Dream job: Cat trainer
There’s a reason why the cat is the most popular pet in German households. Cats are gentle and people-oriented, yet also confident and independent. In addition to their fascinating character, their behavior also raises quite a few questions. When a feline friend rubs around your legs meowing, everyone knows that it’s time for a refill at the food bowl. But if your pet suddenly starts marking, scratching the wallpaper, or hiding, many owners are left clueless.
With training as a cat trainer, you’ll learn more about cat behavior as well as therapeutic measures. This way, you’ll not only understand your own pet better, but also help others with their feline friends. Whether it’s behavioral issues or introducing a dog to a cat— as a cat trainer, you’re there to offer advice and support.
How do I become a cat trainer?
Cat trainer, cat psychologist, or feline behavior consultant—no matter the title, they all cover similar topics and areas of work. Even though these professional titles aren’t protected, taking a training course is highly recommended.
To work as a cat trainer, you have two different training paths:
1. Learn feline psychology/behavior therapy directly: There are training centers that offer direct certification as a cat trainer. Usually, these courses must be privately funded and can also be completed online.
2. Study animal psychology/animal naturopathy: In a course of study in animal psychology or animal naturopathy, you’ll also learn all the content of feline psychology. This course is also usually privately funded, but can be taken as a distance or part-time course at a state-approved private institute and completed with a certificate.
Course content
The fact is, cats can do much more than just purr, cuddle, and eat. They communicate in many different ways and have individual personalities. Just like with dogs, it’s possible to study cat behavior and, if necessary, improve behavioral disorders through therapeutic measures. In cat trainer training, you’ll learn to understand cats holistically and provide advice to cat owners.
In cat trainer training, you’ll cover the following topics, among others:
Behavioral physiology
Behavioral ecology
Learning behavior/ability
Communication
Biological development
Species-specific social and expressive behavior
Cat husbandry
Human-animal relationship
Behavioral problems due to husbandry
Behavior therapy
What tasks will I have?
As a cat trainer, you have a wide range of different areas of responsibility. Depending on your interests and what you want to focus on, you can help owners with the following:
Behavioral issues such as uncleanliness, marking, aggression, fear
Cat training & clicker training
Introducing multiple cats
Introducing cats to dogs
Advice on getting one or more cats
Assistance in identifying organic problems and their causes
Often, owners are at a loss when their pet’s behavior suddenly changes. →Nutrition should also be part of a holistic consultation. Just like with us humans, a species-appropriate, balanced diet is important for feeling good and staying healthy.
Juicy, creamy or rather coarse - something for every velvet paw
Clicker training and great tricks
Often, so-called →clicker training is an integral part of working with cats. It’s a kind of helpful communication tool between you and your feline friend. Thanks to the clicker, you can teach your pet great tricks. The positive reinforcement of clicker training is also wonderful for reducing fears, reinforcing desired behaviors and practicing things like relaxed travel in a carrier.
