My Approach: A Science-Based Process for Changing Cat Behaviour

Every cat and home is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. I use what science tells us about how cats learn to work out why a behaviour is happening, then build a plan using positive reinforcement. You’re the one at home every day, so your participation is the most important part of the process. I offer in-home visits in Durham Region and virtual sessions across Canada.

Step 1: Initial Contact

We start with a brief email conversation about what’s been happening with your cat. I’ll ask a few questions and let you know whether a consultation is a good fit, including what I’ll need from you.

Step 2: Health Check

Pain and illness can cause or worsen behaviour problems, so I ask you to share your cat’s vet history and any recent exam results. If a medical cause is possible, I’ll recommend a vet visit before we go further.

Step 3: Understanding the Behaviour

We look closely at what’s happening: what comes before it, what it looks like, and what happens afterwards. We also look at your cat’s home, routine and household. You’ll help by noting when, where and how often it happens. From that, we work out our best understanding of why it’s happening.

Step 4: Your Customized Plan

You’ll receive a written plan with clear steps and goals, sent to you by email after your consultation. It usually includes rewarding the behaviours you want, changes to your cat’s space, and helping your cat get used to things slowly, at a pace they can handle.

Step 5: Putting the Plan into Practice at Home

This step is yours. Cats learn from what happens consistently, day after day, so how the plan is carried out matters as much as the plan itself. You’ll keep simple notes on how things are going, and we stay connected by email and shared notes.

Step 6: Review and Adjust

We look over your notes together and compare them to the goals. If something is working, we build on it. If it isn’t, we rethink the plan instead of pushing on with something that isn’t helping. As things improve, you’ll have the tools and understanding to keep supporting your cat with confidence.

Why Your Participation Matters

Behaviour change happens in the home where your cat lives, not during my visit or call. I can assess, plan and guide, but I can’t change your cat’s behaviour for you. Progress depends on consistent follow-through, and it’s usually gradual and different for every cat. I can’t promise specific outcomes, but I can give you a clear, science-based plan and support as you carry it out.

What I’ll Ask of You

Share your cat’s health and vet history
Observe and record the behaviour as we agreed
Carry out the plan consistently, with everyone in the household on the same page
Tell me what’s working and what isn’t, so we can adjust

Concerns I Help With

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