What to expect after purchasing an initial cat behavior consultation

Cat sitting at laptop — what to expect after booking a My Family Cat behavior consult

Step 1: Welcome Email

You’ll receive a welcome email with next steps 1-2 business days after your purchase (M-F, excluding holidays).

This email will include everything you need to get started, including links to the forms you’ll complete in step 2.

If you don’t see it:

  • Please check your spam folder

  • Reach out if it hasn’t arrived — we’re happy to resend it!

To learn more about our Austin-based, feline-only behavior practice, visit our About page.

Illustrated cat with diary — completing intake forms for cat behavior consult Austin TX

Step 2: Submit Forms

To provide the most thorough and personalized consultation possible, we require:

  • One New Client Form

  • One Behavior History Form per cat

Each behavior form takes about 30–40 minutes per cat to complete. The more we understand about your cat’s medical history, environment, routines, and behavior, the more precise and helpful your plan will be.

📌 Consults are scheduled once all forms are received.

Senior orange cat resting at home — My Family Cat behavior consultation Austin TX

Step 3: Share Media

If the behavior occurs naturally, please send:

  • Photos

  • 2 short videos (up to 1 min each)

Videos may provide valuable insight into body language, subtle environmental triggers, and behavior that may not be easy to describe. This step is optional as you’ll be asked to describe the behavior of concern in your cat’s history form.

⚠️ For safety and ethical reasons, do not attempt to trigger the behavior to capture footage.

Cats fighting — reason for cat behavior consultation in Austin TX

Step 4: Preparing Your Home

To help your cat feel as comfortable as possible:

  • Have their favorite treats available

  • Consider playing soft classical music

  • Keep the household calm and quiet during the visit

  • If previously prescribed calming medications or supplements for brick-and-mortar vet visits, give them as directed in advance

We use a low-stress, feline friendly approach to help make the visit as calm as possible for everyone involved.

Cat behavior consultation in Austin TX home with Dr. Julie Liu

Step 5: It’s Consultation Day!

Our cat behavior consultations are comprehensive and typically last 2–3 hours depending on the service.

During the visit, we will:

  • Walk through your home to assess your cat’s environment

  • Observe your cat’s body language and interactions

  • Perform a gentle physical exam to evaluate for potential underlying medical contributors. If your cat is too scared to be safely handled, we’ll prioritize their emotional wellbeing and discuss alternative next steps.

  • Discuss initial impressions and preliminary recommendations

There will be ample time to address your questions and concerns. For all housecalls, a travel fee based on distance will be due at the time of the consultation.

Mobile vet for cats in Austin TX during housecall visit

Step 6: Your Comprehensive Medical and Behavioral Plan

Within 5–7 days, you’ll receive a detailed written medical and behavioral plan. We’ll also share it with your primary vet to coordinate care and ensure everyone is aligned on your cat’s needs.

Your customized plan will include:

  • Recommended medical diagnostics or treatments

  • Environmental management strategies to prevent the unwanted behavior

  • Positive reinforcement-based training and behavior modification for your cat

  • Environmental modifications to support your cat’s emotional and physical wellbeing

  • Enrichment strategies to engage your cat

  • Thoughtful discussion of medications, supplements, or prescription diets (when appropriate)

We do not recommend medication for every cat. When it is considered, we approach the decision collaboratively and respectfully. Our goal is to create a plan that works for both you and your cat.

Relaxed cat at home after behavior consultation with My Family Cat Austin

Step 7: Follow Up and Ongoing Support

Many cats show significant improvement after the initial consultation, and some cases may resolve fully with a single visit. However, behavior change often unfolds over time, and new questions or challenges can arise as your cat adjusts to the plan.

For this reason, we recommend a virtual recheck 6–8 weeks after your initial consultation. Rechecks are an important part of the behavior plan and help us:

  • Review your cat’s progress

  • Fine-tune management or training strategies

  • Adjust enrichment or environmental modifications

  • Monitor response to any medications, supplements, or prescription diets, and calibrate medication dosing as needed

  • Address new or evolving concerns before they become setbacks

Scheduling your recheck before the end of your email support period ensures a clear next step and maximizes the likelihood of lasting success.

Behavior change is a marathon, not a sprint — and we’re here to guide you and your cat every step of the way.