When people walk into a shelter, they’re usually hoping for a moment—a look, a meow, a spark that says this is my cat .What they don’t realize is that they’re often meeting a cat at the most stressful moment of their life. In this episode of Cat Talk Radio , we tell the story from the cat’s point of view. Meet Whiskers —not because it’s a special name, but because it could be almost any cat in almost any shelter. From Whiskers’ perspective, the shelter is loud, unfamiliar, an

If you’ve ever felt personally offended by your cat ignoring a perfectly reasonable request—like “please don’t knock that off the counter”—you’re not alone. But according to biologist John Bradshaw , your cat isn’t being disrespectful. They simply don’t see you as an authority figure. Bradshaw’s research shows that cats relate to humans as conspecifics , meaning members of their own species. Unlike dogs, who evolved to cooperate closely with humans, cats evolved primarily as

Cat memory is often misunderstood. Many people assume cats forget quickly or act “spiteful,” but research tells a very different story. Cats have strong  associative and emotional memory , meaning they remember outcomes, feelings, and patterns — not intentions. Cats Remember Emotional Experiences the Longest Fearful or painful events create the strongest memories. A traumatic vet visit, forced handling, or frightening rehoming experience can be remembered for  months to a lif

We spend a lot of time thinking about what’s best for our own health—better sleep, less stress, stronger bodies, calmer minds. But many wellness habits that feel harmless (or even beneficial) to us can be dangerous, even deadly, for cats. Cats aren’t small humans. Their bodies process toxins very differently, and they explore the world with their mouths, noses, and paws. That combination makes modern wellness trends a perfect storm of hidden risk. Essential Oils & Diffusers E

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have changed human medicine — and now pharmaceutical companies are developing similar GLP-1-based treatments for pets. Early studies, including Okava Pharmaceuticals’ MEOW-1 trial, suggest these medications may help obese cats lose weight or even prevent diabetes. Considering how many cats are euthanized each year after a diabetes diagnosis (most often due to insulin-treatment challenges), it’s no wonder the veterinary world is paying

If your cat “doesn’t play,” it’s probably not their fault. Most indoor cats are frustrated predators waiting for the right hunting opportunity. Without it, they can develop stress, aggression, or even litter box issues. 🧠 The Science of Hunting Hunting is hard-wired and dopamine-driven. The thrill of stalking, chasing, and capturing prey is intrinsically rewarding — even well-fed cats do it for the sheer pleasure. Completing the hunting sequence with a final “kill” gives cat

If your cat is straining in the litter box, peeing in tiny amounts, or leaving blood-tinged urine behind, it’s natural to assume they have a urinary tract infection. But many cats — especially young to middle-aged adults — show these alarming signs  without any bacteria present at all . Instead, they’re suffering from  Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) , a painful bladder inflammation triggered by stress, environmental pressures, and sometimes even diet. In this week’s episode

Most cat parents spend countless hours choosing the right food — reading labels, comparing ingredients, and looking for “the healthiest option.” But what if the biggest risk isn’t on the ingredients list at all? What if it’s the processing ? In 2008, a line of Orijen cat food imported into Australia was irradiated at unusually high levels due to quarantine requirements. Soon after, veterinarians began reporting cats with alarming neurological symptoms: hind-limb ataxia, paral

Color isn’t just for looks—it’s science in action! In our latest Cat Talk Radio episode, we explore the genetics, quirks, and surprises behind your cat’s coat. Siamese Kittens:  Born pure white, they develop striking points on their ears, paws, tails, and faces as their bodies cool after birth. Temperature-sensitive genetics make every Siamese a living, purring science experiment! ❄️🔥 Black Cats:  Their sleek fur isn’t just stylish—it’s linked to higher melanin levels and s

When it comes to feeding cats, few topics spark as much debate as dry food. It’s convenient, affordable, and easy to store — but is it really good for your cat? In this week’s Cat Talk Radio  episode, Molly and Dewey unpack listener Doug Hines’ fascinating research paper, “It’s About Cats: The Impact of Dry Cat Food on Feline Hydration.”  Doug uncovered what he calls the “double danger”  of dry diets — a one-two punch of dehydration most cat owners never see coming. Here’s t

This week on Cat Talk Radio , we’re taking questions from listeners all over the world — proof that cat lovers are truly a global community! Molly dives into fascinating feline topics, like: Is research on cats increasing or decreasing, and why? What causes cats to grind their teeth (bruxism)? How do you know if your kitten is actually eating enough? Can white cats really get sunburned — and how can you protect them? What special considerations come with caring for a deaf cat

You walk into the room and there it is — a puddle where it shouldn’t be. Before you reach for the paper towels and mutter a few choice words, pause for a moment. That puddle may actually be a message. Cats don’t have words, but they’re masters of communication. When a cat eliminates outside the litterbox, it’s rarely “bad behavior.” It’s a sign that something is wrong — physically, emotionally, or environmentally. Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist Molly DeVoss

Social media has given us endless adorable cat content — from kittens in bow ties to unlikely animal friendships. But what you see online often paints a misleading picture of what cats are really  like. Many viral videos show the exception , not the rule. Those cats wearing clothes or riding Roombas might look calm, but their frozen body language can be a sign of stress, not comfort. Flattened ears, stiff posture, and dilated pupils are all subtle cues that a cat isn’t enjoyi

Most cat owners assume their feline’s self-cleaning skills are all they need—but even the most fastidious cat can use a little help sometimes. In this week’s Cat Talk Radio  episode, Molly DeVoss  sits down with Liz Hampton , Director of Education & Grooming at Fluffology , to explore how thoughtful grooming practices can transform a cat’s comfort and overall wellbeing. Liz shares why some cats—especially long (and surprisingly short/no)-haired breeds—need extra grooming care

If you’ve ever been woken up by a flying paw or a sprinting tail, you know the struggle: cats can go absolutely wild after dark. But before you start blaming your feline friend for insomnia, it helps to understand why this happens. Cats are not nocturnal—they’re crepuscular , naturally most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, this is the prime hunting time. Indoor life can confuse their schedules, leading to random bursts of energy in the middle of the night. So how can you

Have you ever accidentally stepped on your cat’s tail or brought out the dreaded carrier, only to be met with a cold shoulder for...