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Feline Training
Learn the science of modifying feline behavior — from stopping problem behaviors like furniture scratching and litter box avoidance to teaching new behaviors, such as leash walking.
Train for a Career Working with Cats
Why Students Choose Us
All of our courses are 100% online
Complete your classes from anywhere through our interactive programs, designed to fit around work, school, or other commitments.
Small classes taught by professionals
Courses are limited to small class sizes so you can learn directly from instructors with real-world experience in feline training, behavior consulting, and shelter work.
Field experience with real animals
Apply what you learn by completing a hands-on field experience at a shelter, veterinary practice, or cat-related organization in your area.
Request Additional Program Information
Tell us where to send your program brochure, and we’ll email you the full details including courses, career paths, and how to get started.
Is This Program Right for You?
This Program May Be a Good Fit If You:
- Want to work professionally with cats as a trainer or behavioral consultant
- Are passionate about resolving feline behavior problems and keeping cats in their homes
- Are considering starting your own feline training business
- Want structured training from professionals already working in the field
Many of our students are:
- Cat owners and enthusiasts
- Animal trainers
- Shelter and rescue volunteers
- Veterinary and animal care professionals
- Career changers
Inside our Feline Training Programs
Working with cats professionally requires far more than a love of felines, it takes a deep understanding of behavior, communication, and training science. ABI's Feline Training Programs are the only accredited, online programs dedicated specifically to feline behavior and training. Students learn to develop detailed treatment programs and resolve complex behavioral challenges.
Behavior & Enrichment
Study how cats think, communicate, and interact with their environment. Students learn to read feline body language and design enrichment strategies that reduce stress and promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Feline Health & Nutrition
Understand the fundamentals of feline care, including diet planning, preventative health practices, and recognizing common ailments and their symptoms.
Advanced Feline Training
Go beyond the essentials by applying advanced principles of behavioral science to develop detailed treatment programs and resolve complex behavioral challenges in a variety of settings.
Hands-On Learning Through Field Experience
In addition to online coursework, students complete 40 hours of hands-on field experience as an employee, intern, or volunteer at an approved facility of their choice — such as a shelter, veterinary practice, or rescue organization. This allows students to apply what they've learned while gaining valuable real-world experience working with cats.
Learn From Experienced Professionals
All courses are taught by instructors with professional experience in fields such as:
- Feline training and behavior consulting
- Shelter behavior programs and feral cat socialization
- Veterinary and animal care
- Behavioral enrichment
- Professional animal training
Their real-world insights help students understand both the science behind feline behavior and the practical realities of working with cats professionally.
Flexible Online Learning Designed for Animal Careers
- Structured 10-week courses
- Fully online classroom environment
- Small class sizes (maximum of 12 students)
- Accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education & Training
- Field experience completed with a local organization of your choice
Students from across the U.S. and internationally complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments.
Professional Cat Trainer
Cat trainers work with owners to stop problem behaviors — such as scratching furniture or litter box avoidance — and to teach new behaviors like leash walking. Skilled feline trainers can save countless lives, since cats surrendered to shelters are often abandoned for behaviors a competent trainer could have resolved.
Feline Behavioral Consultant
Behavioral consultants assess feline behavior problems and develop detailed treatment plans for owners, shelters, and other organizations. Their responsibilities may include in-home consultations, writing behavioral modification plans, and coaching owners on effective, humane techniques. Many consultants build their own independent businesses.
Animal Shelter Worker
Shelter professionals support the care, socialization, and adoption of cats in shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries. Their responsibilities may include behavioral assessments, enrichment programs, socializing under-socialized or feral cats, and helping cats become more adoptable — directly reducing surrender and euthanasia rates.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians with feline behavior training support cat health and wellbeing in clinical settings. Their responsibilities may include low-stress handling, client education on behavior concerns, and assisting veterinarians with the care of feline patients.
Building Experience for Competitive Careers
Careers working with cats are rewarding and employment in animal care and service is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Opportunities in training have never been greater, but they require a foundation built on professional education & experience.
ABI's program is designed to help students build that foundation by combining structured academic training with practical field experience. Upon graduating, students may begin using the designation Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist (CFTBS) or Certified Advanced Feline Training Professional (CAFPT), depending on their program. This credential sets you apart whether you're seeking a new position or launching your own training business.
Meet Jennifer Van De Kieft
Advanced Feline Training, Feline Training & Behavior
After 20 years running a large opioid treatment program, Jennifer retired and pursued a lifelong dream: working with cats. After earning her Feline Training & Behavior certificate from ABI, she returned for her Advanced Feline Training certificate, and launched Cat Advocate — a feline behavior consulting business in Brooklyn, NY.
Today, Jennifer helps cat owners resolve issues like litter box problems, aggression, and fearfulness, meeting with clients virtually across the country. "ABI gave me the tools I needed to change my career path to working with cats. I felt confident to start my own feline behavior consulting business after I graduated."
Take the First Step Toward a Career in Feline Training!
Tell us about your goals and we'll help you determine if the Advanced Feline Training Program at Animal Behavior Institute is the right fit for you.
