In the heart of the Bay Area, one founder is on a mission to make the world a little more cat-friendly.
Through her venture Cat Connection, Francine Brownell is creating a digital platform that connects cat lovers, centralizes resources, and fosters a space for more people to get involved — all revolving around her favorite animal: the cat.
“Cats have always been there for me, and I want to give back,” Brownell said. That personal connection became the foundation for Cat Connection. “I wanted to create a judgment-free space where people could learn about cats, ask questions, and connect with others.”
For help to follow her passion and grow her business, Brownell enrolled in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. The MBC program has been an invaluable experience with peer-to-peer learning opportunities, expert feedback, and support for building key operational systems, she said.
After pursuing a career in international relations and working in property management, Brownell realized she had a passion for cats and started volunteering with a local cat non-profit, where she started thinking about how she can make a bigger impact locally. That led her to applying to the MBC program and getting an internship at Best Friends Animal Society, where she gained experience in nonprofit fundraising with the goal of starting a nonprofit for cats.
With the launch of the Cat Connection website, Brownell is bringing together a wide range of cat-related resources tailored to the Bay Area. Users can find local vets, participate in online forums, access educational content, and even organize or attend cat-focused meetups. The platform is designed to support both house cat owners and those interested in community cats, creating an inclusive space where anyone can learn and connect.
What sets Cat Connection apart is its hyperlocal approach and aim to connect and amplify existing resources for cats rather than competing with them. By focusing specifically on the Bay Area, the platform helps build a stronger sense of community while also highlighting and supporting local nonprofits working in the animal welfare space.
“My goals for Cat Connection are to build a platform that is very easy to use for cat enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area and to eventually bring cats into the community through programs like ‘kittens for finals’ and ‘fosters for seniors,’” Brownell said.
A recent marketing campaign confirmed that the need for this type of resource is real. “We found there are so many people craving a non-judgmental resource to learn about cats,” Brownell said. The campaign helped validate demand for an online space centered around cat education and connection.
Looking ahead, Brownell envisions expanding Cat Connection’s reach. While the platform currently serves only the Bay Area, she hopes to grow into other cities and eventually launch in-person locations where experts can offer advice, host workshops, and deepen community engagement. She’s also exploring ways to bring cats into everyday spaces like college campuses during finals, retirement homes, or correctional facilities as part of wellness and mental health initiatives.
Cat Connection is more than just a website; it’s a movement to make cat care more welcoming, more inclusive, and more localized.
Learn more about Cat Connection at cat-connection.org.
