Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

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In this episode of Hiss and Tell, host Kristiina Wilson interviews Julie Posluns, founder of Cat School and an applied animal behaviorist. They discuss clicker training for cats and its effectiveness in training various behaviors. Julie shares her background in dog training and how she discovered clicker training for cats. They explain the concept of clicker training and how it differs from other training methods. They also discuss the importance of consistency and timing in clicker training, as well as the use of food rewards. Julie provides examples of behaviors that can be trained using clicker training, such as sit, down, recall, tricks, leash walking, and cooperative care skills. They also touch on the importance of intellectual stimulation and food puzzles for cats. Clicker training can be used to improve cat behavior and provide intellectual stimulation. Cats enjoy the training process and are intellectually curious by nature. Verbal markers can be used instead of clickers for precise communication. Clicker training can also be effective in addressing behavioral issues like aggression and anxiety. The effectiveness of clicker training may vary depending on the complexity of the behavior being trained. Leash walking can be beneficial for cats, but the environment and safety considerations should be taken into account. A safe harness and leash setup is recommended, and tracking devices can be used for added safety. The conversation covers the dangers of letting cats outdoors and the importance of bringing them inside. The dangers include predators, cars, and poison. The hosts discuss the gradual process of transitioning outdoor cats to indoor cats, including providing a warm house and food for feral cats and introducing leash walking. They also address common cat behavior issues, such as cats following and biting after aggressive play, cats scratching all night long, and cats attacking their own tails. They emphasize the importance of understanding the context of these behaviors and seeking veterinary advice if necessary. The conversation concludes with information about clicker training and where to find resources.

Keywords

clicker training, cat training, behavior, consistency, timing, food rewards, intellectual stimulation, food puzzles, clicker training, cat behavior, intellectual stimulation, verbal markers, aggression, anxiety, leash walking, harness, tracking devices, outdoor cats, dangers, bringing cats inside, feral cats, leash walking, aggressive play, scratching, tail chasing, clicker training

Takeaways

• Clicker training is an effective method for training cats and can be used to teach various behaviors.
• Consistency and timing are important in clicker training, but cats have good memories and can remember skills even if training is not done every day.
• Food rewards, such as dry kibble, can be used in clicker training, and it is recommended to feed cats a healthy diet to maintain their food motivation.
• Clicker training can be used to train basic behaviors like sit, down, and recall, as well as tricks, leash walking, and cooperative care skills.
• Intellectual stimulation and food puzzles are important for cats and can be used in conjunction with clicker training to provide mental enrichment. Cats enjoy clicker training and are intellectually curious animals.
• Verbal markers can be used as an alternative to clickers for precise communication.
• Clicker training can be effective in addressing behavioral issues like aggression and anxiety.
• Leash walking can be beneficial for cats, but the environment and safety considerations should be taken into account.
• A safe harness and leash setup is recommended for leash walking.
• Tracking devices can provide added safety during outdoor activities. It is important to bring cats indoors to protect them from predators, cars, and poison.
• Transition

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Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, discusses the basics of cheetah conservation and her journey into studying and protecting cheetahs. She explains that cheetahs have a short lifespan and low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. Dr. Marker also talks about the challenges of conserving cheetahs living outside protected areas and the importance of working with farmers to reduce human-wildlife conflict. She highlights the role of livestock guarding dogs in protecting livestock and preventing cheetah killings. Additionally, Dr. Marker explains the physiological adaptations of cheetahs that enable them to be the fastest land animals and their hunting behavior. She also discusses the cognitive abilities of cheetahs and their large home ranges. Dr.  Marker discusses the health challenges faced by cheetahs, including diseases like herpes virus, calicivirus, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). She explains that cheetahs lack genetic diversity due to a historic small population, which has led to a reduced immune system. However, there is now a cure for FIP  which has saved seven cheetahs. Dr. Marker also discusses the illegal wildlife pet trade, where cheetah cubs are stolen from the wild and sold as pets in the Middle East. She emphasizes the need to stop the trade and the demand for cheetah cubs. Additionally, Dr. Marker talks about the rehabilitation program at Cheetah Conservation Fund, where cheetahs are raised and rewilded to be released back into the wild. She mentions the success of reintroducing cheetahs in India, where they had gone extinct. Dr. Marker highlights the importance of conservation and the need for funding to save the cheetahs from extinction.

Keywords

cheetah conservation, genetic diversity, human-wildlife conflict, livestock guarding dogs, physiological adaptations, hunting behavior, cognitive abilities, home ranges, cheetahs, health challenges, diseases, genetic diversity, immune system, FIP, illegal wildlife pet trade, rehabilitation program, rewilding, conservation, funding

Takeaways

• Cheetahs have a short lifespan and low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction.
• Conserving cheetahs living outside protected areas requires working with farmers to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Livestock guarding dogs play a crucial role in protecting livestock and preventing cheetah killings.
• Cheetahs are the fastest land animals and have physiological adaptations that enable their speed, such as semi-non-retractable claws and aerodynamic bodies.
• Cheetahs hunt small to medium-sized antelopes and use their speed and agility to catch their prey.
• Cheetahs have large home ranges and navigate their environment through scent marking and learning from their mothers.
• Cheetahs are more shy and prone to stress, and providing them with companionship and exercise helps reduce stress levels. Cheetahs face health challenges such as herpes virus, calicivirus, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) due to their reduced immune system caused by a lack of genetic diversity.
• There is now a cure for FIP called Cheetah 44, which has saved seven cheetahs.
• The illegal wildlife pet trade is a major threat to cheetahs, with cubs being stolen from the wild and sold as pets in the Middle East.
• Cheetah Conservation Fund has a rehabilitation program where cheetahs are raised and rewilded to be released back into the wild.
• Reintroduction efforts have been successful, with cheetahs being reintroduced in India after going extinct in the 1950s.
• Conservation efforts and funding are crucial to saving the cheetahs from extinction.

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Lilly Ludwig, an animal intuitive and communicator, explains that animal communication is the telepathic communication between species through mental images, sensations, and sometimes words. She shares that animal communication is more common than we realize and that we can all enhance our intuitive connection with our pets by talking to them and practicing mindfulness or meditation with them. Lilly also discusses her experiences with pets that have passed away, emphasizing that they are at peace and often provide messages of healing and reassurance. She mentions that signs from departed pets can come in the form of dreams, physical sensations, or symbolic associations, and that honoring a pet that has passed can be done in any way that makes the owner feel connected to them. In this conversation, Lilly discusses various ways to connect with deceased pets and offers advice for pet owners. She suggests using physical objects like photos, stuffed animals, or stones associated with the pet to create a sense of connection. She also emphasizes the importance of spending time with pets and being mindful of their needs. Lilly addresses common misconceptions about cats, such as the idea that they have to earn love, and highlights the unique challenges and traumas that cats often face. She also shares memorable experiences communicating with cats and offers insights into the legacy of Kristiina's cat, Steve.

Keywords

animal communication, telepathy, pets, intuitive, mindfulness, meditation, passed pets, signs, dreams, honoring, connecting with deceased pets, pet memorials, pet communication, pet behavior, cat behavior, cat relationships, cat anxiety, cat misconceptions, cat trauma, cat communication

Takeaways

• Animal communication is the telepathic communication between species through mental images, sensations, and sometimes words.
• We can enhance our intuitive connection with our pets by talking to them and practicing mindfulness or meditation with them.
• Pets that have passed away are at peace and often provide messages of healing and reassurance.
• Signs from departed pets can come in the form of dreams, physical sensations, or symbolic associations.
• Honoring a pet that has passed can be done in any way that makes the owner feel connected to them. Physical objects like photos, stuffed animals, or stones associated with a deceased pet can help create a sense of connection.
• Spending time with pets and being mindful of their needs is crucial for building a strong bond.
• Cats often face unique challenges and traumas, and it's important to understand and address their specific needs.
• Misconceptions about cats, such as the idea that they have to earn love, can hinder our understanding of their behavior and needs.
• Cat vocalizations can indicate anxiety or anticipation of something anxiety-inducing.
• The legacy of a pet can extend beyond their physical presence, and their purpose may be to educate and support others even after they have passed away.

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In this episode of His and Tell, host Kristiina Wilson interviews Amelia and Veronica, two of the cattery guides at Koneko Cat Cafe in New York City. They discuss the origins of Koneko, the challenges of being one of the first cat cafes in the city, and the impact they have had through cat adoptions. They also talk about the measures taken to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of diseases, the litter box setup, and the environmental stimulation provided for the cats. The interview covers topics such as integrating new cats, feeding protocols, and handling human visitors to ensure the well-being of the cats. In this part of the conversation, Amelia & Veronica discuss the presence of hand sanitizer stations in the cat cafe and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. They also talks about the behavior modifications and training techniques used with the cats in the cafe. Amelia mentions that the rescue groups they work with do a great job of choosing cats that will get along well with each other and with people. She also shares insights into how the cats communicate with each other and with the people in the cafe. Veronica discusses the guidelines for interacting with cats, especially during kids' hours, and shares some interesting and unusual behavioral patterns observed among the cats in the cafe. In this conversation, Amelia and Veronica from Koneko Cat Cafe discuss various topics related to cat adoption and the role of cat cafes in promoting animal welfare. They emphasize the importance of providing cats with intellectual and environmental stimulation, such as bird watching and cat wheels. They also explain the adoption process and the need for vetting potential adopters. The conversation touches on parasite treatment, leaving cats alone at night, and addresses misconceptions about cat cafes.

Takeaways

• Cats need intellectual and environmental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior.
• The adoption process involves vetting potential adopters to ensure a good match.
• Regular parasite treatment is important for cat health.
• Leaving cats alone at night can be done with proper monitoring.
• Cat cafes play a role in promoting animal welfare and providing a unique environment for cats.
• Misconceptions about cat cafes include same-day adoptions and bringing personal cats to the cafe.

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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.
• The number of medications a cat receives should be based on the cat's individual needs and the impact on their quality of life. T

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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.