Conversations with Karla Pedersen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Pedersen.

Hi Karla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an animal lover, even before I could fully explain why. I became a veterinary technician in my early twenties, and over the last 25ish years, I’ve worked in just about every setting, from general practice, emergency clinics, and a mobile veterinary practice. I loved every day I worked because no two days were the same, and every animal had its own story to tell.

It wasn’t until later in my career that my passion changed from dogs to cats, not just their medical needs, but their behavior. I spent 20 years with a minimum of 4 dogs living in my house. Yet every day I was at work, I made every effort to spend time with the cats. It was a bonus to me if they were labeled as a “caution.” I knew they were independent, misunderstood, terrified, and completely out of their element. That curiosity led me down a new path of studying feline behavior and psychology.

Eventually, I launched Just Kitten LLC, a behavioral consulting service for cats and their owners. I want to help cat owners not only understand their cat but also gain an understanding and irreplaceable bond with the tiny tiger they share their home with.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Working with animals requires a lot of scratches, bruises, patience, and a whole lot of emotion. Every pet has its own personality, but the human who loves that pet has their feelings as well. Some are excited, nervous, some are grieving, and some are doing everything they can to keep their pet healthy. I know that to them, that animal is more than just a pet, it’s family, their baby, a companion, therapy, and love all wrapped in one.

One of the biggest challenges in this field is learning how to care for two beings at once: the animal in front of you, and the human behind them. You’re not just providing medical or behavioral care, you’re providing reassurance, education, and empathy. That emotional aspect can be heavy at times, especially when outcomes aren’t what we hoped for or when the end of life happens.

I have celebrated recovery and cried with owners over their loss. Every day, my work is demanding, emotional, and sometimes painful, but I never end a day without feeling blessed by the cats and their owners who have given me their trust and allowed me to help strengthen their bond or allowed me to be by their side as they said goodbye.

The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been meaningful. And I’ve learned that sometimes, the most important skill in this profession isn’t just knowledge; it’s understanding and compassion.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve worked in veterinary medicine for over 25 years, and throughout that time, I’ve developed a strong understanding of animal care from both the clinical and emotional side. Today, I work as the Practice Manager at the Nashville Cat Clinic in Antioch, TN, where I help oversee operations and ensure that both cats and their owners receive compassionate, high-quality care.

Recently, I launched my own business called Just Kitten LLC, a feline behavioral consulting company. The name itself is a play on words from our slogan: “Cats can’t be trained… Just Kitten.” Because the truth is, they actually can! Most people don’t realize how much cats communicate, how intelligent they are, or how trainable they really can be with the right approach. I work one-on-one with cat owners to help them understand their cats, help resolve behavioral issues, and strengthen the bond they share with their pets.

The animal and pet care industry has always felt like a calling to me, but it’s also one of the few industries that has proven to be recession-resistant. When times are hard, people lean on their pets more than ever. For many of my clients, their cat isn’t “just a pet”, it’s their family member, their comfort, their peace of mind. That’s why I take what I do so seriously. I want to help families enjoy as much quality time with their furry friends as possible.

I’m incredibly proud of the growth of Just Kitten LLC, but I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and encouragement of my fiancé, Carlos, who many know as C.M. James, an author and founder of C.M. Jaye Music. He’s been the spark behind all of this, pushing me to believe in my voice, my story, and my knowledge. With his help, I also published my first book, “How to Make That Kitty Purrr,” which, yes, is just as witty as the title suggests, but full of practical guidance too.

What sets me apart is that I meet both the pet and the person where they are. I bring together clinical experience, behavioral insight, and genuine compassion to solve real problems, not just with charts and tests, but with understanding and trust. And I’m just getting started. We’re growing, we’re building, and we’re proving every day that cats can be trained…and I’m not “just kitten.” 😊

What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t about money, titles, or even how many clients I have. It’s about making a real impact, one cat, one owner, one family at a time. If someone feels more connected to their pet because of something I taught them… if a cat doesn’t get surrendered to a shelter for bad behavior… if a cat comes out of hiding and finally feels safe in their home… that’s success to me.

I also think success means being able to grow without losing your heart. Staying grounded, staying grateful, and not forgetting why you started in the first place. That’s something I always remind myself of, especially when things get busy.

At the end of the day, if I’m doing work that feels meaningful, if I’m helping people and, first and foremost, their cats, and I love what I do, then that’s more than enough for me. Everything else is just a bonus.

Pricing:

• Virtual Cat Behavior Consultation = $49: 30-minute video session Covers litter box issues, aggression, anxiety, etc. Includes personalized tips + follow-up email summary
• 1 Hour Online Behavior Training = $85: Deep-dive virtual training session Customized behavior plan and enrichment strategy Great for multi-cat homes or complex behavior cases
• Follow-Up Support Session = $65: 45-minute video call for returning clients Progress check + plan adjustments Continued coaching and support
• 3-Session Virtual Training Bundle = $185: Three 1-hour sessions (save $70+) Full behavior journey: consult, plan, and progress Great for new cat owners or long-term problem solving
• In-Home Visit – Starting at $125: For clients in Antioch, Smyrna, and Murfreesboro, TN 60–75 minute behavior observation in the home Includes written plan; travel fees may apply

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.justkitten.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wearejustkitten
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearejustkitten