Felinésse

For decades, cats have received far less research fundingthan many other animals—but that's changing. In this episode of CatsEssentials, Melissa welcomes Jackie Jaakola, President and CEO of the EveryCat Health Foundation, the world's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to feline health research.

Jackie shares how groundbreaking feline research isimproving the lives of cats worldwide, why cats require their own unique medical studies, and how discoveries in feline medicine have even contributed to advancements in human healthcare. You'll also hear inspiring stories aboutthe power of scientific research, the future of feline medicine, and how cat parents can help shape a healthier future for generations of cats.

Whether you're a devoted cat parent, veterinaryprofessional, breeder, rescue volunteer, or simply passionate about feline wellness, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the science that's transforming cat health.

Subscribe to Cats Essentials for expert conversations onfeline health, behavior, nutrition, and wellness.

Resources Mentioned

Explore CatsEssentials
https://www.catsessentials.com/

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@myCatsEssentials

EveryCat Health Foundation
https://everycat.org/

Educational Resources
https://everycat.org/education/

Support EveryCat Health Foundation
https://everycat.org/donate/

Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but building trust takes patience, understanding, and time.

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Rachel Geller, a Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist and Founder of All Cats All the Time, to discuss how adopters can help cats adjust successfully to their new homes. Together, they explore creating safe spaces, recognizing signs of trust, introducing cats to one another, solving common litter box challenges, and the unique joys of adopting senior cats.

Whether you’re welcoming your first cat or adding another feline family member to your home, this conversation offers practical guidance to help your cat feel safe, secure, and loved.

Learn more about Dr. Rachel Geller:
https://drrachelcatbehavior.com

Dr. Rachel Geller YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvSItTMu-jVCdrrmfvDy9g

Create a welcoming sanctuary for your cat with CatsEssentials:
https://www.catsessentials.com

You might think your cat is just “slowing down” with age… but what if they’re actually in pain?

In this eye-opening episode, host Melissa Manzanera sits down with renowned feline veterinarian Dr. Wendy Simpson to uncover the hidden signs of arthritis in cats—a condition that affects up to 90% of cats over age 12, yet often goes undiagnosed.

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which means subtle behavior changes could be your only clue. From hesitation to jump to changes in grooming, litter box habits, or even mood—these small shifts may signal something much bigger.

Dr. Simpson shares what most cat parents miss, how veterinarians diagnose arthritis, and the most effective ways to help your cat live a more comfortable, pain-free life.

If you love your cat, this episode could change everything.

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Lori Kogan and Dr. Jennifer Currin-McCulloch from Colorado State University to explore how the human–animal bond supports people during serious illness.

The conversation looks at what it means to navigate cancer and other health challenges, and where cats and pets fit into that experience: whether as part of a broader support system or, in some cases, the primary source of comfort.

From the quiet presence of a cat during treatment to the sense of purpose they can provide when everything else feels uncertain, this episode highlights the role pets play in emotional support, identity, and day-to-day life during difficult times.

Topics discussed include:
• why pets are often overlooked in medical conversations
• how cats provide comfort, routine, and connection
• the challenges of caring for a pet during illness
• ways to support someone and their pet in practical terms
• considerations for safety during treatment

This episode offers perspective and support for anyone navigating illness, as well as for those looking for ways to show up and help, both for people and their pets.

Resources to include:
PAWS Resource Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTNIFyfhMFrifX91LxhxUzA-IFfQXhJJ/view?usp=drive_link

PAWS Care Network app (Apple)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paws-care-network/id6757776337

PAWS Care Network app (android)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remsenstudio.pawscarenetwork

Do cats really love us… or are they just using us for food?In this fascinating episode, Melissa Mezzalira explores the science of the human–cat bond with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, a leading expert in cat behavior and the human-animal bond, to uncover the truth about how cats actually see us.You’ll discover groundbreaking insights from research featured in Inside the Mind of a Cat, including why cats form deep emotional attachments to humans, how they see us as caregivers, and why your cat may prefer you over food.If you’ve ever wondered:• Does my cat love me?• Do cats recognize their names?• Why do my cats act differently after the vet?• Can cats be trained?• Why doesn’t my cat use their bed or scratcher?This episode will completely change how you understand your cat.Discover CatsEssentials' collection for calmer vet visits and travel. https://www.catsessentials.com/collections/felineaseDr. Kristyn Vitale🌐 Website (Maueyes Cat Science & Education):https://www.maueyes.com/📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/maueyescatscience/🎬 Featured in Inside the Mind of a Cat (Netflix):https://www.netflix.com/title/81447086

Why do so many cat parents feel guilty when they leave their cats home alone?

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, speaks with psychologist and human-animal interaction researcher Dr. Lori Kogan about the emotional bond between humans and cats.

They explore the science behind the calming effects cats have on people, the psychological connection many cat parents experience, and why guilt around cats is often overlooked or misunderstood.

This conversation highlights the emotional reality of loving a cat deeply, and why those feelings deserve recognition.

Explore CatsEssentials:https://www.catsessentials.com

Learn more about Dr. Lori Kogan’s work:

• https://www.human-animal-interaction.org/For more information about the field of Human–Animal Interaction.

• https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/journal/haiAccess Dr. Kogan’s research publications and related academic work.

• https://www.sylvester.ai/An AI-powered tool that allows cat parents to help assess whether their cats may be experiencing pain.

Are cats the new children?
Pet parenting is more visible than ever, but why?

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, speaks with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Shelly Volsche about the cultural rise of pet parenting and what science reveals about loving cats like family.
Is this simply a trend, or does it reflect deeper shifts in identity, caregiving, and how society defines “family”?

Together, they explore:

• The difference between “pet owner” and “pet parent”

• How language shapes relationships

• Research comparing biological parents and child-free pet parents

• Post-pandemic shifts in how cats are perceived

• Legal recognition of pets in custody and divorce cases

• Whether society is redefining what family truly means

This conversation validates something many cat parents already feel: our cats are not “just pets.” They are deeply integrated members of our family.

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Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ11tILOZy0

Explore CatsEssentials:https://www.catsessentials.com

Learn more about Dr. Shelly Volsche’s research:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8JxdDd8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Perfect for:Cat parents • Child-free by choice individuals • Human-animal bond researchers • Feline wellness advocates • Anyone exploring modern family identity

🔔 Don’t forget to hit the Bell Icon so you never miss our next video!Subscribe now and turn on ALL notifications — the next episode is coming soon! 🚨✨➡️ Subscribe + 🔔 = Stay Updated

Stay connected:Website: www.catsessentials.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/MyCatsEssentialsInstagram: www.instagram.com/mycatsessentials

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials and host of Felinésse, for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Holly Ganz, PhD — microbial ecologist and Chief Science Officer of Animal Biome, a pioneering company translating microbiome science into practical solutions for feline health.
Dr. Holly Ganz is a microbial ecologist and the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Animal Biome, a company dedicated to translating cutting-edge microbiome science into practical solutions for pet health. With a PhD in microbiology, her work focuses on understanding the feline gut microbiome and helping cats live longer, healthier lives through science-based care.

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful — yetoften overlooked — drivers of a cat’s overall well-being: the feline gut microbiome. Dr. Ganz explains, in simple and approachable terms, how the trillions of microbes living in your cat’s gut influence far more than digestion, including immune function, behavior, weight regulation, andlongevity.

You’ll learn what disrupts a cat’s microbiome — fromantibiotics and diet changes to stress and environmental factors — and the early warning signs cat parents often miss, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight changes, and subtle shifts in mood or energy.
This empowering conversation gives cat parents practical, science-backed insights to better understand what’s happening inside their cat’s body — and how to be proactive about long-term gut and overall health.

Perfect for:
Cat parents • Feline wellness advocates • Preventive health seekers • Anyonewanting to understand cat health beyond symptoms

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🔔Don’t forget to hit the Bell Icon so you never miss our next video!
Subscribe now and turn on ALL notifications — the next episode is coming soon! 🚨✨

➡️ Subscribe + 🔔 = Stay Updated

Stay connected:

Website: www.catsessentials.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyCatsEssentials
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mycatsessentials

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials and host of Felinésse, for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Odette Suter, DVM — holistic veterinarian, bestselling author, and educator with over 30 years of experience helping cats heal chronic illness at the root level.

In this episode, we explore one of the most misunderstood drivers of feline health problems: leaky gut and chronic inflammation. Dr. Suter explains, clearly and compassionately, how damage to the gut lining can quietly trigger allergies, arthritis, urinary issues, behavioral changes, immune dysfunction, and long-term disease, even when cats show no obvious digestive symptoms.

Dr. Suter also breaks down how environmental toxins, household chemicals, EMF and Wi-Fi exposure, chronic stress, and emotional imbalance impact a cat’s immune and nervous systems. You’ll learn the key differences between conventional and true holistic veterinary care, why symptom-based treatments often fall short, and how proactive, preventive wellness can dramatically improve quality of life — especially for indoor and senior cats.

This empowering conversation gives cat parents practical, actionable steps to reduce inflammation, support gut healing, create a cleaner home environment, and advocate more confidently for their cat’s long-term health.

Perfect for: Cat parents • Holistic pet wellness seekers • Preventive health advocates • Anyone looking to understand feline health beyond symptoms

==================================

🔔 Don’t forget to hit the Bell Icon so you never miss our next video!

Subscribe now and turn on ALL notifications — the next episode is coming soon! 🚨✨

➡️ Subscribe + 🔔 = Stay Updated

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Stay connected:Website: www.catsessentials.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyCatsEssentials

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mycatsessentials

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Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Dr. Odette Suter, DVM – Holistic Veterinarian

🌐 Website:👉 https://www.odettesuterdvm.com

🔗 LinkedIn:👉   / odette-suter-dvm-555943ba  

Masterclass & Educational Resources

Learn more about leaky gut, chronic inflammation, and whole-body healing for cats:👉 https://www.odettesuterdvm.com (navigate to resources/masterclass section)

Environmental Working Group (EWG)Check the safety of household cleaners, personal care products, and environmental toxins:👉 https://www.ewg.org

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, as she speaks with Dr. Jennifer Conrad of The Paw Project about the truth behind cat declawing. Discover what the procedure really involves, the lifelong physical and behavioral impacts on cats, and why many declawed cats end up in shelters. You’ll also learn humane alternatives, how to support cats already declawed, and the recent California law banning non-therapeutic declawing.

A must-listen for cat parents, and animal welfare advocates who want to make informed, compassionate choices for their feline companions.

Social Links for CatsEssentials:

• ​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycatsessentials/
• ​YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myCatsEssentials

• ​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycatsessentials
• ​Website: https://catsessentials.com

Dr. Jennifer Conrad

• ​Interview page / Profile: https://talkinganimals.net/2025/11/dr-jennifer-conrad-veterinarian-founder-of-the-paw-project/
• ​The Paw Project (official site): https://pawsproject.org/
• ​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepawproject_
• ​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePawProject/