The Journey of My Cat Nap Cottage: From Feline Boarding to Exclusive Grooming Services

When you walk into My Cat Nap Cottage, you're stepping into more than just a boarding facility - you're entering a haven built on love, experience, and devotion to feline care. We’re Erin and Antonio, business partners and life partners 💕, and we’re thrilled to share the story behind our cottage - and the exciting new chapter we’re embarking on with the launch of feline-exclusive grooming services.

How It All Began

Our story starts across the ocean in Madrid, Spain, where fate brought us together. Antonio, a Madrid native, spent his weekends volunteering at the local animal shelter. Erin, originally from Long Island, NY, had been working as a veterinary assistant since the age of 14 and moved to Spain at 25 in order to achieve her Masters in Bilingual and Multicultural Education, as well as International Education. Quickly bonding over mutual interests, it was clear that our future would continue together.

With a combined 20+ years of experience in animal care, fate continued to shape our lives in a very serendipitous way.

A Cottage of Our Own

When Erin’s parents moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, they started boarding their own cats at a cozy local place called The Cat Cottage. As luck would have it, the owner was ready to retire, and she mentioned this to Erin’s parents. One long-distance phone call to Spain later, and we knew this was our opportunity. We packed up our lives and crossed the ocean to take the reins of a little cottage with a big heart.

Since taking over, we’ve transformed My Cat Nap Cottage into a modern, award-winning facility. We added large, spacious suites to ensure that each cat has the comfort and space they deserve. We implemented a digital client portal for easier communication and better service. And thanks to our loyal clients and their kind reviews, we’ve earned multiple awards and consistent 5-star ratings.

The Next Step: Feline-Exclusive Grooming

As we’ve grown, so has our desire to offer even more to our feline clients and their families. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce feline-exclusive grooming to our list of services.

With Erin at the helm, grooming at My Cat Nap Cottage isn’t just a service—it’s a specialty. Erin is currently working toward the prestigious title of Certified Feline Master Groomer, a designation held by fewer than 500 people worldwide. This involves months of intensive study, four written exams covering feline anatomy, health, temperaments, breeds, and colors, and five hands-on practical exams that demonstrate advanced grooming skills - all geared specifically toward the unique needs of cats.

Why all this effort? Because we believe that your cats deserve the very best. Erin’s goal is not only to meet grooming standards - but to set them.

Always Evolving, Always Improving

Our journey has been anything but ordinary, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Every experience we’ve had - every shelter shift, vet clinic call, and cuddle with a boarding guest - has led us to this point. And we’re only just getting started.

We promise to always continue learning, continue improving, and continue putting your cats’ comfort, safety, and happiness first. Whether it’s for an overnight stay or a spa day, we’re honored every time you choose My Cat Nap Cottage.

From our family to yours,

Erin & Antonio 🐾