CLAIRE STARES

Lovely to meet you!

I'm Claire. I’m passionate about cats and dedicated to helping cat guardians like you build meaningful and fun relationships with their feline companions. 

As a qualified, accredited cat behaviourist and award-winning cat writer with over twenty years of experience working with cats and a deep understanding of feline behaviour, I have the expertise to support and guide you and your cat towards meeting your goals and living your best lives together.

I share my home with three gorgeous rescue Domestic Shorthairs named Bimble, Bertie and Katie, a beautiful Siamese named Daisy Mae and a handsome Maine Coon named Horatio. In my free time I volunteer for Cats Protection. I know first-hand how challenging and upsetting it is when a beloved feline companion suddenly starts displaying problem behaviours. When Daisy Mae began spraying and urinating in the house due to an intruder cat, I turned to a Clinical Animal Behaviourist for help and the support and guidance I received inspired me to pursue a career as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in feline behaviour so that I could help others going through similar experiences with their cats.

You can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands if you choose to work with me. My approach is supportive, empathetic and non-judgemental - I’ve never lost sight of how it feels to live with a cat who is struggling. With an unwavering commitment to positive and compassionate behaviour modification and training methods, I prioritise building trust, using clear communication and creating a safe and enjoyable learning environment for you and your cat to facilitate positive and lasting behaviour change. 

I’d love to work with you.

Why this is the only job for me

I’ve been a cat person for as long as I can remember - my first word was ‘cat’!  When I adopted my first cat, George, I became even more smitten and he inspired me to learn all I could about feline behaviour.  After working with cats in veterinary practice and rescue centres, studying for qualifications in feline behaviour, training, health and welfare, and graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, I now dedicate myself to helping cat guardians understand feline behaviour, prevent or manage undesirable behaviours, and nurture strong cat-human bonds.

I’ve always been fascinated by the unique relationship between humans and cats. I believe every cat deserves a loving home which meets their individual and species-specific needs, and that every guardian deserves the joy of living with a happy, well-behaved feline companion. Sharing your life with a cat should be a positive experience for both of you. I founded Cats at Heart - Feline Behaviour and Training to help cat guardians make this dream a reality.

Qualifications & Accreditations

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

  • International Cat Care Certificate in Advanced Feline Behaviour for Cat Professionals with Distinction

  • Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors*

  • Full member of International Feline Behaviourists

  • Candidate member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians

  • Supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants

  • Behaviour and Training Professional member of the Pet Professional Guild

  • Fear Free Certified Professional

  • Professional member of the Cat Writers’ Association

  • International Cat Care Diploma in Feline Health and Welfare - Rescue with Distinction

  • International Cat Care Diploma in Feline Health and Welfare - Boarding with Distinction

  • International Cat Care Certificate in Feline Health and Welfare with Distinction

  • ILLIS Animal Behaviour Courses Advanced Animal Training

  • Karen Pryor Academy Train Your Cat and Shelter Training and Enrichment

  • Animal Aiders Cat First Aid

  • Fully insured with Petplan Sanctuary

To ensure that I am fully up-to-date with current feline behaviour and training research, knowledge and methods, I undertake continuing professional development (CPD), attending conferences, seminars, courses and webinars on a wide range of topics from the neurobiology of behaviour to nosework and pattern games for cats.

* Provisional members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of Knowledge and Understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a Full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its Provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.

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I’m passionate about helping cat guardians establish a deep and meaningful connection with their feline companions.

With years of experience working with cats in homes, rescue and veterinary practice, and a genuine love for all felines from street cats to pedigrees, I’m committed to providing evidence-based, effective and ethical behavioural support and training solutions tailored to meet your unique needs.

Click on a button below to find out more about how I can help you.

If you're ready to transform your relationship with your cat and embark on a journey of growth and connection, I'm here to help. 

Together, we can address any challenges, enhance your cat’s environment, optimise their resources, and strengthen the bond between you. Take the first step by clicking below to get in touch, so you and your cat can live your best lives.

What Clients Are Saying

  • "We have consulted with Claire on a number of issues with our deaf Maine Coon, including peeing in his drinking fountain, pooing in the kitchen sink and introducing a new cat. Claire has a wealth of experience and has helped us resolve all of our concerns. We thoroughly recommend her service!"

    - Tiger's guardian

  • "With Athena being an indoor cat, I had concerns on how to provide sufficient enrichment to keep her happy, Claire has been incredibly helpful in suggesting ways to set up the home to benefit her, along with tips for clicker training, which I feel helps provide her with mental enrichment which has also been great at creating a bond between us."

    - Athena's guardian

  • "Binks is doing really well. Her hair is growing back and she’s getting on well with the other animals, which I'm so happy about. I’m so grateful for your advice. Thank you so much."

    – Binks's guardian

  • "Many thanks for all your help. It has really been a relief to get some advice and have someone to talk to."

    - Loki's guardian

Access Free Resources

I believe in empowering cat guardians with knowledge and resources to support you on your journey.
Check out some of my most popular blog posts and freebies:

Choosing the Right Behaviourist for You and Your Cat

How to ensure that you’re getting support from a suitably qualified professional.

What’s You Cat Trying to Tell You?

Learn to read your feline friend’s body language.

Free Guide to Providing the Perfect Litter Box

Download our guide on litter box selection and management.