Diary of a Cat Mom

By By Dagmar Gatell — Creator & Host of Diary of a Cat Mom

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats.

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FAQs about Diary of a Cat Mom:

How many episodes does Diary of a Cat Mom have?

The podcast currently has 131 episodes available.

Diary of a Cat Mom episodes:

August 21, 2026Why I Won't Adopt a Kitten: An Older Cat Mom's Honest Truth About Aging & Choosing Senior Cats Over Kittens | Ep. 131
It's kitten season — and everywhere Dagmar turns, someone's asking the same question: "Doesn't this make you want to add a kitten to your household?"
In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, Dagmar sits with that question longer than usual, and what surfaces isn't excitement — it's guilt. This cat podcast episode is her honest, unhurried answer to why, as an older cat mom with a multi-cat household, she's choosing not to adopt a kitten or young cat right now — and what that decision actually says about love, not the absence of it.
From the daily "obstacle course" of walking through the house, to the harder questions about reflexes, fall risk, and outliving a fifteen-to-twenty-year commitment, Dagmar walks through the real, rarely-spoken-about side of aging as a cat parent. This isn't an argument against adopting kittens — it's a reflection on matching the animal to the life you can actually give it.
In this episode, You'll Learn:
Why kitten season brings up guilt, not just joy, for older cat moms
The everyday physical reality of a multi-cat household as you age
What research and rescue communities say about kittens, fall risk, and reflexes
The real math behind a 15–20 year commitment
Why she compares this stage of life to "being a grandmother"
Why choosing a senior cat isn't settling — it's a gift to both cat and cat mom
Timestamps & Chapters: (Total runtime: 8:23)
00:00 — It's Kitten Season... So Why Do I Feel Guilty Saying No?
02:00 — The Obstacle Course Only a Cat Mom Understands
03:25 — What Happens When I Can't Move Fast Enough Anymore?
04:40 — 15, 18, 20 Years — Who Outlives Who?
05:45 — It's Like Being a Grandmother
06:50 — The Real Gift We Give Our Cats
A question for you: How does your cat mom life look right now? Share in the comments — Dagmar would love to hear about your life with your kitties.
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
9min
August 14, 2026Coping With Anticipatory Grief While My Cat Is Still Here (Chronic Illness & Kidney Disease) | Ep. 130
What do you do when you're already grieving a pet who hasn't died yet? In this episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, podcast host Dagmar Gatell opens up about anticipatory grief — the heavy, confusing sadness that shows up while your cat is still curled up beside you, still breathing, still here.
Dagmar is currently caring for two cats moving through chronic illness at the same time: Snow White, her ragdoll-eyed rescue of 11 years now managing thyroid and kidney disease, and Baby, a former community cat who came inside after a medical emergency involving seizures, weight loss, and an FIV diagnosis.
This episode covers what anticipatory grief actually is, why "not dying" doesn't mean "okay," how to recognize and avoid caregiver burnout while managing a multi-cat household and a business, and the simple grounding practice — "stop and pet the cats" — that helps Dagmar stay calm, present, and connected during the hardest season of loving her cats.
If you're a cat mom or pet parent walking through chronic illness, kidney disease, or end-of-life care with your own pet, this episode will help you feel less alone.

What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
What anticipatory grief is and why it's valid even when your pet isn't actively dying
How chronic illness (thyroid disease, kidney disease, FIV) creates a slow, ongoing grief process
Why "she's not dying today" and "she's okay" aren't the same thing
Real signs of caregiver burnout in multi-cat households — and how to catch it early
Five practical ways to stay sustainable while caring for a chronically ill cat
The "stop and pet the cats" practice for staying calm, present, and regulated so your cat feels safe too

Timestamps
00:00 — Intro: Living with anticipatory grief right now
01:05 — Chapter 1: What Is Anticipatory Grief?
02:35 — Chapter 2: Snow White's Story
04:20 — Chapter 3: When Not Dying Isn't the Same as Being Okay
05:10 — Chapter 4: Baby's Story
07:00 — Chapter 5: Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
08:40 — Chapter 6: Stop and Pet the Cats
09:50 — Outro & Final Thoughts
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
10min
August 04, 2026Outdoor Cat Shelter for Feral Cats: How I Built a Hurricane-Safe Shelter They'd Actually Use | Ep. 129
When hurricane season hit Florida, food and water weren't enough to keep my feral cat family safe. This Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode walks through every outdoor cat shelter I tried — from wooden cat houses to DIY coolers — and the one surprising discovery that finally got my feral cats to shelter together during a hurricane. If you're caring for feral cats, community cats, or backyard cats and need a hurricane-safe or winter-ready outdoor cat shelter, this episode gives you the exact setup that worked.
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
Why "pretty" outdoor cat shelters often fail feral cats during real storms
The difference between a rain-proof shelter and a hurricane-safe shelter
Why feral cats often prefer group shelter over separate houses
How to combine a livestock shelter with a simple divided crate for maximum safety
A low-cost, no-electricity way to keep outdoor cats warm in winter

Timestamps & Chapters
(Total runtime: 6:07)
00:00 — Introduction: A hurricane warning and three cats outside
00:39 — How the feral cat family started visiting
01:29 — TNR: trapping, spay/neuter, ear-tipping, and release
01:57 — When Florida's rainy season changed everything
02:22 — The search for the right outdoor cat shelter begins
02:47 — The handmade pine cat house that looked perfect
03:26 — Why the cats wouldn't use it during the hurricane
03:54 — Adding a livestock shelter — the first real clue
04:27 — The discovery: cats wanted to stay together, not separated
04:52 — The final solution: a divided wooden crate, straw, and self-warming blankets
05:25 — What the cats taught me about safety
05:50 — Quick recap: how to build this shelter yourself
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
7min
August 01, 2026Spend Less Time in Angry Land: How Your Energy Shapes Your Cats' World | Ep. 128
Do your cats ever seem to feel your mood before you even say a word?
In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share a moment I'm not proud of: I had a stressful day, a hard conversation with a friend, and I read something online that annoyed me — and even though none of it had anything to do with my cats, I carried all of it straight into feeding time, litter box duty, and playtime with them. I call it visiting Angry Land.
But my cats weren't in Angry Land with me. They live in Happy Cat Land — excited for breakfast, curious about a toy, purring the moment I sit on the floor with them. They weren't carrying my stressful email or my disagreement with a friend. They were just happy we were together.
This episode is about the moment I realized I could consciously close the door on Angry Land and walk into Happy Cat Land instead — and how that one shift changed the way feeding, litter box cleaning, and playtime feel every single day.
What You'll Learn in This Cat Podcast Episode
Why cats pick up on your energy faster than they respond to your words
The difference between reacting to your day and being present with your cats
How stress and frustration can quietly spill into everyday cat care
A simple mental shift ("Angry Land" vs. "Happy Cat Land") to reset your mood
Why a calm, peaceful home starts with the humans in it, not the cats
This episode is a personal reflection on energy and living with cats and is not medical, veterinary, or behavioral advice.
Timestamps & Chapters
0:00 Welcome to Diary of a Cat Mom
0:36 Bringing a Stressful Day Into Cat Time
1:31 Why Everything Feels Worse in "Angry Land"
1:56 Choosing to Walk Into "Happy Cat Land"
2:40 What Changed When I Chose Calm Over Stress
3:02 Closing Thoughts & Cuddle Reminder
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
4min
July 31, 2026I Love Pastries, But I Love My Cat Mom Life More | Ep. 127
When Snow White's veterinarian switched her to a renal support diet for her developing kidney disease, I realized something unexpected.
If I'm asking my cat to eat food that gives her the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life… shouldn't I be asking myself the same question?
In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share how one small change in Snow White's diet inspired me to rethink my own habits—and why taking care of ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give our cats.
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
Why Snow White's new diet became a wake-up call for me.
How caring for your cat can inspire healthier choices for yourself.
Why your own health matters as much as your cat's.
How small daily habits can help both of you enjoy more years together.
Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Snow White's new renal support diet
00:46 The realization that changed my thinking
01:20 Why cat moms need to care for themselves too
02:05 Choosing healthier habits for both of us
02:35 Final thoughts
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
3min
July 30, 2026Why Daily Rituals Make Cats Feel Loved | It's 3 O'Clock Somewhere | Ep. 126
What if one of the best gifts you could give your cat is simply your time?
In Germany, three o'clock has long been associated with coffee and cake—a daily tradition of slowing down and enjoying a quiet break. Over the years, I realized I had unknowingly created my own version of that tradition with my cats.
Every afternoon, I step away from my computer, make myself a cup of tea, and spend a few peaceful minutes with my cats. They know exactly what time it is. They follow me through the house, waiting for cuddles, slow blinks, treats, or simply a little conversation.
In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share why these small daily rituals matter so much—not only for our own well-being, but also for helping our cats feel safe, loved, and included in our lives.
Sometimes the smallest moments become the most meaningful.
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
Why cats thrive on predictable daily routines.
How taking regular breaks benefits both you and your cat.
Why small daily rituals strengthen the bond between cats and their humans.
How consistency helps cats feel safe and secure.
Why being fully present matters more than doing more.
Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 Germany's Coffee and Cake Tradition
00:31 My Daily Ritual with My Cats
01:02 Why My Cats Love This Routine
01:33 Why Routines Make Cats Feel Safe
02:02 It's About Making Time, Not the Cake
02:25 Give Your Cats a Cuddle
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
3min
July 30, 2026What Keeps Me Going as a Cat Mom | Ep. 125
Some days being a cat mom feels incredibly hard.
Between migraines, exhaustion, worrying about future illnesses, and unexpected vet visits, there are moments when I wonder how I keep going.
In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share what always brings me back to my purpose: remembering that so many of the cats I've cared for were once abandoned, forgotten, or no longer wanted. Every day, I simply try to give them a life where they feel safe, loved, respected, and wanted.
If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough for your cat, I hope this episode reminds you that love is found in showing up every single day.
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
Why purpose helps me through difficult days as a cat mom.
Why every cat deserves to feel wanted.
How small everyday acts of love matter more than perfection.
Why being present is one of the greatest gifts we can give our cats.
Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 – What keeps me going as a cat mom?
00:28 – Remembering the cats who were abandoned
01:02 – Doing the best I can today
01:40 – Finding my purpose as a cat mom
02:18 – The love that makes it worthwhile
02:52 – Every cat deserves to feel wanted
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
4min
July 28, 2026What Would Life Be Without Cats? | Ep. 124
One unexpected veterinary visit reminded me just how much my cats mean to me.
What started as a routine appointment quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency for one of my cats. Sitting in the veterinary clinic, waiting and hoping, I found myself asking a question that completely changed my perspective:
What would life be without cats?
In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share how that frightening experience reminded me that my cats are much more than pets. They give my days structure, purpose, responsibility, companionship, and unconditional love.
If you've ever looked at your cat and realized how much they have changed your life, this episode is for you.
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
Why a veterinary emergency changed my perspective.
How cats give our lives purpose and routine.
Why caring for another living being is such a meaningful responsibility.
How difficult moments help us recognize what truly matters.
Why gratitude can grow even during frightening experiences.
Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 An unexpected trip to the veterinarian
00:35 Facing a life-threatening emergency
01:12 Realizing how much my cats mean to me
01:50 The purpose and joy my cats bring to my life
02:23 Focusing on what truly matters
02:43 Could you imagine life without your cat?
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
3min
July 25, 2026Being Responsible For a Cat | What Does It Really Mean? | Ep. 123
After a difficult week filled with unexpected vet visits, medical diagnoses, and caring for Snow White's changing health needs, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to love and care for another living being. Being a cat mom isn't just about the happy moments. It's about showing up through the uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and appreciating every day we have together.
In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share why our cats remind us that life is fragile—and why that makes every moment even more meaningful.
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
What being responsible for a cat really means
Why loving a cat also means accepting uncertainty
How difficult vet visits changed my perspective
Why gratitude matters more than worrying about the future
How cats teach us to appreciate the present moment
Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:18 When a routine vet visit changes everything
00:54 What being responsible for a cat really means
01:37 Accepting the uncertainty that comes with love
02:22 Choosing gratitude and living in the present
03:00 Final thoughts and question for cat moms
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
4min
July 24, 2026Cat Kisses | How to Build Trust With Your Cat | Ep. 122
When we love someone, we naturally want to look into their eyes. But cats see eye contact differently.
In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share how a stressful vet visit reminded me that trust isn't built during difficult moments—it's built through the small interactions we have every day.
You'll learn why slow blinking is often called a "cat kiss," how cats naturally show affection to each other, and why understanding their love language can strengthen your relationship.
Whether your cat enjoys cuddles or prefers keeping a little distance, every cat has its own unique way of saying, "I trust you."
What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode
Why staring can feel threatening to cats
What "cat kisses" really are
The three ways cats naturally show affection
How slow blinking can strengthen trust
Why every cat has a different love language
Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Why cats don't like direct staring
01:18 How I use slow blinking as cat kisses
02:23 Three ways cats show affection
03:34 Every cat has its own love language
04:08 My biggest takeaway
Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family.
Resources for Cat Parents
Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/
About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast
Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian.
Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕
Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats.
→ Learn More About Becoming a Guest
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Sponsorship
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package
...more
5min

FAQs about Diary of a Cat Mom:

How many episodes does Diary of a Cat Mom have?

The podcast currently has 131 episodes available.