Modern life is a source of stress, as is well known. What is perhaps less well known is that cats also get stressed, albeit for different reasons than humans. But fear not: here comes the feline consultant. This profession has long existed in other countries, such as the United States, but has only recently begun to gain popularity in Italy. Maria Festa, an expert in feline ethology, tells us more about the wonderful world of this quietly fascinating companion and how to address potential behavioral issues. A native of Avellino, Maria is currently majoring in Animal Production Technologies, a program in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the Federico II University of Naples. Her interest in four-legged friends brings her to Perugia, where she completed a specialization course in feline consultant work, part of the Centro Miciolandia project.. Maria explains that some cats seem afraid of everything, while others are constantly nervous and won't let anyone approach them. These behaviors are a signal, a cry for help that should be heeded. And it's precisely in these cases that the consultant comes to our aid, identifying the root cause of the problem and suggesting possible solutions.
What are the unpleasant behaviors that cats display when they are not feeling well psychologically?
When your cat has problems living with other cats in the house, shows aggression toward people, or is fearful, these are all behaviors that shouldn't be underestimated. Some behavioral problems may be due to an illness, especially if they appear suddenly. This is why it's always best to consult a veterinarian first. A veterinarian is one of the many factors that play a fundamental role in your cat's health.
How important is play for our feline friend?
Play is essential for cats for many reasons: it activates their minds and improves their relationship with their human. There are many different types of play. They range from predatory, such as fishing rods for cats, to exploratory, such as stacking boxes, to cognitive, such as trying to find kibble from a box full of holes, to those that engage their motor skills, which encourage physical activity. The important thing is that the game has a beginning, a middle, and an end, when the cat shows that he's tired.
What are the general tips on how to best care for our cat?
A feline consultant doesn't just help those who have cats with specific issues. This type of consultation is also very useful for beginners, those who lack a wealth of experience and want help to avoid making mistakes in their care. For example, if you're dealing with issues related to inappropriate feeding or abnormal behaviors like scratching objects, you can find valuable support in professionals like us.
In addition to home visits, can the consultant also perform remote visits?
To get a realistic and accurate picture of the situation, the therapist usually visits the family at home. If this isn't possible, video consultations can be used, an alternative to in-person visits that has recently become popular among both animal therapists and human psychologists. The feline consultant needs to conduct observation before making a diagnosis. He or she then consults with the family members of the animal's household to determine what measures can be taken to help the cat overcome the difficulties that have caused the unwanted behavior. Seeking advice from this type of consultant is worth it, because a therapist is also, and above all, an outside observer, someone who views the situation from a neutral perspective. They may therefore notice things we may have missed, which can be of great help.
The feline consultant thus proves to be an indispensable resource for anyone dealing with the mysteries and challenges of the world of cats. With their help, it's possible to create harmonious environments and promote the well-being of our affectionate four-legged companions. Maria Festa teaches us that, contrary to what you might think, it's not enough to love a cat, but you have to love them in the right way, because each of them deserves to be happy.
