Feline Fears and Anxieties
Together we can help your cat to feel safe and overcome their fears and anxieties
Clinical Animal Behaviourists in Birmingham Wolverhampton Derby Stoke-on-Trent Solihull Burton-upon-Trent Dudley Halesowen Redditch Kidderminster Stafford Stourbridge Walsall Tamworth Lichfield West Bromwich Atherstone Aldridge Evesham Tipton Cannock Bromsgrove Smethwick Willenhall Oldbury Droitwich Spa Uttoxeter Rugeley Stone Stourport-on-Severn Brierley Hill Wednesbury Brownhills Alvechurch Telford and Wrekin Shropshire Sandwell Wyre Forest Wychavon Sutton Coldfield Coventry North Warwickshire Coleshill Nuneaton Bedworth Cheshire Cheadle Bridgnorth Shifnal Newport Oswestry Shrewsbury
Feline fears and anxieties can be a concern for many caregivers. As a cat owner, you don’t want to see your feline loved one in distress. Most cats feel fearful or anxious about some things. However, when cats can’t avoid what’s causing them worry, then there’s snowball effect and it impacts upon the whole family.
Cats are sensitive to changes in their home and/or local neighbourhood environment. You long to provide a safe, comforting environment, but sometimes, despite your best efforts, your cat frequently appears on edge. Feline fears and anxieties are one of the many cat behaviour problems that our feline behaviours support with.
Here to help
As cat behaviourists, our goal is to help you decode these fears, understand their root causes, and guide you on ways to reduce their anxiety. By examining your cat’s environment, daily routines, and interactions, we can identify potential triggers and devise a personalised plan to address them.
Whether it’s through environmental enrichment, removing sources of worry, and addressing their needs, we’ll work together to reduce the stress causing their fear or anxiety-related behaviours.
Remember, overcoming feline fears and anxieties takes time and patience. But with consistent effort, professional guidance, and a lot of love, we can help your cat feel more secure and confident. Together, we can work towards a happier, more peaceful life for your precious companion.
Meet Your Feline Behaviourists
Zoe Demery
Zoe has a doctorate in animal cognition and behaviour, and she is one of the few independently accredited clinical cat behaviourists in the UK (CCAB). She is also a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, registered with ABTC, and certified by IAABC as a cat behaviour consultant. Zoe is a proud committee member of FAB Clinicians and chairs the feline subcommittee.
Since starting practice in 2012, she has helped dozens of cats and their caregivers around the world better understand each other. Zoe also mentors budding cat behaviourists.
Megan Richardson
Megan has always known that she wanted to work with cats and she has always been fascinated with feline behaviour and training. She worked in a variety of different types of animal collections, especially in feline boarding and rescue catteries, which developed her passion for feline welfare and behavioural rehabilitation.
Megan graduated from Harper Adams University with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, then grew her clinical behaviour practice with cats and before joining Second Nature in 2020. Megan is one of our feline behaviourists based in Staffordshire, but travels all over the Midlands helping cats and their owners better understand each other.
“After moving, our cat was terrified. Creating a safe space with familiar smells, careful training and using pheromone diffusers, especially when we got a new sofa, made all the difference. She’s now confidently exploring our new home. The change in her behaviour has been extraordinary. Thank you for the incredible support and advice!”
Comprehensive support
- We visit you at your home in person or online, for an initial assessment generally lasting 2 hours and ideally, everyone in the household should be present.
- We take a full and detailed case history. Together we work out a treatment plan that is realistic and tailored to you and your cat’s needs.
- You receive relevant information sheets, which tie in with the behaviour plan for your cat.
- Soon after the consultation, a report is sent to you, which is later copied to your vet. This outlines the reasons behind the problem and highlights the key steps of the plan.
- Your vet is kept informed of how your cat progresses.
- Plans are updated with new material for you to work on.
- We schedule one 1-hour follow-up session about a month later, which is conducted via an online video link.
- We are available for optional weekly check-ins for 8 weeks after your initial consultation. Each week you can book a 15-minute call through our online calendar, or send us an email or WhatsApp message.
- If during the development of the case, the additional expertise of a veterinary behaviourist is required, then I integrate their advice into the plan. I work closely with select, independently accredited cat vet behaviourists, who will review and discuss your cat’s case with your vet.
- More follow-up support available as needed.
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Bella’s story
Bella, a two-year-old Maine Coon, had a severe phobia of loud noises. Her owner, Janet, noticed Bella’s distress during thunderstorms or when using household appliances. We created a safe space for Bella and gradually introduced her to low-volume recorded noises, increasing the volume over time while ensuring her comfort. This desensitisation and counter-conditioning process, combined with Janet’s careful guidance using treats, significantly improved Bella’s tolerance. After three months, Bella’s reactions to noises like doorbells and blenders were markedly less fearful. This case highlights the effectiveness of patient, systematic training in managing sound phobias in cats.
Next steps
1. Vet referral
Feline behaviour problems are often caused by underlying physiological issues, so we need to address these first
3. History form
Give us some background about your cat and your relationship
4. Consultation
Let’s get started on the plan to dealing with your cat’s behaviour
Recommended
by vets
you may be able to
claim on insurance
“As a vet, I have referred many of my patients to Zoe – she works absolute miracles on cats!”
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FAQ
Have a more general question? Check out our general FAQ.
Prefer to chat things through a bit more?
Contact Us
Give us a buzz by email or phone
0121 299 0188
Is it okay to bring our cat to one of your behaviour clinics?
How should I go about arranging a vet referral for my cat?
Remember that vet visits are stressful for cats; so do chat through the different options with your vet first. For example, if you are having problems between cats in the household, taking one cat out can make things worse. One way to make the experience less stressful is to leave your cat transport box out for several days, then feed your cat(s) inside it.
Otis, Grace & Dom
Finn & Deborah
Harry & Phantom
Hettie, Lily & Chester
Charlie & Milo
The help you have given us has been so useful with our two cats who weren’t getting along. It has enabled us to make some changes which appear to be gradually helping the cats live more happily. The continued support and contact have worked well for us. Thank you, Angela.
Marley & Elaine
Billie, Tammy & Mary
Zoe, I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support with my cats. Your advice has been invaluable. The problems with my cats eased so much, as I was at my witts end. I would highly recommend you to anyone that has problems with their pets. Thanks again. Mary
Riley & Paul
If you are looking to make your cat's fears and anxieties a thing of the past, contact us to get started.
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