545: Building a Feline-Focused Business with Michelle McLean

Ever wondered how focusing on a niche can transform your pet care business? Michelle McLean, owner of Michelle’s Caring Cat Services, shares her journey of building a thriving, cat-exclusive pet care brand in Ottawa, Ontario. Michelle dives into her transition from marketing to cat sitting, her efforts to re-establish her business after a major move, and how specializing in feline care has set her apart in a competitive market. We discuss her strategies for connecting with clients on a personal level, building trust through certifications, and creating community around cats through events and education. Michelle also highlights the importance of going beyond traditional pet care to become a resource and advocate for cat owners. This conversation is an inspiring look at how passion, expertise, and connection can drive business success.

Main topics:

• Building trust with cat owners
• Specializing in feline-exclusive care
• Leveraging certifications for client confidence
• Connecting through community cat events
• Educating clients on cat wellness

Main takeaway: Connecting with people on a personal level about their cats builds trust and makes the relationship stronger.

As pet sitters, we know that caring for someone’s beloved furry family member isn’t just a job—it’s a relationship built on trust.

💡 When we take the time to listen to pet parents’ stories, understand their routines, and even chat about the quirks that make their cats unique, we’re doing more than preparing to care for their pets. We’re creating a bond that reassures them their feline friend is in the best hands.

🎯 Whether it’s asking thoughtful questions during a meet-and-greet, following up with updates about their cat’s day, or simply showing genuine enthusiasm for their pet, every little interaction matters.

💬 Tell us: How do you build trust and connect with your clients?

About our guest:

Michelle McLean is the founder and owner of Michelle's Caring Cat Services, a cat-exclusive pet care business based in Ottawa, Ontario. With over six years of experience in professional cat sitting, Michelle has built a reputation as a trusted and passionate caregiver in the local cat community. Her journey began in the Niagara region, where her lifelong love for cats inspired her to transition from a career in marketing and graphic design to pet care. Michelle holds multiple certifications, including Fear Free certification, Pet First Aid, and she is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, underscoring her commitment to providing stress-free, high-quality care for feline companions.

Michelle is deeply involved in the Ottawa cat community, frequently volunteering with organizations such as the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue and participating in local cat-focused events. She is dedicated to connecting cat lovers and sharing her extensive knowledge through community events, educational resources, and her growing online presence. Michelle’s mission is to support cat owners by offering personalized, expert care that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of their pets.

In addition to running her business, Michelle actively seeks to elevate the profile of professional cat care, offering advice on cat behavior, products, and health to her clients and the broader community. When she’s not caring for cats or hosting events, Michelle can be found designing creative resources to support cat parents or engaging in cat-related volunteer work.

Links:

caringcatsitting.com

instagram.com/caringcatsitting

facebook.com/caringcatsitting

Cat Behavior Solutions: https://www.catbehaviorsolutions.org/podcast

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