The Fulfilled Feline

Home
The Fulfilled Feline

Cat Behavioral Wellbeing & Cat Advocate Education & Advocacy founded by Stephanie Merlin
(15)

26/03/2024

Remember when I asked what you guys wanted to hear about from Global Pet Expo?

Well, you wanted the good news first! 😊

Swipe through to see what’s got me buzzing about the cat industry right now 😻.

Which one is your fave ⭐️ ?

——
Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

I invite you to follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

10/02/2024

Just want to let everyone know that I’m getting spam comments in many of my posts with someone (Olivia H.) saying they’re selling merch with my logo. This is a scam! I’ve reported and banned this account and working to delete the comments.

Please know that anything with my logo or anything sold under The Fulfilled Feline will come directly from this account.

08/02/2024

Let’s delve deeper into the considerations preceding the introduction of a new feline companion. 🐱

Before expanding our feline family, it’s crucial to assess not only the logistical aspects but also the emotional implications for our current cat. 💖🐾

I’ve curated a carousel to provide insight into your cat’s perspective, offering valuable insights into their potential concerns and needs during this transition. 📚🐾

Join me in fostering a mindful and empathetic approach, ensuring that every step is guided by compassion and thoughtful consideration for our beloved companions. 🌟🐱

—
Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

💞Ready to deepen your understanding of your cat’s behavior and honor their emotions?

Explore my Cat Behavioral and Emotional Wellbeing Resource Bundle - a comprehensive guide to navigate the intricacies of feline emotions. 📖🐾

🔗Link is in bio!

18/12/2023

🔥 Hot Take 🔥:

A cat’s demeanor shouldn’t be molded to fit our expectations. 🚫 They’re not obligated to be affectionate or lap cats.

I struggle when people inquire about “training” their cats to be more cuddly.

Love is about trust and connection, not coercion.

Affection and cuddles aren’t prerequisites for a meaningful bond. Trust and love stand on their own, independent of physical closeness.

Cats have the right to be themselves. They do not owe us affection or cuddles.

Affection should always be a choice made by the cat, not a demand we place upon them. 🐾❤️

——
Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

I invite you to follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

11/12/2023

💙Please like + share to help give cats a voice 📣

🐾 Cats have feelings too, and it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect them. As their companions and caregivers, let’s be compassionate and understanding of their emotional experiences.

🌟 Every cat deserves compassionate and respectful care. They should never be placed in situations that make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable, just for our personal gain or entertainment.

🚫 Let’s rethink the way we post cats on social media. Instead of treating them as props, let’s model compassionate and empathetic care. Our actions on social media have a real impact on their welfare.

📸 Using cats as mere accessories for likes and shares negatively affects their wellbeing. Let’s work together to promote the emotional wellbeing of cats everywhere. 🐱

__
Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

I invite you to follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

29/11/2023

🐾Insights into Cat Advocacy 🫶🏻

In cat advocacy and welfare, there are crucial realities that often go overlooked 💔.

Here’s a glimpse into some aspects I believe warrant greater awareness. 🧐

Swipe through to gain insights into the complexities of cat advocacy, and let’s foster a deeper understanding for the benefit of both feline friends and our shared mission. 🌟

___
Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

🐾 Curious about compassion fatigue and burnout in cat welfare?

Discover more in my on-demand webinar 📺 “Compassion for Cats = Compassion for You” 🐱💕. Click the link in my bio! 🔗🐾

01/11/2023

🐾 I am 100% in favor of preventative care. 🏥

I believe there are so many considerations I do not hear talked about enough when it comes to adding a cat into our home. 🏡🐱

Cats are often assumed to be easy and low maintenance, but there are so many considerations for their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing we have to consider. 💭💪❤️

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are some major highlights I’d love to see more people become more aware and mindful of before bringing a cat into their home. 📋🐈🏠

___
Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

Would you like some tips on enhancing your cat’s wellbeing, from their wellness to enrichment and more 🐾💞🐈‍⬛?

📑Check out my Tips for Fulfilling Your Feline Guide linked in bio 🔗🐾.

07/07/2023

🐾 Shifting Perspectives: The Power of Language in Cat Behavior 🐈

The language we use when discussing cat behavior can profoundly influence how we perceive cats.

It's concerning to witness the prevalence of language even within the cat behavior community because I feel it inadvertently prioritizes human emotions and behavior over a cat's wellbeing 😞.

Let's encourage exploration of the motivations behind behavior and seek to understand the message our feline companions are trying to communicate 🔎.

By choosing empathetic language and understanding their instincts and communication cues, we can build a stronger, more compassionate relationship with our feline companions 🐾💞.

———
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

05/07/2023

❣️You deserve to thrive in cat welfare❣️

Sharing a bit of my journey for those who may be struggling too right now 💔.

I know this isn't easy, but you're not alone.

This is very much a journey, but you deserve to take all the time and space you need to feel okay again or even okay for the first time.

I'm starting to feel okay for the first time ❤️‍🩹.

Sending you all comfort 🐾💞.

——
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

03/07/2023

❗️Reassuring scared cats doesn't reinforce fear❗️

Fear is a natural and uncontrollable emotional response, not a behavior.

You can't reward fear❌.

Reassuring fearful and anxious cats shows them compassion and understanding 💕.

Ignoring their fear, subjecting them to their triggers, or punishing them can only amplify their 😥 .

Instead, let's take a trauma-informed approach and offer them the love and reassurance they need 💗.

By doing so, we can see fear as a communication tool to better understand their individual needs, helping us build a bond based on safety and trust 💞🐾.

Stay tuned for tips on how you can better investigate and support your cat when they're fearful❣️

——
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

Would you like some tips on enhancing your cat's wellbeing, from their wellness to enrichment and more 🐾💞🐈‍⬛?

📑Check out my Tips for Fulfilling Your Feline Guide linked in bio 🔗🐾.

30/06/2023

Compassionate Care for All: Prioritizing Humans in Animal Welfare 💙🐾

In the realm of animal welfare, let's shed light on a vital aspect often overlooked: the wellbeing of those who tirelessly work to make a difference ❤️‍🩹.

To create a sustainable future, we must prioritize the mental and emotional wellbeing of those involved in animal welfare just as much as the animals 💕.

We can start by fostering a culture that embraces open dialogue about our challenges, understanding, and empathy 💗.

Let's amplify the voices of compassion and understanding for our wellbeing within the animal welfare community❣️
———
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

28/06/2023

Respecting the Nature of Cats💚

I believe it is crucial for us, as guardians, to avoid imposing our human expectations on cats ❌.

One of the most disheartening things I encountered in behavioral practice was working with some people who told me they expected their cats to behave better or be grateful because they rescued them 😔.

Cats are allowed to be true to their nature 🌿🐾.

They are allowed to experience fear and express emotions 😿 .

We're not cats' masters or owners. We're their companions, guardians, and caretakers entrusted with their wellbeing 💗.

We are the ones who need to do the work to honor and nurture our feline companions. The human-animal bond is an equal partnership based on trust, understanding, consent, and compassion 💞💕.

——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

I have a genuine passion for providing empathetic and trauma-informed support to cats and their guardians, helping them understand their cat and support their needs💗.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

26/06/2023

🐱Embracing Your Cat's Purrspective 🐱

It's crucial that we approach and evaluate our cat's behavior from their perspective rather than our own 🐾.

Many behaviors we may perceive as undesirable or annoying are actually our cat's way of communicating their emotions and needs to us ❤️.

By taking a moment to explore their behavior with curiosity, patience, and compassion, we can greatly enhance not only our cats' wellbeing but also strengthen the bond we share with them 💞.

Would you like some tips on enhancing your cat's wellbeing, from their wellness to enrichment and more 🐾💞🐈‍⬛?

📑Check out my Tips for Fulfilling Your Feline Guide linked below🔗🐾.

https://thefulfilledfeline.gumroad.com/l/tipsforfulfillingyourfeline

24/06/2023

🐾 My cat scratcher and tree faves!🐾

I'm grateful for another opportunity to work with to share this article this article with you all 🐾💕!

https://www.sheknows.com/living/slideshow/2796248/best-cat-scratchers-condos-towers/

23/06/2023

Many of us encounter numerous cats throughout our work in cat welfare, forging bonds and connections with these cats as if they were our very own 🐾💕.

Whether you care for a cat for an extended period, a few days or weeks, or even just a fleeting moment while aiding them in a comfortable and humane transition, the significance of these bonds and connections cannot be understated for both ourselves and the cats 💗.

Although we may not be able to save every single one, you should never underestimate the power of the unconditional love, care, and compassion you've provided in your care 🫶🏻.

You are already making a substantial impact, and your efforts are invaluable and meaningful to every cat you have encountered 💞
Thank you 🐈‍⬛💖.
——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

21/06/2023

Embracing the Macro Lens for Animal Welfare 🐾🙌

In animal welfare, we must shift our focus beyond the microlens. It's time to prioritize the wellbeing of humans in the field and empower the humans in the communities we serve 🧍🏻‍♀️🧍🏽🧍🏿‍♀️🧍🏽‍♂️🐾.

We must champion a shift that embraces the interconnectedness between animals, humans, and their communities.

By tackling challenges at the macro level, we pave a path toward lasting transformations that enrich the lives of all beings involved 💞.

Invite us to the table 🐾👏! Let us lead too!
——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and advocate for the wellbeing of my fellow cat welfare advocates 🫶🏻

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

20/06/2023

🐾 Embracing a New Perspective: Understanding Cat Behavior 🐾

🐈 It is essential that we shift our mindset when confronted with cat behavior concerns. Rather than labeling our cats as problematic or broken, we must understand that their behaviors are a form of communication, expressing their emotions and unmet needs. 🐾

By reframing our approach, we uncover an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding and establish a stronger connection with our feline companions. 🤝💕

🔍 Approaching these concerns with compassion and curiosity allows us to uncover the root causes of their behaviors and provide effective support. 🏠✨
___
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

I am dedicated to guiding people in navigating cat behavior concerns in a way that nurtures and honors their cat's emotional wellbeing 💗🐾.

I would love to support you and your cat now with my Behavioral & Wellness Insights or Soul Cat-nection Package services 🫶🏻.

🐾Behavioral & Wellness Insights- Basic service for cat guardians needing guidance over a specific or straightforward question or concern regarding their cat.

💞Soul Cat-nection Package- Comprehensive service for cat guardians experiencing a behavioral concern that would like guidance on better understanding their cat and supporting their emotional, behavioral, and general wellbeing needs.

🔗Services are linked in my bio, or 💌 DM me to learn more!

16/06/2023

Nurturing Our Cats Through Ourselves 🐾💖

Let's set the record straight: there's no such thing as a perfect cat parent ❌.

Our emotions can sometimes affect our feline companions, but that never warrants a guilt trip ❤️‍🩹.

Instead, let's practice self-compassion and kindness when we find ourselves struggling 💗.

Remember, offering yourself understanding and gentleness is the greatest gift you can give, both to yourself and your feline companion 💞🐾.

——
Looking for a simple yet meaningful way to cultivate kindness and compassion for both you and your feline companion 💞🐾?

Look no further than my specially curated Emotional Wellbeing Kits ✨!

I created my Emotional Wellbeing Kits with the intention of offering you and your beloved feline companion a ready-made set of self-care tools to help nurture your emotional wellbeing 💞.

Each kit comprises a thoughtfully curated selection of:
💎3 crystals
🌿3 comfort & enrichment cat herbs
🧘🏾‍♀️ meditation
🪷 affirmation
📒 detailed kit guide

⭐️Kit Options: ⭐️

⚡️Inner Strength⚡️- for cats and guardians looking to build confidence and find inner calm

🪷Finding Peace🪷- for cats and guardians who experience overstimulation or sensory overwhelm that can lead to agitation or shutdown

💖Holding Space💖- for cats and guardians experiencing trauma and or overwhelming fear, sadness, or anger

💞Soul Cat-nection💞- for cats and guardians looking to strengthen their bond and build trust

🔗Kits are linked in my bio❣️

14/06/2023

💗 Trauma-informed care applies to cats too 💗

We have been actively incorporating trauma-informed care into our approach with humans, and it's crucial that we extend this practice to cats as well 🐾

Being trauma-informed means recognizing that individuals, including cats, may have experienced some level of trauma. It involves approaching them with compassion and acknowledging their individual sensitivities 🫶🏻.

Trauma is less about an event and more about the physiological, behavioral, and emotional response. Many times it isn't a catastrophic event or even something specific. It could be a series of instances or even something small that triggered a trauma response. Same for cats.

There are several types of scenarios that could cause a trauma response in cats.

🔹Lack of an enriched environment
🔹 Being removed from hiding when scared
🔹 The scent of a vet clinic
🔹 Observing a roaming cat outside the window
🔹 Introduction of a new cat into the home
🔹 And so many more

Identifying the specific triggers affecting a cat's trauma response may not always be evident too.

It's important to note that our aim is not to eradicate fear, as fear is a normal and protective response ✅.

Instead, our goal is to be sensitive to behavioral concerns, acknowledging that such concerns could be rooted in trauma 💗.

By recognizing and acknowledging their fear, we can collaborate with our cats to provide the necessary support and meet their individual needs 🐾💕.

——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

12/06/2023

In the realm of this work, we must grant ourselves self-compassion and the space to honor our feelings and emotions 💗.

If this message resonates with you or you think it could benefit a friend in need, I kindly ask you to consider sharing it 🐾❤️.
——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

I have a genuine passion and unwavering commitment to promoting the emotional well-being and advocating for my fellow peers involved in cat advocacy and welfare ✨.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

09/06/2023

🐾 Understanding our feline friends' emotions is key to addressing behavior concerns. Taking that important first step towards empathy and holding space for their feelings is crucial. 🌟

✨ Introducing my Behavioral & Wellness Insights and Soul Cat-nection Package services 🌈!

Designed to help cat guardians gain a deeper understanding of their furry companions' emotional wellbeing and provide the support they need. 🤗💕

📩 You can check out the links in my bio or DM me to learn more about these services. Your cat's emotional wellbeing is worth every step! 🐾💙

07/06/2023

❣️Cat Advocates, you're not weak or too sensitive. ❣️

You deserve acknowledgment, support, and gratitude 🫶🏻.

Your feelings and challenges deserve to be seen.

It shouldn't be all on you to get the help you need.

You shouldn't have to go it alone because it's not just you. You're not the broken one.

You deserve an animal welfare community that is trauma-informed and emotionally aware of the humans as much as they are the animals 💞.

If you need some validation and support with this now, consider my on-demand webinar, Compassion for Cats = Compassion for You, linked in my bio, or keep following and sharing these posts so we can grow this supportive and compassionate community 💞🐾🌿.

——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

I have a genuine passion and unwavering commitment to promoting the emotional well-being and advocating for my fellow peers involved in cat advocacy and welfare ✨.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

05/06/2023

I don't know a single person involved in the welfare of cats who isn't in survival mode ❤️‍🩹.

From my peers in sheltering, rescue, fostering, and TNR to my colleagues in behavioral consulting, we're all drowning.

Sometimes it's due to factors like never-ending and rough kitten seasons.

But also, it's because of irresponsible pet ownership, unsupportive work environments, impatient and demanding humans, and a culture that glorifies the hustle and stigmatizes emotional struggle 💔.

The external pressures on us are immense, on top of our deep sense of responsibility and emotional connection to the cats in our care 🐾❤️.

I don't have all the answers; sometimes, I feel like I'm failing you by not having them 😞.

However, I believe it starts with increasing awareness and recognition from the organizations we serve and the people we help.

We also deserve care and compassion, just like the animals entrusted in our care.

We deserve to thrive too❣️❣️❣️.

——
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellbeing educator 🐾and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

I have a genuine passion and unwavering commitment to promoting the emotional well-being and advocating for my fellow peers involved in cat advocacy and welfare ✨.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and you 🥰🐈.

02/06/2023

I firmly believe cats are emotional beings with an innate ability to sense our emotions and love 💗 .

The human-animal bond is truly extraordinary and so meaningful for our well-being as theirs 💞.

As people who work in cat welfare, we connect and bond with so many cats, not just our own 🐈‍⬛🐈.

It doesn't matter if we care for a cat for the entire span of their life or only for a few precious hours; the love and compassion we give them is meaningful and makes a difference 💗.

I know they feel the love we give and have for them 🐾💕.

Together, we uplift and enrich each other's lives in profound ways 💓.

—

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellness specialist 🐾, human-animal bond advocate 💞, and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

I have a genuine passion for providing support to cats and their guardians, assisting them in nurturing and strengthening their bond 💗.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and the people who love them 🥰🐈.

01/06/2023

For the month of June, I will be donating $5 from every purchase of my compassion fatigue webinar, Compassion for Cats = Compassion for You, to 🐾❤️🧡💛💚💙💜.

This non-profit organization provides support, health services, and transgender care to the Central Florida LGTBQ+ community 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️.
-----
I remember sitting in my car waiting to go to a doctor's appointment on June 26, 2015, and a news alert popped up on my phone about same-sex marriage being legalized in the United States and being filled with joy and hope for the future.

I remember waking up a year later, on June 12, 2016, to the news of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, killing 49 people in Orlando, where I reside.

Presently, Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, is enacting a series of bills erasing diversity and human rights, making Florida a dangerous place to live for many.

I will not be silent on these matters.

Celebrating, honoring, and holding space for all of you 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🫶🏻.

The LGBTQ+ community deserves to live loud and proud ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜.

24/05/2023

The compassion you give to cats and others is a gift 💞🐾.

We were always taught to show and give compassion to others, but we were rarely taught or modeled to show compassion for ourselves 😕.

Self-compassion is not easy. I have not mastered it; most days, I'm my worst critic.

However, it is crucial for all of us to recognize that we are deserving of self-compassion ❤️‍🩹.

Let us embark on this journey of practicing self-compassion together 💕.

🩵 Tag your cat welfare friends in the comments who you feel could use this gentle reminder 🩵.

——
Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellness specialist 🐾, human-animal bond advocate 💞, and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

Not only do I have a passion for the welfare of cats, but I am also deeply committed to promoting the emotional well-being and advocating for those involved in cat welfare ✨.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and the people who love them 🥰🐈.

22/05/2023

This is the conversation I don't hear happening, and yes, I'm spicy about it 🌶️ .

We're not serving people by just telling them to remember to practice self-care, have boundaries, and seek counseling ❌.

I'm a believer in all 3 of these things. However, I have privileges that have made it easier for me to access mental health services to have self-care practices and boundaries.

What does that mean for the majority of the rest of animal welfare advocates who do not have that accessibility or privileges 💔?

It's so easy to tell people to remember self-care and to create boundaries, but...

⚠️ What does that even mean to people who have never chosen themselves first?

⚠️ What does that even mean to people told that taking time for themselves is selfish or lazy?

⚠️ What does that mean to people with a valid fear that if they say no to someone or a cat, it puts a cat's life at risk?

⚠️ What does that even mean to people who cannot access mental health services or have experienced trauma from seeking help?

⚠️ What does that even mean to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent animal advocates already facing the struggles of being marginalized daily?

This is why I'm speaking out on this subject. We cannot self-care away compassion fatigue.

We need more than just self-care. This is a more extensive conversation and a more significant point for advocacy 👏.

I don't have the answers. I really don't, but I won't be silent about it and hope that speaking out is the first step to finding some of those answers 💕.

Your well-being matters 👏💕🐾.

——

Hi there 👋🏻! I'm Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellness specialist 🐾, human-animal bond advocate 💞, and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻.

Not only do I have a passion for the welfare of cats, but I am also deeply committed to promoting the emotional well-being and advocating for those involved in cat welfare ✨.

Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and the people who love them 🥰🐈.

Address

Website

http://thefulfilledfeline.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Fulfilled Feline posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Fulfilled Feline:

Videos

👏 We have to rewrite the narrative on rest. 👏 Rest should not be something we view with shame or guilt, but how else are we supposed to feel when that is what our society has indoctrinated us into 💔? It’s sick that we don’t feel deserving of rest until we are in so much pain or so ill we can’t function ❤️‍🩹. This isn’t your fault if you’re burned out. You’re not weak. You’re not ill-equipped to help cats because you need rest 🫂. You don’t need a reason to rest. You deserve rest inherently 💗. —— Hi there 👋🏻! I’m Stephanie Merlin, a cat behavioral wellness specialist 🐾, human-animal bond advocate 💞, and peer supporter for fellow cat advocates 🫶🏻. Not only do I have a passion for the welfare of cats, but I am also deeply committed to promoting the emotional well-being and advocating for those involved in cat welfare ✨. Follow me and check out the links in my bio for more compassionate guidance for cats and the people who love them 🥰🐈. #catlove #catadvocate #animalwelfare #humananimalbond #compassionfatigue #selfcare #catlady #animaladvocate #catrescue #tnr #burnout #catwelfare #catbehavior #orlandocats

TW: Grief, loss, traumatic event Last week in a post, I mentioned that my compassion fatigue and burnout story is complex and multi-layered. This is one of those layers. Sometimes I feel like I need to have fully fleshed out or organized thoughts before sharing them on social media. I wish I could articulate the complexity of these emotions better, but I’m just not there yet. However, I feel it’s important to share these moments of inner conflict that are hard to define because this is the reality of the human experience. It’s messy and confusing. Thanks for listening. . . . #catlove #catadvocate #animalwelfare #humananimalbond #compassionfatigue #selfcare #catlady #animaladvocate #catrescue #tnr #burnout #catwelfare #catbehavior #orlandocats

👏 Awareness and advocacy for those involved in animal and cat welfare are paramount. This conversation must be normalized, validated, and acknowledged for so many people in this space 💕. We cannot put the entire burden of healing compassion fatigue and burnout on the individuals. It is unfair when our society glamorizes overworking, people-pleasing, urgency culture, and placing everything else before our own well-being. It is unfair when society and the organizations many work in continue stigmatizing mental health and sweep this under the rug when their staff and volunteers are regularly exposed to distressed animals. It’s time we start having these conversations out in the open. It’s time we start caring for our community of cat helpers and caregivers 💞🐾. 🗓️ If this is something you need support on or just want to be part of this conversation, please join me for my Compassion for Cats = Compassion for You webinar this upcoming Tuesday, April 4th, @ 8 pm ET. Cost is $15. You can learn more about it and sign up at the link in my bio. 💗 . . . #catlove #catadvocate #animalwelfare #humananimalbond #compassionfatigue #selfcare #catlady #animaladvocate #catrescue #tnr #burnout #catwelfare #catbehavior #orlandocats

Most mainstream market cat toys suck! We need more cat toys that are truly engaging and enriching to cats 😻. We need toys that satisfy cat’s instinctual behavior and sensory needs 🐾. Let me what I’m missing out at on ❤️. . . . #catbehavior #catlove #catadvocate #humananimalbond #catlady #catmom #petsarefamily #lovingkindnessforyouandyourcat#orlandocats #cats #animalintuitive #catlady #holisticpet #holisticcat

It can be really hard to recognize when our passion for helping cats starts to deplete us ❤️‍🩹. It’s so easy to say yes to helping cats automatically because, of course, we do 💯! The trouble is, we’re often not stopping and checking in with ourselves first to see if it’s in our capacity. We must allow ourselves to take a moment to see how we’re feeling, how our body is feeling, and what our mental load is like before that “yes.” 💖 Prioritizing your needs and capacity is not selfish. You have to take care of you. 🐾❤️ . . . #catlove #catadvocate #animalwelfare #humananimalbond #compassionfatigue #selfcare #catlady #animaladvocate #catrescue #tnr #burnout #catwelfare #catbehavior #orlandocats

❣️ You’re not alone if you worry about your cat’s health! ❣️ I wanted to share my experience with you all about my anxiety and worries regarding my own cats’ health based on my experiences and past trauma. Many people don’t get this type of anxiety, and the amount of grief and pain is instilled in me, but from the DMs I received last week, I know I’m not alone, and you are not, either 💞. It can be so incredibly difficult and painful dealing with pet health scares, and they do leave an impact, and it absolutely can affect our mental health ❤️‍🩹. . . . #catlove #catadvocate #catbehavior#humananimalbond #catlady #catmom #petsarefamily #lovingkindnessforyouandyourcat#orlandocats #cats #animalintuitive #catlady #holisticpet #selfcare

💖 A wise friend told me a motto he thinks about before he puts things out into the world... 💞 Is it helpful? ✨ Is it hopeful? ❤️‍🩹 Is it healing? 🚫 Fear-mongering and playing on pet parents’ emotions to sell products and services are none of these. 😢 As someone who strives to be compassionate and empathetic in my life and work, these marketing messages upset me as a cat parent and someone who helps people with their cats. ❌ Inciting fear, anxiety, guilt, or shame in pet parents is not a compassionate, supportive, or inclusive way to inform, educate or support. ✅ I don’t think everyone who does this mean to harm or are bad people. It’s a mainstream marketing tactic that, IMHO sucks, but I’m hoping there can be some more mindfulness and gentleness considered in the future. ❓Have you ever encountered marketing in the pet care industry that made you feel bad about your pet parenting or scared you? Please share with me in the comments or in. DM👇🏻. . . . #catbehavior #catlove #catadvocate #humananimalbond #catlady #catmom #petsarefamily #lovingkindnessforyouandyourcat#orlandocats #cats #animalintuitive #catlady #holisticpet #holisticcat

Being shy isn’t a negative personality or behavioral trait. Shyness isn’t inherently bad. I wish we’d stop using the word shy as if it’s a defect that has to be changed in cats (and people!)😞. Anxiety, fear, and insecurity that impact a cat’s well-being is absolutely something to be exploded and addressed, but I think grouping those emotions under the umbrella of shyness is problematic. . . . #catlove #catadvocate #catbehavior#humananimalbond #catlady #catmom #petsarefamily #catsandcrystals #animalreiki #lovingkindnessforyouandyourcat#orlandocats #cats #animalintuitive #catlady #holisticpet #selfcare

Awesome @catsshopmeoow cat retractable wand toy I found at @humane_pro Animal Care Expo! Love this! So sturdy, great materials, and love the retractable feature.

He’s always got a lot to say!

Moving with cats! My turn! . . . #cat #cats #catstagram #instacat #catsofinstagram #catlover #kitty #kittycat #feline #meow #adoptdontshop #catlover #catlovers #ilovecats #catbehavior #thefulfilledfeline #orlandocats #kitten #kittens #catenrichment #tortie #gingercat

Jules and Juniper are 11 months old today! Can’t believe they’re birthday is next month! We were hoping to be in our new place by now but building permit delays have pushed that back 😣. We’re hoping we can celebrate their birthday on our new home next month ✨🤞✨. Please wish us luck 🥰!

I *think* she loves me 🥰.

More bone broth popsicles 👅 😻!

Bone broth popsicles for the win 😻! I made these using Nature's Logic dehydrated both broth powder mixed mixed with water and froze them in baby silicone popsicles molds. This a healthy and fun treat for your kitties! Bone broth has an assortment of nutrients and minerals to help support your cat’s digestion, immune system, and joint health. Be sure to purchase bone broth marketed to pets or I recommend following Dr. Karen Becker recipe to make your own!

This is the Cat Wave Scratcher from @target. It’s intended to be laid on the ground, but I found another great use for it 😺. Cats are drawn to rubbing up on or scratching corners of things; it’s a natural part of their behavior. I put this one on the corner of our bed, and it’s been a hit😻! It has two different textures, so it has an excellent textile sensory enrichment element on top of being a natural the cats gravitate toward to rub up and scratch on. Not sponsored by Target for this post, but I would be hard-pressed to turn down a Target sponsorship 🤣🤣🤣!

Renewed The Fulfilled Feline

Learn more about me, my philosophy when working with cats, and why I felt the need to redirect my business in a different direction.

Battle laundry basket 💥! Who has better battle skills Jules 🧡 or Juniper 🖤?

Too cute, needed it’s own post. I love those happy paws 🥰.

Jules had fun exploring the exam room at the vet today. He has an irritated spot on his nose we wanted checked out, but all is well 🙂. We love our friends at Chain of Lakes Animal Clinic and Fear Free vet visits 🐾💗!

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City: