are mammals with four legs, a tail, and a mouth with teeth.
But in terms of emotions, lifestyle, and communication – the two species differ dramatically.
Why do cats seem “harder to read” to us?
Their emotions are not as clearly written on their faces as in dogs.
Their interspecies communication with humans is also not as well developed.
Dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago for cooperation and following commands, so over centuries they created with us a perfectly synchronized tandem, often understanding each other without words but through gestures.
Cats, on the other hand, lived for a long time more alongside humans than directly with them.
This situation, however, is changing – today we observe how the cat-human bond is gradually tightening.
It is a very slow process, as it covers only a few generations of domestic cats.
Important: cat behavior must not be interpreted through the lens of dog behavior.
The same signal in both animals can mean something completely different.
For example? Tail wagging.
In dogs, it is usually a sign of joy and willingness to play.
In cats – it is a signal of irritation and a warning of a potential attack.
Dry food is a convenient solution for the owner – just pour it into a bowl and don’t worry that it will spoil during the owner’s absence.
But is it good for the cat?
No !
Cats are predators and raw-eaters.
Their digestive system is still adapted to digesting fresh, meaty food, like their wild cousins.
Over the years, it has not undergone any anatomical or physiological change from living close to humans.
Dry food:
– contains too many carbohydrates,
– dehydrates the body,
– may contribute to kidney disease, dental and gum problems, as well as obesity, diabetes, and allergies.
Cats do not need carbohydrates – they get energy from proteins and fats, which they convert into glucose through gluconeogenesis.
Excess carbohydrates consumed, on the other hand, are stored as fat.
It is worth remembering that 1 kg of excess weight in a cat is the equivalent of 17 kg in a human.
An obese cat is not a happy or beautiful cat – it is a sick cat.
So why do cats eat kibble so eagerly?
Because dry food has an intense smell thanks to flavoring additives.
Cats choose food with their nose, not their palate.
And healthy teeth?
Bacteria and plaque on cats’ teeth can only be removed through regular brushing and hygiene, not through kibble.
These are just three of many popular myths.
We still repeat that a cat always lands on its feet, that it has nine lives, or that it loves milk.
It is always worth separating facts from myths to better understand a cat’s needs and ensure it has a healthy, safe, and happy life.