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In this episode, Dr. Gina Rendon discusses feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a mutation of the feline coronavirus. She explains that FIP is a systemic illness that can affect any part of a cat's body. The transmission of FIP occurs through the fecal-oral route, making it more common in multi-cat households and shelters. Diagnosing FIP can be challenging, as there is no single test for it. However, recent advances in treatment have improved the prognosis for cats with FIP. Dr. Rendon also addresses the limitations of PCR testing and the possibility of FIP in older cats. They cover topics such as testing and diagnosis challenges, the infectiousness of FIP, treatment options and availability, the lack of FDA approval for FIP medications, ongoing research and future developments, the positive impact of social media in connecting and supporting cat owners, the role of stress as a trigger for FIP, the safety of vaccinating cats with FIP, the prevalence of FIP and the potential for medication approval, and living with FIV-positive cats.  Dr Rendon also provides advice on caring for senior cats, including monitoring their health and considering dietary changes. Gina discusses the use of supplements for joint health in older cats and recommends specific products. She emphasizes the importance of dental care for cats and provides guidance on when to consider extractions. Finally, she discusses the use of medications in cats and the importance of considering the cat's quality of life when deciding on the number of medications to administer.

Takeaways

• FIP is a mutation of the feline coronavirus and is a systemic illness that can affect any part of a cat's body.
• FIP is more common in multi-cat households, shelters, and catteries due to its fecal-oral transmission.
• Diagnosing FIP can be challenging, as there is no single test for it. A combination of tests and clinical presentation is used to form a diagnosis.
• Recent advances in treatment have improved the prognosis for cats with FIP.
• PCR testing is not always reliable for diagnosing FIP, and post-mortem examination is currently the only definitive way to confirm the disease.
• FIP can occur in older cats, although it is more commonly seen in young cats. FIP is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat, but recent developments in antiviral medications have shown promising results.
• Social media has played a significant role in connecting cat owners and providing support and information about FIP treatment options.
• Stress can be a trigger for FIP, and recognizing and managing stress in cats is important for their overall health.
• Vaccinations for FIP are not recommended during treatment, but may be considered for high-risk cats once they are in the clear.
• While there is currently no FDA-approved medication for FIP, ongoing research and developments offer hope for improved treatment options in the future.
• Cats with FIV can live with other cats without transmitting the virus, as long as there is no blood-to-blood contact through deep bites. FIV is transmitted through bites, and the risk of transmission is low in multicat households where cats live in relative harmony.
• Senior cats should be monitored regularly for changes in appetite, behavior, and overall health. Regular vet visits and blood work are recommended.
• Food for senior cats is not significantly different from food for adult cats, but calorie reduction may be necessary for less active cats.
• Concentrated fatty acids, such as marine fish oils and green-lipped muscle, are beneficial for joint health in older cats.
• Regular dental care, including cleanings and potential extractions, is important for maintaining a cat's oral health and overall well-being.
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In this episode your host, Kristiina Wilson, a cat behaviorist, answers various cat behavior-related questions submitted by listeners. Some of the topics discussed include why cats scratch around their food bowl, the use of CBD for stress and anxiety in cats, transitioning cats from dry to wet food, bathing cats, correcting mistakes in cat boundaries, introducing cats to each other, dealing with inappropriate defecation, shifting cats from a treat-only diet, and addressing 3 a.m. howling. Additionally, Kristiina explains how cats use their tails to communicate and whether it's okay for cats to watch videos on phones. In this conversation, Kristiina provides tips and advice on various cat behavior topics. She suggests using play and puzzle feeders to keep cats mentally stimulated and prevent them from eating too quickly. She also recommends using cat TV or bird feeders to provide visual stimulation for cats. Kristiina emphasizes the importance of play and interaction with cats to prevent boredom and obesity. She discusses the process of introducing new cats to the household and recommends using Feliway products to create a positive environment. Kristiina provides tips for determining if cats are play fighting or fighting and advises redirecting or startling them to stop negative behavior. She emphasizes the need for regular play and exercise for cats and suggests using toys and interactive play to keep them active. Lastly, Kristiina shares tips for carrier training cats and recommends using trazodone for reducing anxiety during vet visits.

Takeaways

• Cats scratch around their food bowl before and after eating to clear away debris and mimic natural instincts.
• CBD may not be effective for anxiety in cats, and it's important to consult a vet for appropriate behavioral medications.
• Transitioning cats from dry to wet food can be done gradually, using food toppers and high-quality wet food.
• Bathing cats is generally unnecessary, as they are self-cleaning animals.
• Mistakes in cat boundaries can be corrected by showing a willingness to respect their boundaries and making adjustments gradually.
• Positive reinforcement, such as high-value rewards, can help cats get along with each other.
• Inappropriate defecation may have medical or litter box-related causes, and it's important to consult a vet and consider environmental factors.
• Transitioning cats from a treat-only diet to regular cat food can be done gradually, mixing treats and dry food.
• Addressing 3 a.m. howling involves providing physical and intellectual stimulation, such as play and auto feeders.
• Cats use their tails to communicate various emotions, such as happiness, fear, agitation, and excitement.
• It's okay for cats to watch videos on phones, as it provides intellectual stimulation, but it's important to pair it with play to prevent frustration. Use play and puzzle feeders to keep cats mentally stimulated and prevent them from eating too quickly.
• Provide visual stimulation for cats through cat TV or bird feeders.
• Regular play and interaction with cats is important to prevent boredom and obesity.
• Introduce new cats gradually and use Feliway products to create a positive environment.
• Distinguish between play fighting and fighting by observing body language and vocalizations.
• Regular play and exercise are essential for cats' physical and mental well-being.
• Carrier train cats by making the carrier a positive and familiar space.
• Consider using trazodone to reduce anxiety during vet visits.

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In this episode, the Kristiina, Joelle Andres of Bastian&Brews and Morgan Krug of Pawsitive Behaviors discuss the grief and loss of their beloved pets. The conversation also touches on anticipatory grief and the challenges of staying present during the grieving process.  They discuss the sudden illness and decline of their pets, the emotional journey of saying goodbye, and the grief experienced by their other pets in the household. They also talk about the importance of community support during the grieving process and the physical manifestations of grief. The chapter concludes with a discussion on coping with negative comments and the complexity of grief.  Finally, they discuss tools and resources that have been helpful in their own journeys. The conversation covers topics such as online harassment, the pressure to grieve 'correctly,' the benefits of journaling and reframing, the challenges of leaving the house, and the validation and healing that can come from psychic sessions. They also touch on the importance of preserving memories and finding comfort in nature. The conversation ends with expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

Takeaways

• Grief and loss are difficult experiences, especially when it comes to the loss of a pet.
• Anticipatory grief can be a challenging aspect of the grieving process.
• Staying present and finding ways to cope with grief can help in the healing process. Losing a pet can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and the grief process can vary for each individual.
• The support of a community, both online and offline, can provide comfort and understanding during the grieving process.
• Other pets in the household may also experience grief and may exhibit changes in behavior or require additional support.
• Memorializing a pet can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and find solace in the grieving process.
• Grief can manifest physically, and it is important to prioritize self-care and seek support from professionals if needed. Online harassment can be a significant issue when sharing personal experiences of grief. It is important to protect oneself from negative comments and seek support from trusted individuals.
• There is no timeline for grief, and it is important to give oneself time and space to heal.
• Different tools and resources can be helpful in the grieving process, such as journaling, seeking support from friends and professionals, and finding comfort in nature.
• Psychic sessions can provide validation and closure for some individuals, but it is important to find reputable communicators who uphold ethical standards.
• Preserving memories and finding ways to honor the memory of a loved one can be healing and comforting.

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In this episode, we meet the guests, Suse Goricke and Stacy Attenberg, who are independent rescuers and advocates for trap-neuter-return (TNR) and community cats. They discuss the importance of TNR in managing community cat populations and debunk the misconception that relocating cats is a viable solution. The guests also emphasize the need to give cats sufficient time to decompress after trapping and the importance of proper assessment. Additionally, they discuss the additional steps involved in TNR, such as vaccinations and other treatments. The conversation explores the challenges of snap testing and accessing services in New York, the difficulties in obtaining spay/neuter appointments, the resources and voucher programs available in Connecticut, and the different trapping methods used by the speakers. In this conversation, Stacy and Suse discuss various trapping methods for community cats, including the use of True Catch traps and drop traps. They also share the importance of securing traps with zip ties to prevent cats from escaping. The conversation then shifts to the positive impact of TNR on both the cats and the communities they inhabit. Stacy and Suse highlight success stories and the personal fulfillment they experience through their rescue work. They offer advice for individuals interested in getting involved in cat rescue and emphasize the importance of asking for help and building a support network. The role of social media in raising awareness and garnering support for rescue work is also discussed. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about sharing personal spaces with community cats.

Takeaways

• Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is a crucial practice for managing community cat populations.
• Relocating cats is not a viable solution as they may not survive in unfamiliar environments.
• Proper assessment and giving cats time to decompress are essential in determining their socialization potential.
• In addition to neutering, cats should receive vaccinations, flea treatments, and deworming as part of the TNR process. Snap testing for cats is not routinely done in New York, and there are limited options for accessing spay/neuter appointments.
• The ASPCA in New York opens their books for low-cost spay/neuter appointments on a random weekday, and the demand for appointments is high.
• Connecticut offers voucher programs for low-income individuals and non-profit organizations to help defray the costs of spay/neuter procedures.
• Trapping methods include box traps, box traps with a bottle and string, and drop traps. Building a strong community network is essential for successful trapping efforts. True Catch traps and drop traps are effective methods for trapping community cats.
• Securing traps with zip ties can prevent cats from escaping.
• TNR has a positive impact on both the cats and the communities they inhabit.
• Building a support network and asking for help are crucial in cat rescue work.
• Social media plays a significant role in raising awareness and garnering support for rescue work.
• Sharing personal spaces with community cats can be a rewarding and entertaining experience.

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In this episode, host Kristiina interviews BriAnne Wills, the creator of Girls and Their Cats. They discuss how the project started and the work that BriAnne does as a photographer. They also talk about BriAnne's history with cats and the importance of photographing rescue/adopted cats. The conversation also delves into the crazy cat lady stereotype and the societal perceptions surrounding it. In this conversation, BriAnne discusses her experiences photographing girls and their cats, the process of creating her book, and the challenges of photographing cats. She shares tips for cat owners who want to photograph their own cats and talks about her future projects and TikTok fame.

Takeaways

• Combining photography and a love for cats can lead to unique and fulfilling projects.
• Creating a book can be a special experience, allowing for exploration of different cities and cat lifestyles.
• Photographing cats can be challenging, but building trust and allowing the cats to approach on their terms can lead to successful photos.
• When photographing cats, it's important to consider lighting, cleanliness, and capturing their natural behavior.
• TikTok can be a platform for cat-related content to gain popularity and reach a wider audience.

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In this episode, Hannah, the owner of the CatmanJohn social media account, talks about her journey to becoming a full-time social media influencer and the impact of her famous cat, Russell. She shares insights into managing a multi-cat household and providing enrichment for her cats. Hannah also discusses her content creation process and the challenges and rewards of being a social media superstar. In this part of the conversation, Hannah and Kristiina discuss the drama associated with pets using speech buttons and the negative comments they receive. They also talk about the unexpected reactions from fans and the importance of having a supportive online community. Hannah shares her advice for creating a social media presence for pets, emphasizing the need for consistency and engagement. They also discuss how the use of speech buttons has improved their relationships with their cats. Finally, they touch on the limitations and challenges of using speech buttons. In this conversation, Hannah discusses her experience teaching her cats to press buttons and communicate with her. She shares how she taught her cats words like 'litter' and 'clean' and how they use these buttons to communicate their needs.  She provides an update on Winnie's health and shares how she manages living with a clean freak cat like Russell. The conversation concludes with a discussion on setting boundaries with the cats using the 'no' button.

Takeaways

• Managing a multi-cat household requires providing enrichment and stimulation for each cat's individual needs.
• Using motion-activated cameras can help capture button-pressing moments and create engaging content.
• Building a successful social media presence takes time, dedication, and consistent posting.
• Being a social media influencer can provide opportunities to quit a traditional job and pursue a passion full-time. The drama and negative comments associated with pets using speech buttons can be challenging, but having a supportive online community can help.
• Creating a social media presence for pets requires consistency, engagement, and finding a niche audience.
• Using speech buttons can improve the relationship between humans and cats, as it allows for better communication and understanding of their needs.
• The use of speech buttons has limitations and challenges, such as teaching the cat to press the buttons and managing the expectations of what the cat can communicate. 
• Contextual understanding is important when interpreting what cats mean when they press certain buttons.
• Cats have unique behaviors and interests, and it's important to understand and accommodate their individual needs.
• Setting boundaries with cats using a 'no' button can help manage their requests and maintain a balanced relationship.

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In this podcast episode, Kristiina interviews Dr. Gina Rendon, a veterinarian, about her journey to becoming a vet and the challenges and burnout in the veterinary profession. They discuss the importance of balancing the emotional demands of working with sick animals and how Dr. Rendon unwinds and de-stresses from work. They also talk about breed-specific personalities in cats and common misconceptions about cats and veterinary medicine. The episode concludes with a discussion on medical conditions that can affect a cat's behavior and the importance of regular check-ups and insurance for cats. This part of the conversation covers topics such as monitoring cat behavior, recognizing pain and discomfort, advancements in treatment for pain and arthritis, behavioral issues and medication, recent advancements in veterinary behavior, the importance of cat care and socialization, tips for getting cats into carriers, treating cat travel anxiety and car sickness, homeopathic and herbal care for cats, clipping indoor cat's nails, coping with nightmares in blind cats, and a grieving cat's obsession with brushing. In this conversation, Kristiina and Gina discuss various topics related to pet care and veterinary medicine. They explore the importance of bonding activities and stimulation for pets, such as brushing and environmental enrichment. They also delve into the topic of grief and how veterinarians cope with it. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of providing love and care to pets and the emotional challenges that come with it.