About
The PAWS Approach
Understanding should feel like a conversation.
The person behind The PAWS Approach is Leigh, a lifelong animal observer, educator and cat behaviour consultant who believes cats make more sense when we take the time to see the whole picture.
Keeping knowledge moving
Education & professional development
I’ll keep this page updated as new events land on my calendar.
Good cat behaviour work never stands still, and neither do I. I keep my skills up to date with welfare-based methods, continuing to pursue education and knowledge to better assist my clients and their cats.
Upcoming on my calendar
Pet Professional Guild Australia's annual gathering of trainers and behaviour consultants. I’m particularly keen on the talks about agency, giving animals real choice to ease anxiety and fear, and predation substitute training, which gives that hardwired hunting drive a healthy outlet (your sofa will thank me).
Online Cat Behaviour Conference
An international lineup of feline behaviourists and vets. The talks I’m most looking forward to cover chronic pain and how it can masquerade as “bad” behaviour, why cats stop using the litter tray, stress and cystitis, and making medicating your cat less stressful, basically all the things that end up on my consultation couch.
A lifetime of learning to read animals.
Growing up around dogs and horses on regional NSW hobby farms, Leigh developed an instinct for noticing what animals were saying long before behaviour became her profession. Cats became the particular fascination, and eventually, the calling.
She is continuing her studies toward a Diploma in Cat Behaviour and has volunteered with shelters and rescues, working with cats of many temperaments and histories. That hands-on experience matters when a cat is not yet sure they trust you.
Her background in education shapes the way she shares information, clear, useful and made for the person receiving it. The best plan in the world only helps when it can actually land in daily life.
How I work
Empathy.
Respect.
Excellence.
Empathy
Your frustration and your love for your cat can both be true. There is room for both here.
Respect
Every cat and household is different. Fear-free support means choice, patience and no punishment.
Excellence
Knowledge should stay current. Advice is based on research and honest about where a vet should lead.
A small household case study
Kai and Apollo taught me that progress is rarely a straight line.
One shy, one spirited. With enrichment, choice and ongoing attention to the home dynamic, they became genuine companions. That is the kind of quiet, meaningful progress Leigh loves to track.
If you want to see more of Apollo and Kai, their personal instagram can be found here: PawsandReflection
