A little about me
Hi, I’m Kerrie 🐾
I’m the person behind Dory’s Den - a lifelong cat lover with a particular interest in feline behaviour, wellbeing, and the relationship we share with our cats.
My professional background is actually in the human world. I’m a practitioner psychologist, and much of my work has involved understanding behaviour, looking beyond what we see on the surface, and considering the individual and the many different factors that might be influencing them.
Alongside this, I’ve undertaken specialist study and training in feline behaviour and care, driven by a fascination with why cats behave the way they do and how we can better understand and support them as individuals.
The story behind Dory’s Den
Dory’s Den is named after my beautiful cat, Dory.
Dory was a snow leopard Bengal cat with a huge personality. She was intelligent, sensitive, strong-willed, and wonderfully loving.
Dory came into my life in 2020, during lockdown, and we very quickly developed the strongest bond. Loving her taught me to slow down and pay closer attention to what cats communicate through their behaviour. The more I learned about Dory, the more curious I became about feline behaviour, cats’ individual needs, and how they experience the world around them. This eventually led me to study feline behaviour more formally — and, ultimately, to create Dory’s Den.
Dory sadly passed away in April 2025 after living with kidney disease. Losing her was devastating. She taught me so much and continues to inspire me every day. Dory’s Den is part of her legacy — created in her name to help other cats feel safe, understood, and respected, and to support the people who love them.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
My background combines professional training in psychology with specialist education in feline behaviour, care, and wellbeing. I’m committed to continuing professional development and to keeping my practice informed by current research and evidence.
Psychology
Doctorate in Educational, Child and Community Psychology
HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist
Feline Behaviour & Care
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Feline) (Compass Education and Training)
Diploma in Feline Behaviour (PET Education and Training)
Level 2 Feline Care qualification (Compass Education and training)
Ongoing specialist CPD and study in feline behaviour and wellbeing
Professional Membership
Student Member — The Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)
My Core Values
Everything I do for cats and their people is underpinned by the following core values and beliefs.
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A cat’s behaviour is a form of communication. I look beyond what a cat is doing to consider what they may be feeling, needing, or trying to tell us. This is key before any behaviour can be changed.
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Just like humans, every cat I work with has their own personality, history, preferences, and boundaries. The support I provide is shaped around the individual cat—not a one-size-fits-all solution.
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I know how difficult it is to experience behaviour concerns. It can be worrying, frustrating, and overwhelming. I want you to feel heard and supported, never blamed or judged. We work in collaboration, always.
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Cats deserve autonomy, dignity, and the freedom to express their preferences. I aim to help them feel safe and understood, without forcing them beyond their boundaries.
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My advice is always informed by feline behaviour, welfare and psychology, but it is offered with empathy, sensitivity, and an understanding of how we lives our lives.
How I can support you
My approach is thoughtful, supportive, and free from judgement. I’ll listen to what life is like for you and your cat, help you understand what may be behind their behaviour, and suggest changes that feel realistic for your home.
My work is evidence-informed and centred on your cat’s wellbeing. I respect cats’ choices, boundaries, autonomy, and dignity, while recognising that any support also needs to work for the people who care for them.
I offer online cat wellbeing advice and feline behaviour coaching, with recommendations tailored to your cat, your circumstances, and the relationship you share.
Whether you’re experiencing a behaviour challenge or simply want to understand your cat and support their wellbeing, I’m here to help.