What My Cats Taught Me About Client Care

Working as a virtual assistant, I’ve picked up a lot of tools and tricks to stay organized, productive, and efficient. But some of the best lessons in client care haven’t come from a business course - they’ve come from the four-legged coworkers lounging around my desk.

Let me introduce the real team behind The Merry Assistant:
🐱 Leo – the grumpy old man with zero tolerance for nonsense
🐱 Izzy – the social butterfly who believes every call is about her
🐱 Pearl – the watchful mom with a calm, grounding presence
🐱 Marble – the tiniest warrior who reminds me of the power of persistence

Here’s how these fabulous felines have shaped how I care for my clients:

1. Patience Is Everything (Thanks, Pearl)

Pearl is calm, collected, and endlessly patient - especially when her daughter Marble wants all the attention. She’s taught me that good client care means holding space for people, giving them room to breathe, think, and express themselves. Not every task needs to be rushed, and not every email needs an instant reply. Sometimes, being patient is the best way to show you care.

2. Give Your Full Attention (Just Ask Izzy)

Izzy doesn’t believe in being ignored. If you’re on a Zoom call, she will appear. If you’re typing, she’s likely walking across your keyboard. She’s a firm believer in presence, and she’s absolutely right. When I’m with a client—whether I’m reviewing copy, planning a launch, or troubleshooting tech - I give them my full focus. No distractions, just dedicated support (plus the occasional meow in the background).

3. Boundaries Make Everything Better (Leo Knows)

Leo is the king of boundaries. He’ll accept exactly three chin scratches, then walk away like you’ve offended his ancestors. He’s taught me that boundaries aren’t just helpful - they’re healthy. I communicate clearly about my availability, turnaround times, and what’s realistic, so clients know exactly what to expect. It creates a stronger, more respectful relationship for both of us.

4. Never Underestimate Resilience (Marble Is Proof)

Marble is a survivor. We hand-fed her when her siblings passed, and she fought hard to make it through. She’s small but mighty - and a daily reminder that with care, compassion, and support, amazing things can grow from even the hardest circumstances. That same belief carries into how I support my clients. Whether they’re just starting out or navigating tough challenges, I’m here to cheer them on and help them thrive.

5. Everyone Has Their Own Style

My cats are all wildly different—from Leo’s no-nonsense attitude to Izzy’s extroverted flair. And so are my clients. I tailor my approach to fit the unique personality and needs of each person I work with. Whether you want detailed spreadsheets or quick voice memos, I adapt to you. Because just like with cats, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.

Final Thoughts: The Cat’s Meow of Client Care

Client care isn’t just about task lists and deadlines - it’s about trust, kindness, and showing up consistently (preferably with snacks). Thanks to Leo, Izzy, Pearl, and Marble, I’ve learned how to support my clients with heart, humor, and a touch of feline wisdom.

So if you're looking for a VA with sharp skills and an adorable support staff, The Merry Assistant has you covered - paws and all. 🐾