Find out what sets us apart!
A cat behavior specialist, master groomer, and co-founder of Cats in the City and TANDEM™ Cat Grooming. With a background in clinical social work and animal behavior, Shawn has combined his expertise in human-animal interactions, stress management, and behavioral training to revolutionize how cats receive care in grooming, boarding, and in-home settings. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, Shawn spent years studying behavioral intervention, therapeutic techniques, and stress reduction methodologies—all of which he has adapted for use in feline grooming and handling. His deep understanding of anxiety, trauma responses, and trust-building has shaped the foundation of TANDEM™ Cat Grooming, ensuring that every aspect of the grooming process prioritizes feline comfort, emotional well-being, and consent-based handling. Shawn is a Certified TANDEM™ Cat Groomer (CTCG) and a pioneer in structured, cooperative grooming techniques that minimize feline distress. His leadership in the field has redefined cat grooming as an integrative wellness practice rather than a simple maintenance service, positioning TANDEM™ as a gold standard in professional grooming. As co-founder of Cats in the City, Shawn has worked alongside his husband, Dr. Daniel Lioyryan, Ph.D., to build an evidence-based, behavior-driven approach to feline care. Together, they have developed the Certified TANDEM™ Cat Grooming Program, a scientifically informed, hands-on training system that is shaping the future of cat grooming and feline welfare. At the heart of Shawn’s work is his commitment to improving the lives of cats and the people who care for them. His vision is to bridge the gap between grooming, behavioral science, and compassionate handling—ensuring that every cat receives the respect, patience, and expertise they deserve.
Dr. Daniel T. Lioy is a neuroscientist, feline behavior specialist, and co-founder of Cats in the City and TANDEM™ Cat Grooming. With a deep foundation in animal behavior and physiology, Dr. Lioy has dedicated his career to elevating the standard of feline care through science-backed, trauma-informed, and stress-reducing grooming techniques that center the emotional and physical wellbeing of cats. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Vollum Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where he implemented the Animal Behavior Unit—a cutting-edge research facility focused on understanding the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying stress, movement, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Prior to OHSU, Dr. Lioy trained at the University of Rochester and published extensively in some of the most prestigious journals in neuroscience, including Nature, Nature Neuroscience, The Journal of Neuroscience, and PNAS. Dr. Lioy co-authored landmark research identifying the critical role of glial cells in the progression of Rett Syndrome, helped define non-cell autonomous mechanisms in neurological disease, and advanced gene therapy models for MeCP2-related disorders. His work has been cited in the ongoing scientific literature and continues to influence the understanding of neurodevelopment, stress physiology, and the cellular environment of the brain. Today, Dr. Lioy brings this elite expertise into the field of feline care. At Cats in the City, he leads training, clinical protocols, and staff development with the same scientific rigor that defined his academic work. He co-created the Certified TANDEM™ Cat Grooming Program alongside his husband and co-founder, Shawn Lioyryan, CTCG, MSW. Together, they designed a fully synchronized, trauma-informed grooming methodology built around feline-specific needs and backed by behavioral neuroscience. TANDEM™ Cat Grooming is the only grooming system developed from a foundation in clinical science, behavior analysis, and veterinary-adjacent handling. The approach focuses on behavioral mastery, medical awareness, and cooperative care. Dr. Lioy’s scientific knowledge and compassion have shaped a grooming model that not only achieves a 99.99% success rate, but also restores dignity, reduces stress-related illness, and enhances the human-cat bond. His passion for advancing the quality of feline life through innovation and research remains at the heart of everything he does.
Raised in a bustling family with 8 siblings, Naomi's nurturing nature extends beyond her bustling home to the feline residents at Cats in the City. When not charming cats, she and her wife devote themselves to their daughter and three fabulous feline companions. With a professional background in veterinary clinics, Naomi brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to ensure the cats at Cats in the City receive nothing short of purrfection in care. Naomi's practical expertise guarantees the highest quality cat care, making her the feline champion we all adore!
Our feline aficionado, Sam, not only managed a bustling doggy daycare but also mastered the art of caring for her own feline royalty, Heronomous (Ron). Yes, you read that right – Ron, the cat with a name as majestic as his owner's love for him. Sam recently expanded her family when she adopted a miniature Maine Coon named Todd. But Sam's adventure didn't stop there! To deepen her understanding of the intricate world of cat care, she embarked on a 2000-hour apprenticeship with the dynamic duo, Shawn and Dan, at Cats in the City. That's more hours than most cats nap in a lifetime! This hands-on experience allowed Sam to pamper and serve over 3000 cats, solidifying her status as a feline care virtuoso. Every day, Sam brings her A-game to the job, making sure that each whisker, tail, and paw gets the royal treatment. Her dedication to providing exceptional care is as unwavering as her love for ginger kitties. Sam is not just a cat caregiver; she's a feline fairy godparent, turning every cat's day into a magical adventure!
Liz's journey at Cats in the City kicked off in the boarding program, but little did she know, she was about to become the cat whisperer extraordinaire! With a dedication to rival a cat's focus on a laser pointer, Liz swiftly ascended to a leadership position, turning her passion for felines into a full-blown career. Whether she's orchestrating the purr-fect cat care routine or efficiently managing a bustling feline kingdom, Liz is the unsung hero of Cats in the City. With her at the helm, every cat gets the royal treatment, and every client knows their cat is in the hands of a true feline virtuoso!
Armed with an AAS in Collision Refinishing and a soft spot for four-legged buddies, Chris has danced through life surrounded by pets. Shaping signs and wrapping vehicles, their career canvas has been nothing short of a vibrant masterpiece. One day, Chris stumbled into the enchanting realms of cat boarding and grooming, discovering what felt like their true calling! CITC injected a burst of joy into their daily routine, and now, Chris confidently juggles a myriad of roles. From orchestrating whimsical boardings to crafting purrfection in grooming sessions, Chris is here to sprinkle magic into every cat's day!
Phil is head over paws in love with his feline companion, Nala! Phil is no stranger to the call of the wild. Whether it's scaling mountains, hiking hidden trails, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, Phil and the great outdoors are a match made in adventure heaven. Phil's love for Nala knows no bounds. He's not just a cat owner; he's a compassionate handler, ensuring that every whisker twitch and tail flick is met with the care and accountability that Nala deserves. So, if you're seeking a cat whisperer who can effortlessly switch from outdoor adventurer to gardening virtuoso, look no further than Phil! Your cats will thank you for inviting this multi-talented dynamo into their world.
Jeff's heart is as big as his love for the spooky, especially when it comes to our feline friends. His commitment to cats goes far beyond the pages of his writing. Picture this – Jeff has pajamas featuring the charming face of Sammy, a cat who's not just a visitor but a regular VIP at Cats in the City (CITC), where Jeff leads the Sellwood facility. When he's not weaving tales of terror, Jeff is immersed in the world of whiskers and purrs. CITC is not just a workplace for Jeff; it's a haven where cats like Sammy feel right at home. Jeff's work is a delightful blend of his passion for both cats and horror, creating a magical concoction that's equal parts spooky and purr-fectly heartwarming!
Feline Enrichment & Boarding Specialist There’s no mistaking the love between Lisa and her feline companions—it’s written all over her smile (and that Maine Coon kiss of approval!). As a cornerstone of our Care & Boarding Program, Lisa brings warmth, consistency, and an intuitive understanding of feline comfort to every shift. Her gentle presence helps even the most reserved cats settle in, while her attention to detail ensures every whisker, nap schedule, and play session is just right. With Lisa, cats don’t just board—they feel safe, seen, and adored. Whether it’s a cozy cuddle, a well-timed treat, or a soft-spoken reassurance, Lisa delivers Better Care for Cats with every interaction. Her calm energy and dedication to feline well-being make her a favorite among both guests and their humans.
Laura brings calm, clarity, and a deep love for cats to her leadership role at our Sellwood location. As Manager and Lead Cat Sitter, she oversees day-to-day operations with the perfect blend of professionalism and heart. With years of hands-on experience in feline care, Laura ensures that every cat feels safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. Her strong organizational skills keep our systems running smoothly, while her gentle presence creates a peaceful, low-stress environment for our guests. From coordinating care plans to comforting first-time boarders, Laura brings consistency and compassion to everything she does. Her dedication to excellence and intuitive approach to cat care make her an indispensable part of the Cats in the City family—and a trusted guide for every cat parent we serve.
Mary brings a rare combination of veterinary insight and feline behavioral expertise to her role at our Powell location. As Lead Cat Sitter and a certified TANDEM™ Groomer, she is cross-trained in every facet of feline care—including boarding, grooming, and health observation—making her a deeply trusted presence for both cats and their families. With a professional background as a Veterinary Assistant, Mary has a sharp eye for clinical detail and is skilled in recognizing subtle health changes that might go unnoticed by others. Her specialized grooming training through the TANDEM™ program equips her to work confidently and compassionately with cats who may be medically fragile, behaviorally complex, or new to handling. Whether she’s customizing a boarding routine, conducting health check-ins, or delivering a stress-reducing groom, Mary leads with precision, empathy, and professionalism. Her well-rounded expertise and steady presence make her an invaluable part of the Cats in the City team.
Tara brings a grounding presence and a deep understanding of feline behavior to her role as a Feline Wellness Expert at Cats in the City. With a natural ability to connect with cats and a calm, intuitive handling style, she specializes in creating emotionally safe experiences for even the most sensitive feline guests. Her approach blends observation, empathy, and hands-on expertise to ensure each cat’s comfort, dignity, and overall well-being. Whether assisting with specialized care routines, managing environmental stressors, or supporting post-groom recovery, Tara’s insight and presence make a noticeable difference in the lives of the cats she serves. Known for her gentle demeanor and unwavering focus, Tara is a trusted part of the Cats in the City care team—someone who understands that wellness is more than physical health; it's also emotional peace.
Cats in the City wasn’t built overnight—and it certainly wasn’t built just to turn a profit. It was built on sacrifice, conviction, and a relentless, day-in, day-out commitment to Better Care for Cats.
From the beginning, we knew that excellence couldn’t be rushed. We weren’t following a model. We were building a new one.
For the first thirteen years, we worked every single day. That’s not a turn of phrase—no weekends, no holidays, no sick days. Because when you’re responsible for lives—especially lives that depend on routine, patience, and emotional safety—there are no shortcuts. Cats don’t take days off from their needs, so neither did we.
We lived inside the business. Quite literally. We slept in what are now boarding suites for over a decade to fund our future. We turned away instant profits in favor of long-term reputation. We didn’t just offer grooming—we invested thousands of hours building a new method: TANDEM™ Grooming, a trauma-informed, medically aware, behaviorally sensitive approach to grooming cats in a way the industry had never seen.
We developed six levels of care for boarding—not because anyone asked for them, but because cats needed them.
We sat at the vet. We watched. We asked questions. We stayed up at night tracking subtle behavior shifts in diabetic boarders and elderly cats in recovery. We earned our authority by living every layer of what it means to truly care.
In 2017, we attempted our first local staycation. It was a trial run—just a few days, close to home, phones still on. In 2018, we closed our original Sellwood location for a month to take a proper break. When we returned, we gave our staff a month off, too. Because if we were going to build something real, we had to build it sustainably—not just for us, but for the people who would carry this forward.
That became the rhythm: a season of deep work, a season of rest, and a team that grew with us.
By 2025, for the first time in our company’s history, all four Cats in the City locations were fully operational, fully staffed, and thriving—and we took our first real vacation. Not a staycation. Not a test. A true exhale.
I was 45 years old. We started this when I was 26.
One that says cats deserve more than cages. More than conveyor belts. More than being an afterthought in a dog-dominated world.
We built Cats in the City to be a place where:
Cats are seen, understood, and respected.
Behavior and wellness are inseparable.
Grooming is trauma-informed.
Boarding is care-first, not cage-first.
And every team member is trained in science, observation, and empathy.
That’s what it took to build Cats in the City.
And that’s what it takes—every day—to keep it worthy of its name.
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We highly recommend Cats in the City to any cat parent seeking reliable, professional, and caring cat sitting or boarding services. It's reassuring to know that our cats are in such capable and loving hands when we're away. We recently switched from boarding services to their in-home cat sitting service. Mary S. did a terrific job. We received daily updates with adorable pictures.
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It was our first time using a cat hotel for Moxie. We did a lot of research and selected Cats in The City. The house is clean, cheerful with lots of natural light. The staff genuinely cares for their feline lodgers. The interactive program reduced any separation anxiety our cat might have had. We really appreciated the daily meow messages. We would recommend this hotel for any cat owners.
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Do you want your cat taken care of by the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful humans imaginable? Do you want your trips away to be filled with thoughts of how well your cats are taken care of rather than how mad they must be? Cats in the City is all of that and more! Honestly, they take better care of my cat than I do, reducing the stress of travel for me and my fur dude. Cannot recommend them enough!
We measure our love of cats by how much we are loved by them.
Have questions or need to arrange care for your feline friend? We’re here to help! Reach out to us for any inquiries or to schedule our services.
For more immediate assistance, feel free to call us. We look forward to hearing from you and providing the best care for your cat!
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