FELINE NAVIDAD: NUTRITION FOR CATS FELINE NAVIDAD: NUTRITION FOR CATS
HUMANITY OVER VANITY HUMANITY OVER VANITY
ASSOCIATION OF HOLISTIC FELINE SPECIALISTS
No one chooses a career with animals because they want to make their life harder People enter this field because something in them aches to make a difference--a deep, instinctive pull toward creatures who can’t speak for themselves
Whether we fell in love with a childhood cat, rescued a stray dog, or simply found peace in the quiet moments of animal company, our introduction into this industry is rooted in admiration and compassion
We are drawn to this work because it feels like purpose It’s what fills the space between who we are and what we believe in But when that passion becomes a profession; when it becomes how we pay our bills, build our schedules, and measure our days--the waters can become a little murky
And that’s when the thing we once held sacred starts to slip away.
When grooming or caring for animals becomes a mean to an end rather than a connection, we risk forgetting what brought us here in the first place The line between pet and product begins to blur The animal in front of us becomes a task that needs completion, an appointment to get through, a marker on a spreadsheet. It’s not intentional, it’s not overnight, and sometimes we have to sit back and remind ourselves that these lives in our care are not ours to commodify
Respect in animal care isn’t just about gentle hands--it’s about mindful choices It means recognizing subtle communication, respecting limits, and learning to adapt our techniques rather than forcing compliance.
It means continuing education not just in tools or trends, but in temperament and trust It means investing in a wider toolbox--one that includes empathy, restraint, patience, and humility.
It’s easy to talk about compassion when a groom goes smoothly. It’s harder to practice it when a cat spits, dog growls, or a schedule runs behind But those are the moments that test our integrity--the moments that define what kind of professional we truly are
Compassion isn’t passive; it's active, deliberate, and often inconvenient It’s knowing when to say, “this groom should be done another day” or even harder, “I’m not the right fit for this pet.” This goes for any high intense emotional state: fear, aggression, anxiety Those decisions don’t reflect failure--they reflect respect Respect for the animal’s boundaries for the profession’s standards, and for ourselves.
We can’t pour from an empty cup, and we can’t advocate for animals if we’ve forgotten our own “why” It’s in those quiet moments--a cat finally unclenching, a nervous pet exhaling into trust--that we’re reminded this work isn’t about perfection It’s about presence
This is especially true for new groomers or those trying to make a name for themselves. We often challenge ourselves with harder tasks, tougher coats, more difficult grooms, and more reactive pets in an effort to prove our skill. But perfection and excellence aren’t achieved in a single groom--they’re cltivated over time through trial, error, and education Every experience, even the difficult ones become a lesson that helps refine us.
“UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER” CREATIVE
Groomer: Mercedes Schenk CFMG
OPAWZ Forest Green + Hot Red
Clients can be unpredictable--sometimes demanding, sometimes even threatening--but we must remember that while they’re the ones paying for the service, the true client is the animal on the table before us. They are the one’s whose well-being depends on our professionalism and boundaries It’s okay to tell the customer you’re not comfortable. It’s okay to stop a groom, turn it down, or afterwards refer out when something isn’t in the animal’s or your best interest
When those moments arise, don’t disparage the owner or make excuses. .Speak objectively about what happened and why, so they can find someone better suited to the pet’s individual needs. Don’t lie and say everything went perfectly when it didn’t.
Honesty builds trust--not just with the clients, but with yourself
This is especially true when it comes to cats. The first experiecne can be overhwelming for them Some may panic, hiss, flip out, or completely shut down But with positive conditioning and consistent gentle exposure, they do improve Each visit can become an opportunity to build trust and resilience We don’t make claims, “cats hate water”, “cats hate getting shaved”, or “cats groom themselves” and make over-arching claims. We must emphasize professional observation over assumption, documenting behavior objectively rather than lying on mythos or emotion.
We notate:
Cat displayed sensory sensitivity to the sound of the dryer or clipper vibration
Cat showed stress when confined in the tub; responded better to limited sights with air muzzle
Cat tolerated bath well but exhibited tension during drying
Cat vocalized and swatted when combed near tail, likely sensitive in that area
Cat did well for the first 20 minutes then displayed restlessness and overstimulation mid-dry
Taking detailed behavioral notes will help track an animal’s progression over time, recognize patterns, and make informed decisions that improve their overall experience Most importantly, detailed notes validate the cat’s individuality. Each cat has unique triggers, preferences, and thresholds. By taking time to notate their responses, we acknowledge that individuality and adapt our care accordingly That is the essence of compassionate, ethical handling--treating every cat as a sentient being, not a stereotype.
Furthermore, pet parents deserve to see that development, to understand the emotional progress as much as the physical results. Our work doesn’t just clean them, it teaches them We shape their comfort with human touch, which carries an importance far beyond aesthetics.
An animal having a difficult time isn’t an automatic reflection on your skill or professionalism It signals a moment for observation and potential growth. The best professionals don’t stop learning; they question, adapt, and evolve with every session True professionalism is built on compassion, not perfection. That’s humanity over vanity.
EDUCATION BEGINS EARLY EDUCATION NEVER STOPS
F e l i n e V a c c i n a t i o n G u i d e l i n e s
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Y COMING UR FIRST LOWE CLINIC
This past weekend, I got to see one of my biggest dreams come to life I hosted a Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for cats right here at my shop, Kitty Corner Spa & Boarding, in partnership with my local rescue, The Rescue Ranch.
My goal was simple to bring our community together and help make cat care more accessible Thanks to Rescue Ranch’s amazing partnership with Petco Love, we were able to offer:
Free 3-way vaccines
1-year rabies vaccines for $15
3-year rabies vaccines for $25
Microchipping for just $10
By the end of the day, we had helped 56 families get their cats updated on their vaccines and microchips!
It was such a beautiful sight to see so many people come together to care for their kitties This event meant so much to me. When I started Kitty Corner Spa & Boarding, my dream was to help cats in every way I could through grooming, boarding, education, and community outreach
Being able to host something that brings all of those things together reminded me exactly why I started this journey I’m so thankful for everyone who came out, waited patiently, and supported this event It was a long day, but such a rewarding one.
Together, we made a real difference and I can’t wait to do it again
SYDNEY BEERS CFMG
FROM SOLO TO SUPPORTED:
FINDING MY PLACE IN THE FELINE GROOMING WORLD
After 18 years in the pet grooming industry, I made the decision that changed everything: I wanted to become a feline-exclusive groomer That meant seeking specialized continuing education with the NCGI and, just as importantly, finding a workspace free of dog smells, dog sounds, and dog energy. In my area, corporate salons and private groomers offered dog-and-cat services, but nothing existed that was truly for cats only. If I wanted that kind of environment, I’d have to create it myself.
BUILDING A BUSINESS FROM SCRATCH
The easiest starting point was house-call grooming I launched my service, built a client list quickly, and within just a few months I had more clients than my childcare schedule and my living room could reasonably manage. I needed a salon space, and I needed it fast
Money was tight I opened Toe Beans Cat Grooming with a small loan from my aunt and what I had earned through house-call appointments the cost of setting up a salon insurance, taxes, licensing, small renovations ate at my bank account and my patience. But despite the stress, Toe Beans grew It grew fast
I, however, wasn’t thriving
The truth is, business ownership is great until you realize that if you aren’t physically in that salon working, the bills don’t get paid. Qualified cat-exclusive employees are practically mythical creatures, so hiring help wasn’t realistic I did eventually bring on an assistant, but the business side of things weighed on me constantly I wanted more time with my kids, my husband, my pets, my life yet I couldn’t allow myself to take a breath because stepping away felt financially dangerous
A NEW OPPORTUNITY WALKS IN
About a year and a half into running Toe Beans, the owners of a new cat café in the next town reached out They were exploring the idea of adding a grooming service and
wanted my input. I was thrilled to meet people who understood niche feline care, and even more excited to have somewhere to refer the clients who were filling my waitlist They visited my salon We talked extensively about hiring, safety, workflow, expectations everything. They were thoughtful, motivated, and genuinely wanted to serve the feline community well We kept in touch as they built out their space and searched for a groomer. When they offered me the job, I politely declined I was grateful, but I didn’t know them well enough yet, and even though I was personally struggling, the business was financially fine. When they opened, we became each other’s supporters: exchanging referrals, visiting each other’s shops, celebrating wins. It felt like the start of real community during a chaotic time.
After relocating my salon, I found myself struggling even more with the balance between work and family. I loved my clients and loved my work, but I was stretched thin trying to run everything on my own My conversations with the café owners continued, and every time I visited, something just felt…right. We had similar goals We saw the same gaps in our industry I shared openly that I wanted to do more for the cat grooming community, but I didn’t know how to add one more responsibility to my already full life.
THE BREAKING POINT.... ...THE STARTING POINT
They reminded me: their offer still stood
We discussed every fear I had the risk of closing my business, the fear of working under someone else’s rules, the worry about disappointing my clients, the terror of letting go of something I had built with my own hands Every concern I voiced was met with thoughtful reassurance and practical solutions
So I did the scary thing:
I said yes.
FROM OWNER TO EMPLOYEE
’ve now been an employee at Don’t Stress Meowt Groom & Board for four months, and the relief of not carrying an entire business on my back is indescribable
Most of my clients followed me, so I still get to care for the cats I’ve known for years but now I get to focus solely on grooming, not on payroll, scheduling, repairs, taxes, social media, licensing, emergency coverage, or any of the endless tasks that come with running a business
If my kids get sick, I don’t panic If I get hurt, the business doesn’t collapse. And yes, I get free coffee. (A perk that deserves its own paragraph ) Of course, there are adjustments This is someone else’s dream, and it’s my job to honor their standards when representing their business even during difficult client interactions But honestly?
That’s the only real downside I’ve found
Being part of a team fills my cup in ways I didn’t expect Sharing my passion with coworkers has reignited my own spark to educate and inspire others in the feline grooming world.
What I learned, is that you don’t have to do it alone
Becoming a business owner was something I believed I had to do to grow It turns out, it wasn’t the only path The stress, the pressure, and my own inability to slow down were costing me time with my family and draining my joy
Choosing employment wasn’t giving up it was choosing sustainability.
I’m still figuring out my work-life balance (that’s a me-thing), but now I have an employer who supports continued learning, encourages my teaching goals, and invests in my growth both inside and outside their business
Cat groomers often have limited options, but I hope anyone on their feline-exclusive journey finds community in the chaos the way I did For me, that community started with business owners supporting each other and it led me somewhere better than I imagined.
I’m happier
I’m healthier
I’m more present with my family.
And I’m exactly where I ’m meant to be.
FELINE NAVIDAD FELINE NAVIDAD
NUTRITION FOR CATS NUTRITION FOR CATS
As a lifelong cat owner and a pet professional for many decades, I have learned a lot about pet nutrition. We, as American consumers, have been duped into believing that the pet food brands we see on TV and the grocery store shelves are healthy for our pets.
There is a vast array of pet foods on the market, and I am not here to promote any one brand. My hope is to give you knowledge and guidelines so that you can go out and pick the food that best fits your lifestyle and budget Although what I am going to share applies to dogs, I am gearing this information toward cat owners.
Cats are true carnivores This means the universe created these animals to survive on animal-based proteins ( meat and organ meat). Cats do not have the enzymes to metabolize plant protein (grain and veggies) Unlike dogs, cats require Taurine to survive Without it, they can suffer from blindness and heart disease, among other diseases. Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in meat and organ meat Lack of it can be fatal
Because plant proteins are less expensive than meat proteins, pet food representatives argue that they can replace naturally occurring nutrients with synthetic ones and get the same results as a meat-based diet. Synthetic Taurine is manufactured in China. With all the news about tainted products from China and our pets, I would want nothing to do with that.
Can your cats survive on a plant-based diet?...yes. Will they have great health and longevity?..probably not.
Even with meat protein, you need to be cautious. Learn to read labels. Meats byproducts, animal fat, and meat digest are generic terms They can be anything from road kill to dead cows, full of antibiotics, to euthanized cancer-ridden farm animals, to euthanized shelter animals including the drugs that killed them.
Yes, I just said rendered dogs and cats from shelters. They call these 4D Proteins..Diseased, Decaying, Dead, and Disabled animals are rendered for our pet food Along with the collars they were wearing, drugs in their system, carrying along with them any diseases they had..ie: cancerous tumors.
Read labels and look for specific meat protein, such as fish, turkey, beef, and organ meat, in the first 3 slots on the ingredient list.
Now about the carbohydrates Many of grocery store brands and veterinary brands use corn as their main protein source. Corn is a carb and turns to sugar in the system. Because consumers are getting smarter and are reading labels, companies such as, Hills Science Diets are now using the word Maize in their ingredient list. They are hoping consumers may not realize maize is corn, and still buy their products Carbohydrates as a protein source should be avoided for the above reasons, but also for much more.
Cats in the wild hunt prey and ingest 1-2% carbohydrates, while a pet cat fed a plantbased diet ingests 40-50%...Sometimes more, in the cheaper brands. A diet high in carbohydrates is detrimental to their health, in the long run
The current fad is Grain Fee diets. The consumer needs to be educated. The pet food companies are using fillers such as peas, and potatoes which are both carbohydrates. So the Grain Free label is somewhat meaningless. The rise in disease can be attributed to the immense amount of carbohydrates in our pets’ food
There is a video on Planet Paws website that shows you how much carbs/sugar is in some of the popular brands Take time to go to that site and research the subject The video they do about the subject is eye-opening
Finding the right pet food for your cat is a personal one It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and cat’s preferences A species-appropriate diet also known as a raw diet is best. Not all of us have the means or time, to do this for our kitties However, there are many commercial brands of raw or dehydrated raw available to pet owners
If you cannot do a raw food diet, then consider a high-quality meat protein, truly grain-free, kibble, supplemented with quality canned food. You will find these foods at a pet specialty retailer or online. Many of these smaller retailers have trained their employees to guide the consumer to the best choices for their pet It helps take some of the confusion out of choosing a pet food.
A few words on canned food Canned food is a better choice than dry kibble for cats First, they contain little or no grain, but they contain meat and water. Many cats live a life in a constant state of dehydration They need water and do not get enough for their needs Being a desert animal they instinctively have a low thirst drive. If a cat eats a mouse, it gets about 70% water. When they eat dry food, they only get 5-10% water
Canned food contains about 78% water, and does a better job of keeping kitty hydrated. A constant lack of water can lead to urinary tract issues and expensive veterinary bills, and possibly even cost the kitty its life
Water is that important!
Cats are not drawn to drink water, like a dog. Some prefer running water or live water One can find all kinds of cat fountains available, on the market, to supply this in your house. This is why some cats prefer to drink out of a water faucet, in a sink They might detect chlorine in tap water, so bottled or filtered water may be a better option.
One tip, I read about, is taking a couple of leaves of catnip and crushing it under the water This makes a wonderful, fresh kitty tea, of sorts, that your cat may enjoy.
So although a bit lengthy, I hope this has given you insight on making better food choices for your cat. I have proven this myself by owning several cats that have lived well into their 20s with no disease Veterinarians are not trained in nutrition unless they have taken it upon themselves to
get in the know They take a few classes sponsored by Hills Science Diet, Purina, or some other large pet food corporation. They are then given incentives to sell those foods to their clients We must be an advocate for our pet’s health and good nutrition is key
Disclaimer. I am not a veterinarian. I am a lifelong pet owner, and pet professional, who has done my research and applied what I have learned to caring for my own pets and my client’s pets I have had great results and share what I have learned with all who will listen. You do not have to take my word for it We live in an age where information is available at our fingertips
code of ethics
Iwillprioritizethewellbeing,safety,and overallhealthofthecatsinmycare
Iwillstrivetoalwaysconductmyselfwith honesty,integrity,andtransparency
Iwilltreatallcatswithcompassion, patience,kindness,andrespect.
Iwillcontinuetoseekknowledgeand resourcesthatwillcontributetomy skillsandabilities,sothatImaysafelyand betterservethecatsinmycare.
