Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandra Grossmann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sandra , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I have been working with cats for a long time. They are still considered “second class citizens” compared to dogs. Nutrition and behavior research is lacking behind. We are less aware of the way how cats communicate and they seem to be labeled as the animal that requires less maintenance and is more self sufficient. Working or volunteering at a rescue or shelter will open your eyes even more to these issues. Many cats are being labeled as aggressive, or not adoptable. Whilst in reality they are fearful and misunderstood.
When I decided to become a certified cat behavior and training specialist, advocating for cats became my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Welcome! My name is Sandra Grossmann. I am the owner of The Feline Consultant. There is not one traditional path to become a companion animal nutritionist. I hold a B.S. of Food Science from the Technical University Berlin, and various master certifications from quality & product management programs and draw from 28 years of experience about ingredients and formulating pet diets, treats and supplements. Formulating species appropriate diets and treats has always been a passion of mine. The field of cat/pet nutrition is certainly one that is open to controversial discussions and opinions. Working internationally with many clients, companies and cultures has helped me keep an open mind and focus on science-based information.
After leaving the corporate industry in 2019, I completed the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s (UIUC) Companion Animal Nutrition certification whilst also launching my cat consultation business.
In July 2021, I graduated from the Veterinary Assistant Program at Animal Behavior College (ABC) and I completed my Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification from The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) in June 2022.
Since December 2021 I am a certified cat behaviorist with the Animal Behavior Institute, and I am a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
I know the challenges of caring for a pet with a compromised health condition or behavioral issues. Helping pet parents understand and scope with these conditions is my main mission for starting The Feline Consultant.
Many health issues result in behavioral problems, many behavioral problems have their root cause in an undiagnosed health condition. Educating pet parents how to cope with these situations better is my main goal.
Many of my clients come to me for advice about clinical nutrition, or specific diseases. My education as a cat friendly certified Veterinary Assistant helps me understand the medical condition your vet has diagnosed, and how a diet change or nutritional supplements can affect this condition.
Research on cat specific conditions is very limited. Compared to a decade ago we have made great progress. Many cat only veterinarians are well trained to help you and your four-legged kid. We also have access to cat friendly certified vet clinics all over the country.
Cats are fascinating animals. They have a different metabolism and display different behavioral traits compared to dogs. Cats often get accused of being much less personable than dogs. And while they tend to be more independent than dogs they for sure have a special place in the hearts of many fellow cat lovers!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Never stop learning, 2. Always follow your instinct and stay true to yourself.
3. Speak up, even when you are the only one in the room with the unpopular opinion.
Be resilient and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with people that lift you up, or give you a hand. Respectfully walk away from people that do the opposite.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love collaborations to benefit the wellbeing of cats. If it is a shelter in need of help with a behavior program or someone who would like to discuss feline nutrition I am always up for this!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefelineconsultant.com
- Instagram: @thefelineconsultantdsm
- Facebook: @thefelineconsultantdsm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandragrossmann/
- Twitter: na
Image Credits
The Feline Consultant Sandra Grossmann
