About me
Mad about animals
I was brought up in a house full of animals and have always had a passion for cats. I started learning about feline behaviour at the tender age of ten years and began formally studying the subject in 2012 after setting up my own pet sitting business the year before. I achieved my goal of becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in cats in 2022 after gaining lots of knowledge and experience in the years in-between. I have a natural aptitude for reading the energy and body language of animals and, along with my scientific knowledge and experience, I teach clients how to better understand their feline companions for a happier and more relaxed life together. I have also published three books and keep my behaviour knowledge up to date so I can provide the best possible service for my clients, both human and feline.
My credentials
Qualifications
Advanced Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour Level 6 (Compass Education and Training)
Advanced Diploma in Feline Behaviour Management Level 5 (Compass Education and Training)
Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management Level 5 (Compass Education and Training)
Advanced Certificate in Feline Fear, Anxiety & Aggression (Pet Education & Training)
‘The Science of Feline Introductions’ by Patience Fisher (IAABC Education course)
Reiki Master Teacher (Level III) and Animal Reiki Practitioner
Holistic Therapies Diploma
Animal Communication Diploma
Memberships
Clinical Animal Behaviourist Full Member with APBC (Assoc. of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)
Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council)
Full Member of International Feline Behaviourists
Associate Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant with the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)
Insured by Brooks Braithwaite
Frequently Asked Questions
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Veterinary referral is necessary to rule out medical problems that may be causing or contributing to the behavioural issue(s). It is needed for each cat involved in the behaviour problem and the vet may require them to have a check-up beforehand. I provide clients with a form for their cat’s vet to fill in and return to me or they can send the cat’s medical history but the form is preferred. I then get in touch with the vet if there are any queries. I am required to obtain veterinary referral from each client prior to providing personalised behavioural advice, so it is a step that cannot be skipped.
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A consultation costs £295 in-person within 15 miles of Swadlincote, Derbyshire or remotely in the UK and includes six weeks of support. I also offer a one-off remote meeting for preventative advice or minor cat behaviour concerns that don’t require veterinary referral, the price of which varies depending on what is required.
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You should be able to claim my consultation fees back but I recommend contacting your pet insurance provider before booking a consultation to ensure you have the right cover and for how much. Some policies only cover the consultation and not further support, so may wish to purchase one or two extra months of support in advance as a package. I can provide an invoice confirming that you’ve paid and any other information they require if they request this.
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I ask for full payment in advance via online banking prior to a meeting being booked, including clients with pet insurance who should be able to claim back my fee.
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If you need further support after the initial support period has expired, this is available at £75 per month. Support is provided via WhatsApp or email and usually involves clients sending me messages, photographs and videos of their progress for me to assess and advise on the next steps. Support is available from Monday morning to Friday midday for up to a total of three hours per month.
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I offer in-person consultations within 15 miles of Swadlincote, Derbyshire and provide a remote option for clients in the UK outside of this radius.
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A remote consultation is the same as an in-person one except we meet online, usually via WhatsApp video call or Google Meet, which can work just as well as meeting at your home.
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Sadly, not every situation works out and I ask clients if they have an option to rehome one of their cats if they need to. This mostly applies to situations in which there is a great deal of stress in a multi-cat household and the welfare of the cats has to be paramount. Whilst this can be heartbreaking for the humans, it can sometimes be the only way to ensure one or more of the cats has the best possible quality of life.
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There are no guarantees that the problem(s) will be completely resolved but by working with me, there should at least be a noticeable improvement and the situation should become more manageable. It takes a great deal of time, consistency and commitment on the part of my clients to work towards a resolution and making the most of the support I offer plays a big part in keeping everything on the right track towards success.
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Please click here to get started by filling in my contact form. This will give me the information I need to let you know how I should be able to help you resolve the cat behaviour problems in your household. I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you.
Areas covered
My in-person consultations are available in South Derbyshire, Burton-on-Trent, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Derby South, East Staffordshire and anywhere else within 15 miles of Swadlincote, Derbyshire. My remote consultations are offered to clients anywhere in the UK and can be just as effective as working in-person. Please get in touch to find out more.
What my clients say…
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![Three cats sat near each other]()
Primrose, Teddy and Minnie
We reached out to Sally in a bit of a desperate situation. We had tried to introduce a kitten to our older cat who is normally very gentle and calm but she just did not respond well. To make matters worse, we were also due to introduce another kitten to the mix. Sally was helpful, informative and caring throughout the entire process. She gave us clear steps to follow and was on hand for us to give her regular updates. We are so pleased that all 3 cats are now living together. Thank you Sally. Google review
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![Black cat in a cat bed]()
Speedo, Tamworth
Sally visited us to help resolve several issues we had with our cats. Her consultation, understanding, advice and subsequent discussion were all really, really helpful in making things so much better in our two cat, one dog household. She is approachable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend. Google review
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![Two cats on a sofa]()
Teddy & Dibley, Tamworth
Sally is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She really does care about the cats she works with and it feels as though she has been as invested as us! Our eldest cat was extremely upset by the thought of our younger cat being in the house let alone anywhere near her. With Sally's help, they can tolerate one another now and they were even asleep together on the sofa, in close proximity to one another. We are very grateful for Sally's time, patience and support and we would recommend her to anyone who is having issues with their cats! Google review
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![Cat on a bed]()
Izzy, Coventry
I just want to thank you so much, since your help Izzy has become much more settled and as you can see from the photo the bed that was Izzy’s toilet has been made back into a bed which she sleeps on in the mornings now. I've managed to clean the carpet and redecorated and got a new mattress and bedding, we did it all a bit at a time over a month and a half so as not to stress Izzy too much. Thank you so so much (via email)
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![Sphynx cat in bed]()
Houston, South Derbyshire
I have a rescued Sphynx aged 4 years in November 2022 and will have had her 1 year in December 2022. She had a toileting issue and with Sallys help we have almost resolved this . She was very neglected and her background unknown but is turning into a lovely little girl. Sally is very patient and knowledgeable and is on hand to help. Google review
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![Two cats sitting near each other]()
Meredith and Willow, West Mids
Sally got us out of a hole we’d dug for ourselves, bringing a kitten into the house with an older resident female, and when things seemed unbearable, a few encouraging words proved invaluable. We now have two lovely cats, two years later, living mostly harmoniously together. Facebook review
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![Two cats asleep on bed together]()
Fleap and Fluffy, Derby
Sally came out to advise and help with one of our cats who was aggressive towards the one. Some solutions which we wouldn't have thought about almost immediately had results and the aggression decreased within a few days. Sally was really helpful and knowledgable and helped us to understand the situation as well as manage and improve the situation. I recommend anyone who needs help with their cats to contact Sally. Google review
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![Two cats on bed together]()
Shaka and Bini, Norfolk
We first approached Sally in March this year after one of our cats started to urinate inside. Sally conducted a thorough review of the situation, through a questionaire and videos, followed by a video 1:1 call. Sally then provided an in depth report with analyse of the issue and lots of suggestions to help with the problem, including contacting our vet to recommend a treatment. I was able to contact her during the following few months and she always responded quickly. I am so pleased to report it has now been months since he last sprayed inside. Would definitely recommend Sally for any cat behavioural issues. Facebook review
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![Two fluffy white cats on a rug]()
Mini and Boggle, Leicester
I contacted Sally after my two cats had a fight. my cats had lived together for eight years conflict free. Sally came and conducted a home visit, meeting the cats and assessing the house for the process to follow. she created a thorough report for me, which detailed the issue and a detailed plan for reintroducing the cats. Sally provided ongoing to support to me over a period of eight months, the time it took for harmony to return. Sally is kind, generous with her time and incredibly supportive. Thank you Sally for everything you have done for us. Facebook review
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![Two cats on sofa]()
Belle and Biscuit, Burton-on-Trent
We asked Sally to help us after we had some aggressive behaviour between our two cats. She engaged with us amazingly from the start, absorbing a lot of information (through e-mail, WhatsApp and a home visit, being local) and sharing it in a comprehensive report which then gave us recommendations and actions to get our kitties back on track. Sally was always friendly but super professional, always showed her knowledge, care and concern for our cats and provided lots of resources and support while we were working with her. Our cats have now reconciled - it took a long time and we did not have Sally with us for the whole period but she was super-gracious and never pressured us. When you use Sally, she will provide the insights and resources but you must work with her as a team...and it was a pleasure having her on our team. Google review
What I can offer my clients
As a force-free behaviourist, I work hard to offer the best possible service to my human and feline clients. This means ensuring that I am up to date and educated in the latest feline behaviour research and behaviour modification techniques and take a caring and non-judgmental approach to my work. Here are just a few of the things I do to achieve this:
Work via veterinary referral to rule out medical problems or ensure that treatment is being given for known conditions.
Listen to my clients and provide them with safe and appropriate advice regarding their cat behaviour concerns.
Support my clients in implementing my suggestions to help build their confidence and enjoy working with their cats.
Explain and demonstrate training and behaviour modification techniques that are force-free, which means NO force, fear, intimidation, coercion or punishment such as spray bottles, electric shock or spiky mats, hissing or shouting, scruffing a cat’s neck or telling them ‘No!’.
Provide a holistic service that takes into account all aspects of my clients’ lifestyle, circumstances and living environment.
Suggest ways to strengthen the feline-human bond and improve their communication to form the basis of positive behaviour change.
Working with a behaviour professional can help to put clients’ minds at ease knowing that they are in safe, qualified and experienced hands. We all work a little differently, but there is a behaviourist out there for everyone. As with all aspects of life, there are no guarantees, but with lots of hard work and dedication, working with a force-free behaviourist should greatly increase your chances of success in improving your cat’s behaviour and make life enjoyable again. Please visit my cat behaviour page to find out more.
'Weird is Wonderful’
Sally wrote her book, 'Weird Is Wonderful' to celebrate everything that it means to be sensitive, intuitive and empathic. It features intuitive development, spirituality, the paranormal, Reiki for animals and animal communication plus many other topics. Sally wanted to share with the world everything that she had learned so far about intuition, the spirit world and working with animals. 'Weird Is Wonderful' is an uplifting book that encourages readers to explore the more intriguing and fascinating aspects of being intuitive and how to connect with animals more deeply. Please click on the cover photo to find out more and view Sally's book on Amazon. Please leave a good review if you enjoy it. Thank you!
