Three team members sitting on a couch with cats, laughing together

Our Story

The Velvet Paw started in 2023 as a small passion project — a blog born out of late-night conversations about cats, coffee-fueled writing sessions, and the shared belief that every cat person deserves a go-to resource for stories, advice, and community.

What began as a handful of articles has grown into a destination for cat lovers everywhere. We cover everything from breed profiles and behavioral science to care tips and heartwarming rescue stories. Our mission is simple: celebrate cats and help people give them the best lives possible.

We're a small team, but our love for cats is anything but small. Between us, we share our homes with seven cats, countless foster kittens, and one very opinionated Maine Coon named Professor.

Meet the Team

The cat people behind the cat content

Margot Ainsley holding an orange cat

Margot Ainsley

Founder & Editor

Former vet tech turned writer, Margot founded The Velvet Paw to combine her veterinary knowledge with her love of storytelling. She lives in Portland, OR with her three rescue cats — Miso, Clover, and Bean.

Sam Okafor sitting next to a large grey cat

Sam Okafor

Staff Writer

Sam covers breeds, behavior, and the science behind why cats do what they do. He shares his apartment with a Maine Coon named Professor, who serves as both muse and quality control for every article.

Lily Chen holding a camera and a kitten

Lily Chen

Contributor

A freelance photographer and foster cat advocate based in Seattle, Lily contributes care guides, enrichment ideas, and stunning photography. She's fostered over 40 cats and counting.

Our Mission

We believe that understanding cats makes us better companions to them. The Velvet Paw exists to bridge the gap between feline science and everyday cat ownership — with warmth, accuracy, and a healthy dose of cat photos.

Whether you're a first-time cat owner or a lifelong feline devotee, we're here to help you give your cat the happiest, healthiest life possible. Because every cat deserves a velvet paw moment.

Get in Touch