Pico, an orange cat, peeking up with his paws over a ledge at home.

OUR STORY

We are Anna and Karel. This all began with Pico.

Pico went quiet before we understood he was struggling. Catpip is the calm, evidence-based guide we wish we had found.

WHY CATPIP EXISTS

Pico was not being difficult. He was frightened.

That changed the questions we asked—and the order we asked them in.

Pico did not act out. He went quiet, and we almost missed it.

  • 01The change we almost missed

    He started peeing on our bed. It was a quiet change, but it was still a change.

  • 02Our first move was the vet

    Before searching for a home fix, we booked a checkup and ran the tests. No medical cause was found.

  • 03The moment it clicked

    After a frightening drive, a dark covered carrier showed us how much safety and predictability mattered to Pico.

  • 04A calmer way forward

    With veterinary input, we made one change at a time and learned to plan around who Pico is.
Pico riding in a bike crate beside an Amsterdam canal.

AMSTERDAM / ESTONIA / SPAIN

Pico in Amsterdam, before the move.

Moving countries made familiar routines, safe spaces, and small observations feel even more important.

Anna gently kissing Pico, who is peeking out of a travel carrier on a train.

WHO IS BEHIND CATPIP

Owners who have been through it, with the vet always in the room.

Anna & Karel—founders and Pico’s people.

We write from real owner experience, not veterinary qualifications. That is a useful perspective, but it is also a clear limit.

How health content earns trust

New, painful, persistent, or physical changes belong with a veterinarian first. Catpip helps owners organise observations; it does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace veterinary care.

Our guidance is scientifically backed and cites its sources: veterinary and peer-reviewed research alongside honest owner experience. It is not veterinary-reviewed yet, and we say so plainly. If an article receives veterinary review, we name the reviewer, their credentials, scope, and review date.

Read our editorial policy

WHAT WE PROMISE

Warm guidance. Clear limits.

  • 01The whole cat, not one symptom

    We look at comfort, routine, access, and context—not a single moment in isolation.

  • 02The vet comes first

    A sudden, painful, persistent, or physical change needs veterinary guidance before a home fix.

  • 03No shame, ever

    A struggling cat is not bad, and a tired owner is not failing.

  • 04Honest picks, honest limits

    We say what helped Pico, what may not fit, and where owner experience or evidence stops.

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