Meet Vicky

After 12 years working in the finance industry, I knew it was time to take a leap of faith and follow a dream that had been quietly growing for years — to build a business around two things I have always loved: cats and gardening.

A Lifelong Love of Cats

My love of cats started from a very young age. I was lucky enough to grow up in a home filled with rescue cats, thanks to my parents, who opened their hearts (and their home!) to many cats over the years. One of the most special was Pippa, our beautiful black cat who we found abandoned on the railway tracks. She was feral when she came to us, and the bond we eventually built with her was incredibly special. She taught me from an early age just how rewarding it can be to give a cat patience, care and a safe place to call home.

KitKat: The Heart of Paws & Plants

I always knew that one day I wanted to be a cat mum myself, and that dream came true when I bought my first property in 2021. Not long after, I adopted a little black rescue kitten and named him KitKat. He has become my best friend, my constant companion and, ultimately, the inspiration behind this business.

Roots in Gardening

Alongside my love of cats, I have always had a passion for gardening. I have my Mum to thank for that! She has loved gardening for as long as I can remember, and some of my favourite childhood memories are of weekends spent together weeding, potting plants and getting our hands dirty in the greenhouse. Those early years definitely rubbed off on me, and I now have a garden of my own which has become my pride and joy — and, according to my partner, my biggest expense!

Coming home to Stamford

After spending 10 years away in Leeds for university and beyond, I eventually found my way back to where it all began. I was born in Stamford, went to school here and in 2023 happily settled back in the town I have always considered home.

Why Paws & Plants?

Starting this business feels like bringing all those parts of my life together. I want to provide a service that is personal, trustworthy and genuinely caring — whether that means looking after your beloved cat while you're away or helping to keep your garden looking its best.

For me, this isn't simply a business. It's a chance to do something I genuinely love, to spend my days surrounded by animals and plants, and to build something within the local community that I can be proud of.

I can't wait to meet you, your furry friends and your gardens!