Shawn Lioyryan, MSW, CTCG
Shawn is the co-founder of Cats in the City and an active member of the care team since November 2006. His background in social work shaped the company’s trauma-informed philosophy, emotional regulation framework, observational systems, and relationship-centered approach to feline care.
Shawn holds a Master of Social Work degree and is a Certified TANDEM Cat® Groomer and trainer. His work integrates feline behavior observation, use-of-self methodology, somatic awareness, trauma-informed handling, and structured feline support systems across grooming, boarding, sitting, and medical observation.
Dan Lioy, PhD
Dan is the co-founder of Cats in the City and has remained an active member of the care team since November 2006.
Dan holds a PhD in Neuroscience and completed postdoctoral research at Oregon Health & Science University. His scientific background and systems-oriented thinking helped shape many of the operational and observational structures used throughout Cats in the City today.
Dan has published research in both Nature and Science and continues contributing directly to leadership, program development, feline care systems, and TANDEM Cat® framework expansion.
Dan remains an active cat sitter and carries an ongoing TANDEM Cat® grooming caseload.
Experienced Feline Care Professionals
Liz
Liz is the Lead Cat Sitter and Assistant Groomer at our Sellwood location. A dedicated member of the Cats in the City team since 2016, she brings years of experience and a deep love for feline care. With her keen attention to detail and gentle approach, Liz ensures that every cat receives the highest level of comfort and care, whether during grooming sessions or while boarding. Her commitment to feline well-being makes her an invaluable part of our team and a trusted caregiver for our clients' beloved cats.
Laura D.
Laura is the Manager and Lead Cat Sitter at our Sellwood location, bringing leadership and expertise to the Cats in the City team. With a deep passion for feline care and years of hands-on experience, she ensures that every cat in our care feels safe, comfortable, and loved. Laura’s keen organizational skills and dedication to excellence help maintain a smooth, stress-free environment for both our feline guests and their owners. Her commitment to quality care and customer service makes her an essential part of our team.
Tora
Tora combines veterinary technician experience, TANDEM Cat® grooming support, and feline behavior awareness. She has raised several cats and brings patience, precision, and compassion to medically sensitive and handling-sensitive cats.
Quinn
Quinn supports Cats in the City through pet wellness care, TANDEM Cat® grooming assistance, and Cats in the City Rescue support while helping maintain emotionally supportive feline care environments.
Still Hands-On After Nearly Two Decades
Cats in the City leadership remains directly involved in the daily realities of feline care — sitting with cats, grooming cats, supporting medication routines, observing behavior, monitoring recovery, and helping emotionally vulnerable cats remain stable during periods of stress or transition.
What began in 2006 as a small feline-exclusive service evolved into an integrated care system built around one central belief:
