About Fegnion &
Our Founder
Fegnion is a small, family-owned raw cat food company based in New York. What we make is simple: real, species-appropriate food for cats, prepared the way nature intended. Our work began long before there was ever a company—back when our founder, Dr. Alma Dervisevic, met a tiny, fragile kitten who changed everything.
How Our Story Began
In 2006, at a summer BBQ in Queens, Alma was handed a newborn kitten whose umbilical cord was still attached. She was the only survivor of her litter. That kitten was Gnocchi, and she became Alma’s first cat and her constant companion for the next seventeen years.
From the beginning, Gnocchi needed help. Without her mother, the odds weren’t in her favor, but Alma—who was already working as a pharmacist—committed to feeding her around the clock. She set alarms throughout the night, brought Gnocchi with her when she had to work extended hours, and enlisted family members to help. Together, they kept her alive.
As Gnocchi grew and transitioned to commercial cat food, her weight began climbing. It didn’t seem alarming at first; she was eating what most people believed was “good” cat food. But one morning, Alma woke to the sound of a heavy thump. Gnocchi had jumped off a windowsill, and the impact revealed orthopedic issues: hip dysplasia and a luxating patella. She was suddenly barely able to move. Surgery was discussed, but before any decisions were made, Alma wanted to understand why this was happening—especially to a young cat.
That moment was the catalyst.
From Pharmacy to Feline Cuisine
Alma isn’t just a cat guardian. She holds a degree in biology and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), and she spent many years practicing in New York City hospitals before shifting into community practice. Research, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and problem-solving are part of her daily life.
So when Gnocchi’s health issues surfaced, Alma approached it the way a pharmacist would:
by digging into the science.
She started reading everything she could about feline nutrition. About what cats are designed to eat. About prey composition, moisture, amino acids, digestibility, minerals, enzymes, and how different processing methods affect food quality.
The more she learned, the more she realized that even the “premium” commercial diets weren’t aligned with true feline biology.
So Alma began making Gnocchi’s food herself—fresh, raw, balanced meals built from whole cuts of chicken and turkey. No scraps. No fillers. Nothing unnecessary.
And the changes were undeniable.
Gnocchi lost weight, her coat improved, her energy returned, and she moved with much greater ease. Friends and family who saw the transformation asked if Alma could prepare the same food for their own cats. That’s when a small, home-project turned into something much bigger.
And that’s how Fegnion was born.
What Makes Fegnion Different
From the beginning, we committed to doing things the right way—even when it’s harder, slower, or more expensive.
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We use whole cuts of meat, not scraps or leftovers.
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We stick to single-species recipes that mirror natural prey.
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We avoid fillers, plant ingredients, and unnecessary additives.
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We prepare everything in small batches, with strict handling and safety processes influenced by Alma’s pharmaceutical training.
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We do not use HPP or harsh processing, because cats thrive on food in its natural state.
Our food exists because one little cat needed something better. We’ve held onto that standard ever since.
The Cats Who Taste-Test Our Work
Gnocchi was our very first taste tester, supported by our beloved Domino—our petite, high-energy girl who never missed a meal or a chance to boss Gnocchi around. Both Gnocchi and Domino have crossed the rainbow bridge, but their presence is still felt in everything we do.
Today, our recipes are tested and enjoyed by:
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Lenny, our grey and white tabby
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Mishka, our curious Bengal
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Chase, our high-energy Bengal athlete
They are honest, demanding, and incredibly helpful in making sure every batch meets their expectations.
Where We Are Today
Fegnion is still small, still family-run, and still driven by the same purpose:
to create honest, biologically appropriate food for the animals we love.
If you’re curious what a real, prey-modeled raw diet can do for your cat:
