Nick Cave graduated from Massey University (NZ) in 1990 with a BVSc, and worked in general practice for 6 years until 1997, when he returned to Massey for a residency in small animal internal medicine, and attained membership in the Australasian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination. He graduated with a Masters in Veterinary Science in 2000, entitled "The nutritional management of food hypersensitivity in dogs and cats: an assessment of a protein hydrolysate". In 2004 he moved to the University of California, Davis, where he attained a PhD in nutrition and immunology, with his thesis entitled "The role of estrogen in controlling food intake, and the efficacy and immunological effects of genistein as a surrogate estrogen, in cats following gonadectomy." At the same time, he completed a residency in small animal clinical nutrition, and became a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Nutrition by examination in 2004. In late 2005, he returned to Massey University as senior lecturer in small animal medicine and nutrition. He has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, is on the editorial board for the Veterinary Quarterly and Veterinary Education International, and has authored chapters in several international veterinary textbooks. He is a founding member of the WSAVA Nutritional Guidelines Committee.