Diary of a Cat Mom

Ready to travel again but not sure who to trust with your cats? In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, Dagmar shares how she's approaching the search for a trustworthy cat sitter — for both her indoor cats and the community cats she cares for.

She breaks down what actually matters beyond feeding and litter duty: a pet sitter who can spot when a cat is sick, injured, or acting "off," and who will actually tell you about it. Dagmar also unpacks the 4 factors that shape cat sitting rates, why an in-person trial meeting beats a phone call every time, the extra challenges of caring for community cats in unpredictable weather, and why vet assistants can make surprisingly great pet sitters — especially for cats on medication like her senior ragdoll cat Snow White.

If you've ever wondered how to vet a cat sitter, what affects pricing, or how to handle outdoor/community cat care while traveling, this cat podcast episode walks through the real questions to ask before you hire anyone.

What You'll Learn

• Why "just feeding and cleaning litter" isn't enough when choosing a cat sitter
• The 4 factors that determine how much a cat sitter costs
• Why an in-person trial meeting matters more than a phone interview
• What community cat caretakers need to look for in a sitter (weather, fear behaviors, feeding adjustments)
• Why vet assistants can be a hidden gem for finding a qualified pet sitter
• What to prioritize if you have senior cats or cats needing medication

Timestamps & Chapters

• 00:00 – Intro: Why I'm finally ready to find a cat sitter
• 00:33 – What I actually want in a cat sitter (beyond feeding & litter)
• 01:12 – What determines cat sitter rates (4 key factors)
• 02:00 – Why an in-person trial meeting matters
• 02:40 – Special considerations for community cat care
• 03:35 – Why vet assistants make great pet sitters
• 04:20 – Wrap-up: What's next in my search

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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.

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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?

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

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

Never Miss an Entry
Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox.

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.

Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱
Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand.
→ Learn More About Authority Partnership
https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership