From Rescue Cats Coco and Paco to Science-Backed Oral Care: Janet’s Story Behind Purrlys®
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Behind every great cat product, there’s often a deeply personal story — and Purrlys® is no exception. We spoke with Janet, founder of Purrlys®, about her rescue cats, Coco and Paco, and how their health struggles led to the creation of a feline oral care solution grounded in science and compassion.
From Coastal Australia to Cat Parenthood
Janet lives in Stanwell Park, a tiny coastal village in New South Wales, about an hour south of Sydney. It’s there that she and her husband adopted Coco and Paco, sibling rescue kittens who had already faced a difficult start to life.
When they came home at just 12 weeks old, both kittens were suffering from severe cat flu. While they recovered with care and love, their early health challenges would later shape Janet’s journey in ways she never expected.
Now 10 years old, Coco and Paco couldn’t be more different in personality.
Coco is sweet, affectionate, and very much a “Daddy’s girl.” She loves food and being brushed, but she’s also anxious and will hide when visitors come over.
Paco, on the other hand, has grown into a confident and devoted companion — Janet calls him her “Mummy’s boy.” He follows her around while she works from home and sleeps beside her at night, though he’s famously picky about his food.
When “Doing Everything Right” Still Wasn’t Enough
Despite regular veterinary dental cleans, dental kibble, and crunchy dental treats, both cats developed significant dental disease. Brushing wasn’t an option — they simply wouldn’t tolerate it.
Eventually, Paco required ten tooth extractions, and Coco needed four.
“I was devastated,” Janet recalls. “Leaving them scared and confused at the vet was heartbreaking. I cried when I picked them up.”
When she asked her vet what more she could do to prevent it from happening again, the answer was simply: “Keep doing what you’re doing.”
But Janet knew that wasn’t enough.
She began researching alternative options, trying every product currently available. Many were rejected by her cats due to taste, and the few they accepted didn’t make a noticeable difference. Janet realized the solution she was looking for didn’t exist yet.
The Birth of Purrlys®
Janet began working with microbiome scientists to develop a science-backed feline oral care product designed to fit easily into a cat’s daily routine. The result was Purrlys®, formulated to be odourless, tasteless, and easy to mix into wet food without altering flavour.
For Coco and Paco, this made all the difference.
“They don’t even know they’re eating it,” Janet says.
Why Feline Oral Health Matters
One of the most important things Janet wants cat guardians to understand is that cats need consistent daily oral care, just like humans.
Plaque can begin forming within hours and may harden into tartar within 24 to 72 hours, potentially leading to gingivitis. According to Janet, harmful bacteria from the mouth can then enter the gut and bloodstream and are associated with serious health issues affecting organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver.
“If we only cleaned our own teeth once a year and ate a carbohydrate-heavy diet, we’d have the same problems,” she explains.
Common Misconceptions About Cat Dental Care
Janet often hears two assumptions that concern her most:
“Stinky cat breath is normal.”It isn’t. Bad breath is often a sign of dental disease or another underlying health issue.
“My cat isn’t showing pain, so their teeth must be fine.”Cats are experts at hiding pain. Bad breath is often one of the earliest and clearest warning signs that something is wrong.
Practical Tips for Cat Parents
While tooth brushing is considered the gold standard, Janet acknowledges that it isn’t realistic for every cat.
Her advice?
If brushing isn’t possible, look for products specifically developed for cats, supported by real science, and ideally offered with a money-back guarantee — so both you and your cat can try them without pressure.
Giving Back to Rescue Cats
Giving rescue cats a better chance at life remains at the heart of Purrlys®. Janet donates $1 from every pack sold to cat rescue organisations.
“I’m passionate about helping other cats have the same chance Coco and Paco did,” she says. “There are so many incredible rescues out there that need support.”
Janet’s Final Message to Cat Guardians
If there’s one thing Janet hopes readers take away, it’s this:
If you’re worried about your cat’s teeth, visit your vet for a proper assessment and start a daily preventive routine that works for both you and your cat — as early as possible.
Because sometimes, the smallest daily habits can make the biggest difference.
Please feel free to follow Purrlys® on Instagram.
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