Cathy matriculated at Pietermaritzburg Girls High in 1994. Before starting her university studies, she took part in a Short Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program to Brazil in 1994/5.

She obtained her Bachelor of Arts and LLB degrees at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg in 1997 and 1999, respectively.

Cathy served her articles in Pietermaritzburg from 2000 to 2001, and was admitted as an Attorney, Conveyancer and Notary Public on 15 February 2002. She subsequently practiced as a Professional Assistant, specialising in local conveyancing and mortgage bond registration.

Cathy joined J Leslie Smith & Company in January 2005 as an Associate in the Agency Conveyancing Department, and was appointed as a Director in January 2007.

Her hobbies and interests include ballet, music, growing roses and cooking.