Pet Wants, a boutique pet food and supplies franchise, is enabling its franchisees to tap into the growing cat ownership market by emphasizing cat nutrition expertise. Franchisee Jody Grant from Miamisburg, Ohio, credits this approach for enhancing the often-overlooked segment of her business. “We have a very large cat owner customer base, and we have ever since we started the business,” Grant said. “There is a whole different cat community out there. Their animals are just as near and dear as the dog owners.”
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At the heart of Pet Wants’ cat offerings is a nutritional philosophy that mirrors its approach for dogs: providing complete, high-quality formulas tailored to each life stage while avoiding unnecessary fillers. “We try to duplicate the methodology that we use for dogs,” Grant noted. “We have formulas for kittens through cats that include everything they need and exclude what they don’t.” This clarity aids franchisees in guiding customers effectively, fostering confidence in their purchasing decisions. Grant explained that the brand’s three foundational dry kibble formulas cater to different dietary needs, including a grain-free option known as the “couch potato cat” formula.
Educating customers about the importance of moisture and protein in a cat's diet presents significant opportunities for franchisees. “Cats need moisture and don’t seek out water on their own,” Grant said, emphasizing the importance of flowing water, which leads to additional product sales, such as water fountains and feeding accessories. She also highlighted protein as critical, especially for aging cats. “I have an older cat that is 15, and he was bottle-raised. He eats way more wet food than dry food because of the protein content,” she mentioned. Such personalized insights not only assist customers in making informed choices but also strengthen relationships and enhance overall transaction values.
Recognizing that cats are often picky eaters, Pet Wants franchisees leverage this challenge to showcase a wide range of products. “Cats are known for being finicky,” Grant said, noting their variety of cat treats, including a sushi line featuring flaked tuna and whole minnows. With diverse protein options such as chicken, turkey, lamb, rabbit, and even kangaroo, franchisees can cater to specific dietary preferences and sensitivities, ensuring customer loyalty.
Beyond nutrition, Pet Wants offers a variety of products that further engage customers and boost revenue. “We even offer our own dry kibble treat. We have chew sticks and CBD products as well,” Grant explained. Introductions of these additional items often occur through consultative discussions, where franchisees recommend solutions to address specific customer concerns. “A lot of the time, customers are looking for solutions just like dog owners,” Grant observed. For example, providing feline oil can help coax a timid cat out from hiding.
Grant asserts that a focus on expertise is key to fostering a loyal customer base that supports sustained growth. “Our cat-inclusive approach definitely helped drive sales for the business,” she stated. “It just builds a larger community of pet owners and pet lovers.” For those interested in building a business centered around pet health and wellness, more information about franchising with Pet Wants is available online.