Dealing with complex cat behavior challenges can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. I understand the difficulties you may encounter when addressing issues like unwanted elimination, inter-cat aggression, human-cat aggression, socialization, and more. As a compassionate and experienced cat behavior consultant, I’m here to provide you with support through my Multi-Session Packages. These comprehensive solutions go beyond quick fixes, allowing us to delve deep into your cat’s behavior and create lasting transformations. With multiple check-ins and personalized strategies, we’ll work together to foster a harmonious environment and strengthen the bond between you and your beloved feline companion. Embrace the opportunity for positive change and embark on a transformative journey with your cat today.
My behavior packages include:
- Virtual meet & greet
- Virtual home visit
- Data collection
- Virtual check-ins
- Email support between check-ins
- Behavior plan summary for you and your vet
- Invitation to my virtual Client Catch-Up group (in exchange for a positive review)
Package Details
I offer a research-based approach to cat behavior modification and training. This includes positive reinforcement and an adherence to the principles of LIMA (least intrusive minimal aversive) behavior strategies.
As a condition of hiring me, you must understand that this is a team effort that includes you, me, and your vet.
- You and I will follow an individualized plan to change your cat’s behavior.
- You will be actively in implementing the steps outlined, submitting photos and/or videos, and discussing on your progress.
- Your vet will be consulted for their medical expertise and appraised of our work.
Pre-Consult
After I receive your questionnaire, I will follow-up with a 30-minute call during which we will overview your current situation, possibly visit with your cats on screen, and overview my services and prices.
All adults are encouraged to attend the Initial Consult and all family members must attend at least one check-in session. Complex behaviors take a team to change.
If we are a good fit, I will send a Consent To Treat and an invoice for my initial feedback. We will also schedule a regular time to meet.
Virtual Home Visit
Unless otherwise agreed upon, a home visit will be virtual, and you will be asked to send me a video tour of your home. I will use the footage to analyze your home from your cat’s perspective and provide you with feedback on changes you should make to better accommodate your cat’s environmental needs.
An in-person visit is an option only for the Lincoln, Nebraska, and nearby surrounding areas. If we agree that an in-person visit is warranted, plan on allowing one to two hours for the visit. You will be charged for driving time and visit duration.
Online Data Collection
To resolve your cat’s misbehavior, we will need to problem solve. If warranted, I will ask you to collect data using an online spreadsheet for one to two weeks. In the spreadsheet, you’ll note what precedes your cat’s problem behavior, who was nearby, when and where the behavior happened, and what happened after your cat’s problem behavior. I will use this to determine a baseline and potential patterns for your cat’s behavior, and to provide you with feedback on changes you should make to better accommodate your cat’s needs. I may ask you to repeat this data collection prior to subsequent check-ins.
Behavior Plan
To develop a behavior plan I will look at distant and current antecedents, motivating operations, interventions tried, possible reinforcers, medical and physiological factors, antecedent changes, consequence changes, and maintenance of new behavior. I will also create a series of implementation steps and decide what info and training is needed for these to be successful, all of which will form the basis of our check-ins. We will discuss the plan after your home tour and data collection have been submitted.
Virtual Check-Ins
Prior to each check-in, I will send you information that will help you understand your cat’s behaviors and activities for working with your cat. You will be expected to complete assigned readings and activities before we meet. You will also be required to send me progress videos or demonstrate progress during our call. We will discuss questions, concerns, and progress when we meet. At the end of each check-in, we will schedule the next call and payment will be due within 24 hours. Follow-ups are expected to be scheduled within a month. Email support is provided between check-ins or for a maximum of four weeks. Rates cover prep time, visit time, and follow-up time.
Assigned Activities
At the end of each check-in, we will decide together on activities for you to do between meetings. Activities for check-ins will be due one week prior to check-in. We will only meet if you have read the information I sent and completed the activities assigned. No matter the frequency that we meet, data and updates will be due weekly so that your cats can continue to progress.
Exit Survey
This survey will provide you with the chance to provide feedback on my service to you. I will also send a summary of your cat’s behavior plan to you and your vet, along with AHC swag,
Support Options
Caring for a cat can be similar to parenting a child, in that you might continue to look for new ways to improve your cat’s behavior. You will also be asked to leave a review on Google. A positive review will earn you the option of joining my virtual Client Catch-Up Group Calls, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions relevant to your original case; new cases will require a new consultation package.
FAQ
“Why should I hire you?“
As a certified behavior cat consultant and trainer, I work exclusively with cats, providing expert guidance for various behavior challenges. My multi-session packages go beyond behavior plans, featuring multiple check-ins and collaboration with other cat behavior consultants to guarantee lasting results. If you’re dealing with smaller behavior issues or seeking training support, my one-hour calls are tailored to address your specific needs. Partner with me to nurture essential skills, strengthen bonds, and create a more fulfilling life with your feline companion.
“Do you guarantee your services?“
My consultations use research-based methods, but the success of a case depends on numerous factors, and sometimes a home will not be the right fit for the cat. I do guarantee that after we’re finished working together, you’ll have a better understanding of your cat’s behavior and we’ll have reached a resolution.
“Why do I have to fill out a Questionnaire?“
Just like doctors and veterinarians will ask you to fill out a questionnaire before they will see you, I also need information about your cat before I can proceed. The Questionnaire will provide me with a more complete picture by asking about your cat’s background, personality, environment, behavior history, enrichment, and more.
“What if I hire you and then change my mind?“
Before you commit to package, we will meet virtually to discuss your package and service. You will only be invoiced if we both decide we’re the right fit for each other. I reserve the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
“Do you ever dismiss a client?“
- If you repeatedly arrive unprepared or miss check-ins, we will need to discuss conditions under which I will continue your case. Cat behavior issues take time to develop and time to change. If you’re unable to invest the time it’ll be impossible for me to help your cat.
- My consultations are based on LIMA (Least Invasive Minimal Aversive) methods. You must agree to not use punishment.
“Why do you need to do a home visit?“
A home visit allows me to see where you cat lives and provides me with important information about your cat’s safe areas, escape routes, and resources.
“Why do you only offer packages for major issues?“
Chances are that before you contact me, you’ll have already searched the internet for articles and videos about your cat’s behavior. You’ll probably already have tried some interventions that didn’t resolve your cat’s behavior. You need an expert to advise you on what you’re doing right, what you’re doing wrong, and how to best proceed. Packages allow me to provide you with ongoing one-on-one in-depth guided support.
“What if I can’t afford your packages?“
Ask me about my installment plan. If you adopted your cat from the Capital Humane Society, please ask them about their cat behavior voucher.
I offer a variety of free educational resources in the form of newsletter, articles, graphics, and videos. Check them out on my Resources page.
Check my Upcoming Events page to see if I am currently offering any free classes or workshops.
“What do packages include?“
A package includes a virtual home visit, data collection and assessment, one virtual follow-up call, and the option for additional check-ins.
“What does a check-in include?“
You’ll receive information about cat behavior tailored to your situation and be assigned activities to do that fit your situation.
- If you need help with your cat going outside the litter box, we’ll collect data to determine the reasons and then try solutions tailored to fit that data.
- If you need help with reintroducing your cats, we’ll talk about how to identify body language, reinforcers, and triggers, and then complete activities intended to help your cats to gradually accept one another.
“How long is each check-in?“
Each check-in is an average of thirty minutes. You’ll also be expected to complete assigned readings and activities between check-ins.
“How frequent are check-ins?“
Check-ins are typically once a month.
“Do I need to take notes?“
You can, but I will send you a PDF and/or email summary after each check-in.
“What if I need to cancel a check-in?“
Contact me as soon as possible to reschedule your check-in. If you simply don’t show, you forfeit the check-in. I reserve the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
“Will there be homework?“
Yes, there will be assigned readings and activities. You’ll need to complete these prior to subsequent check-ins so that I can best determine what new info to share. You’ll only make progress if you adhere to your cat’s behavior plan!
“Can I email you between check-ins?“
Absolutely! In fact, I expect you to. Please send me updates, photos, videos, and questions. This info will help me to better prepare for our check-ins. If your questions are timely, I’ll do my best to answer prior to our next scheduled check-in.
“What if at the end of the package, I’d like more support?“
You will have these options:
- Free Educational Resources: I offer a variety of free educational resources in the form of newsletter, articles, graphics, and videos. Check them out on my Resources page.
- Free Classes: Check my Upcoming Events page to see if I am currently offering any free classes.
- Other Paid Services: I offer multi-session packages. Check them out on my Services page.
- Virtual Client Group Catch-Up: Offers opportunity to chat with other clients and to ask questions for issues not covered in consultations. Group calls will only address issues relevant to your original case; new cases will require a new consultation package. This service is only available to clients who have reviewed Allison Helps Cats on Google.
Allison Helps Cats: Certified Cat Behavior Consultant & Trainer 