Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Glayzer & Antonio Doncel.
Hi Erin Glayzer & Antonio Doncel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
This is from one of our blog posts on The Cat Nap Chronicles from our website.
When you walk into My Cat Nap Cottage, you’re stepping into more than just a boarding facility – you’re entering a haven built on love, experience, and devotion to feline care. We’re Erin and Antonio, business partners and life partners 💕, and we’re thrilled to share the story behind our cottage – and the exciting new chapter we’re embarking on with the launch of feline-exclusive grooming services.
How It All Began
Our story starts across the ocean in Madrid, Spain, where fate brought us together. Antonio, a Madrid native, spent his weekends volunteering at the local animal shelter. Erin, originally from Long Island, NY, had been working as a veterinary assistant since the age of 14 and moved to Spain at 25 in order to achieve her Masters in Bilingual and Multicultural Education, as well as International Education. Quickly bonding over mutual interests, it was clear that our future would continue together.
With a combined 20+ years of experience in animal care, fate continued to shape our lives in a very serendipitous way.
A Cottage of Our Own
When Erin’s parents moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, they started boarding their own cats at a cozy local place called The Cat Cottage. As luck would have it, the owner was ready to retire, and she mentioned this to Erin’s parents. One long-distance phone call to Spain later, and we knew this was our opportunity. We packed up our lives and crossed the ocean to take the reins of a little cottage with a big heart.
Since taking over, we’ve transformed My Cat Nap Cottage into a modern, award-winning facility. We added large, spacious suites to ensure that each cat has the comfort and space they deserve. We implemented a digital client portal for easier communication and better service. And thanks to our loyal clients and their kind reviews, we’ve earned multiple awards and consistent 5-star ratings.
The Next Step: Feline-Exclusive Grooming
As we’ve grown, so has our desire to offer even more to our feline clients and their families. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce feline-exclusive grooming to our list of services.
With Erin at the helm, grooming at My Cat Nap Cottage isn’t just a service—it’s a specialty. Erin is currently working toward the prestigious title of Certified Feline Master Groomer, a designation held by fewer than 500 people worldwide. This involves months of intensive study, four written exams covering feline anatomy, health, temperaments, breeds, and colors, and five hands-on practical exams that demonstrate advanced grooming skills – all geared specifically toward the unique needs of cats.
Why all this effort? Because we believe that your cats deserve the very best. Erin’s goal is not only to meet grooming standards – but to set them.
Always Evolving, Always Improving
Our journey has been anything but ordinary, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Every experience we’ve had – every shelter shift, vet clinic call, and cuddle with a boarding guest – has led us to this point. And we’re only just getting started.
We promise to always continue learning, continue improving, and continue putting your cats’ comfort, safety, and happiness first. Whether it’s for an overnight stay or a spa day, we’re honored every time you choose My Cat Nap Cottage.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a small, specialized business has come with its challenges. In our first year, it was just the two of us—Antonio and Erin—working seven days a week, year-round. Over time, we were able to bring in support on weekends, and we now have dedicated staff covering Saturdays and Sundays, which has made a significant difference.
As a boarding facility, we are on-site every holiday and remain on call at all times. Balancing this commitment with family abroad has been difficult, especially as we prepare to welcome our first child.
The nature of this industry is also unpredictable, with seasonal fluctuations and changing patterns every year. Additionally, hurricanes such as Ian, Milton, and Helene have had notable impacts on business.
Despite these challenges, we truly love what we do. With the recent addition of grooming services, we’re excited to continue growing and enhancing the care we provide for our feline guests.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about My Cat Nap Cottage?
As Charlotte County’s only feline-exclusive boarding facility, we’re proud to be known for our dedicated, professional, and truly personalized care. Our facility is meticulously maintained—so much so that we often hear how it “doesn’t even smell like cats.”
What truly sets us apart is our veterinary technician background and our spacious, home-like suites. Each room offers plenty of space and a cozy hiding area for shy newcomers, allowing them to settle in comfortably at their own pace. We tailor every stay to the unique needs and personalities of each cat, recognizing that every kitty is different and requires an individualized approach.
As a family-owned business, we treat every guest—and their humans—like family. We take pride in the level of care we provide and the sacrifices we make behind the scenes to ensure each cat’s well-being. Our training and experience allow us to administer medications such as insulin, thyroid medication, subcutaneous fluids, and eye treatments, and we carefully monitor each cat’s intake and output to support their health and safety.
We’ve even been able to help families catch early signs of illness through our observations, giving their cats the chance at longer, healthier lives. At My Cat Nap Cottage, our mission is simple: to keep every feline guest safe, healthy, comfortable, and genuinely loved during their stay.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The feline care industry is poised for significant growth over the next 5–10 years. Historically, finding a truly feline-exclusive boarding facility has been extremely difficult—there are still only a handful nationwide compared to the abundance of dog-centric operations. This gap exists largely because dogs generate higher demand for overnight care and daycare services.
However, I believe we’ll see a meaningful rise in cat-only facilities as more cat owners seek calm, stress-free environments designed specifically for their pets. The need is clear, and the industry is beginning to respond.
Feline grooming is also experiencing rapid expansion. Many long-standing myths—such as the idea that cats “groom themselves” or universally hate baths—are being dispelled. In reality, regular professional bathing can help prevent matting, sanitary issues, dandruff, and other common concerns. With the right training, equipment, and handling techniques, most cats tolerate grooming exceptionally well.
As more people recognize the importance of feline grooming, the demand for trained cat-specific professionals will continue to rise. Erin has studied with the National Cat Groomers Institute and is working toward her Feline Master Groomer Certification, allowing us to provide industry-leading grooming services in our region.
Overall, the next decade will bring increased awareness, more specialized facilities, and higher grooming standards—ultimately improving the quality of care available to cats nationwide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mycatnapcottage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycatnapcottage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycatnapcottage/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mycatnapcottage
Image Credits
No image credits. All photos taken by owner – Erin Glayzer
