Welcome to Nine Lives With Dr. Kat

Dr. Kathryn Primm on Pet Life Radio

You have heard all the cat myths. Do cats have nine lives? You have watched your cat do quirky things. Why does your cat follow you to the bathroom? We live with these tiny predators, yet we do not truly know them. What do they really need to eat? How do their minds work? Cats are still an enigma. How do you keep your cat fit and healthy? If it is related to cats, I will relate it to you! Together in this cat podcast and cat radio show, we will explore all aspects of the “cat-o-sphere” and learn everything we can about cats from all kinds of cats-perts and me, Dr. Kat on Nine Lives with Dr. Kat!

Let’s laugh and learn and make cat lives better together on Nine Lives with Dr. Kat, the cat podcast for cat lovers!


"Nine Lives with Dr. Kat" Theme Song Written & Produced by Mark Winter
© Copyright 2017 Such Fun Music (ASCAP)


Episode 138 - Thanksgiving & Holiday Hazards

It is that time again and here at Nine Lives with Dr. Kat, we want your kitties to stay safe and healthy through the upcoming holiday season  This week I am joined by Dr. Jill Lopez to talk with me about some of the hidden (and not to hidden) dangers around the festivities.

Listen to Episode #138 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 137 - Thinking Outside the Box

Did your cat miss the memo about using the litter box?  Are they using the floor… the rug… your bed?  Today board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Maggie O’Brian joins us to discuss reasons they might not be using the box, cat litter preference, and options for your cat to make using the litter box more desirable for them.

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Show Notes

Episode 136 - Tele-kitty: How Can Telemedicine Help You Take The Best Care Of Your Cat?

In today's show, we are lucky to have 2 special guests, a regular contributor, Steve Dale and Dr. Gail Golab from the American Veterinary Medical Association here to explain the role of telemedicine for our own pets.

Did you know there are legal issues that may limit its use? If you want to take the supurr best care of your cats, you need to check this show out and find out if you can take advantage of the convenience of telemedicine with your own vet.

Listen to Episode #136 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 135 - Make Halloween Less Scary for Your Cats!

It’s October!  Halloween is already everywhere, and cats (or at least their images) seem to be a natural part of the spooky festivities.  But there are things that pose a risk to cats during this time. Make sure you are aware. From glow sticks to festive bouquets, we find out the Do's and Don'ts from Dr. Jill Lopez. See if your cat is safe on this episode of Nine Lives with Dr. Kat!

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Show Notes

Episode 134 - Why You Should Change the Way You Treat Your Cat

Today, we get to learn from Mikkel Becker, Fear Free's lead Animal trainer about all the ways we can make our cats environment better in so many ways!  How can you use  your cat's own desire to hide to make a fun game?  What if your cat does not like  catnip?  Mikkel tells us creative ways to make life as fun as possible for you and your cat!

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Show Notes

Episode 133 - My Aching Bones!

Could your cat be in pain? How can you tell? We chat with Dr. Tracey Deiss, a feline veterinarian whose favorite areas are pain control and anxiety in cats. She gives us some useful resources to help you find out if your own cat suffers and then shares about a new treatment that has proven safe and effective.   We even talk about things you can do as your kitten grows and ages to help avoid and detect pain.  Listen now, whether your cat is 6 months or 6 years!

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Show Notes

Episode 132 - Save Cats! Find Out How!

Today we talk with Deborah Cribbs about her a-meow-zing Cat Culture Shift, Give Them Ten.  Her organization is saving healthy cats by promoting spay neuter programs and educating cat lovers everywhere because when we work together, we make a difference. Find out about this exciting initiative and what you can do to help!

Listen to Episode #132 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 131 - Vacation: Take your Cat? Or Not?

Today, we have Dr. Lisa Radosta who is a recurring guest that we love to talk with us about vacations if you have cats.  There are options for cats during a vacation and they include petsitters, boarding, and bringing cats along. We are going straight to the source of a cat's mind to find out about each of these options and what your cat might prefer.  We will also talk about how to make your choice the best possible one for your cat's happiness and safety.

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Show Notes

Episode 130 - Is Your Cat Crunchy?

Dr. Mary Gardner joins me today to talk about "crunchy cats". These are the aging cats that seem to be getting frail. Did you know that there are tons of things you can do to make it better? There are products to try, books to read and people to ask to help you as your cats age.  What type of food bowl do you have? What about litter boxes? Should your old cat be exercising? Find out the answers and tons more!

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Show Notes

Episode 129 - I Could Pee on This

Today, we have a su-purr fun chat with Francesco Marciuliano, the author of many delightful cat (and the one dog) books! He has cats, loves cats, and sees their unique purr-sonalities as an opportunity to voice their thoughts.  I Could Pee on This and Other Poems by Cats is the fur-st in a line of humorous books that make fabulous gifts for the cat lovers in your life.  We find out what started him on his journey to be a funny voice for cats and about his own cats that have shared his home. Join us for our lighthearted chat and find out more!

Listen to Episode #129 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 128 - Breaking FIP Mews! Now your Vet Can Help!

We had the pleasure of chatting with Steve Dale about the brand-new advances in the treatment of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) which has always been considered 100% fatal. Find out what has changed since our last episode discussing it.  Could your cat be at risk?  Make sure you know the latest info and be sure your vet does too!

Listen to Episode #128 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 127 - The Most Interesting Cat in The World?

Well, maybe not the most interesting cat in the world, but certainly an interesting episode! We got to spend some time with Teresa Keiger of the Cat Fanciers Association and explore the most popular breeds of cat (and the rarest ones too!) Could your cat be on the list?   Find out about each of the breeds- their appearance, size, temperament, as well as what it takes to keep them groomed and looking sharp.  I am not going to give them away! You will have to listen, but can you guess which breeds are the most rare? Listen to find out if you have ever met one of these cats!

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Show Notes

Episode 126 - Play it Again, Sam!

Today's show is a su-purr fun chat with Mikel Delgado, who is a certified cat behavior consultant and author of the upcoming book, Play With Your Cat!  She explains why play is important, what kind of interaction constitutes play, and which cats need it (hint- all of them!).  She gives us her favorite toys and even talks about how to make your own.  Think your cat doesn't play? We explore why you may be wrong. Listen now about how play can improve your life and your cat's!

Listen to Episode #126 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 125 - TV Cats!

You know that cats entertain us at home, but what about on TV? Cats have been making debuts on the small screen for decades and Wendy Miller, self-proclaimed TV Nerd is here to give us a rundown.  From Friends to Cat Woman, cats have left their mark on entertainment, and it is so much fun. Join us as we explore cats on TV!

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Show Notes

Episode 124 - Is it Tooth-hurty? Dental Disease in Cats

Today, we talk to Dr. Angela Briggs who is a veterinarian and even more...a veterinary dentist!  We know that cats try to hide anything pain from the world and she tells us about some common issues she sees in kittens and cats.  She gives us her insights on what to do and what to watch for to keep your cat happy, healthy, and pain free.

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Show Notes

Episode 123 - Fostering And Adopting Kittens

Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta is back to talk about fostering, adopting and raising healthy happy cats.  So, tune in for great information… we’re not kitten!

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Show Notes

Episode 122 - Feline Faces

Did you know that cats have 276 distinct facial expressions? And even more interesting and complex, cats use their expressions differently depending on if they are interacting with their friends or not. Today's guest, Dr. Britt Florkiewicz, is a comparative and evolutionary psychologist who designed a study that uncovered facts like these. She went into a large cat Cafe and observed and recorded the cats as they communicated with one another and shares what she found out with us. 

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Show Notes

Episode 121 - Want to Adopt a Cat? Listen to This!

Today, I chatted with Arden Moore, a lifelong cat-vocate and pet first aid expert about what you need to know if you want to adopt a kitten, cat or senior feline.  You probably haven't thought of all the things she alerts you to, from the truth about cat cafes (in 15 cities) to how to best plan for your cat's life and wellness. Find out what you need to buy and get to make sure that your cat lives her best life! We talk about cool places to find cats and why you might choose one over another and what questions you need to ask yourself and breeders/rescuers to help choose a life long cat partner.  Check it out! 

Listen to Episode #121 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 120 - Cat Products That Give Back!

The holidays are coming, and all cat lovers want to gift their cats and their fellow cat lovers with fun and useful gifts.  Why not choose things that help homeless cats and benefit animals?  My guest today is Wendy Miller.  She is the inventor of a neat and fun card deck that will amuse you (and also benefits cat charities).  She shares with me some of the cool stuff she saw at Cat Con that are other products that are useful, sustainable and give back to make our world a better place.

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Show Notes

Episode 119 - Helping or Hoarding? How to Know the Difference

Today's episode delves into the pathology of animal hoarding.  Dr Art Markman and I talk about what it is, why it happens, and what you can do if you think you may be experiencing it or love someone who is.  Animal Hoarding becomes an issue when the number of animals in a home is above and beyond the number of resources available to give them a good life.  Who is the most at risk for this behavior? How does this happen? What can you do if you or someone you love is experiencing this problem? Find out these answers and more by listening now!

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Show Notes

Episode 118 - Cat-spiration

Did you know that you could turn your love of cats into a successful film career? Today's guest, Dr. Ross Hewitt is here to tell you that you can!  Dr. Hewitt is a cat lover that grew up with 13 cats. He is also an actor, playwright, director, producer, and retired physician who received many awards for his work with the HIV and AIDS communities. He used cats (and his love of theater) to write and produce a short, animated film called Kris the Cat.  He tells about his journey to create the film and also about the Nordic folk tale that inspired it. It is clear that Dr. Hewitt admires and loves cats, and he used this love to help him grow as a person and create something to entertain and educate children of all ages. 

Listen to Episode #118 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 117 - NOT a Death Sentence Anymore!

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has been the absolute worst nightmare of veterinarians for a long time.  It is a Coronavirus, and it is present in most cats, but for an unknown reason, it mutates in certain cats and becomes an aggressive, life-threatening infection. Today, we talk with Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, a feline veterinarian who researches this terrible disease and wants us all to know what it is and that there is a treatment.  We talk about the disease itself and how a cat owner can recognize it and even some things we can do to prevent it. Check it out to learn more!

Listen to Episode #117 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 116 - Toxic!

Join us today as we chat with Dr. Renee Schmid, a veterinary toxicologist with the pet poison helpline.  She explains what the top ten calls for toxicity in cats are and you may be surprised.  Which things do you think made the list? I know a lot and I'm excited for you to listen to this interesting episode.

Listen to Episode #116 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 115 - Maximize your Vet Visit

Ever been to the vet clinic and left thinking of all the things you forgot to ask and mention? Today we chat with Dr. Ryane Englar about tips to make sure you advocate for your cat and get the most out of your veterinary experience. From jotting down your questions and concerns ahead of time to even drawing am image of your cat to diagram concerns, there are lots of things you can do to make your visit the best it can be.

Listen to Episode #115 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 114 - Cats Have Teeth!

Today we talk with Dr. Jan Bellows, the veterinary dentist, and he gives us advice about what we all should be doing each day to keep our cats' teeth healthy. He shares some resources like vohc.org to find products that are certified to help with dental health and he gives us a step by step list that all cat lovers should follow to be sure they are doing the best by their cats.  Listen now to find out how to keep your cat smiling and pain free!

Listen to Episode #114 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 113 - Telemedicine!

Tele-what? Did you know that you can consult with a licensed veterinarian to help you decide if your cat has an emergency or not?  You can! And today we chat with Dr. Shadi Ireifej about his telemedicine platform, Vettriage.   Find out what can be treated this way and find out how to take advantage of this useful service!

Listen to Episode #113 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 112 - Vaccines- Does Your Cat Really Need Them?

In this episode, I get to talk to Dr. Tina Bearden. Dr. Bearden is extremely knowledgeable about vaccines, and she works for Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health. She knows the inside scoop on vaccine manufacturing and research.  We talk about what vaccines are and what they do and even explore different types of vaccines.   Are the scary stories true? Where did the headlines come from? Find out what you need to know on this episode of Nine Lives with Dr. Kat!  

Listen to Episode #112 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 111 - Why Does My Cat Do That? Part 3: Interactions

We chat with Tabitha Kucera, certified RVT, CCBC, and KPA-CTP, and she sheds some light on our cats' interactions with us as their humans.  Purring, kneading, bunting....and so much more. Find out why she thinks they do these things and what they mean.  She even gives us tips on what our cats are trying to tell us! Come along as we unravel the mysteries of cats!

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Show Notes

Episode 110 - Flea Control: How Do You Pick One?

Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of choices of flea products today?  Today I chat with Rita Katanjian, a veterinary professional with years of experience and a passion for client education, about the pros and cons of flea product choices.  She tells us how to let our cats and our veterinary team help us decide which ones will be best for each individual cat. We had fun talking about bugs!

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Show Notes

Episode 109 - Why Does My Cat Do That? Part 2: Negative Behaviors

Does your cat bite? Scratch? How about urinating outside the box? Howling?  There are behaviors that we humans see as negative and I get to chat with Mikkel Becker, lead trainer for Fear Free Pets about why they do these things and what we can do to help. Check out Mikkel's amazing wisdom on our series, Why Does My Cat Do That.   

Listen to Episode #109 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 108 - Why Does My Cat Do That? Part 1

The opening episode to our series, Why Does My Cat Do That?  Lisa Radosta, the veterinary behaviorist, joins me today to talk about cats and objects.  Why do cats knock things off counter tops?  Why do cats like boxes? And so much more.  This is a super fun episode! Check it meow-t!

Listen to Episode #108 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 107 - A Kitten's Diary?

Wouldn't you love to see what a kitten sees and hear his thoughts on everyday life?
I would! And a new book, Oliver Kitten's Diary does just that.  I get to chat with Gareth Thomas, a celebrated writer and publisher about all of his cat-a-log of books that discuss cats.   Learn about Oliver kitten's life, what it is like to be a cat loving publisher and about other feline best sellers.  Gareth joins me all the way from New Zealand to help me explore more cat-tastic facts and fun. Check it out!

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Show Notes

Episode 106 - Resources to Cope with Pet Loss Grief: Wolfie's Wish

What does a talented harpist have in common with a grieving pet owner? You will be surprised.  Erica Messer is both of these and so much more! She took time today to talk with me about her grief and share some of unique and interesting ways that she learned to deal with it...and to help others deal with their own.  Listen to find out more about Wolfie's Wish and Erica's tools and resources to help you or a loved one deal with their own pet loss grief. 

Listen to Episode #106 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 105 - Why Are Cats So Mysterious? What Are They Up To?

Today’s fun episode gives me the chance to chat with Michelle Fern of Cattitude podcast about cats, what they are up to and why we humans care.  It turns out, cats are very complex and interesting and could even be capable of more than we think…
Listen in while we chat about cats and how they create curiosity in us, learn our ways and influence us. Why do cats lurk in the shadows? Why do they like the dark? Are they plotting together? We have a little fun exploring theories and learning quirky cat facts!

Listen to Episode #105 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 104 - Does Your Cat Need Rehab?

Science has made a-meow-zing advances in identifying and managing pain in cats.  We know that cats have special metabolism and cannot tolerate certain medications. We also know that medicating cats can be a challenge itself.  Today, I have 2 pawsome guests that can help us know how to see if our cats have pain and what the options may be. Learn what to watch for and some tips to make sure your cats are happy and pain-free!

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Show Notes

Episode 103 - Does Your Cat Need Pet Health Insurance?

Today we talk with BrIan Jorgensen of MetLife pet insurance about how insurance works and what you should know about it.  He tells about his journey toward the pet insurance industry and answers questions about types of plans and when and why you might want it.  How old should your kitten be when you start? When is your pet too old to be eligible? How can pet insurance help you?  Check out this episode to learn more!

Listen to Episode #103 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 102 - More Scoop On Poop?

We all know that knowledge is power and the more you know about how your cat works, the better you can support their health.  Did you know your gut health can impact your cat's mood and behavior?  You can test for proteins in the gut to gauge inflammation and even find out if your cat's diet could be better. We talk with Dr. Betsy Redmond about Innovative Pet Lab's gut health testing. Check it out!

Show Notes

Episode 101 - Nine Lives Are Not Enough

Do you have a cat? Guess what- they are aging. As their biggest advocate, there are things that you need to know to help them age gracefully.  Find out about aging for cats and what makes it different. Did you know that aging affects a cat's brain too? Find out how to manage cognitive dysfunction.  A large percent of senior cats suffer from mobility issues and their caregivers don't realize it.  Learn how to recognize the signs and what to do. This book has checklists and videos!  Do you have a Bucket List for your cat? See what Dr. Mary Gardner suggests to help your cat's life be meow-valous.

Show Notes

Episode 100 - Black Cats Tell All

Today is our 100th episode and so I found a Furry interesting guest, Layla Morgan Wilde. Layla is a cat expert and a psychic! She is an author and cat rescuer too.  We delve into the history of prejudice against cats, especially black cats and you might be surprised how far back in the history of mankind these superstitions go!  Find out more about Black Cat history from the dark ages and learn how far we have come.

Show Notes

Episode 99 - What is the American Animal Hospital Association?

I love to share with my listeners things that they may not know but could benefit from. Today, I speak with Dr. Jessica Vogelsang who is the chief medical officer of AAHA about what they do and why we, as pet lovers, should care. Did you know that there isn't an enforced standard of care in veterinary hospitals like there is for human hospitals? So how do you know if the care that is provided there complies with the latest medical recommendations? AAHA accreditation is how!

Show Notes

Episode 98 - Finicky Cats?

On today's episode, I chat with Dr. Joe Bartges, a veterinary nutritional and internal medicine specialist about cats and their diet preferences.  Why do they like what they like and how can we affect it? Sometimes we need cats to eat specific diets and it can be hard.

Find out how to make your kitten less picky about his/her foods. We explore safe home cooking for cats and some of the pitfalls of creating a balanced diet that way. Join us on this fabulously informative culinary adventure!

Show Notes

Episode 97 - All Things Cat!

Today I get to to talk with Arden Moore about all the cat related stuff that she is doing now.   She has books, cat cocktails and cats making appearances in DogTV!  Most importantly,  she does Feline First Aid! We get to talk to her about it all. Tune in for today's show!

Show Notes

Episode 96 - Talk To The Claw

Cats claw. They naturally scratch and it tears up our stuff. Today I chat with Steve Dale about why cats scratch and what we can do to save our stuff! We have a lot of fun exploring why cats scratch, the ugly truth about declaw surgeries, and the things that you can do to redirect this behavior that will not hurt your cat.

Show Notes

Episode 95 - Hairballs, Are They Ever A Cause For Concern?

I had a listener request that I cover feline hairballs and when I thought of having fun talking about a somewhat gross topic, I thought of my friend, Dr. Adam Christman.  Dr. Christman is like a bright ray of sunshine.  He is knowledgeable and fun so today, you can learn about feline hairballs and when you worry.  Check out this informative and fast paced episode! 

Show Notes

Episode 94 - Frame Your Feline?

Have you ever met a cat loving comedian? I got to chat with two on today's show! Not only are they fun and feline friendly, they also have invented a great new product that will meet your needs and your cats' needs too.  Things that make people and cats happy make me happy too.  Find out more on this fun episode.

Show Notes

Episode 93 - Got A Kitten? Here's What You Need To Know!

Today's show is fun and fabulous with Dr. Courtney Campbell.  Dr. Courtney and I have coauthored an e book on infectious disease in the past, so I knew he was a PURRFECT choice for today's topic.   What do you need to do about parasites in your kitten and how important are they?  What about vaccines and litter box training? Everything you need and want to know about keeping a kitten healthy in a cat-tastic package.  Check it out!

Show Notes

Episode 92 - Feline Pretty?

Today's guest is the unique and fun Kate Benjamin who is a feline design expert.  She has dedicated her career to making homes better for cats AND the people who love them. 

Find out what a feline designer does and how she came to be one. Learn from her some easy things you can do to make your home beautiful and functional for happy cats. She chats about how to take things you already have and make them better for your cats, as well as things you can buy or build. Could your home be a feline oasis? Kate thinks yes! 

Show Notes

Episode 91 - Cat Rehab? It's A Thing!

Today I chat with Dr. Matt Brunke who is a veterinarian who has taken the extra time to become specialized in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.  He explains what he does and why it matters. We talk about some of the cool and interesting patients he cares for, from big cats to little cats and the elephant in between. Find out about some new therapies that are going to be real game changers in the way we manage pain in cats. Check it out. It's a meowvalous episode!

Show Notes

Episode 90 - Does Your Pet Need Health Insurance?

In today's episode, I chat with Dr. Emily Tincher from Nationwide Pet Insurance. I ask her all the questions I think my listeners and pet parents have about this important topic.  How does pet insurance work? What does it really do? Why would my cat need it and when?  She explains all of this and more in this fun and informative chat!

Show Notes

Episode 89 - A Meow-valous Product That Will Change Your Life!

This episode is a bit of a departure for me because I don't typically promote specific products. But this one is pretty great because it makes getting your cat to the vet or anywhere else so much better for you both.  I reached out to Will Van Ness of Van Ness Pet products about the Calm Carrier and he agreed to chat with me. Find out what innovative features make this Carrier get the Dr.Kat stamp of approval!

Show Notes

Episode 88 - Holiday Gifting With Pets (The Right Way)

Join me as I chat with Amy Shojai, award winning author and pet behavior specialist about giving gifts OF pets and TO pets and pet lovers.   We find out some of her fun ideas to make holidays extra special for cats. Ways to give gifts to meet the needs of the giver and "givee".  We also get some sneak peeks at Amy's current and upcoming thrillers!

Show Notes

Episode 87 - Gift Ideas To Make Cats SuPURR Happy!

You should buy your cat gifts (He/she told me to say that!) and when you do, the stuff you choose is important. Gifts needs to be safe and fun and some things have the bonus of helping balance your cat's brain chemistry. I chat with Arden Moore who pulled together a list of great gift ideas for an article in Catster Magazine.  She is willing to give us a sneak peek at her list in today's episode.  Check it out!

Show Notes

Episode 86 - Are You Doing The Minimum To Provide For Your Cat? You Might Be Surprised!

Today's guest is Dr. Liz Bales and she is an expert on keeping cats healthy and happy. She shares with us the basic needs that all cats have (that most cat owners are not aware of). Find out if you are doing the minimum to take care of your cat. Her advice is easy and will help keep your cat FELINE fine. 

Show Notes

Episode 85 - Chemical Post It Notes?

Did you know that your cat communicates with chemicals? Absolutely! Since cats cannot talk, they have other important ways to get their messages across and thank goodness we are smart enough to learn their language!  We chat with Ellen Carozza about pheromones and how to use them to address problem behaviors and overall contentment.  Find out which products she recommends and learn about her cat centered charity too!

Show Notes

Episode 84 - Quirky or Purr-ky? Weird Things Cats Do And Why

Today we have dueling podcasts! We have teamed up with Arden Moore from Oh Behave (right here on Pet Life Radio) to answer your burning cat questions.  Arden has written a book called The Cat Behavior Answer Book and she is a wonderful expert. I can toss in some of the things I have learned from being a veterinarian and cat lover as well. We purr-omise you will learn something new on today's episode!

Show Notes

Episode 83 - What Is The Important Thing You Can Do To Make Your Cat's Life Better?

There are lots of things that I think you can do, but today I have a guest a guest who agrees with me ask me about one of the big ones- Carrier Training.  Can you imagine feeling trapped inside a small box that's moving and shaking? It would be like being on a roller coaster, if you didn't know what they were. Let's learn how to teach your cat that carriers are not scary. It CAN be done and today's guest tells us how!

Tabitha Kucera is a licensed veterinary technician and also Animal trainer with multiple certifications. She is a delight to talk to because she makes training simple and fun. Join us today on this meow-valous episode. 

Show Notes

Episode 82 - Who Is The Cat Copywriter?

In this episode, we get to chat with Dan Reinhold, the cat copywriter, about his passion for cats and how he has turned it into a mission to promote cats.  He did not even like cats and then along came a kitten friend who changed his life! Now he is owned by three cats and he spends his days fighting for cats since they are the #1 pet in America these days. He shares what he does and about his work to rally cat lovers and tells how to find him if you want to learn more! What does Dan think is the biggest challenge for cats these days? How does he work to solve it?  Do I agree with his stance on declawing?  Listen to find out!

Show Notes

Episode 81 - Cooking For Your Cat? Are You Unbalanced?

Today's episode is a fun one, but also useful. We chat with Dr. Joe Bartges who is a veterinary nutritionist. His life's work has been to learn what is best nutrition for animals make sure the people that love them understand too.  Recently, clients have been asking about home cooking for their pets,  but there are pitfalls and dangers.  I got the chance to ask Dr. Bartges how to do it right. 

Show Notes

Episode 80 - Secret To Giving Medications To Your Cat

Did you even know there are ways to make giving your cat his/her medication effortless?  Today, we chat with Erik Clausen, a pharmacist with Golden Gate Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy, specializing in making medicating cats easy. He shares what a compounding pharmacy does and how they do it and explains how to verify that your pharmacy is doing things the right way. Certain flavors seem to be popular with cats and you will be surprised what the favorite flavor is! Find out the difference between compounding for humans and compounding for pets.  Erik can make palatable treats and tasty elixirs from your cat's medication so that she thinks taking the medication is her own idea. What better way to help strengthen your bond with your cat than avoiding a struggle? Listen for more meow-valous tips.

Show Notes

Episode 79 - Meow-valous Free Resources For Pet Parents

Dr. Adam Christman from dvm360.com joins me today to share some great free resources to make sure you have good and correct info about caring for your pets. We talk about feline nutrition and the websites like balanceit.com and Tufts "petfoodology" blog at vetnutrition.tufts.edu.

Find out how to find Dr. Christman and his fun and educational videos on TikTok. Learn about ways to help you pay for pet care. Sign up for text reminders for medications and treatments for your pet.  How can you tell which vaccines your cat really needs? We talk about it. This is an entertaining and fun look at some new ways you can be a cat care superhero.

Show Notes

Episode 78 - Call Me Kat!

We get to chat with Mayim Bialik about her new show, Call Me Kat, a fun sitcom set in a cat cafe. We learn about Mayim and where the show began. We find out the inside scoop about all her costars from Leslie Jordan to Swoosie Kurtz.  What are they really like? Is Mayim a real cat person? Are the cats actors? What is it like working with cat costars? Find out in this meow-valous episode!

Show Notes

Episode 77 - Universal Translator For Cats?

It is pretty exciting that there is an artificial intelligence that can help you know what your cat is trying to tell you. We know that cats actively try to hide their pain since they instinctively know that in nature, the weak become prey.

Sylvester AI is a facial recognition application that can let you know as early as possible what is going in with your cat. You can identify pain long before it gets so severe that your cat cannot hide it anymore. We chat with Miche Priest with Sylvester AI and she tells us all about this exciting opportunity for cat lovers to be in closer communication with their own cats!

The app name is Tably, and can be downloaded on the iOS app store.

Show Notes

Episode 76 - Do Parasites Bug You? You May Not Know It, But They Bug Your Cat!

Today's episode is a fun look into the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) with Dr. Rick Marrinson. Dr. Marrinson is a practicing vet, but also a board member of CAPC. He shares some important facts about many kinds of parasites, their human health impact and how you can learn more. Did you know you can sign up for disease alerts? You can and we talk about how. 

Show Notes

Episode 75 - Secrets Your Cat Wants You To Know

I get to chat with Dr. Liz Bales about her passion for cats and what she has learned about how cats work. She gives us information to help us understand our own cat and suggestions for ways to help them be happier and healthier.  Did you know that stress can cause your cat to urinate outside the litter box? Find out the unexpected sources of stress for our house cats and what you can do to fix it before your cat develops the subtle signs that you do not want at all, like vomiting, litter box trouble and more.

Show Notes

Episode 74 - Achoo! What You Need To Know About Cat Allergies

Today's episode is a fun joint effort. I teamed up with Michelle Fern, host of Catitude, right here on Pet Life Radio to get our cat loving listeners information about how to cope with cat allergies.  We explain how the cat allergies work and even give tips to help you still get your "cat fix" even if you are allergic to cats!

Show Notes

Episode 73 - Finding a PURRfect Match: A Dating App For Cat Lovers

Today's guest is a fun one, Leigh D'Angelo,  CEO and co-founder of animal lovers dating apps shares with all we need to know to find love with Dig, dog lovers app and Tabby, the cat lovers app.  Find out how to get the app and all the special features that allow you to find a special someone who shares your love for fur friends. Find out why these apps are the best place to live happily FURever after!

Show Notes

Episode 72 - Pet Sitter Basics

Have you ever needed a pet sitter? It's a little scary to have someone else care for your fur baby. I get to chat with Collin Funkhouser, pet-sitting expert about the state of pet sitting industry and what you need to know to find a great pet sitter.

What is reasonable to expect a pet sitter to do? What should their credentials be? Collin explains all of this and so much more in this fun and informative episode!

Show Notes

Episode 71 - Let’s Talk Cat Poop!

Dr. Lisa Radosta loves poop and is going to tell us why. Learn about studies to find out if scientists can identify a stressed cat using chemical characteristics of the feces. We talk about what normal poop looks like and what you need to check ft make sure all is well with your own cat. Find out how to provide the best litter and keep kitty’s litter habits exactly where you want them. Dr. Radosta shares with us her own cat’s quirks and how she manages them. She ever answers the age old question, “Why Doesn’t My Cat Cover His poop? Listen now for free!

Show Notes

Episode 70 - What Does The Animal Behavior College Know About Training Cats? A Lot!

Join me today with Steve Appelbaum, CEO and president of Animal Behavior College as we talk about training cats. People think cats are imPAWSible to train, but Steve disagrees and shares with us how and why we should all train our cats. He tells what he thinks every cat should know and learn plus how to find someone to consult with about your cat. Listen today’s episode to find out his ideas about whether or not cats can learn. The more you know about your cat and what makes him/her tick, the happier your relationship is!

Show Notes

Episode 69 - Putting the Bite on Good Dental Health for your Cat

Today I get to talk to Chris Koski about a promising new product to help keep cats' dental health top notch.  You will learn about some common sense tips to keep cats happy and healthy,  but also you may be inspired to try this new product that could be an easy and safe way to help.

Show Notes

Episode 68 - Growing Old Gracefully: The Truth About Pet Aging

Dr. Chad Dodd tells us some secrets about helping pets age gracefully.  Dr. Dodd has dedicated his life to extending life and quality of life for pets.  We talk about the science of aging and what we know to manage the issues that develop as pets age.

Dr. Dodd "busts the myth" about how old your dog (cat) really is. It isn't a straight one to seven years comparison and you need to know where your cat really falls in the journey of his/her life. Knowledge gives you power to help your best friend.  Listen to what we learn!

Show Notes

Episode 67 - How Smart Is My Cat?

We talk with Virginia Morell. NY Times best selling author of Animal Wise, a book that explores animal intelligence. Learn how amazing animals really are and find out about new studies that suggest that cats have emotional attachment to their humans (we already knew that, right?)  We talk about animals from ants and bees to elephants and parrots. You will learn things you did not know.   You will be astounded and humbled by what Virginia shares!

Show Notes

Episode 66 - Decreasing Stress In Our Feline Friends

I chat with Jennifer Styrsky, DVM who is an expert on stress in cats. We talk about the causes of stress in cats some of the surprising consequences of stress for cats. She shares with us what a cat parent can do to help cats have stress outlets and also to recognize signs of stress early before they have permanent effects.

What kind of home contributes to stress? Is yours one of the stressful kind? Would you know? How does short term stress affect cats versus long term stress? Find out how to recognize subtle signs of stress and what to do. Find out ways to help and when to call the vet and what you can do at home even before you take your cat in. You might not know what to look for, so check out this episode!

Show Notes

Episode 65 - Inside Your Cat's Brain Part 2

Did you know a high percent of my feline patients have at some point in their lives soiled outside their litter box?  This behavior breaks your bond with your cat and is a frequent reason for a cat to be surrendered to a shelter.

Dr. Lisa Radosta, boarded behaviorist and Fear Free Certified Professional shares what you can do to prevent this undesirable behavior and even what you can do once it has begun.  Do you know how many litter boxes a cat should have? What size it should be? Well, you will once you tune in! 

Show Notes

Episode 64 - Inside Your Cat's Brain

Today's episode is a 2 part series (because the way cats think is purrretty  complex). Dr. Lisa Radosta,  board certified veterinary behaviorist and Fear Free Certified Professional chats with us about feline psychiatry.  From a crash course in reading cat body language to the things your cat says that you are missing, we have a fur-ific time teaching you how to understand your mysterious feline. 

Did you know you have to give your cat a sense of control of his/her own body to decrease stress? Yes, you do. Because if you cannot hear your cat's needs in whispers, he may have to yell (and that might be a behavior you hate like pooping on your bed). Join us to learn what you can do to make your cat feel understood.

Show Notes

Episode 63 - Coronavirus in Tigers? What Next?

In today’s episode, I chat with Dr. Adam Christman about the diagnosis of tigers at the Bronx Zoo. Find out what is expected to happen next and how this happened in the first place. We talk about some of the ramifications that all cat lovers need to be aware of.

He shares what he knows about how the tigers were infected and what this means for all of us. Are our cats at risk? What can we do to help protect our fur friends? This is an important episode so listen here for free.

Show Notes

Episode 62 - Tips For Keeping Pets Happy And Healthy During Self Quarantine

Dr. Sally Foote,  veterinary behaviorist,  joins me today and tells her tips for making this difficult time fun time with your pets.  Don't you want ways to have fun with your pets while you are bored? Are there better ways to do this?  Dr. Foote talks about DIY games that you can do to entertain pets while you are teleconferencing and things that kids can do to engage pets and keep everyone safe and happy. I bet you haven't thought about how your pets are going to  adjust when things go back to normal,  but Dr. Foote has and she gives some ideas there too!

Show Notes

Episode 61 - You CAN Train Your Cat To Like Being Medicated!

Today's episode is with Tabitha Kucera, RVT. Tabitha is a cat lover extraordinaire and she is a Fear Free Certified Professional, active member of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and certified cat behavior trainer. 

She tells us how to train our cats easily with just a few minutes a day to do almost anything. How to select treats, choose a training criteria, set up a schedule and do it!   What rewards do cats like? Where do I do this? How often? What do I need? All these questions answered and more in this fun episode.

Show Notes

Episode 60 - Catios 101

Do you know what a catio is? You should! A catio is a cat patio or secure enclosure to allow cats to enjoy the natural world in safety.  We chat with Cynthia Chomos, founder of Catiospaces. She is a Fung Shui Consultant and cat lover who has taken her loves to a whole new level and now offers them to cat lovers all over.  She talks about how you can build your own catio and what features it should have and explores unique catios she has designed.  Check out this fun episode!

Show Notes

Episode 59 - Ways to Love Your Cat: Part 2

We all love our cats so on today's episode I invited my friend Dr. Caitlin DeWilde to talk with us about some ways to show your cats love. We continue our chat about ways to show your cat love by improving your environment.   We talk about pet water fountains.  How do you choose one and why would you want one? There are other ways you can make your cat feel loved and we tried to cover them! From fountains to "catios", find out some ideas and tips you may not have thought of.

Show Notes

Episode 58 - A Cat History Museum!

Did you go there was a museum just for the history of cats? There is! We talk to its manager, Karen Lawrence. Karen is a director of Cat Fanciers Association Foundation and the manager of the Feline Historical Museum. Learn about historical cats, artifacts and art! Tune in for this unique episode of Nine Lives with Dr. Kat!

Show Notes

Episode 57 - Should You Be Afraid Of The Scary Viruses For Your Cat?

We see them. The scary headlines paint frightening pictures for us. Words like 'pandemic' and death tolls have us all on edge. Then there is the concern that these viruses come from animals.   What about our house cats? Are they at risk? Are they a risk to us?   Today we chat with Dr. Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM. As an infectious disease researcher, he is an excellent resource to discuss the facts about influenza and coronavirus. Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your cats from "viral headlines"!

Show Notes

Episode 56 - Let's Talk Teeth

February is National Dental month in veterinary hospitals all over the nation. There are a lot of different promotions and buzz all designed to increase awareness of dental health for pets. Cats have some unique and important dental challenges that you want to know about.

Today's guest is Mary Berg,BS,LATG,RVT,VTS. She is a tooth specialist having worked in research and private practice and teaching other veterinary professionals how to best care for teeth. We chat with Mary about why cats need dental care, what cat owners can check and do at home and learn about feline dental disease. Make sure you are doing what you can to protect your cat's health. Listen as we talk teeth!

Show Notes

Episode 55 - Ways to Love Your Cat That You Haven't Thought Of: Part 1

February is a month of love and we all love our cats so on today's episode I invited my friend Dr. Caitlin DeWilde to talk with us about some ways to show your cats love.

Specifically, we talk about feeding cats and Dr. DeWilde shares some things that the average cat owner does not know. You may not realize that the way you feed your cat may be impacting his/her health. There can be stress issues associated with feeding sites in multi cat households and of course we know that obesity shortens cats' lives. Get ready to learn what you can do to make eating better for your cat.

Show Notes

Episode 54 - My Life in a Cat House

In this fun episode, we chat with NY Times best selling author, Gwen Cooper, about her new book, My Life in a Cat House.

Since Gwen was raised in a dog-loving family, she never pictured herself as a "cat person." We talk about the fun Gwen had in writing the book, which stories are her favorite, and what it is like to be a mom to a
famous cat like Homer, the Blind Wonder Cat. Gwen gives us a behind the scenes look at the stories in her book and also a sneak peak into how our listeners can find out even more.  Listen in to our conversation and find out how much you will want to read this PAWsome new book and even more!

Show Notes

Episode 53 - Holiday Hazards

It is that time again and here at Nine Lives with Dr. Kat, we want your kitties to stay safe and healthy through all seasons.  I corralled Dr. Jill Lopez to talk with me about some of the hidden (and not to hidden) dangers around the festivities.

Did you know that a snow globe could be toxic?  What is the truth about poinsettias and other holiday plants?  Find out what is real and what is myth when it comes to decorations and  know when it is time to get some medical help. Make sure your cats have  a PURRfect Howliday when you listen to this fun episode.

Show Notes

Episode 52 - Having a New Baby? Help Your Cat Adjust

On today's episode, I chat with Dr. E’lise Christensen, a  Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist about the things that you have to know to prepare your cat and your household for your bundle of joy so that everyone can be happy.  Is there anything that you have to do ahead of time to prepare your cat for your new baby? Of course there is! Dr. Christensen tells all.

 

Show Notes

Episode 51 - Sneak Peak Adventure

I was invited to join the VetCandy podcast, In Other News. Ever wonder what vets talk about behind the scenes? This is a podcast for veterinary professionals, but it has value for pet owners too. Check it out.  It was really fun!

Show Notes

Episode 50 - Can Your Cat Make YOU Sick?

There are diseases that can be spread from your cat to you or your family.  I talk with Dr. Casey Barton Barhravesh from the CDC. She tells us about zoonotic diseases that might be a risk and how to keep your cat and your family safe!

Show Notes

Episode 49 - You Are Not Crazy: Pet Loss Grief

Have you lost your beloved cat? Your feelings of grief are real and I chat with Adam Clark, LCSW, AASW about what you might feel if your fur friend passes. Pet loss is a little different from human grief. We explore the similarities and the differences and talk about ways to cope. Please join us on this important podcast.

 

Show Notes

Episode 48 - School For Cats?

Cats do not have to be "fraidy". Their brains develop and learn just like ours and during their juvenile growth stage is an ideal time to shape who they will be as an adult. We worry about what our human children learn and what their early experiences are, but did you know that the same ideas apply to your kitten? I talk with Tabitha Kucera, LVT about her innovative Kitten Kindergarten classes. Find out what it's all about and how her ideas can apply to you!

Show Notes

Episode 47 - What's The #1 Reason Pets Are Given Up?

Behavior problems, specifically inappropriate elimination (or "going" outside the litter box) is a major reason for cats to be put down or given up. What can be done to affect these sobering statistics? Find out when we talk to Dr. Josh Middleton. Dr. Josh is passionate about preventing and treating these difficult cases and he shares some great actionable tips for cat lovers everywhere.  Listen, learn and share. You might save a cat's life!

Show Notes

Episode 46 - Make Moving Less Stressful (At Least For Your Cat!)

Changing environments is thought to be one of the most stressful experiences for a cat. But we have to move sometimes.  We talk with Debbie Martin, LVT and specialist in behavior about all the things you can do to make a move easier on your cat and head off some of the problems before they start. You can't miss this episode!

Show Notes

Episode 45 - Does Your Cat Love You?

Cats are aloof and seem to allow us to live with them. A new study looks at how cats really feel about us and some of you may be surprised. We chat with Dr. Kristyn Vitale about her new study that explores feline attachment. She shares how they set up the study and what they proved, as well as a few other things that she knows about cats! Check it out.

Show Notes

Episode 44 - Dr. Kat and Dr. Flea Give Tips To Keep Cats Parasite Free!

You might not think your cat has parasites, but Dr. Michael Dryden aka Dr. Flea says you may be surprised.  Glimpse into the world of worms and bugs with a knowledgeable guide! Find out what parasites your cat is most likely to have and what you need to do to protect him/her. From things you can do on your own to what to ask your vet, this episode has something we are sure you are itching to learn!

Show Notes

Episode 43 - Halloween Hazards

Halloween is coming and cats (or at least their images) seem to be a natural part of the festivities.  But there are things that pose a risk to cats during this time. Make sure you are aware. From glow sticks to festive bouquets, we find out the Do's and Don'ts from Dr. Jill Lopez from Essentials Pet Care. See if your cat is safe on this episode of Nine Lives with Dr. Kat!

Show Notes

Episode 42 - What Can You Do To Help Your Cat Age Gracefully?

Join us as we hear from Dr. Mary Gardner who has coauthored a textbook on Veterinary Geriatrics. She shares some shocking statistics about how few cats and their guardians benefit from the advice of a veterinarian in the last years of the cat’s life. Are you seeing your veterinarian enough? What is stopping you? Could you be missing things that could be helped or even fixed?  Find out the answers in this frank and surprising episode!

Show Notes

Episode 41 - Sniffle, Sneeze. Allergic to Cats? A Potential Breakthrough

Could a cat food be the answer to cat allergies in humans? We talk with Erika Engelhaupt, writer for Science News and National Geographic,  about the studies she dug up about the exciting proposition and the science behind it. Find out the basics of how human allergies to cats even happen and see what you think about the idea of feeding your cat a special diet to manage your allergies.

Show Notes

Episode 40 - Ripped From The Headlines

Do you know why your physician cannot do surgery on your pet? Would you even want them to?   We have some breaking news about a group that enlisted human physicians to perform surgeries on pets and some of the consequence and backlash. We use this headline to open a conversation with Dr. Courtney Campbell, board certified veterinary surgeon, about why this might not be a good idea and how to find alternatives.

Show Notes

Episode 39 - When Minutes Matter

All cat owners should know how to respond in the event of an illness or injury. You are your pet's first responder and how you react to a situation until you can get to the veterinarian can be critical.  We spend some time with Arden Moore who is a master certified pet first aid and CPR specialist to find out her advice.  What should you have on hand to prepare on the case of an injury or illness in your pet? What do you need to know? How do you check your pet's vital signs? Find out these answers and more on this episode. 

Show Notes

Episode 38 - Special Guest Oh Behave’s Arden Moore!

Fellow podcast host, Arden Moore has taken time out from her crazy schedule to chat with Dr. Kat.  She shares some of her amazing experience as The Pet Health and Safety Coach with Pet Safety Cat Casey.

She talks about the fun she has had teaching Casey to be an ambassador for cats everywhere. Did you know that cats can be trained? Of course they can! Arden has taught Casey to give high fives to school children.  You can take Arden’s helpful tips and use them to help your own cat learn about his/her carrier or become more acclimated to experiences in your life.  She even talks about how she knew that Casey was the right fit for his job when she adopted him.  Arden has so much animal experience (and experiences), you never know what she might say!

Show Notes

Episode 37 - Tips To Keep Your Home Clean For You And Your Cat

Stephanie Richardson is animal lover and entrepreneur.  She is the co-founder of The Moxie Maids in Atlanta, GA and she is willing to share her tips to keep your home safe, fresh smelling, and clean for you and your cat.  There are special issues that a cat lover understands and Stephanie has some ideas about how to make cleaning easy on you and your cat.  From how to choose the surfaces in your home to ways to find hidden sources of odor, this episode is loaded with useful tips.  Did you know that how many litter boxes you have can affect your home health? What about how often should you vacuum? Should your cat has his/her own space? Stephanie shares tips and products that you don’t  know about! Check it out.

Show Notes

Episode 36 - Did You Know These Fun Cat Facts?

Quiz yourself. Did you know all of these? We talk with Modi Ramos, cat writer extraordinaire and explore these little known quirks and eccentricities about our feline friends. How many muscles does it take to move your cat’s ear? What is a Hemingway cat?  You will be amused and surprised by what Modi shares with us! Do you know any feline facts that we did not cover?  Share them with us!

Show Notes

Episode 35 - Safe Surfing

Do you see pet care info online and social media? Do you believe what you read?  After a while, if you see something enough, your brain starts to accept it as fact, but what if it isn’t and could hurt your cat?  Don’t you owe it to them to find out how to tell? 

Today’s episode features Eric Garcia, founder of Simply Done Tech Solutions (and internet guru) as we talk about how to be smart about what you learn online.  Not only is your cat’s safety at stake on the internet, but so is your own info.  Eric shares with us how to be smart about that too.    Don’t fall prey to internet marketing strategies to the detriment of your cat.  Find out how to be a savvy surfer!

Show Notes

Episode 34 - An Epidemic that is Hurting our Cats

Did you know that Feline Obesity is epidemic? It is. Listen to this episode of Nine Lives with Dr. Kat to find out how bad the problem is and what we can do to help.  Make sure that you are not falling into bad habits that can hurt your cat. You need to know how to help her manage her own weight. There are things that you can do and we discuss them on this episode of Nine Lives with Dr. Kat.

An overweight cat is prone to some very serious consequences and as a cat lover, you need to know them.  You might not realize that you are loving your cat to death!

Show Notes

Episode 33 - What Fleas Do Not Want You To Know About Them

Why do you care if your pet has fleas? Find out from Andrew Woods, senior veterinary student.  What are the secrets about a flea life cycle that you should know to help get rid of them? You might be surprised. What diseases come from fleas? Fleas are certainly a source of some of the most common complaints treated in veterinary hospitals all over the country. Find out the information that you need to be well armed in the battle against fleas. Could your pet be itchy from fleas, even if you do not see them? The fleas don’t want you to know this info, but your pets do!

Show Notes

Episode 32 - Top 5 Pet Nutrition Myths

There is information out there that people accept as fact when it comes to pet nutrition.  You will not believe what they are! Is your veterinarian really a good source for information about what to feed your pet? Is a grain free diet better? What is real and what is just a headline for attention?  We chat with Andrew Woods, senior veterinary student about what he has learned. He has been exposed to all of the latest information and his facts are current and useful. Find out the latest new information and make sure that you are not believing myths!

Show Notes

Episode 31 - The "C" Word

Cancer is a scary word, but may not be as scary as you think for your cat.  Today’s guest is the amazing Dr. Sue Ettinger, veterinary oncologist. The more you know about cancer, the more empowered you feel when thinking about protecting your pets.

Dr. Sue explains what cancer is and what pet lovers can do to help their pets live longer and better lives.  She tells us what we need to watch for and when to talk to your veterinarian.  She even has resources for pet owners to use whether they are hoping to head off cancer or to treat cancer that has already been identified.  She wants every pet owner to have a scheduled examination, not only with their vet, but also what they can check at home.  Early intervention is SO important and Dr. Sue wants to help!

Show Notes

Episode 30 - DIY Cat First Aid Kit and Spring Time Dangers That You Might Not Think Of

On this episode, we talk with Dr. Justine Lee, ER vet and toxicologist about some seasonal dangers for cats AND how to build a DIY first aid kit for your cat. She shares her knowledge of the common mishaps and dangers she sees in the animal ER and explains what your cat first aid kit should contain. She gives a specific list of items that you want to be sure to have on hand, as well as many pearls of her wisdom and experience to keep your cat from needing first aid to begin with. Join us today on this helpful springtime episode!

Show Notes

Episode 29 - Who is Your Cat?

Have you ever wondered what makes your cat specifically "cat like"?  How much of your cat's DNA is like yours?  We find out from Dr. Leslie  Lyons,  a specialist in feline genetics. She explains how cat DNA works and what all we have learned from cats, including inherited diseases, traits and population dynamics, and genetic testing. It is fascinating how much we know and even what is still a mystery about our amazing feline friends!

Show Notes

Episode 28 - The Raw Data

Heard the hype about feeding your dog/cat a raw diet? The virtues of feeding your cat a more natural raw diet are extolled on the internet and in the headlines, but what is the real truth?  There are pros and cons. Find out what science says so that you can weigh out what is right for you and your fur-friend. Dr. Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN joins us on this episode to look at the facts surrounding going raw. Keep your pet and your family safe and healthy, when Dr. Kat finds experts to help you make the most of your pet care dollar and time.

Show Notes

Episode 27 - Urgent: Do You Know About These Dangers Lurking in Your Home?

You think that your home is the safest place for your cat, right?  There ARE dangers in your home and you need to know what they are.

We talk with Dr. Tom Day who is a specialist in Emergency and Critical care for pets. He shares which are the most common household reasons he sees cats in his ER practice. These emergencies are preventable with a little forethought, but how can you plan if you don’t know? From medications to plants to things that seem ok, Dr. Day and I are here to help!   You might guess some of these dangers, but you might be surprised. Learn what you can do to prevent these tragedies. Save your cat a stressful visit to the ER and maybe save his/her life. You cannot afford to miss this episode.

Show Notes

Episode 26 - Important Winter Cat Safety Tips with Jackson Galaxy

You might not think wintertime is any different for your cat, but Jackson Galaxy is here to tell us how the real scoop! The "cat daddy" has a gift for seeing things through a cat's eyes and he shares with us some hidden dangers associated with winter time and the holidays and what you can do to head off a CATastrophe. Also, find out if Jackson is coming to a town near you!

Show Notes

Episode 25 - Five Ways to Tell When it is Time to Say Goodbye

Everyone that loves a pet knows that the day will come to say goodbye and sometimes, the choice will fall to you. How can you decide? When is too soon? When is too late? We wish we could ask them.  On today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Cherie Buisson who is a hospice veterinarian.  She shares with us her experience and expertise to help us all make the best choices for our fur-ever friends. Our cats actually do communicate with us, but not in words and we can miss the signs. Learn tips and what to watch for so that you can know when to escort your beloved pet to the Rainbow Bridge.

Show Notes

Episode 24 - Animal Emergency 911!!

How do you know when your cat has a true emergency? How can you know which signs can wait for your regular vet to be open or need to be seen at 3 am at the animal ER? Every cat owner needs to listen to this podcast. It might be the difference between life and death and could save you hundreds of dollars too!

Join me with Dr. Chris Byers, critical care DVM, as we discuss the most common presentations he sees in his ER and what signs the pet parent might see to help them decide when to seek help. We explore the most common things that Dr. Byers sees and talk about outcomes and expectations. There are some very serious disorders that require immediate assistance. Do you know what they are? Your cat may be DYING for you to find out!

Show Notes

Episode 23 - Bone Up on your Cat’s Orthopedic Health

Cats depend on their skeletons to carry them through their days and their lives. Being able to move, free from pain, is critical to a good quality of life. In this show, we talk with Dr. David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS. Dr. Dycus is a small animal orthopedic surgeon and an expert in bones and joints for our pets.

What is most common cause of limping in a cat? How do you know when to seek veterinary help? Is there anything you can do? Dr. Dycus shares his own experience in treating cats for orthopedic issues and shares his own hopeful and helpful insights for these issues, which are very common. He shares his thoughts on physical therapy, weight control and exercise. You might learn some things you have not considered before.

Show Notes

Episode 22 - Who Are the People in your Vet Hospital?

When we think of an animal hospital, we think of the animals being cared for there, but have you given much thought to the people there. Who are they? What is their role? Do they have any special training or credentials? Are there tasks they cannot legally perform? We talk with Liz Hughston, MEd,CVT, RVT,VTS about what you need to know about your cat’s healthcare team and how you can be an active part of it to give your friend the best care possible.

Show Notes

Episode 21 - The Eyes Have It!

Most cats have eyes and as pet lovers, we want to keep them healthy. We talk with a veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Bill Miller, and find out what every cat lover needs to watch for as warning signs that your cat needs help. Find out the common ocular problems for pets and what we can do to help. From watery eyes to red eyes, we talk about what you need to know to save your cat’s vision and keep him/her happy and comfortable.

Show Notes

Episode 20 - POT-entially a Break Thru!

Can CDB be the answer for common issues for our cats? You have heard the rumors and want to know the facts. Does CBD get pets “high”? We talk to experts, Liz Hughston, LVT and Stephen Cital, LVT to learn more. Find out what CDB can be used for. Find out about safety and efficacy and how to pick the right products. Get the facts! Listen for free.

Show Notes

Episode 19 - Vaccination: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly- Facts and Myths about Feline Vaccination

You read the internet, right? Vaccines are not all they are cracked up to be, right? What do vaccines really do and how do they work? What adverse effects can they cause and how common are they? How do you decide which vaccines are best for your cat?

We are going to find out what is really the truth, straight from the expert’s mouth and you might be surprised what he thinks.  Join us as we talk with Dr. Jason Stull who is a veterinarian, epidemiologist and professor (and pet owner). We talk about whether he agrees with “Dr. Google” and he shares not only insights, but ways for pet owners to find out more.

Show Notes

Episode 18 - You Are What You Eat and Your Cat is Too!

Cats are special and their dietary needs are too. Your cat can literally die from inadequate diet. Find out what you may not know about feline nutrition.

Nutrition overall is a HOT topic and everyone seems to have an opinion, but our guest, Dr. Joe Bartges, a double board certified veterinary nutritionist and internist, shares with us the REAL SCOOP on pet nutrition. What do pet food labels mean? What is the deal with raw diets? Is kibble diet ok for pets? Should cats be on probiotics? What can animal lovers do to make sure that their beloved pets eat right? Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food.” Listen to learn what Dr. Bartges thinks about the value of diet in the treatment and prevention of disease.

Show Notes

Episode 17 - Hospice for Cats… They Just Don’t Live Long Enough!

Every dog/cat owner knows that one day they will have to say goodbye to their beloved friend, but the most important part is knowing when there are still things that can be done to make life good for them. Pet hospice is palliative care for the dying and is fairly new on the scene. It can make a difference for pets and their families. Dr. Cherie Buisson from Helping Hands Pet Hospice is our guest and she shares with us tips to help you know when your pet needs care. She talks about what to expect and what to watch for as you manage aging and ill pets. 

Show Notes

Episode 16 - Everything You Wanted to Ask Your Vet, But Forgot

Do you ever forget to ask your vet questions while you are there?  Do you feel silly asking something that you think you should already know? Everyone does and here is your chance to find out answers!

Pet owner and media personality, Steve Dale, is going to represent cat owners and put me through the ringer about all kinds of things that you want to know. Join us for a special extended show to find out what is important to other cat lovers and maybe answer some of those nagging feline mysteries. 

Show Notes

Episode 15 - Out of the Shadows, the Wildcats You've Never Seen

Elusive, obscure, and eclipsed in popularity by their larger cousins, small cats are amazing, high-performance predators.  Dr. Kat takes a look at these small wildcats with Christine Dell’Amore, the online natural history editor for the award-winning National Geographic News.

Show Notes

Episode 14 - The C Word: Cats Get Cancer

Every cat lover needs to know about causes and types of cancer in cats. There are advances in treatment and things you can do to help decrease your cat's odds of dealing with this frightening disease. Join me and Dr. Sue Cancer Vet as we explore everything you should know to help your cat.

Show Notes

Episode 13 - Must Have Cat Products that your Cat Cannot Live Without!

We bet that you had no idea about these cool products to help cats be healthy and happy. Explore all the best options with me and Mikkel Becker, lead trainer for Fear Free Pets. Mikkel has combed the market for all the most innovative feline products and complied the list for us.

Show Notes

Episode 12 - Psychology and Psychosis of the Human Animal Bond

What makes an animal hoarder different from an animal lover?  Cat lovers have a psychology all their own, as do animal abusers and animal hoarders. We talk with psychologist, Art Markman, about the how’s and why’s of human brains when it comes to pets.  We find out why we love cats and why we grieve the loss of cats. His answers may surprise you.

Show Notes

Episode 11 - Warning: Content Not for the Squeamish!

Author of Gory Details on National Geographic, Erika Engelhaupt joins me today to take our cat talk to a whole new level! Do you think that your cat would eat you if you died? How nasty is a cat’s mouth? Can cats actually be paid mercenaries?  Find out on this episode: Gory, Gruesome and Grim Nine Lives with Dr. Kat.

Show Notes

Episode 10 - Are You and Your Pets Disaster Ready?

Pets can add a lot to life, but also some special considerations when dealing with disaster.  We talk with a Debbie Martin, behavior specialist and survivor of Hurricane Katrina with her pets about Do's and Don'ts for evacuation prep and how to maintain a semblance of normal life for yourself and your pets. Debbie learned a lot about how to plan and evacuate safely with a truckload of animals and she can help you too!

Show Notes

Episode 9 - Why Does My Cat Do That?

Is your cat a thug? Will he knock your stuff off the counters with you looking right at him? Answers to the age old question: Why Does My Cat Do That?

Internationally acclaimed Veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Gary Landsberg joins us today to explain some fun and quirk cat behaviors. His insights will help you understand how your cat works and even learn how to work with your cat's natural tendencies to make life better for you both!

Show Notes

Episode 8 - Are You "Catified"? Did You Know That Your Home Can Be Gorgeous and Super Cat Friendly?

We are so thrilled to welcome Kate Benjamin, cat style expert, to talk about who your cat is and interesting ways to meet her natural needs inside your home. Her ideas can exercise your cat's mind and body, helping her feel more at ease living indoors. Kate has tips about litter box care and organization to make litter box habits healthy and easy. Her design ideas even account for the changes that may need to happen as your cats age. Find out how to better coexist with your cats and look good doing it!

Show Notes

Episode 7 - Cats Versus Dogs

Can it ever work? Families of today are dynamic and ever changing. When you need to integrate pets, you don’t want them to “fight like cats and dogs”! We have dog-training expert, Victoria Stilwell with us to weigh on how to make cats and dogs live in harmony. She will share tips and pearls of wisdom to help whether you have a cat and are adding a dog or vice versa. Learn about cats and dogs and what you can do to create a happy home for all!

Show Notes

Episode 6 - Does Your Cat Need Surgery? 5 Critical Things You Should Know to Improve the Outcome

Obviously what your veterinarian does can affect the way your pet responds and recovers from a surgical procedure, but did you know that there are things you can do to make the surgery and recovery better for your cat? Join me with Dr. Courtney Campbell, a veterinary surgeon, to explore the things cat lovers may not know that can make a difference in surgical outcomes.

Show Notes

Episode 5 - What are we Missing? The Most Common Disorder in All Cats?

Maybe your cat is suffering from this. Find out about this undiagnosed issue that is present in large numbers of cats and what you can do about it. We will talk with nationally recognized America’s Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker about ways to recognize and manage this problem.  Cats failing to use their litter or fighting with other family cats, even destructive clawing or aggressiveness could all be related to this issue. Let’s find out what it is and make a plan to fix it!

Show Notes

Episode 4 - Crazy Cat People? Cat Owner Confessions

Do you kiss your cat? Treat her better than your spouse? This episode, we welcome Steve Dale, national pet program host and certified animal behavior consultant to talk about why we do what we do with our cats and what they might think about it! Let’s have a little fun chatting about cat people and cats. We explore what we do and what they do and try to uncover why and find out what interesting and groundbreaking new research is saving cats’ lives too!

Show Notes

Episode 3 - The Brain of the Cat: Are We Ruining Them Because We Don't Understand Them?

When do kittens learn who they are? Is a cat's disposition more from his mom or his dad? Are there strategies we can use to help cats grow up happy? Why do behavior issues come up and what can we do to help or prevent them?   Let's explore how cats think with Debbie Martin, licensed veterinary technician and specialist in behavior and see what we can do to help our cats be happy. 

Show Notes

Episode 2 - DIY Tricks: Make Your Cat's Life Better ‘On the Cheap’

Have you thought about what makes your cat happy? Maybe you should. Today, we will talk with Dr. Lynn Bahr who is a veterinarian and  Feline Enrichment Specialist. Dr. Bahr loves to share ways you can use what you have to make cat friendly spaces and she even innovates cool cat products herself! Be the first to hear about her newest cat product, Hide and Sneak.

She has ideas that you have never thought of to make your cat’s day more fun. We may say that curiosity kills the cat, but really we can use that curiosity to make fun for cats and their people!

Show Notes

Episode 1 - Tips for Fur-ever After with a Cat or Kitten

Think you might want a kitten? Do you know the most important questions to ask? What about where to get her? What about if you already have a cat? Are you sure you are meeting his needs?  Dr. Denise Radford is our expert today and we delve into the mysteries of cats.

Show Notes