If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen alarming headlines linking cat fleas to a potentially fatal disease in Texas. It's understandable that many cat owners are asking whether their pets are suddenly a danger to their families. The good news is that the headlines don't tell the whole story. A recent Texas study confirmed that some cat fleas in South Texas are carrying Rickettsia typhi, the bacterium responsible for murine (flea-borne) typhus. W

Walk into any pet store and you'll find an entire aisle devoted to cat water fountains. These devices promise fresher water, healthier cats, and increased hydration. But do cats actually need them? The answer depends on the cat. Cats Are Designed to Get Water from Food Cats evolved as desert hunters, obtaining much of their hydration from prey animals that contain roughly 70-75% moisture. A cat eating a moisture-rich diet often consumes far less water from a bowl than a cat e

One of the most common topics we hear about at Cat Talk Radio is food. Between conflicting information online, marketing claims on pet food packaging, and advice shared on social media, it's no wonder cat guardians are confused. This week's listener questions covered four excellent topics. Finding Fish-Free Dry Food After Hyperthyroidism One listener shared that her cat developed hyperthyroidism and that she learned from our show about research suggesting a possible connectio

Cats have long held a mysterious role in human history, but some feline facts are so strange they sound completely made up. In this week’s Cat Talk Radio episode, Molly DeVoss explores bizarre, fascinating, and little-known stories about cats that span ancient warfare, maritime legends, genetics, and science. Did you know cats may have helped the Persians conquer Egypt in 525 BCE? According to historical accounts, Persian soldiers used sacred animals — including cats — during

Social media is full of alarming claims about pet food, cancer, and environmental toxins. One recent comment making the rounds claimed that glyphosate used on grains is “a version of Agent Orange” and implied this is why so many pets are developing cancer. It’s a frightening statement. It’s also inaccurate. Glyphosate and Agent Orange are not the same thing. Agent Orange was a military herbicide mixture used during the Vietnam War that contained the chemicals 2,4-D and 2,4,5-

A cat’s behavior isn’t random—it’s deeply tied to their sense of control. When cats feel in control of their environment, they are confident, calm, and socially engaged. When that control disappears, behavior issues often follow. Control for cats comes from two primary sources: predictability and influence. Predictability is created through routine—feeding schedules, consistent interactions, and stable environments. Influence comes from their ability to make choices—where to

When a cat starts missing the litter box, acting aggressively, or withdrawing from family life, it’s easy to assume it’s a behavior issue. But what if it’s not? What if your cat is actually trying to tell you something is wrong? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, I sat down with veterinarian Dr. Kevin Toman to talk about one of the most important—and most misunderstood—aspects of feline care: the connection between chronic medical conditions and behavior. Cats are masters at

What exactly makes society so uncomfortable about men with cats? That’s the question comedian Matt Koff explores in his new stand-up special Cat Man — and on this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss digs right into the litter box of cultural stereotypes with him. Matt Koff is an Emmy-winning writer for The Daily Show, a veteran of New York’s comedy scene, and winner of New York’s Funniest Stand-Up in 2023. But in Cat Man, he shifts from political satire to something far m

Your cat may live indoors, nap on soft blankets, and demand snacks—but biologically, they are still a predator. Like Tyrannosaurus rex, cats are obligate carnivores, ambush hunters, and built for efficiency. Their jaws move up and down, their teeth are designed for tearing, and their bodies are optimized for short bursts of energy. Even their behavior—stalking, pouncing, intense focus—is rooted in survival instincts. Understanding this helps us provide better care through enr

Dry kibble has long been the cornerstone of feline diets—but recent discussions are raising important questions about what happens to food during the manufacturing process, and how it may impact long-term health. One concern gaining attention is the presence of charred or burnt bits in kibble—those darker pieces that can appear in dry food. While they may seem harmless, they can be a sign of something more significant happening during production. 🔥 How Kibble Is Made—and Why

Some stories stay with you. Benny’s is one of them. When he was found, he was in critical condition with a broken jaw. His future was uncertain, and his journey to recovery would not be easy. But with care, patience, and dedicated rescue support, Benny didn’t just survive—he began to heal. And eventually… He celebrated a birthday. A celebration that represents far more than just another year. It represents resilience.It represents compassion.And it represents what’s possible

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become household names thanks to their effectiveness in managing diabetes and supporting weight loss. But as these GLP-1 medications become more common, a serious concern is emerging: accidental exposure in pets. Cats and dogs are not equipped to metabolize these drugs the way humans are. Even small amounts can cause severe illness, including vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and potentially life-threatening complication

If you’ve ever looked at your cat and thought, “What on earth was that?” —you’re not alone. Cats do things that seem random, confusing, and sometimes downright ridiculous. But here’s the truth: 👉 Cat behavior isn’t random—it’s just misunderstood. What is “Spitballing” in Cat Behavior? Spitballing means exploring possibilities instead of jumping to conclusions. Instead of labeling behavior as: Bad Weird Wrong We ask:👉 What could be causing this? Common “Weird” Behaviors Expl

If you’ve ever felt confused by your cat’s behavior, you’re not alone. One minute they’re affectionate… the next they’re walking away—or worse, biting. It’s easy to assume cats are unpredictable. But in reality, cats are constantly communicating . The issue isn’t that cats are unclear. It’s that we’re often speaking the wrong language. Why Miscommunication Happens Cats communicate through: Body language Subtle movement Energy and proximity Humans rely on: Words exaggerated ex

If you’ve ever watched your cat open a door, outsmart a puzzle toy, or wake you up at 3am with suspicious precision… you’ve probably wondered: How smart is my cat, really? The answer might surprise you. While certain breeds—like Bengals, Siamese, and Abyssinians—are often labeled as “highly intelligent,” the truth is that all cats are capable of complex learning, problem-solving, and emotional awareness . So what makes a cat seem more intelligent? What Intelligence Looks Lik

Constipation in cats is one of the most common—and most overlooked—health concerns in feline care. Because cats are masters at hiding discomfort, many guardians don’t realize there’s a problem until it becomes severe. Understanding the causes, signs, and safe remedies can make all the difference in keeping your cat healthy and comfortable. What Is Constipation in Cats? Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the colon. As it sits there, more moisture is absorb