What's Up PussyCat? Cat behaviourist, Australia

Regina & Star

About me & my qualification details

My career before What's Up PussyCat was within the travel industry for 11 years and then working for an environmental charity for nearly 14 years. In 2014, I had the opportunity to concentrate on and start working with my biggest passion in life and what I feel I was meant to do - work with cats. This led me to start my formal study of cat psychology and training and I also began volunteering at an animal shelter each week helping the cats who were in the shelter. Whilst at the shelter working with the cats, it upset me to find out that a lot of cats were surrendered due to behavioural issues that I believe could have been managed, or possibly even resolved if cat guardians were aware there was help available - and so began What's Up PussyCat?

Since starting What's Up PussyCat in 2015, I have spent thousands of hours helping cats with behavioural issues; which I love doing! One of my aims, when we have our consultation, is to help you read your cat's body language and also how to see the world through the eyes of your cat. By understanding your cat better, you can start to understand the reason why your cat is behaving a certain way which really helps long-term whilst we work together to resolve your cat's behavioural issue. Clients also comment that they feel closer and more connected to their cats after our consultation as well which I love hearing!

In June 2013, I began helping wildlife as a volunteer rescuer/carer and Possum/Small Mammal Coordinator for a wildlife charity. During this time, I have had the amazing experience of helping rehabilitate wildlife (mainly ringtail possums) so they can be released back into their natural habitat. Of course, some rescues are heartbreaking as sadly the animals can't be saved. However, I try to focus on the positive that I am at least helping animals so they do not suffer any longer than necessary and try to keep the many successful rescues and releases top of mind.

I live with my partner, Wayne, and our four gorgeous rescue cats - Karma, Star, Amber and Onyx.

I've always lived with cats (51 years to date!) and they are such adorable, amazing and intelligent creatures - I couldn't imagine my life without sharing it with cats! As you can tell, animals are a huge and important part of my life. If you need help, I would love to help you and your cat(s) work through any issues, so you can live happily and harmoniously together!

Regina Hall-Jones

Cat Behaviourist (ADip, MISAP)

My qualifications & memberships

Qualifications:

Advanced Diploma, Applied Animal Behaviour - specialising in feline behaviour (level 5 UK - level 6 Aus);

Advanced Feline Behaviour Diploma (level 4 UK - level 5 Aus).

I was awarded the highest possible grade of 'distinction' (grade of 91% or over) for both diplomas by the International Society of Animal Professionals (I am happy to forward copies if requested).

Cat Psychology & Training Certificate

Natural Health Care for Animals Certificate

Plus many more certificates over the years for various subjects on cat psychology and behaviour from the International Society of Animal Professionals, International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, The Pet Professional Guild and other reputable cat behaviour organisations covering topics such as cat introductions, human-directed aggression, cat and dog introductions, counter-conditioning, working with scaredy cats, preventing unwanted feline behaviours, advanced litter tray cases, destructive claw scratching, from hiss to purr, enrichment and many more.

I regularly complete additional training on cat psychology and emotions, cat training and behaviour. This is also a requirement for my membership in different organisations - I must complete and prove that I have done a certain number of continuing education units (CEU's) per year to ensure I am up to date and using best practices. I also keep up to date with new evidence-based studies and research on cat behaviour through webinars, conferences, articles, books and alike, via reputable cat behaviour organisations for my own interest.

Memberships:

Feline Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA)

Full member of the International Society of Animal Professionals (ISAP)

Full member of the International Feline Behaviourists (IFB)

Supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)

Member of International Cat Care