Snez Herve created a grooming solution for her cat Mango, and it could help pet owners everywhere. Photo: La Belle Paw.
A Kanahooka cat owner is on a mission to help others better care for their feline friends by breaking down misconceptions about grooming and has even created a new product to clean the fussiest of pets.
Snez Herve loves her cat Mango but she is the first to admit that she mistook her pet’s independence for low maintenance.
“I was a cat parent that thought I have a cat and I don’t really have to do much and she’ll be all right,” Snez said.
“But when it comes to spring she sheds like crazy and I could just tell she’s uncomfortable – like wearing a hot coat in the middle of summer.”
Even after she realised that Mango licking herself wasn’t adequate enough grooming, the challenge of regularly soaking the water averse kitty in a tub wasn’t exactly appealing.
“Our cat is indoor/outdoor and she hates being bathed and groomed so it’s a real struggle to try and keep her somewhat tidy,” Snez said.
The HR manager decided to use her people skills to help speak up and empower pet owners to better connect with their cats.
“Although I enjoy my 9 to 5, I felt like there was a part of me that wanted to create something greater,” she said.
So she founded La Belle Paw, a grooming business focused on cat welfare and community care, with the mission to educate and promote responsible ownership.
“It’s really important, no matter what type of cat breed you have,” Snez said.
“Just because they’re a cat and they’re independent, doesn’t mean we should neglect them; it’s about understanding their needs and catering whatever our approach is to their needs.
“Having a solid grooming routine once a week, for an example, at a minimum checking their coat and making sure they don’t have ticks or fleas or skin irritation or allergies, at least we’re going to be on the front foot in making sure that they’re cared for properly.”
The grooming powder helps minimise bath time but education around grooming still needs to improve. Photo: La Belle Paw.
And she’s also providing a solution to help make things a bit easier – a grooming powder for in-between washes.
“It gives the cat a fresh look, it helps reduce the friction between the comb and the fur, so when you are combing through mats it does just help the comb or brush glide a bit easier and really freshens it up without putting them in a bath and wetting them excessively,” Snez said.
“We’re all for ensuring that a grooming experience is stress-free because it really solidifies the bond that a cat has with its owner as well.”
The product took months of development and finding the right manufacturer who shared her values, and she eventually teamed up with an Australian company that specialised in DNA sequencing and microbiome friendly products to make the vision a reality.
“Our product is completely lick-safe and we’ve had it reviewed by a vet dermatologist as well in Australia just to make sure that they are completely happy with the formulation,” Snez said.
“We’re very transparent; we label our ingredients on our product even though it’s not a legal requirement, just to put people’s mind at ease that we absolutely have our name behind it and they should feel secure.”
It’s already received high praise from breeders who require their pets to be at their best for shows, as well as everyday owners struggling with common challenges.
“The owners that have the massive problem of matting or a very wriggly cat that’s hard to groom them or comb them at home, once I start talking about the product their eyes just light up,” Snez said.
Snez is exploring opportunities to make the products more accessible by connecting with places such as dog boarding and other pet businesses and hopes to get the word out far and wide.
While La Belle Paw could have the potential for broad reach, she’s also helping cats back home by donating some of the profits to the Illawarra Cat Rescue Association.
“We’re a firm believer in giving back to the community, so we’re not just about generating product, it’s about creating something that’s going to be great for cat owners but also supporting cat associations as well.”
To find out more about La Belle Paw or to buy the grooming powder visit the La Belle Paw website.
