JW Cat Behaviour and Wellbeing

18/09/2026

Leash walking is one of the many cat topics where you'll find conflicting opinions.

And there's no universal answer.

I wouldn't recommend leash walking for lots of the cats I work with. For some, being restrained outdoors or exposed to unfamiliar environments will be stressful rather than enriching.

But Bagheera is a confident, adaptable cat who takes most new experiences in his stride. He's comfortable wearing his harness, isn't particularly phased by the environment and his body language says he enjoys exploring.

So for him, walking on a lead is a suitable option for mental and physical stimulation.

As with lots of things, the important question isn't:

“Should I do this with my cat?”

It's:

“Is this appropriate for this particular cat?”

That's why good behaviour advice should be tailored to the individual cat, their temperament, their experiences and their circumstances.

18/09/2026

🐾 The tiniest biscuits. 🐾

Kneading is a behaviour that starts in kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother's belly to squeeze out more milk when nursing.

Many cats continue to knead as adults, and you may see it when they're relaxed and comfortable.

Bagheera does it automatically whenever he hears me talk 😍

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

Multi-cat households aren’t always perfectly harmonious.

Bagheera and Bran had a fight. Five minutes later, here they are: separate, calm, and choosing to stay in the same area without ongoing conflict or tension (although Bran is still slightly wary).

Conflict between cats is not just about whether a disagreement happens. It’s also about what happens next. Can they disengage? Can they settle quickly? Does one cat keep pursuing the other? Is anyone hiding, guarding resources, blocking routes, or staying on high alert?

A brief disagreement followed by calm separation is very different from a pattern of fear, intimidation or repeated conflict.

As always, context matters — and every multi-cat household is different.

Understanding cats, creating harmony.

17/07/2026

Stormy evening: two cats, two entirely different responses.

Bran has chosen to snooze next to the window as though nothing is happening.

Bags has chosen to panic and take refuge under the sofa.

They were raised together and have had the same home, routines and people in their lives — but they are still very different individuals.

Our cats’ responses are shaped by both their experiences and their individual temperament. That’s why there is no universal answer to “what should I do with my cat?” What helps one cat feel safe might be completely unnecessary — or even unhelpful — for another.

17/07/2026

Not long ago, the sound of the hoover would have sent these two running for cover.

Now they barely bother to open an eye.

When I adopted Bags and Bran from they were much more sensitive to noise. Building their confidence took time, patience, consistency and allowing them to move at their own pace.

One thing I've learned, both through studying cat behaviour and living with them, is that there are very few quick fixes. Progress is often so gradual that you don't notice it until you stop and look up (from the hoovering in this case).

Apparently the hoover is no longer worth waking up for. 🐱💤

31/05/2025

🐾Understanding Cats, Creating Harmony 🐾

Struggling with unwanted cat behaviour? I help people build better relationships with their cats through deep behavioural insight and a compassionate, intuitive approach.
In-person and remote options available.

With an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Feline) and a University of Edinburgh qualification in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, I create personalised treatment plans that support both the cat’s needs — and yours.

🐱 Let's bring harmony back to your home.
📩 Message me and let's get started.