I have a crystal clear mission here at Caticles.

Too many cats are overweight, obese, and dealing with serious health issues. My mission is to change these awful statistics, starting with 1,000 cats, through proper nutrition.

Before we get into what I do you need to know why I do it.

I’m sure you’re thinking a few things…

“I’ve had cats my whole life. I know what I’m doing.”

“What makes this chick qualified?”

“Who is this chick anyway?”

Before I go on about myself and my cats, have you heard any of these:
  • Kibble is healthy because it cleans teeth
  • This litter is great because you’ll only clean once a month
  • My cat isn’t interested in playing
  • Raw diets are dangerous because of bacteria
  • Overweight chubby cats are normal and cute

Because if so, then you’re in the right place.

I was exactly where you are.

Being tricked by marketing buzzwords used by big pet food manufacturers promising healthy weight, shiny coats, and increased energy.

Dealing with stress, meds, expensive vet bills, and heartbreak.

And now, I’m frustrated that obesity and serious health issues are becoming “normal” for cats.

Because the realities MY CATS were/are living include:
  • Dehydration
  • Stress grooming
  • Urinary blockages
  • Cancer
  • Kidney disease and failure
  • Diabetes
  • Simple surgery went wrong

If you’re ready for something different… If you’re ready to change your cats’ lives by nurturing their wild side and choosing the right supplies that promote health and wellness, I am beyond excited to help you!

Hi there! I’m Jess, and that’s Jericho. The creators and masterminds of Caticles. We are dedicated to helping your cats live happier and healthier lives.

Why am I so obsessed with keeping your cats happy and healthy?

Because that’s what your cats deserve!

A healthy cat is a happy cat. And a happy cat means a better life for both of you.

Let me tell you my story and where it all began…

This is a long story, but it’s important for you to see where I’ve been to understand why and exactly how I’m going to help you.

July 1993: My First Cat

I was four-years-old, and my mother picked me up from preschool.

She said she had a surprise for me.

We stopped at a family’s home and surprise! We adopted a kitten ????

She was so tiny and curled up on the couch as soon as we got home.

I named her Whiskas. I’m so original.

person holding a cat

That’s us many years ago.

Whiskas and I were very close.

When I went out for the school bus, Whiskas met me at the driveway. She hopped up and rubbed on my hand for some petting before I was off. Every day.

It wasn’t long before we went back and adopted Whiskas’ sister, Chelsea.

tan tabby cat

The sisters lived outside and often brought us dead prey presents. Cats love to teach us.

They were very close, and we loved them very much.

But, my mother and I wanted an indoor cat. So, we found a family that needed to rehome a Siamese.

chocolate siamese cat

Check out that old couch!

Lucky was a mess when she first came to us. She ran around and knocked the pots and pans from the cabinets.

After she settled, she was an affectionate cat.

She was stressed because her previous family declawed her.

I can’t believe they declawed her and still rehomed her ????????

A few years in, Chelsea got worms and diabetes. She was still living outside.

One day, we couldn’t find her. She needed medicine at specific times, so we were scared.

We found her, brought her inside, and tried her medicine.

She was meowing in pain and wouldn’t eat or drink.

Chelsea died in my arms that day. She was only 10.

Whiskas knew exactly what happened. She wouldn’t come near us and grieved for some time.

A few years later, Lucky developed cancer. She had a tumor, and we had no choice.

Lucky was only 7 or 8 when she died.

We moved Whiskas inside after what happened to Chelsea. We had other cats (and dogs) at the time.

So, Whiskas lived in my room behind a closed door. I was thrilled to have my first cat back inside with me.

tabby cat and english bulldog in bed

She slept in bed with me every night ????????

One day, Whiskas had trouble walking. Her back leg was limp, and she was meowing in pain.

This happened the day before I had to leave for college.

My mother took Whiskas to the vet. Turns out she had a stroke.

A few months went by. Whiskas was taking medication and still living in my room without me.

I came home for winter break. Whiskas seemed better and happy to see me.

One night, I heard a loud shriek under my bed.

The next morning, I patted the bed and called for Whiskas. She never came.

kitten in cupboard

I asked my brother to check under the bed.

My brother confirmed that Whiskas was lying under my bed, lifeless.

Whiskas lived to about 16.

I’m very grateful that Whiskas waited for me to come home to say goodbye.

More Cats: # 4-12

My personal experience with cats doesn’t end there. Far from it.

One day, I came home from school and saw a kitten sitting on the stairs.

siamese kitten

siamese kittens in the window

siamese cats cuddling in bed

Our love for Siamese extended to the next 3 cats we adopted.

Milo and Cocoa, cuddling above, were half-brothers. They cuddled all the time and adjusted well to their new home.

Silky, a Siamese mix, took much longer to adjust to the new home.

My mother called the shelter many times to come to get her.

After some time, she became a lap cat and cuddled with the brothers.

We’re so happy we gave her more time to adjust!

siamese cats cuddling in bed

siamese cats cuddling in bed

Cocoa lived to about 10 years old.

He died suddenly due to dehydration.

Silky was about 20 when she passed. Milo lived to about 17.

Both Milo and Silky developed kidney failure near the end of their lives.

tuxedo kitten lying on chest

Griffen was our next cat, and he’s a funny story.

I was sleeping and heard a short, high-pitched mew. None of our cats were kittens at this time.

My mother came into my room and said, “Look at this kitten Alex (my brother) just saved.”

My brother explained that he and his friends were driving and found a box of kittens on the side of the road. No mother in sight.

Griffen was so cute and tiny!

He loves to curl up with us, our dogs, and the other cats.

kitten cuddling bulldog

kitten and bulldog

I posted a picture of Griffen online, “Look at the kitten my brother just saved!” and went back to bed.

A few minutes later, my mother came back into my room.

“What’s this comment your friend said about Griffen?”

I checked, and my friend said, “Aw he was my son’s favorite cat. I’m glad he went to a good home.”

Busted.

kitten toilet paper

My brother and his friends made up a sob story about the kittens so our moms wouldn’t refuse them.

tuxedo cat lying in bed on human

tuxedo cat meditating

Of course, my mom said we could keep him anyway.

Griffen is still alive today.

He’s overweight, but we’re working on it.

After Milo passed, my mom was searching for another lap cat. Siamese cats are very clingy to their humans, and they love to steal your warmth.

My mother went to the shelter and found Hemi.

kitten with poofy tail

Hemi is the cutest, most playful, and happiest cat ever.

He gets all poofy every time I visit because he knows he’ll get plenty of playtime.

While we played, I noticed that his pupils don’t dilate as quickly. Hemi has trouble seeing the toys unless he hears them clacking on the floor.

And in natural sunlight, they are quite large instead of stick-skinny.

The vet confirmed that Hemi is partially blind.

The cause?

Well, we later found out that Hemi is in kidney failure at the young age of 3.

Unfortunately, we had to let Hemi go at age 3.5 years.

Hemi was super kind, but he wasn’t a lap cat.

kitten lying with Siamese cat

My mother returned to the shelter and found Gracie.

Gracie immediately connected with my brother.

polydactyl cat on tv stand

My mother adopted Gracie in 2019. It took her 2 years to accept attention from my mother!

Gracie prefers men. She loves my brother and father.

But, when my mother and I come around, she looks terrified.

Now, 2 years later, my mother says Gracie accepts petting and even purrs!

cats lying in bed

grey tuxedo cat on ottoman

cats cuddling and grooming in bed

We are taking it slow with her. She’s had a rough life so far.

The shelter said she already had a litter of kittens, then she was rescued, and now she lives with 4 bulldogs and 3 other cats.

It’s a lot for her.

Gracie is not a lap cat, so again, my mother went back to the shelter.

Enter Ash.

black cat stretching out on couch

Ash is timid, but he’s much more gregarious than Gracie.

He’s super playful and loves to jump around.

Ash is very cute and rubs on the other cats.

cats playing on kitty condo

cats playing with wand toy

They all love to play. Except for Gracie.

She had a bad experience with the wand and is afraid of it now.

The wand got caught on her, and she ran away. The wand followed her and freaked her out.

Anyway, Ash adjusted well with the other cats. But, he’s timid because of the dogs. The dogs chase him.

lazy cats playing

black cat lying on the floor

Ash is a tubby guy already.

All of these cats live with my parents. I don’t live with them anymore.

So, of course, I wanted my own fur baby.

2017: Here comes Jericho!

me holding jericho tabby cat

All cats are special to me.

But, Jericho is the first cat I’ve had on my own. Meaning, I’m fully responsible for his well-being. He isn’t another family cat.

I live with my partner, so he is responsible too. But, he’s more of a dog person ????

So, I spend the most time with Jericho. We adopted him in 2017.

cat and his family

Jericho and John bond when I visit my parents. They have no choice ????

Jericho was born on the streets.

So, I’m constantly being challenged to keep him entertained in our apartment.

cat ladder

I provide Jericho with the best enrichment, mental stimulation, and food that I can manage.

Honestly, I spend more money ???? on him than I do on myself.

I’ve learned the dangers of kibble from my previous cats.

So, Jericho consumes a completely raw diet ????

There he is licking his plate clean.

cat licking raw diet plate clean

I’m also moving toward eco-friendly products that are actually cat-safe.

I’ve learned that many companies use toxic materials.

Or, they market their product as eco-friendly. But, they’re actually at high risk for deadly mold (corn litter) and cause cancer (wood litter dust).

tuxedo cat cuddling in my lap

2017: My professional career with cats

If you’re still with me, you know I’ve shared my home with many cats over the years.

But, my professional career with cats didn’t start until 2017.

My first job out of college was in advertising and marketing.

I followed this path because it’s what I knew.

For 6 years out of college, I worked my way up the corporate ladder so-to-speak.

My jobs got worse and worse.

The jobs didn’t align with my values, and I was depressed.

So, I quit.

I started working when I was 13. I never quit a job without having another one lined up.

But, the relief of not having to go back to that job was so much greater than the fear of not having a job.

This time, I didn’t want to chase the next opportunity in this field.

Instead, I sought out my dream: to work with cats.

Since 2017, I’ve worked with over 400 cats professionally.

I’ve had many clients say to me, “My cat doesn’t like to play.”

This is my favorite phrase.

Why?

Because I’m able to get those cats to play ????????

Or, they say, “You’ll never see my cat. He’s too shy.”

Another favorite phrase of mine

Why?

Because those shy cats become my best friends ????????

cat cuddling my leg

So, how am I able to get all these cats to love me?

Well, I believe they can tell how experienced I am with cats.

Mainly because I act appropriately around them.

I understand cat behavior, and I respect them.

kitten sniffing human hand

Even though I’ve had cats my whole life, I’m still learning more and more every day.

I’ve learned so much working with cats professionally.

I mean, 400+ cats! I’m bound to learn a thing or 2, right?

Unfortunately, many of those cats are overweight and sick.

Just like my guys in the past, they eat kibble and need medicine.

I’ve medicated dozens of cats with:
  • Pills
  • Liquid meds
  • Insulin
  • Fluids

On a daily basis.

For some people, they consider it normal.

But, these health issues are not normal.

59.5% of cats in the US are overweight or obese (2019 survey).

The abundance of health issues does not make it normal.

It makes it an epidemic.

My personal experience with health

All my life I had terrible pains when I got my period.

It felt like my ovaries were battling each other in a nuclear war. I spent hours in the bathroom with the torturous feeling that I had to ???? and ???? at the same time.

Endometriosis, anyone?

Most would say that period pains are normal. Every woman deals with period pains.

But, it is not normal.

Mother Nature is very intricate in her ways. How can horrible body pains be normal?

I went to the doctor, and I was told that I have PCOS. So, I asked, “What can I do?”

My doctor said, “Nothing. We’ll just repeat the sonogram in a few months.”

That’s when I turned to the internet.

Every article said to ditch sugar, alcohol, soy, processed foods, fast foods, and a few others.

So, I did.

And, guess what?

My periods are now pain-free.

I eat fresh, whole foods. No sugary crap, no overly processed crap, no alcohol.

Now, I don’t even know I have my period until I use the bathroom. Seriously!

Maybe this is TMI, but again, I will always be upfront and honest with you.

Don’t let anyone tell you that pains and serious health issues are normal just because “it happens to everyone”.

overweight cat eating dog food kibble

Ok, let’s go back to those original points and put them in common-sense terms.

Kibble is good for cats because it cleans teeth

If your friend said to you, “I don’t have to brush my teeth because granola is crunchy and cleans my teeth when I chew,” what would you say?

This litter is great because you’ll only clean once a month

Would you ever go for more than one week (let alone a month) without cleaning your bathroom?

My cat isn’t interested in playing

What if you slept all day and all night every day for a week? 2 weeks? 5 months? 7 years?! You’d feel insanely bored and blah. This is how our cats feel when they don’t play. Cats are natural-born hunters that love to play!

Raw diets are dangerous because of bacteria

Cats lick their butt after pooping. What was that about bacteria?

Chubby cats are cute, and it’s normal.

There are no overweight wild animals. Overweight cats are at higher risk for cancer, dehydration, arthritis, diabetes, and shortened lives. That is not normal.

siamese in human lap

So, my promise to you…

I’m here to give you solutions in very simple, common-sense terms.

I have experience with over 400 cats.

I’ve been researching and practicing these techniques with my cat, Jericho, since 2017.

cat with bird toy

But, I’m not a veterinarian.

The problem is, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is exactly that. Medicine.

Not nutrition.

I’m not saying veterinarians aren’t smart. They do amazing work.

But, their focus is on treating problems with medicine after they happen.

My goal is to help prevent these problems from happening in the first place.

Or, if the problems exist, let’s use natural approaches when we can. Like, biologically-appropriate food.

Not highly processed kibble and canned goo.

cat licked raw food plate clean

So, if kibble is so bad, why does my vet recommend it?

I looked into vet school. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists 32 accredited schools in the US for the DVM degree.

I counted up the total courses of each school’s DVM curriculum. Then, I counted up the number of courses dedicated solely to food and nutrition. One school curriculum is not available publicly online.

The DVM curriculum average across 31 schools dedicates 2% solely on food and nutrition.

2% of 4 years!

How can vets recommend proper food when their training isn’t focused on nutrition?

Also, AAFCO does not approve cat food. They don’t test cat food either.

Even the FDA says, “The product name can be a key factor in the consumer’s decision to buy the product. For that reason, manufacturers often use fanciful names or other techniques to emphasize a particular aspect of the product…

Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they are feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if one knows how to read it. Do not be swayed by the many marketing gimmicks or eye-catching claims.”

Across all 31 DVM curriculums, ZERO courses are dedicated to reading pet food labels.

How can vets recommend proper food when they aren’t trained on how to read pet food labels?

If that wasn’t enough…

The AVMA’s diamond and gold level sponsors are kibble and canned food corporations (Hill’s Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina).

These companies sponsor their events and offer veterinary students free and/or discounted products.

So, of course, vets are going to recommend kibble. Kibble companies surround vets and have a heavy influence on them.

So, here’s my solution

I enrolled in a 500-hour Clinical Pet Nutritionist program in July 2020.

The school and the program are licensed and approved by the Department of Education and the Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Meaning, when I complete the program, I will be triple certified in feline nutrition, canine nutrition, and clinical pet nutrition. I will offer professional services as a Clinical Pet Nutritionist.

The average time frame of completion is 1.5 years. So, I should be done with the full certification program by December 2021.

I will work with you, your cats (and dogs), and your vet to develop a balanced and speciesappropriate homemade diet based on any and all special needs.

cat napping in bed with human

How will I help you until then?

I offer my personal and professional experiences on my website for free.

I’m not interested in having ads on my website. Ads are a huge income stream, but they’re annoying, distracting, and slow down site speed.

I want your experience with my website to be fun, educational, and convenient.

I do not make money just by you viewing a page on my website.

Please note, I DO use affiliate marketing for product recommendations. 

I’d rather make money if you get something out of it too.

I only recommend products that I have or would like to have.

I do my best to update my cat’s enrichment needs on a monthly basis, as my budget allows.

I’ll always be honest, and I dig to the bottom of everything. Our cats deserve the best.

No exceptions.

I heavily research products, including emailing the company.

I’ve learned the best way to get to the bottom of it is to ask questions. You can’t always rely on website copy.

Speaking of which! Please visit my contact me page if you have any questions.

I work alone, aside from Jericho’s help, so I’ll always be the one that responds.

cat cuddling with human in bed

Every article on my website has been written by me.

I don’t outsource anything.

All cat photos on my website are taken by me or my family members.

All of which are cats in my personal life.

I don’t share client photos for privacy reasons.

I also send out free tips weekly on Saturdays in my Mewsletter.

cats cuddling on my lap

cat licking human face

So if you’re feeling ANY of the following:
  • Frustrated and overwhelmed about understanding cat food labels
  • Tired of spending money on toys only for your cats to choose the box instead
  • Confused that your cats are overweight and even prescription diet food isn’t working
  • Wondering if your cat is actually happy living indoors
  • Annoyed that the litter box area never seems to stay clean no matter how much sweeping you do
  • Unable to get multiple cats or your family members to get along
  • Wishing you could understand your cat better

Sign up for my weekly Mewsletter.

I only send 1 email a week because I hate spam too. After confirming your subscription, you’ll get instant access to helpful resources.

Follow me! Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok.

I’m very active in the comments on all 3!

Check out my tutorials.

I write in-depth guides on how to make your cats happy indoors.

Check out my Etsy shop.

I have a Switch Your Cat to Raw eBook Course and a Printable Cat Care Binder.

I promise to help you nurture your cat’s wild side.

Nurturing their wild side with proper nutrition, enrichment, and play is the best way to keep cats happy and healthy.

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