Hello, I am Emily Dustan. With 20 years of professional experience, along with academic studies, working with pets (dogs, cats, and horses) and their families. My approach is rooted in scientific methods, incorporating environmental management, systematic desensitization, and counter-conditioning as part of the behaviour modification programs I offer.
If you’re struggling with cat behaviour issues—such as two cats not getting along, inappropriate urination, scratching furniture, or signs of nervousness or anxiety — I can help!
I will guide you in understanding the reasons behind your cat’s challenging behaviour and provide clear steps to address the problem. With vast experience working with cats with behaviour issues, I am here to improve the quality of life for both you and your cat.
Behaviour problems include:
- Trauma related behaviours
- Compulsive behaviours (tail chasing/ shadow chasing/ excessive licking etc.)
- Aggression towards other cats, pets in the home, or people, as well as biting behaviours
- Fearfulness and anxiety related behaviours
- Inappropriate elimination – marking/ spraying urine or toileting where they shouldn’t
- Destructive scratching behaviour
- Excessive vocalisations
- Problems arising from confinement/ in-door cat problems
- Exhibit discomfort around guests in your home
- Difficulty integrating new pets into the home
- Eating disorders – Eating non food object or over eating/ under eating
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Issues with handling or grooming
- Confidence building with rescue cats
- Introduction of new family members such as a new-born baby
how does a cat consultation work?
Before scheduling an appointment, you will need to complete our online enrolment form.
Signing up can be conveniently done online below.
A 90–120-minute consultation, conducted at your home or online if necessary, I’ll familiarise myself with you and your cat in their usual environment.
I’ll review background information, including any photos or videos you share, to better understand your cat’s current situation. The consultation will also involve a mixture of practical training, as well as environmental management.
In addition, I will consult with your veterinarian and review your cat’s medical history to consider how their health might be affecting their current behaviour.
After the consultation, I will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step personalised report.
This includes a behaviour modification and environmental management program specifically for your cat.
There after, if needed, we will schedule a follow-up session to review and implement it together. This ensures we effectively address your cat’s behaviour and support your progress moving forward.
After the report, it’s crucial to understand that there are no quick fixes or guarantees.
Your active involvement, dedication, and consistent effort in implementing the programs are essential for achieving positive results.
A follow-up session will allow us to review progress and make any necessary adjustments to the behaviour modification plan, ensuring we continue to support your cat effectively.
Ready to improve the life for you and your cat?
Feel confident that you and your pet will learn skills you need to manage life events safely so that you can lead a more calm and comfortable life together.