KatKin, a fresh cat food company based in the UK, has doubled its research team with four senior experts formerly of U.S.-based Nom Nom. The company said the move strengthens KatKin’s position as a pioneer in fresh cat food, aiming to set new industry standards and enhance feline health through science-backed nutrition.
The new hires include: Research and Development Director Ryan Honaker, PhD (Microbiology), Senior Scientist Jirayu “Boo Boo” Tanprasertsuk, PhD (Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition), Scientist Devon Tate, MSc (Nutrition Science and Policy), and Technical Product Manager LeeAnn Perry, MSc (Neuroscience). Together, they bring over 75 years of combined experience and have extensively published on the benefits of fresh pet food diets, including improved digestibility and positive gut microbiome impacts.
KatKin’s innovative fresh cat food recipes, made from 100% human-grade meat and gently cooked to preserve nutrients, aim to prove scientifically that fresh diets are the healthiest option for cats. The team will spearhead studies and expand KatKin's growing dataset on feline nutrition, palatability and health outcomes.
"In a world where many vets are crying out for more comprehensive cat nutrition education, and cat parents are eager to learn how to make their pets healthier, KatKin’s commitment to science has one aim: to get cats the healthy, fresh food they were born to eat," said Honaker. "With in-house vets and cat nutrition experts, our cat-first team is perfectly placed to make the UK’s healthiest cat food. And that means healthier, and therefore happier, cats – first across the UK, and then across the world.”
Co-CEO Brett O’Farrell emphasized that KatKin’s minimally processed fresh food is designed to deliver tangible health benefits to thousands of cats, including healthier weights and better digestion.
"We’re on a mission to improve cats’ lives with the best fresh nutrition, and to make this convenient and accessible to all cat owners," said O'Farrell.
Since its founding in 2020, KatKin has delivered over 50 million meals to more than 200,000 cats across the UK and secured £32 million in funding to continue its mission of improving feline health through fresh, high-quality nutrition.
