Frequently Asked Questions
A little more clarity, a little less worry.
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Whether you're trying to understand a new behaviour, looking for practical ways to improve your cat's life or wondering whether you need individual support, it's natural to have questions. Here are some answers to help you decide what feels right for you and your cat.
What is The PAWS Approach?
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The PAWS Approach is a cat behaviour education and consulting service supporting guardians in Canberra, Queanbeyan and online across Australia. We look at behaviour as communication and consider the whole picture: your cat's body language, environment, routines, relationships and welfare. Our framework uses four foundations — Predictability, Agency, Welfare and Security — to help identify practical changes that support your cat's needs and improve everyday life together.
Is this for me if my cat doesn't have a behaviour problem?
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Absolutely. You don't need to wait until something goes wrong to learn more about your cat. Understanding body language, providing suitable enrichment and preparing for handling, grooming or veterinary visits can help you support your cat's welfare before challenges develop. The PAWS Membership is designed to help you build this knowledge and put it into practice over time.
Should I join the membership or book a one-to-one consultation?
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It depends on what you're looking for. The PAWS Membership is a good starting point if you'd like to learn at your own pace, understand feline behaviour and build everyday care skills. It includes short audio and video lessons, practical actions, cooperative care mini-courses and a moderated community. A one-to-one consultation is more suitable when you need help understanding a particular behaviour or want a plan tailored to your cat and household. This may include litter tray concerns, changes in interactions between cats, handling difficulties or other persistent challenges. Some guardians may benefit from both. If you're unsure, start with a free 15-minute discovery call and we'll discuss the options.
Why pay for support when there is so much free advice online?
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Free resources can be a useful starting point, and there is plenty worth learning from. The challenge is knowing which advice applies to your cat, which suggestions may conflict, and what to do when a general tip doesn't help. Individual consulting brings the details of your cat and household together into a tailored assessment and practical plan. Membership provides a more structured way to learn, with one action at a time rather than another overwhelming list of things to try. The aim isn't to replace your own judgement. It's to help you make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Are your methods humane and research-informed?
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Yes. The PAWS Approach draws on current feline behaviour research and uses positive, force-free methods. We focus on understanding the reasons behind behaviour, adjusting the environment where appropriate, reinforcing desirable behaviours and allowing cats meaningful choice. We do not use punishment or intimidation as behaviour-change methods. Every cat is an individual, and no single strategy works for every situation. Recommendations are adapted to the cat, the household and the information available.
Will I be judged for what I've tried already?
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No. When a cat's behaviour becomes difficult to understand, it's common to try advice from friends, websites, videos or social media. Some suggestions may help; others may not suit your cat. You can be honest about what has happened and what you've tried. That information helps us understand the situation. My role is to listen, ask questions and work with you towards a more suitable way forward — not to make you feel guilty.
What if I've tried everything and nothing has worked?
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First, take a breath. Feeling exhausted or discouraged doesn't mean you've failed your cat. Sometimes the missing piece is a factor that hasn't yet been considered, such as access to resources, the layout of the home, interactions between animals, a change in routine or an underlying medical issue. A tailored assessment can help organise the information, identify what needs investigating and prioritise practical next steps. Depending on the situation, veterinary assessment or other specialist support may also be needed. We can't promise a particular outcome, but we can work towards a clearer understanding and a plan suited to your circumstances.
What if my cat's behaviour has suddenly changed?
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A sudden or significant change in behaviour can be a sign of pain, illness or another medical concern. Please contact your veterinarian promptly when you notice a new or concerning change, particularly changes in eating, drinking, toileting, movement, grooming or usual social behaviour. Some urinary symptoms, especially difficulty passing urine, require emergency veterinary attention. Behaviour support is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Where appropriate, behavioural and veterinary support can work alongside each other.
What happens during a one-to-one consultation?
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The process starts with a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your concerns and whether consulting is an appropriate next step. If we proceed, you'll receive a service agreement and an intake questionnaire so I can learn about your cat's history and household before our session. The live consultation lasts approximately 90 minutes and can take place in person in the Canberra and Queanbeyan area or online. We'll discuss your cat's behaviour, body language, environment and routines. Afterwards, you'll receive a written plan with practical steps tailored to your situation. Veterinary liaison can be included when appropriate, and follow-up sessions are available for ongoing support.
Do I need to prepare anything? You don't need to arrive with all the answers. The intake questionnaire helps gather relevant history before the consultation. Where useful and safe, photos or videos can also help illustrate your cat's behaviour and environment. Simply sharing what you've noticed, when it happens and what has changed is a helpful starting point
How much time does the membership take?
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The membership is designed around short audio and video lessons, each ending with one practical action. The intention is to make learning manageable and help you apply it in everyday life, rather than give you another long list of tasks. The time needed will depend on the lesson and your circumstances. You can work through the material at a pace that suits you and your cat.
What is the free discovery call, and am I committing to anything?
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The discovery call is a free, 15-minute conversation about what's happening with your cat and what you'd like to change. It helps us determine whether behaviour consulting is a suitable next step, whether a veterinary check should come first, or whether another option may better meet your needs. There is no obligation to book a paid service. You are welcome to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Do you offer online consultations outside Canberra and Queanbeyan?
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Yes. One-to-one consultations are available online across Australia. Online sessions allow us to discuss your cat's behaviour, routines and environment, with supporting photos or videos where useful. In-person support is available in the Canberra and Queanbeyan area.
Can I use the membership and consulting together?
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Yes, where it suits your needs. Membership can help you build general knowledge and everyday skills, while individual consulting focuses on your cat's specific circumstances. The best combination depends on the behaviour concern, your goals and the type of support you need.
Still not sure where to start?
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You don't have to work it all out on your own. Book a free 15-minute discovery call, tell me a little about your cat and we'll work out the most appropriate next step together. Understanding your cat is a process, not a test you have to pass.