The Parallels Between Client Relationships and Cat Companionship

I have been reflecting lately on how working with clients is a lot like living with a cat

🐾 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Cats don’t always do what you want, when you want. Coaching clients also move at their own pace—you can’t force change, but you can create the conditions for clients to choose it.

🐾 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲: A cat won’t curl up in your lap until it feels ready. Similarly, clients need time, consistency, and ownership of their journey. Trust opens the door, but autonomy makes for lasting growth.

🐾 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Cats speak in small cues—tail flicks, ear twitches, quiet shifts. Coaching clients often communicate just as subtly. A great coach hears what is said and sees what is shown.

🐾 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Cats thrive in safe, calm spaces. Clients flourish when coaching provides the same—non-judgment, encouragement, and space for reflection.

✨ Whether feline or human, growth happens when trust, safety, and curiosity come together. That's the essence of great coaching.