Yours magazine issue 249 (05/07/2016)Bauer Media
photo by Patrick Boyd</figcaption/>

Anita Kelsey — Qualified Cat Behaviourist UK

I am a degree-qualified feline behaviour specialist, accredited member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA), published author of three cat behaviour books, and internationally consulted expert.

I help cat guardians across the UK and worldwide resolve complex behaviour problems including spraying, aggression, toileting issues, anxiety and multi-cat conflict using evidence-based, welfare-centred methods tailored to each individual cat and household.


Professional Background & Qualifications

My work in feline behaviour is grounded in both academic study and hands-on practical experience.

  • First-class honours degree in Feline Behaviour & Psychology

  • Accredited member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA)

  • Fully insured professional practice

  • Vet-referred behaviour consultations

  • Ongoing continuing professional development

As a qualified cat behaviourist in the UK, I work collaboratively with veterinary practices to ensure that behavioural concerns are properly assessed and that any underlying medical factors are addressed appropriately.


My Approach to Feline Behaviour

Cats are highly sensitive, intelligent and emotionally complex animals. Behaviour problems are rarely about “naughtiness” — they are usually communication.

My approach focuses on:

  • Identifying the emotional and environmental causes of behaviour

  • Understanding stress triggers and resource dynamics

  • Creating practical, achievable behaviour plans

  • Supporting both cat and guardian throughout the process

Every consultation is tailored. No two households — or cats — are the same.

I work exclusively with cats. This species-specific focus allows me to develop deeper insight into multi-cat households, inter-cat aggression, inappropriate toileting, stress-related behaviours and environmental challenges.


Published Author & Feline Educator

Alongside my consultation work, I am the author of three published books:

  • The Little Book of Extraordinary Cats

  • Let’s Talk About Cats

  • Claws: Confessions of a Cat Groomer

Through my books and published articles, I aim to educate, challenge misconceptions, and promote a better understanding of feline welfare and behaviour.

I have contributed to industry publications including Your Cat Magazine, the CFBA magazine and veterinary press titles. Writing and education are an important part of my commitment to improving feline wellbeing beyond individual consultations.


International Consultations

While I am based in the UK, I also provide international cat behaviour consultations via video.

Working with clients worldwide has broadened my experience across different environments, cultures and multi-cat living situations. Regardless of location, my focus remains the same: practical, evidence-based solutions that prioritise the cat’s welfare.


How My Journey Began

My passion for cats began in childhood and evolved into professional practice over many years.

Before specialising fully in behaviour, I worked extensively with cats in grooming and rescue contexts. This hands-on experience with anxious, fearful and behaviourally complex cats deepened my understanding of stress, handling and environmental triggers.

Studying feline behaviour formally allowed me to combine that practical experience with academic research and behavioural science.

Today, I am dedicated to helping guardians understand their cats more deeply and to strengthening the human-feline bond through informed, compassionate guidance.


Working With Veterinary Practices

As a qualified feline behaviourist in the UK, I maintain a collaborative relationship with veterinary professionals.

Behaviour cases often require a multi-disciplinary approach. I support veterinary practices by:

  • Accepting vet referrals

  • Providing detailed written behaviour plans

  • Communicating clearly about behavioural findings

  • Referring back when medical investigation is needed

This ensures that each case is handled responsibly and professionally.


Why Choose a Qualified Cat Behaviourist in the UK?

The term “behaviourist” is not legally protected in the UK. Choosing a properly qualified and accredited professional ensures:

  • Evidence-based assessment

  • Ethical, welfare-centred methods

  • Professional accountability

  • Appropriate collaboration with veterinary care

My qualifications, accreditation and years of feline-only experience allow me to offer a high standard of professional support.


A Personal Note

I live in East Sussex with my husband and our Norwegian Forest cats. Outside of consultations and writing, I remain actively engaged in promoting feline welfare and education.

Helping cats and their guardians live harmoniously is not just my profession, it is my lifelong commitment.


Book a Consultation

If you are looking for a qualified cat behaviourist in the UK, or require international feline behaviour support, I would be pleased to help.

You can learn more about consultations or book an appointment using the link below.

info@catbehaviourist.com

Cat Behaviourist UK – Anita Kelsey

If you are looking for a professional cat behaviourist UK, I am a degree-qualified feline behaviour specialist, accredited member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA), published author of three cat behaviour books, and internationally consulted expert.

As a dedicated cat behaviourist in the UK, I help guardians resolve spraying, aggression, toileting issues, anxiety and multi-cat conflict using evidence-based, welfare-centred methods tailored to each individual cat and household.


Professional Qualifications – Cat Behaviourist UK

As a qualified cat behaviourist UK, my work is grounded in both academic study and extensive practical experience.

  • First-class honours degree in Feline Behaviour & Psychology

  • Accredited member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA)

  • Fully insured professional practice

  • Vet-referred behaviour consultations

  • Ongoing professional development

You can learn more about choosing a qualified professional on my page about [accreditation and professional standards] (internal link).

The CFBA is a recognised UK professional body for behaviour practitioners. Click for the CFBA website


My Approach as a Cat Behaviourist UK

Cats communicate through behaviour. Problems such as spraying or aggression are often rooted in stress, environmental factors or emotional imbalance.

As a cat behaviourist UK, my approach focuses on:

  • Identifying emotional and environmental triggers

  • Understanding stress and resource dynamics

  • Creating practical, realistic behaviour plans

  • Supporting both cat and guardian throughout the process

Every consultation is tailored. No two cats — or households — are the same.

You can read more about the types of cases I handle on my Behaviour Consultations page


Published Author & Feline Educator

Alongside my consultation work as a cat behaviourist UK, I am the author of:

  • The Little Book of Extraordinary Cats

  • Let’s Talk About Cats

  • Claws: Confessions of a Cat Groomer

My writing promotes feline welfare and evidence-based understanding of behaviour.

You can explore my books here: Books & Media


International Cat Behaviourist UK Consultations

Although based in the UK, I provide international behaviour consultations via video.

Working globally has broadened my experience across varied home environments and multi-cat dynamics, while maintaining the same welfare-centred standards expected of a leading cat behaviourist UK.

Learn more on my International Consultations page


Working With Veterinary Practices

As an established cat behaviourist UK, I collaborate closely with veterinary practices.

Behaviour cases often require medical rule-out. I:

  • Accept vet referrals

  • Provide detailed written reports

  • Communicate clearly with veterinary teams

  • Refer back when medical investigation is required

More information is available on my VETS PAGE


Why Choose a Qualified Cat Behaviourist UK?

The title “behaviourist” is not legally protected in the UK. Choosing a properly qualified and accredited cat behaviourist UK ensures:

  • Evidence-based assessment

  • Ethical, welfare-centred methods

  • Professional accountability

  • Veterinary collaboration

You can read more about this on my guide to choosing a qualified cat behaviourist in the UK 


Book a Consultation

If you are seeking an experienced cat behaviourist UK to help resolve your cat’s behaviour concerns, I would be pleased to help.

You can find full details and BOOK HERE

 

 

Bosco Yeung - Vet surgeon. BVetMed(Hons), MRCVS, MPharm, MRPharmS, PGDipVCP
Royal Veterinary college

Anita is an amazing cat behaviourist, who is very passionate and professional. 

As a veterinary surgeon, I have issues with my own cat that I cannot solve. My cat is peeing on my sofa and bed. Anita was very friendly and helpful in arranging my appointment to fit in with my daily schedule and she kept great communications throughout the process. She also gave us some forms to complete about my cats and asked me for their medical histories before her home visit.

The moment Anita stepped into our flat, the cats were happy to see her.  As a veterinary professional, it was reassuring for me to see how well she handled my cats. She explained everything in detail during the consultation and her follow up report was very informative and extremely useful. Our cats loved her and her approach was flawless.

What I also enjoy about having Anita as our cat behaviourist is I can tell she really cares about my cat, Harry, and that she enjoys her work. She is happy to keep tracking how Harry is doing and suggesting adjustments along the way. Harry has been urinating on our sofa and after following her advice, we’ve had no accidents for 2 weeks now. We are so grateful for her tremendous help.

Thank you Anita