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Cat Talk Radio

262 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★ - 50 ratings

Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.

Pets & Animals Kids & Family Education
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Episodes

Let's Talk Fostering

April 17, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

I'm currently fostering two cats - one medical and one behavior - and it inspired me to talk again about fostering. Is it for you? Do you have time? What might the challenges be? What's in it for you? I finished recording and realized I hadn't talked about fostering nursing moms! That's a huge demographic of cats in need of a foster home - and they're so easy! Mom does all the work. You get to play with the kittens and mom does all the feeding. I'm sorry I forgot to include that in the episode!

Encore Episode: What Stresses Your Cat Out & Why You Should Care

April 10, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Stress plays an important role in the health of your cat - just as it does with humans. In this episode learn the types of stress your cat struggles with, the impact of stress, things that you might inadvertently be doing to cause stress, how to detect stress in your cat and what you can do to fix and prevent stress for your cat.

Chylothorax in Cats

April 03, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A listener, Denise Catoni, emailed me with a podcast topic, Chylothorax in Cats. I'd never heard of the medical condition before! She told me about losing her cat to this rare disease and I invited her to the show to talk about her journey.

The Pros & Cons of Feeding Your Cat Raw Food

March 27, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Karen W. sent in another request for us to talk about some of the pros and cons of feeding cats a raw food diet. There are many more than we covered in this episode, but it is a good place to start if you're considering converting to a raw food diet.

Listener Call In Questions

March 20, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Listeners always have the best questions! And when heard in their own voice, is even better! We added a feature to www.cattalkradio.com where you can record and submit questions. We don't get a lot of them, so I've collected them and answered the questions in this podcast. Please submit more, I think this is a really good format!

Indoor Feline Health

March 13, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

If you’ve listened to any of our enrichment episodes, you know how important it is to find ways to connect your cat with you and nature. Connecting with nature boosts their physical and mental well being. Our indoor spaces should allow our cats to mimic their natural behaviors. How do we ensure our cats are thriving indoors? Two very special ladies are with us on this podcast to share some great ideas!

I Found THE Best Cat Litter

March 06, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

You might remember the episode we did on cat litter that ended with me saying I hadn't found the perfect one yet. After that, I set out to test a bunch of different litters for their clumping ability, odor control, dust factor, renewable source, biodegradability, and cat preference. In that process, I found IT - truly the best litter I could hope for. Join me in this podcast as we talk about why Smart Cat grass rules.

Undesirable Cat Behaviors and Discipline

February 28, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Why do cats do things we don't like? What triggers those behaviors and how do we encourage different behaviors? What are some of the effective disciplinary actions you can use on a cat?

Preventing Dental Issues

February 14, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Finally, a dental product for cats that really works! Tune in to learn about TEEF for Life, the new product that uses patented technology to combine the fundamentals of microbiology and molecular nutrition to improve the oral microbiome in a safer, revolutionary way. Watch the palatability test on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ExpkwJfmITE

Fatty Liver Syndrome with Dr. Brian Hurley, AmeriVet

February 07, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Fatty liver syndrome is a potentially fatal condition for your cat. It is caused primarily by your cat not eating - which is typically a response to an underlying medical issue. Tune in to find out how long your cat can go without eating before the liver is damaged (the answer might surprise you), what treatments are, and what you can do to help prevent it.

Feline First Aid

January 31, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

We can't plan for emergencies, but when they happen, we want to be prepared. Molly talks about the first aid kit she has with 20 items to help in the unfortunate possibility of encountering an injured feline. It could be your cat at home has an accident, or you run across a cat in need in your daily travels - it never hurts to be ready to help.

Feng Shui for Cats

January 24, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A listener asked about using Feng Shui for cats - so why not?! We talk about the 5 Feng Shui principles and how we can apply those to your environment to help reduce stress and increase harmony, balance and well-being.

HOW to Feed Your Cat

January 17, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

We've talked about what to feed your cat but haven't really covered all the nuances of HOW to feed your cat. Several listeners' questions inspired me to talk about bowls, frequency, quantity, handling leftovers and more.

The Role of Vitamin D in Cats

January 10, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Do cats need vitamin D? Is it true that cats secrete oils into their fur that interacts with the sunlight to produce vitamin D, which they ingest when they lick it off their coat? How much vitamin D do cats need? How much is too much or little, and what happens when your cat has a vitamin D deficiency? Does vitamin D cause or prevent cancer in cats?

Listener Questions

January 03, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

We have some great questions on this episode! A listener from Sweden sends in many questions about separation anxiety and bonding with a cat. Another listener asks about the different types of pheromone products.

All About Purring

December 27, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Ever wonder why your cat purrs or all the meanings of the purr - or even how your cat is physically able to purr? This episode answers all your questions about cat purring.

The Importance of Early Intervention

December 20, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

So many cat owners put up with behavior problems that could have been prevented with the right knowledge and early intervention. It takes a lot longer to break a bad habit than it does to form one. And once a behavior happens for a prolonged period of time, the habit is activated in memory and considered automatic - neural circuits perform the habit without conscious thought. In other words, your cat may not be choosing to avoid the litter box any more - eliminating outside the box is an auto...

Cat People vs Dog People

December 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Are you a dog, or cat person? I have to assume cat person, since you're tuning into this show. Do you ever feel at odds with the dog people? Are you married to one? I interviewed James McCay from Compare the Market to talk about a survey his company recently published. It examines pet ownership in America, Canada, and Australia. To view additional data, learn more about the survey and see how the USA compares to other countries such as Australia and Canada, visit: https://www.comparethemarket...

Feeding Senior Cats

December 06, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Senior cats, those seven years and older, require a different diet than younger cats. With the right nutrition, cats can live long, healthy, happy lives. Tune in to find out what you should be looking for in your senior cat's food.

Is Your Cat Eating Non-food Items? Pica

November 29, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

We've had several listeners write in asking that we do an episode on Pica, which is the condition where cats eat non-food items. Plastic bags, ribbons, cords, and hard plastic items are the most common objects pica cats are attracted to. Joining us on this podcast is Dr. Brian Hurley, with AmeriVet Veterinary Partners, to talk about the medical side of this behavior.

Transitioning From Dry Kibble to Moist Foods

November 22, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Transitioning your cat from a mostly dry/kibble, to a moist/canned diet, can be daunting. A lot of cats become addicted to kibble and refuse to eat wet food. The advice to add canned food to the kibble is not the answer. Tune in to learn how to make this transition for your cat - and WHY you could be doing this.

Meet Nathan, the Aspiring Cat Expert

November 15, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Nathan's mom, Jeannine, reached out to me to let me know her son is obsessed with cats - especially their history. I decided you might want to meet him and hear some of the fascinating cat information he's learned. This 12-year-old is very well spoken and might give Jackson Galaxy a run! Hop on over to our YouTube channel to watch this interview: https://youtu.be/WSuLZEcXvq4

Adolescence in Cats

November 08, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

One of our listeners, Teague, sent in seven very thoughtful questions about adolescence in cats. This is a crucial period for your cat, as the kitten social development period is, that can dictate their personality as an adult. Learn when adolescence is, the behaviors to expect, and the best way to mitigate behavior issues during this time.

Oh. It's You. Love Poems by Cats with Francesco Marciuliano

November 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Francesco Marciuliano is author of the #1 New York Times Bestselling Book I Could Pee on This. Francesco, known for his tongue-in-cheek poetry, helps cats put paw to keyboard to express the depth of their feline feelings. His newest book, Oh. It's You., uses the language of poetry to express cat affection nearly as well as a strategically-placed hairball. Join us and hear Francesco read a few of the poems from the book and talk about his own cats, Kiki and Leelo.

Black Cats

October 25, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Sarah, from the UK owns seven black cats and asks us to explore why black cats have myths surrounding them as being unlucky. In this episode we talk about the interesting history of black cats, their connection to witches, how their health may differ from other colored cats, and why there are more of them in shelters than other colors.

The Hidden Language of Cats

October 18, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

The Hidden Language of Cats - How they have us at meow, is written by Sarah Brown. Sara is a Cat Behavior Scientist and in this episode we talk to her about the secrets of cat communication. Behind your cat's enchanting eyes and mysterious behavior lies a secret code, a language spoken through body movements, vocalizations, and subtle cues that most of us have only scratched the surface of understanding. This episode sheds light on the Hidden Language that binds us to our cat, bringing us c...

The Vet Exam

October 11, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Listener Kim Pierce wrote in asking if Dr. Hurley could show us everything a veterinarian is looking for during an examination. Dr. Hurley, Jalan, and her cat Lolo were happy to assist in this episode where he describes each step of the process. While annual exams may only take a few minutes, you'll be surprised by the depth and breadth of information they are looking for. This episode will help you to know what to ask your vet, and some of the conditions they are silently investigating. We...

Would Your Cat Eat You?

October 04, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Join us as we explore the science behind cats’ carnivorous nature, their evolutionary traits, and the infamous stories of cats feasting on their owners post-mortem.

Everything You (Didn’t?) Wanted to Know About Cat Excrement

September 27, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A listener asked me How important is excrement? and, well, quite really. So in this stinky episode we talk all about cat poo. What's healthy; what indicates your cat is having an issue; why would your cat poo outside the litter box?

Transitioning Cats From Outdoor to Indoor

September 20, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A listener wrote to us asking how to get her indoor/outdoor cat to be indoor only. Great question! We talk about the challenges of confinement indoors for a cat who has had a taste of the wild. We give tips on what you can do to help make the indoors as exiting as the outdoors and keeping your cat happy.

Solo Cat Parenting

September 13, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A cat mom reached out and suggested we do a podcast about how difficult it is to be a single cat parent. She says, When there's no one to share the care, it's a lot of work for one person - especially if you have a special needs cat. We talk about her situation and the feelings of overwhelming responsibility and guilt that sometimes goes along with solo cat parenting.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary - with Jana de Peyer

September 06, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

I had the pleasure of spending a day at Cat World in Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. I had lunch and a chance to interview a beautiful soul, Jana de Peyer, Co-founder of the Sanctuary. I took plenty of my favorite Vitakraft Lick 'n Lap cat treats to share, and got to meet some of the amazing staff and feline residents.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) with Dr. Brian Hurley

August 30, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A listener sadly had to euthanize a kitten with FIP. She reached out to us asking Dr. Hurley to explain this disease in cats. Molly and Dr. Hurley talk about the virus, the symptoms, diagnostic options and treatment.

Feline Conditioning

August 16, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Teague, a Cat Talk Radio listener, send in a great question - how concerned should we be about conditioning for our cats? Not operant or classical conditioning, but physical, strength conditioning. Do we need to worry about helping them to build healthy, lean muscles? How do we provide physical conditioning that helps to preserve their joints, tendons, and ligaments?

Heartworms in Cats

August 09, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

You might be surprised to learn that cats do indeed get heartworms. We often think this parasite is something only seen in dogs, but that's not true. While somewhat rare in cats, heartworms can be fatal. Join Molly and Dr. Hurley as they discuss the important symptoms to watch out for. Learn when it's prudent to get your cat tested for heartworms and what can be done to prevent them.

Robotic Litter Boxes

August 02, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Ever thought about buying a robotic/self-cleaning litter box? Sure you have! We all would prefer NOT to have to scoop a litter box. Wonder how they work and if they're worth the investment? Listen to this tell-all episode for everything you ever wanted to know about robotic boxes and more. AND go to our facebook page to see the images we refer to in this podcast.

Should She Adopt a Kitten?

July 26, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A young woman reached out to me contemplating all of the life changes ahead of her; wondering if she should adopt a kitten...

Triggers and Glimmers

July 19, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A trigger is something that elicits a reaction - often freeze, flight, or fight mechanisms. Glimmers are the opposite of a trigger. How do these concepts apply to cat behavior?

Hyperthyroidism

July 12, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Dr. Brian Hurley, National Medical Director for AmeriVet Veterinary Partners, joins us once again to share his knowledge. We talk about what Feline Hyperthyroidism is, what symptoms to be on the look out for, what the prognosis is, and some of the causes. No matter what age your cat is, this episode is a great resource in helping to understand this disease and how to treat it.

Needy, Velcro Kitties

July 05, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

How do we define needy behavior in cats? What can you do to tone down your cat's obsession with being with you all the time?

How do you teach Animal Welfare?

June 28, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A listener wrote in about her community and their lack of respect for animal welfare - especially to the community cats. She asked how do we raise awareness so that people treat their animals correctly and abide by the law? Great question and some good banter about this topic.

Cat Sh!T Crazy with Cindy D'Andrea

June 21, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Cindy D'Andrea is an award-winning solo performer, actor, writer, producer and fitness expert. She talks to us about her current show Cat Sh!T Crazy and the cats that inspired her along this journey.

Do you love your cat more than your children?

June 14, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A recent study showed that 55.5% of American pet owners felt that their pet is just as important as their children - and one in ten stated that their pets are MORE important than their children.

FIV and FeLV

June 07, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

One of the big risks of letting your cats outdoors is them catching diseases. FIV and FeLV are two of the most common outdoor cat diseases. Dr. Hurley and Molly discuss what the acronyms stand for, what the symptoms are, how easily they are transmitted, treatments and prevention.

Traveling Cats!

May 31, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Meet an amazing woman who has co-founded a company with a mission to help your cat get the enrichment it craves, and go safely beyond their great indoors. Travel Cat is the #1 cat travel brand in the world. In 2017 Emily, and her co-founder, and husband Ian, were adopted by an abandoned cat, Andie. As new cat parents, they go on to build the American dream of following their passions through learning what their new cat really needs.

What's the best cat litter?

May 24, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

A great question asked by Kristen and her cats Sunny and Dill! I think every cat owner has tried multiple cat litter brands, looking for the perfect solution that is environmentally friendly from a renewable source, clumping, non-toxic and healthy for you and your cat, with great odor control, low tracking, and affordable. We tackle this topic by reviewing the different materials used for cat litter, and come up with a solution of...

Does spoiling your cat make him a brat?

May 17, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

We have a bratty. I often wonder if he's a brat because we spoil him. I propose that question to Dewey and we talk about the differences between indulging a cat, leniency, and attention-seeking behaviors.

Feline Heart Disease with Dr. Brian Hurley

May 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Molly and Dr. Hurley talk about the risks of your cat getting Heart Disease, symptoms, and things you can do to help prevent it.

Molly Answers Your Questions

May 03, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

Listeners send in great questions! In this episode Molly answers how to redirect scratching, the importance of clean water, how to reduce shedding, and more!

Mistakes I've Made

April 26, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 4.51 MB

I haven't always been the purrfect cat mom, and I'm sure I've still got a lot to learn. Over the many decades of cat ownership, I've made grave errors in the way I cared for my cats - because I didn't know better. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my past oversights, in hopes others can learn from them the easy way. Molly DeVoss