Lisa Sinnott

PG Dip Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB)

Offering behavioural support to cat carers in the UK and Worldwide

Send me a message - photos of your kitties are always very welcome!

Behavioural support for people and their beloved cats - cats are not small dogs and the approach to understanding their behaviour needs to be thoughtful and structured.

I studied clinical animal behaviour with the prestigious University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Vet Studies. My studies mean I can help people who have a new kitten and want to get things off on the right paw, to people who want help and support with a challenge with their cats behaviour.

“Lisa was so helpful when she visited our home to give advice on how to reduce the conflict between our several cats. We were required to provide a lot of background information in advance, but she'd read it all and her one-hour session with us (and our cats) was packed with incredibly useful advice. Over time we've implemented all her recommendations, and each stage has helped to create a more harmonious atmosphere. She left us with details of plenty of reading material so we can keep learning. We highly recommend her.”

Louise, St Albans

Send me an email to see how I can help you and your cat.

 I can help you understand why your cat is behaving in a certain way. By understanding the emotion behind the behaviour we can understand the motivation behind it.

It can be frustrating and overwhelming when your cat is behaving in a way that you don’t understand.

I am here to help and support you. People tell me that I am down to earth, supportive and excellent at communicating.

Your cat is unique. That’s why a full history is taken so I understand the different reasons for their behaviour.

Here’s how Lisa at St Claws Academy can help

My cat is spraying

My cats are not getting

along

My cat is fearful

My cat is scratching

Hello! I’m Lisa. Welcome to my website. I am a qualified cat behaviourist.

I have a PG Dip in Clinical Animal Behaviour, from the University of Edinburgh and learnt from lots of incredible colleagues there.

Here’s a bit about my credentials and what makes me different from other cat behaviourists (it is an unregulated profession, meaning it’s a bit of a wild wild west out there!).

  • I am a candidate member of the The Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians and I am a provisional member of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). Being a part of these associations means I have to follow strict rules of conduct.

  • I am insured.

  • In addition to my studies I have shadowed cat behaviourists and completed extra courses and webinars

If you are experiencing the following challenges, I an support you:

  • Spraying and not using the litter tray

  • Cats not getting on well together

  • Scratching

  • Fear based behaviours such as hiding or feeling scared at the vets

I can also help with behavioural prevention services for individuals, charities and vets about:

·      Socialisation and habituating your kitten

  • Guidance on welcoming a cat home when you have a cat already

  • Cat carrier training

  • Litter box lessons

  • Playtime guidance

  • Making home adaptations for older cats

  • Fear free handling

Feeling worried and anxious about your cats behaviour and unsure why they are behaving they way they are? I set up St Claws Academy so you can get support and guidance every step of the way. It can be difficult living with a cat who has a behavioural challenge – you love them and may not understand why they are behaving in this way. You may feel alone in this journey and have tried countless techniques but with little or no change. My aim is to help you feel happier with your cats behaviour and support you. I put a plan in place that is suited to you and your cat to help tackle the behavioural challenge. I am qualified (I studied a postgraduate diploma with University of Edinburgh Royal Vet School in clinical animal behaviour) and I am a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.

I can help with cat behavioural challenges such as:

– Tension with cats who live together
– Spraying
– Scratching
– Fear

I can do this successfully in person in or online.

Benefits to online consults:

I can show you what to do in real time with a cat I am with

There is not a risk that your cat will react differently with a new person

I use kind methods that are rooted in science and do NOT use any techniques designed to scare your cat such as shouting or hitting. These can supress problems, cause stress comprimise welfare and also create new challenges.

I set up St Claws Academy as I think cats are majestic creatures who deserve the best. They are definitely not small dogs! Sometimes their behaviour can be confusing but with the right understanding that is relevant for their needs (I always do my best to think through your cats point of view), they can thrive.

Kind Words

Zeenat Ahmed Peto

“I had a Zoom call with Lisa to help me with introducing 2 new kittens into my home, with my older cat and my family. She was so helpful, knowledgeable and kind. I cannot recommend Lisa highly enough!”

Dave, St Albans

‘He is behaving so well. We are really greatful about how you have educated us on our interactions with him. He loves your cat tree idea.’ Dave, St Albans

David, St Albans

“You provided clear common sense advice based on our circumstances. Thank you for staying in touch to monitor progress. Our cat liked lots of your ideas and our understanding of the importance of his behaviour when interacting has been an important part of our learning from you, for which we are very greatful. ”