THE APWA-ICofA TEST
The APWA-ICofA test is conducted by an ethologist (behavioral biologist) specialized in cats and provides an objective, professional assessment of your cat’s innate personality.
The test consists of several components that, depending on how the cat reacts — or does not react — to specific environments, stimuli, or situations, reveal key personality traits such as (lack of) fearfulness, sociability, responsiveness to training, (lack of) aggression, boldness, activity level, and more.
WHY USE APWA-ICofA?
When is APWA-ICofA relevant?
Many behavioral traits can be subtle and difficult to detect. Even for experienced cat owners, it is not always easy to fully and objectively understand a cat’s behavior. This can affect the relationship, communication, the cat’s well-being, and may contribute to the development of problem behaviors.
By understanding your cat’s personality traits, you gain valuable insight into its motivations, the underlying causes of certain behaviors, and which environments or situations may be challenging. You also learn where your cat excels — and how to adapt daily routines to better support its comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
The many applications of APWA-ICofA:
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Screening cats for breeding — to select animals with stable and desirable temperaments.
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Understanding and managing problem behaviors — using personality insights to guide interventions.
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Improving quality of life — by adapting the cat’s daily routines to suit its needs and preferences.
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Strengthening communication and relationships — by gaining a deeper understanding of the cat’s behavior.
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Assessing suitability for work — such as therapy or emotional support roles.
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Supporting professionals — as a valuable tool for behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians.
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Providing documentation — of the cat’s personality traits and temperament.
Testing your cat
Although the test itself is similar to the APWA-ICofA Canine test, the APWA-ICofA Feline protocol differs in several important ways. Below, you will find information on how to apply for the test.
The cat must be at least 1 year old to be tested.
1. Submit your application form
Fill out the online form to request a APWA-ICofA Feline Test. ICofA will contact you within one week after receiving your submission.
2. Complete the questionnaire
You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire about the cat being tested. You will also receive information about the available service formats (see pricing below):
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Self-administered test: You organize, prepare, and conduct the test yourself using the official APWA-ICofA protocol.
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Online evaluator support: You receive remote guidance from a certified APWA-ICofA Feline Evaluator to help organize and prepare the test.
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In-person evaluator support: You receive on-site assistance from a certified APWA-ICofA Feline Evaluator. The evaluation can take place at the Evaluator’s location, or you can hire the Evaluator to travel to a location of your choice (the location must be unfamiliar to the cat)
Please note that at the moment, there are several certified APWA-ICofA Feline Evaluators worldwide: 1 in Switzerland, 1 in Norway, 2 in the Netherlands, and 1 in Japan.
3. Complete the payment. Finalize the payment for the APWA-ICofA test and the selected service format.
4. Receive the protocol. You will receive the official APWA-ICofA Feline Protocol, which explains step by step how to carry out the test and what equipment and materials you will need.
Make sure you have:
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A cat crate familiar to the cat
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The cat’s favorite treats
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The cat’s favorite toys
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A litter box with the cat’s usual litter
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A box that is unfamiliar to the cat
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A camera or smartphone to record the test
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One unfamiliar room for the cat (for example, a colleague’s office or a friend’s house; minimum 15 m²)
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Two unfamiliar people (for the cat) to help you conduct the test
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5. Submit your test
Follow the instructions in the protocol for submitting your completed test and recordings.
5. Submit your test. Follow the instructions in the protocol for submitting your completed test and recordings.
PRICES
Self-administered test
- 175 Euro
- 85 Euro (Low Income Countries)
** + 30 Euro per video submission that do not match the criteria
Online-supported test
- 205 Euro
- 90 Euro (Low Income Countries)
Test with in-person support
- 205 Euro +Evaluator travellng costs
- 100 Euro (Low Income Countries) + Evaluator traveling costs