Welcome to

Pamela Merritt on Pet Life Radio


Figure out what your cat is thinking from author and blogger Pamela Merritt, from the Way of Cats. Learn how to build their Perfect World, because understanding their nature is the key to both affection and training. Discover that "a happy cat is an obedient cat" and learn how to make the right gestures, like Cat Kisses, the Fist of Friendship, the Drape, and the Shift. Each show discusses a cat challenge, shares pertinent Human Tricks for better communication, and explores ways we can advance the cat/human relationship. After thirty years of cat rescue experience, there's plenty of stories to tell.

Also, check out the "In a Purrfect World" BLOG !


"In A Purrfect World " Theme Song Written & Produced by Mark Winter
© Copyright Song-O-Saurus Music (ASCAP)

Episode 21 - Toys Have Many Uses

We might think of cats toys as something to wear out the kitten, but they have many more uses than that. Find out how they are different according to Cat Type, my must-have toys, which toys not to buy, and how toys grow our cat's brain. There's lots of toy tips in this episode!


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Episode 20 - Hero Cat & Mythbusting

All those cat articles online... are they helpful, or are they spreading harmful falsehoods? Is it wrong to watch cat videos? And why are they giving a hero dog medal... to a cat? Listen to my roundup of cat news, and watch me bust some myths!


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Episode 19 - Cat Growth Stages

Figuring out a cat's age, and how they are developing, can be tricky. Cats are so good at survival they can pause, and resume, certain developmental periods when circumstances are less than supportive. Find out the best ways to handle kittenhood, teen cat, adults, and seniors, with tips on how to adopt at each of these ages and stages.


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Episode 18 - Manage the Cat's Stress

Cats can accumulate stress and need our help to discharge it. Here's how to craft care routines that keep the cat's stress low, and my favorite tips to help our cats get over a bad experience. When the cat's stress is low, our stress is low, too!


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Episode 17 - Speaking in Cat

Have we ever wished we could talk to the animals like Dr. Doolittle? When it comes to cats, we almost can! Find out the tips and techniques that will let us communicate with our cat, and learn the most important skill of all.  For care, for training, and for affection, there's nothing like having an "open line" to call our cats on.


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Episode 16 - Cats in Winter

There's some special needs our cats have in winter, be they indoor, outdoor, or anything in between. From boring window views to their special water needs. these winter tips will keep us both happy this chilly season.


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Episode 15 - Little Lion Taming... Taming the Feral

Whether that kitty was born in a barn or simply went wild trying to survive on the street, here's help getting them tamed... and loving!


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Episode 14 - Bringing Our Adult Cat Home

Help our not-a-kitten settle into our home with these tips on understanding and communication. Remember that our more developed cat knows their manners. They can settle in much faster than a kitten can... as long as we help them feel loved and supported. Here's how to polish that hidden gem!


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Episode 13 - The Used Cat

Don't let kitten cuteness keep you from exploring the incredible possibilities of all the other cats out there. Marvelous cats come from every age group. Listen in as Pam explains the many different cats she finds on Petfinder. You might be surprised how much we can discover this way!


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Episode 12 - The Arc of the Kitten

How do we get from tiny, clueless kitten to confident, grown-up cat? There's only one way, and that's through Cat Adolescence. Here are tips on laying the proper groundwork, handling our teenager's moods, the rules of Cat Poker, and how to train our cat when they are only interested in testing the boundaries.


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Episode 11 - How to Pick the Right Kitten

How to pick the right kitten. When we should pick two kittens! Classic mistakes we shouldn't make. I also talk about my helpful SelectSmart quiz, What Cat Personality Will Be a Good Match?, which helps us figure out the right cat type for us. Then, tips on how to know them when we see them. Start that great cat relationship the right way.


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Episode 10 - Teaching Our Cats

Learn Pam's easy training methods, the kinds that she has been using on her own cats for decades. Teach our cats to understand certain phrases, ask to get their needs met, and cooperate with us for mutual respect and friendship. This time, RJ and Olwyn get into the act! They interfered with the podcast, so listen to them being disciplined, in real time.


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Episode 9 - Multiple Cats

When we like something, we want more. This also applies to cats! People often keep their multiple cat status quiet, since it has a terrible societal reputation that is completely undeserved. Learn how Cat Appreciators can happily match and merge cats to easily handle three or more. That's a Cat Civilization.


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Episode 8 - The Cat's Paw of Compassion

Pam had been sick lately and then endured a bout of Laryngitis, but she's back and eager to tell you how her cats took care of her during this crisis.


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Episode 7 - Super Senses

Did you know cats have SuperSenses? They are like superheroes! So if we think the cat is over-reacting, we're not remembering that all their input has been turned up to eleven. Tune in as I explain just how amazing their senses are; and how to make them comfortable in our world.


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Episode 6 - What's In A Name?

Does it matter what we name our cat? Of course it does! What our cat hears when we say their name will let them know what we think of them. This can change, too, depending on what nickname we use. So don't be shy about giving our cat lots of names! That's our heart talking. Cats love that.


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Episode 5 - The Basic Five

While our cats prefer to take care of their own needs, they can use a little help from us. I cover the cat's Basic Five -- food, water, kitty grass, litter box, and scratching post. We can keep our cat healthier with the proper choices. Learn my tips for making things easy!


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Episode 4 - Bad Cat

We may say "bad cat" but there really aren't any bad cats, only misunderstood cats! Learn how cats get in trouble by expressing their instinctual needs, and how to meet those needs in ways we both like. Then, our cat will be beautifully behaved, and will love us more for understanding what they were saying in the first place.


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Episode 3 - The Cat Types

Did you know there are three different Cat Types? Learn the clues that will unlock their personality. This will  let us raise them, train them, and blend them with other cats... with confidence!


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Episode 2 - The Cat's Heart

Everyone starts their cat relationship by taking care of their cat.  Every good relationship starts this way.  This is the first and most important step towards getting a close and loving pet.  The way to get a cat's love is the same thing we do to get a friend's love.  Tune in and find out what that is!!


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Episode 1 - In a Purrfect World - Introduction

In this first episode, Pamela talks about, well, cats of course!


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