19 cats and counting on pet life radio (petliferadio.com) by Pet Life Radio

On this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, Rita Reimers welcomes cat welfare scientist and attorney Katia Colitti for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation about feline behavior, aging, and the human-cat bond. From understanding the unique needs of senior cats to recognizing subtle behavioral changes and medical issues, this episode dives deep into what it really means to care for cats at every stage of life. Katja shares insights from her Mittens Companion Project, breaking down cat welfare science, emotional well-being, and why cats are anything but “low maintenance.” Plus, they explore topics like feline hearing changes, cognitive decline, litter box challenges, and the importance of enrichment, patience, and truly listening to your cat. A must-listen for cat lovers who want to better understand—and strengthen—their relationship with their feline companions.

In this episode of 19 Cats and Counting, Rita Reimers sits down with feline behaviorist Stephen Quandt to explore his journey into the world of feline behavior and shelter volunteerism. Stephen shares how his work with numerous shelters shaped his approach to behavior consulting and discusses the diverse clientele he serves today.

In this episode of 19 Cats and Counting, Rita Reimers speaks with Stacy LeBaron about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and why it benefits entire communities, whether you love cats or not. Stacy shares how TNR improves public health, reduces nuisance behaviors, and creates long-term humane solutions for free-roaming cats. They also discuss the exciting renaming of Community Cats Podcast to Community Cats Central and the educational classes now available to advocates and caregivers nationwide.

Today I’m joined by Margaret Tompkins, and we’re tackling one of the most persistent myths in the cat world: the idea that cats who are FIV or FeLV positive can’t safely live with cats who are not. This belief has caused a lot of unnecessary fear, heartbreak, and even rehoming decisions (or worse) over the years. In this episode, Margaret and I break down what’s actually true, what’s outdated, and how informed, responsible cat guardians can make thoughtful decisions based on science, not stigma.

In this month’s episode of 19 Cats & Counting, I’m joined by our regular guest Dr. Kelly Cairns for an important conversation about outdoor cats, stress, and a condition many cat guardians struggle with — Pandora syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis. We talk about why indoor cats generally experience lower stress levels than outdoor cats, and how exposure to outdoor threats — including neighborhood cats — can significantly increase stress for cats living indoors. Even when cats never physically interact, visual and scent-based encounters alone can be enough to elevate stress and trigger behavioral and medical issues. Dr. Cairns explains how chronic stress affects the feline body, particularly the urinary tract, and why some cats develop recurring urinary symptoms without an obvious infection or physical cause. We explore how stress acts as a central driver in Pandora syndrome, and why managing a cat’s environment is often just as important as medical treatment. This episode helps clarify: •how stress shows up in cats in subtle ways, •why urinary issues are often linked to emotional and environmental factors, and •what cat guardians can do to reduce stress and support long-term health. If you’ve ever wondered why a cat continues to struggle with urinary problems despite treatment, or why outdoor activity around your home seems to upset your indoor cats, this conversation offers insight, reassurance, and practical perspective.

In this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, I’m joined by Dr. Bethany Hsia, co-founder of Coda Pet. Dr. Bethany Hsia and her husband, Dr. Gary Hsia, are both veterinarians. Along with Dr. Karen Whala, they created Coda Pet to help families navigate one of the hardest parts of loving an animal: saying goodbye.

In this episode, I sit down with author and community-cat advocate Dr. Debra Blaine to talk about her book Whiskers in the Wild (which I am currently reading), a heartfelt and practical guide to saving and socializing community cats. We unpack the important differences between stray cats and feral cats, two terms often used interchangeably, but with very different meanings and outcomes for the cats themselves.

The holidays are full of sparkle, celebration, and togetherness, but they also bring a few unique safety challenges for our feline friends. In this special episode, Dr. Kelly Cairns and I unwrap the biggest seasonal hazards you’ll want to watch for, including tempting but toxic holiday foods, extra household activity and guests, and all the glittery décor cats love to investigate, from ribbons and bows to ornaments and Christmas trees, even plants we should be careful with around our feline family members. We’ll share practical, vet-approved tips to keep your home safe, calm, and cat-friendly throughout the season, and what to do if your cat does eat something they shouldn’t. And because the holidays should be fun for our pets too, we also talk about thoughtful, enriching gift ideas your cats will absolutely love. Join us for a festive, informative guide to ensuring your feline companions enjoy the holidays as much as you do!

Senior Cats are near and dear to Rita’s heart, having adopted several of these precious felines. Sometimes they cats end up in the shelter due to no talk of their own when their owners pass away or move to a care facility.

FIP, Feline infectious peritonitis, is a feline disease every cat own dreads. Once 100% fatal, great advances in the cure, and preventative medication, mean no cat must die just because of a FIP diagnosis. However, not everyone can afford the expensive treatments. Listen as Rita talks with Peter Cohen about FIP, the symptoms, new medications, and how the FIP Warriors organization is working hard to ensure medication is available to everyone who needs it.

People often get nervous when they find out they are expecting, but they have a cat in their household. Often well-meaning friends and relatives give all kinds of unsolicited advice, often boiling down to getting rid of Fluffy. Is that really fair to you or Fluffy?

Lisa Schermerhorn is a Quantum Healer and celebrated author of the popular book, “Every Truth is a Lie.” Lisa believes that “individuals who use focused intention, visualization, and energy transfer, they can stimulate their own body’s innate healing capabilities.”

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ezra J. Ameis, DVM. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Ezra opened his veterinary practice, Paw Priority, with the goal of offering both Urgent Care and General Practice with a personal touch. Most veterinarian offices today are owned or being bought by large corporations, which often values serving a large quantity of patience over care giving care with

As cat owners, we all want to give our feline friends the best life possible. We’re careful about the food, treats, and toys we choose to keep them happy and healthy. But what about their teeth?

Welcome back to the 19 Cats and Counting Show! After a brief hiatus, Rita Reimers, Cat Behavior Trainer, is back to talk about all things cat. Today Rita will talk about the changes at 19 Cats and her new company and will also talk about what’s coming up on future show. Rita will also do an overview about

What do you do when there are so many community cats outside, and they keep having more and more kittens? If you’re Jan Leonard, you don’t wait for someone to fix the problem: you create your own solution.

Do you believe in animal communicators? Linda was skeptical and Rita did not think it was possible, until we met Kara Udziela from Pets Eye View. Kara told us things she could not have known! So what's the point? What if we told you a good animal communicator can tell you about pain and illnesses your cat is hiding? What if you were accidentally doing something that hurt or bothered your cat? Would you want to know? These are just a few examples of what Kara helps us with, as well as energy.

FIP affects 1 - 2 percent of the cat population. Historically, 96% of cats with FIP did not survive. While it is not common for cats to develop FIP, all cats are at risk, even if they are kept indoors. Peter Cohen's beloved cat, Smoky was diagnosed with FIP at 17 weeks and was one of the first cats to be cured with an experimental trial. To honor Smoky and to save others, he founded Zen by Cat to work with countless other FIP warriors to fund research and help those in need. Join us as we find out more about FIP, where it stands today and what is still needed to permanently end FIP and its devastating effects on us and our cats.

So, you’ve decided to have more than one cat. Congratulations! You’ve officially leveled up in the game of feline companionship. While single-cat life has its perks, nothing beats the chaos, comedy, and cuddles of a multi-cat household. But let’s be honest—living with multiple cats isn’t all synchronized purring and Instagram-worthy group naps. It’s also territorial tiffs, litter box logistics, and a constant battle for the best sunbeam real estate. Join Linda and Rita as they talk about living with 12 and 18 cats respectively, and how they manage to keep peace among the felines.

Spring is coming up fast, and with spring comes kitten season. With rescues and shelters already overpopulated, what is the answer? Preventing those kittens from being born in the first place. Join Linda and Rita as they talk with Brianna Lovell Myers, Director of United Spay Alliance and their Fix By Five initiative. Find out how United Spay Alliance is helping to make spay/neuter more accessible and affordable by training veterinarians on the latest and most efficient cost-saving techniques.

There’s no doubt that raw food for our cats and dogs has arguably been the number one choice, touted by veterinarians and pet experts alike. Closer to what cats and dogs would eat in nature, the benefits of feeding raw range from improved appetite, weight management, and healthier skin and coats.

Have you ever considered doing TNR (Trap Neuter Return) or maybe fostering some cats while they wait for their furr-ever homes? There are many well-known people in the world of TNR and fostering, like Sterling Davis the Trap King and Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw. They commit their days to these tasks, and we are thankful for them.

From the minute we bring a tiny kitten into our homes, we know our days with them are numbered. Their lives are so much shorter than ours and someday, we will all face that moment of decision: should I keep treating my sick cat, or should I let him go? Is he happy or is he suffering? If kitty is very sick and we know he’s at end of life, do we let nature take its course at home or do we help with euthanasia? How do we know when it's time to help? We are so thankful Dr. Jeff Feinman is back to talk to us about this difficult decision and what we can do now, to help our cats live as long as possible and to be aware of the changes we may not notice.

They say cats have 9 lives, but what if we could give them 10?

Most often, when we get a new kitten, they have been weaned from their momma and are ready for their new home. But what if you find a kitten who is abandoned and not yet old enough to be weaned? What do they need? How often should they be fed? When do we visit the vet? Dr. Kelly Cairns is back to help us unpack this situation so we can be prepared to give foundling kittens their best possible start in life. Dr. Kelly is VP of medical excellence and education for over 400 hospitals in the Thrive Pet Healthcare family and is a regular guest on 19 Cats and Counting.

Pandora Syndrome can cause many health issues in our cats and comes from anxiety. Dr. Jeff Feinman is here to tell us more about Pandora Syndrome, what is it, how it affects our cats, and what we can do to help cats who have it. Join us to learn more about the issues it causes and how you can help your kitty to lessen their likelihood of suffering from this common ailment. Dr. Jeff Feinman holds degrees in veterinary medicine and molecular biology. He is also a holistic veterinarian.

Michael Herbert took one of his cats to the vet. After coming home, aggression immediately started between his cats. They always got along before, what happened? He was shocked to learn about Feline Non-Recognition Aggression, which happens when a cat’s scent has changed due to a vet visit, grooming, or boarding visit, or other such time when the cats lived apart. Why hadn't his veterinarian warned him about this possibility when one of his cats had to stay at the animal hospital for treatment?

Does this sound familiar? Your cat is doing something super adorable. You grab your camera and snap a picture, but the photo never does your feline friend justice. Then there's those black beauty kitties! You snap a quick pic of your sleek black panther and the photo looks like a lump with no face.

Earlier this year, we, and the world, suffered a tremendous loss in the very unexpected passing of our friend and former boss, Richard Simmons.

Steve Dale knows pets. He is a celebrated Animal Behaviorist and animal welfare advocate, with not one, not two, but THREE radio shows! Rita had the pleasure of meeting Steve a few years ago at a conference about Cat Behavior. Steve is one busy guy, and we’re honored he made the time to be on our show!

Oh, we love those Two Crazy Cat Ladies! They're back and they have something new to share. Every wonder why some cats are affected by everything and even seems to be allergic to cat food? The ones who pee on the floor versus the ones who don’t? What is different about the cats that are laid back and the ones who are afraid of their own shadows, or who constantly get into mischief all the time? The answer may have been found! Jae and Adrianne, The Two Crazy Cat Ladies, join Rita and Linda to discuss their new feline hair and saliva test for cats. This simple test can tell you if cat has environmental or food sensitivities, parasites, organ problems, and more. These sensitivities can cause a myriad of issues, including behavior issues. Not only will we be able to discover and avoid things that are causing our cats issues, but they will help give us a plan to battle the issues caused by them, and a list of holistic remedies that can help. You can also take the result to your cat behaviorist to help pinpoint the issues and recommend appropriate behavior modification methods! How fantastic is that!

There are certain medical conditions that seem inescapable as our cats age. Kidney disease is one of those conditions. Linda and Rita have both lost many cats to this dreaded disease that we cat parents feel helpless to avoid. But, is it indeed avoidable?

There is a big push in the cat world to feed our feline a raw diet. Trouble is, it's often difficult and confusing to find the PURRfect cat food with all the right nutrients that our cats need to live. Add to the equation our cats’ finicky pallets, it gets even more challenging. If we find one that is nutritionally complete and easy to serve, it might be a struggle to get our cats to eat it.

There has been much in the press about pet foods lately, with many recalls and questions about just how safe commercial pets are. It feels like the big companies don’t care about what is actually in our pets’ food. But that’s all about to change. Spokesperson: Chad Wethal, Senior Global Marketing Manager, Pet & Lifestyle for Cargill's Animal Nutrition business, is here to talk about big changes happening in the petfood industry that will benefit our pets and help them live long and happy lives. Join us as we talk with Chad about Cargill, what they do in the petfood industry, and what changes they are driving to ensure our pets live a long, happy, healthy life. Cargill Cares.

How we LOVE our good friend, Arden Moore! If you haven’t caught her Podcast, Oh Behave! on Pet Life Radio, you’re really missing out! In addition to podcasts, and the a-meow-zing pet first aid and safety catches she teaches, Arden is really an expert on all things cat AND dog!

Rita and Linda work with many clients and see all kinds of cat behavior issues. Although it's rare, there are times where the anxiety in that cat is so extreme, they often wonder if a neurological consult might help. However, many clients hear "neurologist" and think it's going to be insanely expensive.

Dr. Andy Roark is a veterinarian who not only helps animals, he also helps to educate their humans and veterinarians, too! In addition to conducting training sessions and attending speaking engagements, he also hosts a podcast entitled "The Cone of Shame". Dr. Andy is also active on social media giving great tips and information.

We all know dogs can be therapy animals, but did you know cats can as well?? We were surprised, too, until we met Mary Margaret Callahan. Pet Partners’ mission is to improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. Humans and animals share a deep, innate connection, and we believe that through the human-animal bond we can improve the physical, social, and emotional lives of more people and communities.

Shichic was founded by Paul Joly and his tuxedo cat, Mateo. Two cat lovers fed up with the horrors of open, smelly, plastic litter boxes ruining their homes & spoiling their paw-some relations with their feline companions! After Paul and Mateo moved to Paris after living in the French countryside, Mateo no longer went outside, so Paul had to buy a litter box. Paul was perplexed as to how to solve the age-old problem of stinky litter boxes, and where in the house could they be tolerated.

Do you have a diabetic cat, or one you suspect might have diabetes? It’s much more common that you might think. If fact, 3 times as many cats as dogs develop diabetes. Cats are so skilled at hiding signs of illness that the early stages of the disease can sometimes be hard to spot. Signs include increased thirst, increased hunger, and excessive urination. It is estimated that 1 in 500 cats will become diabetic at some point in their lifetime. The major contributing factor for cats developing diabetes is obesity. In this podcast with our resident veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Cairns, we’ll answer these common questions about Feline Diabetes, and more: 1.What are the signs of feline diabetes? 2.Is there a cure for feline diabetes? 3.Can feline diabetes be prevented? 4.Will I need to feed my cat a special diet? 5.Is this a condition that I can manage at home, or will my cat need to go to the vet for insulin injections?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a cat’s issue is a medical one verses a behavioral issue. Is your cat peeing outside of the box because she has a UTI? Or is it due to anxiety over the cats that hang around outside. Is your cat attacking because he doesn’t feel well or is in pain, or is it because he is feeling insecure?

Dr. Kelly Cairns joins Rita and Linda to talk about cats and appetite. Some common questions we hear from cat parents, and we sometimes ask ourselves: Why is my cat hungry all the time? My cat seems hungry but refuses his food, why? Am I feeding my cat too much? Too litter? Is what I am feeding the best and right food for him? Dr. Kelly is here to talk about all that, what may cause a cat to not eat or to overeat, and when it’s time to take your cat to the vet to find out what’s going on.

Meet Jody Teiche, pet health expert and pet parent coach. Her unique holistic approach to pet issue ranging from nutrition to anxiety have helped calm both pets and pet parents alike. She is a Certified Pet Homeopathic Educator and her program, 3 Key Health Pillars Every Pet Parent Should Know (And Why They Lead to a Longer Life), is offered a couple of times a year.

How would you like to buy one toy for your cats that never needs replacing? That you can store away neatly on its own hanger. That you can buy multiple different toys to dangle on the end, PLUS you can add a long lead to make it even more fun for your cats?

Bryan Kortis was a Manhattan lawyer when he stumbled up some kittens who needed homes. After that experience, he then got involved with TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) and finding homes for animals on the street. Rescue became his passion, and he happy to be making changes happen.

Julie Bradford, Partner and Medical Director at Goodvets.com, is here to tell us about a new concept in vet care. Goodvets is an innovative network of animal hospitals that are each co-owned by the local vets who run them. In this structure, local vets get the autonomy they need to run their practices, yet they have the support of a team and the good name of Goodvets.com. Listen as Julie explains how this model works to benefit not only the veterinarians, but also benefits you and your pets, too!

We all love our pets, and we’d do anything for them. But what happens when we can’t, or aren’t there to make sure they are well cared for? Some of us plan for our cats should we pass unexpectedly. But what happens when we are sick, temporarily unable to care for our pets, or wind up having a lengthy hospital stay. A timely topic in view of Rita’s current bout with Covid, what would have happened to her cats had she been hospitalized? Or worse? As prepared as Rita thought she was, there is a big hole in her plans.

Dr. Kelly Cairns, VP of medical excellence for over 400 Thrive Pet Healthcare clinics, is back with Part Two of our Holiday Safety Tips for cats and dogs. With all the special foods, plants, presents, decoration, as well as people coming into your home, the holidays can be a dangerous time for our pets.

Your cat just chewed up one of your plants. Should you be worried? Is it poisonous? If she starts throwing up, should I take her to the vet? Before you panic, there is a place you can contact BEFORE you even head to the vet’s office with your pet: PetPoisonHelpline.com

Stacy LeBaron has long been a champion of TNR (Trap Neuter Release) to help stop the growth of the feral cat population, affectionately referred to as Community Cats. But it’s not just ferals who are part of the community: people who let their cats wander outside, cats that have been cast out of their homes, and any cat, feral or domestic, that lives the majority of their lives outside can be considered part of the outside Community Cats.

Dr. Kelly Cairns, VP of medical excellence for over 400 Thrive Pet Healthcare clinics, shares her feline knowledge with us here each month. As the winter holiday season is upon us, Dr. Kelly is here to talk about holidays, cats, and the things we need to be careful with around our feline friends as we celebrate.

Catification. It’s a big buzz word in the cat world, but what does it really mean? Does it mean you need to live in a home filled with cat trees and shipping boxes in order to make your cats happy? Well, in fact it’s quite the opposite. Kate Benjamin of HausPanther.com is here on our show to talk about bringing great cat items into your home that are also aesthetically pleasing to we humans. And it does not have expensive either. Join us as Kate shows us real examples in her how home that are inexpensive, functional for cats, while adding style, too.

We LOVE Peter Cohen. Talk about Catification - his a-meow-zing home is often featured on his social media and has been built with the cats in mind. However, Peter’s focus is on FIP research and the quest to make the off-label use of drugs that cure FIP available for veterinarians to prescribe. His kitty, Cookie Monster, was one of the first cats to be treated for - and cured of – the once always-fatal FIP.

Rita and Linda adore the Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Jae and Adrienne and now they love them even more! The ladies have created a new cat symptom checker on their website, TwoCrazyCatLadies.com!

Have you noticed that your cats are scratching more lately? Sometimes our cats scratch so much the entire bed shakes! But why are they itchy when we see no fleas, bugs, or rashes on our cats? There are some common skin conditions that might be the cause of the scratching, but how can we tell exactly what’s going on? Some cats can even develop behavior problems as a result of the irritation and feeling just plain yucky.

Do we have a treat for you! On this episode of 19 Cats and Counting, the legendary Sandy Robins joins Linda and Rita to talk tech…

Carla McCarty, who goes by the name @MsCurlyMcCatLady on social media, is a schoolteacher in Chicago, Illinois. She also happens to be the go-to cat lady in her neighborhood, single-handedly saving 23+ cats from living outside, without shelter or love. That’s right, 23, even more than Rita and each Linda have!

As much joy as our cats (and dogs) provide, they come with the knowledge that their time with us is all too brief. Our pets grow old, get sick, pass away, often leaving us with a deep sense of grief and sometimes even guilt that we were not able to save them. We ask ourselves questions like: Why didn’t I notice the illness sooner? Did I wait too long to say good-bye? Did I not wait long enough? Did I do the right thing in the end? Was my pet suffering? Linda and Rita have been where you are. with currently 28 cats between their own and their sanctuary cats, they know what it feels like to suddenly feel the great burden of pet illness, making “the decision,” and the pain of being suddenly faced with their loss. We are never really prepared to say good-bye. Join Rita and Linda as they talk about their experiences losing pets, making THE decision, coping with the pain, and dealing with (well meaning?) people who tell us it's “only a cat.” We know better; they are more than “just” cats to us, too. In this two-part series, Linda and Rita also talk about Rita’s book, Sadie’s Heart, and the lessons she learned the hard way about advocating for your pets when they are sick. You are their voice, and in the end, only you know what’s best for your cats and dogs.

As much joy as our cats (and dogs) provide, they come with the knowledge that their time with us is all too brief. Our pets grow old, get sick, pass away, often leaving us with a deep sense of grief and sometimes even guilt that we were not able to save them. We ask ourselves questions like: Why didn’t I notice the illness sooner? Did I wait too long to say good-bye? Did I not wait long enough? Did I do the right thing in the end? Was my pet suffering? Linda and Rita have been where you are. with currently 28 cats between their own and their sanctuary cats, they know what it feels like to suddenly feel the great burden of pet illness, making “the decision,” and the pain of being suddenly faced with their loss. We are never really prepared to say good-bye. Join Rita and Linda as they talk about their experiences losing pets, making THE decision, coping with the pain, and dealing with (well meaning?) people who tell us it's “only a cat.” We know better; they are more than “just” cats to us, too. In this two-part series, Linda and Rita also talk about Rita’s book, Sadie’s Heart, and the lessons she learned the hard way about advocating for your pets when they are sick. You are their voice, and in the end, only you know what’s best for your cats and dogs.

Can you believe we’ve been on the air for 100 Episodes! Listen in as Linda and Rita share their favorite podcast memories, along with some cat behavior tips and tricks! Thank you for being loyal listeners of 19 Cats and Counting. Keep listening; the best is yet to come! And a special thank you to Mark Winter for all you do for us! Visit CatBehaviorAlliance.com for more information about Cat Behavior or to book a session.

At our behavior practice, CatBehaviorAlliance.com, we’re seeing more and more families that have both cats and dogs. We love that! There is nothing cuter than seeing a cute kitty snuggled up with a big dog! Although Linda and Rita both grew up with dogs, they understand cat behavior much better than dog behavior, especially since behaviors vary among dog breeds.

If you have cat (or two), you’ve no doubt stepped in something squishy in the middle of the night. Or you’ve ran a sprint trying to get your cat onto the floor as he is preparing to cough one up… Yes, we’re talking about every cat owner’s nemesis – the dreaded hairball… Somehow, it’s become an accepted fact that cat’s vomit, and do so often. But is it normal? Is it nothing to worry about? Or should we be concerned when our cats cough up hairballs, undigested food, and the icky clear stuff that we all hate wiping up…

Finding the right cat food is confusing! Antibiotics, fillers, grains, and pesticides are everywhere. Fish is a healthy, low fat, high protein choice, but the mercury in fish is an issue, too. Mercury poisoning can cause a myriad of health issues and even death, for both humans and felines, as Pure Cravings’ Founder, Sean Wittenberg, well knows.

Did you know there is a rescue sanctuary dedicated to blind cats? Linda and Rita were amazed to find such a wonderful rescue, full of happy cats who don’t miss their sight at all. Since cats mainly rely on their sense of smell and the vibrations of their whiskers to make their way through the world, their lack of site doesn’t slow them down one bit.

We had never heard of it either… During our monthly visit from the PAW-some Dr. Kelly Cairns really opened our eyes to this affliction, and how common it really is. Some of the client cats we see at our practice at Cat Behavior Alliance have this all-to-common condition. Pandora Syndrome often gets lumped in with other urinary diseases, such as FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), however it is so much more than “just” a typical urinary infection or disease.

Linda and Rita always thought of pet insurance as a luxury only people that was not necessary and largely unaffordable by most pet owners. Their interview with Brian Jorgensen, head of MetLife's pet insurance division, has changed their minds.

It's no secret that Rita and Linda love the Two Crazy Cat Ladies! If you don’t know them yet, well, you should! Long time advocated for feline health and well-being, Jae and Adrienne created a line of holistic remedies just for cats called Feline Essential. They have even partnered with Jackson Galaxy on a few of their products.

As cat behaviorists, we sometimes get involved with topics that aren’t exactly behavior related, but that do affect our cats and their overall health and well-being. As cat parents, sometimes we are shocked about what we learn. This is the case when recently one of our clients was talking with us about cat food. What is best to feed your cats? What should we look for on the label? What should, and should not, be on the ingredient list?

Isabel Alvarez Arata, host of Pet Life Radio’s Covered In Pet Hair, made a life-changing decision recently: she decided to adopt a cat! After being a dog parent for a number of years, she recently lost her last dog. Isabel’s lifestyle has changed now that she has 2 kids, so getting a puppy felt like too much for her to handle right now.

Behavior consultant and lifestyle expert of the feline kind. That’s how Daniel Quagliozzi, affectionately known as DQ, refers to himself. For that past 20+ years, DQ’s life has been all about the betterment of life for cats, and their humans, too.

Let’s talk about Parasite Prevention. Our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Cairns, is with us to talk about the importance of prevention, even for cats. What kind of parasites might plague our cats? Fleas, Ticks, Tapeworms, Ringworms, Ear Mites, and also Heartworm. Linda and Rita did not know that cats could indeed get Heartworm, although it is more prevalent in dogs.

Does your older cat show signs of slowing down, or even pain? A staggering 90% of cats over the age of 12 have arthritis, which means it starts setting in even younger. Cats are such masters at hiding illness and pain that often we don’t notice the signs.

Did you ever wonder what your cat would say if he could talk? Or what his text messages would say if he could use a smart phone? In Angie Bailey’s book, Texts from Mittens, she shows us just what is on the minds of cats everywhere, and just what they would test, if only they could type. Texts from Mittens is a series of comical text messages exchanged between a snappy, self-absorbed cat and his long-suffering human.

All Dogs (and Cats) go to Heaven, they say… But do they? Allia Zobel Nolan explores that very topic. Will we see our furry loved ones again when we get to heaven? After reading Allia’s new book, Heavenly Headbutts, we think you’ll feel much better about just where our pets go when they cross that infamous Rainbow Bridge.

Cats are famous for hiding signs of illness, to the point where we sometimes don’t discover and illness until our cats are very sick. Also, we know cats slow down as they age, and their habits change but it happens so slowly that we often don’t notice. How can we change that and improve the quality and longevity of life for our cats?

April 19 is National Cat Lady Day! Linda and Rita are celebrating by getting their cats, and themselves, some cool cat products for their combined 27 cats! These two are TRUE Cat Ladies! On this episode, Rita and Linda will show you come of the cool things they were sent to review, as well as some of their own favorites, so you can be sure to spoil your cat lady, and her cats too!

Death threats, lawsuits, media attention… None of this was on Howard’s mind when he met and fell in love with Carole. The dedication these two have to each other, as well as to the protection of those big cats, is incredible.

We all know who Carole Baskin is; she is the fearless champion of Big Cats everywhere. Big Cat Rescue was opened by Carole in 1992 as a safe haven for exotic cats who have been mistreated or displaced. And, of course, by now her name is synonymous with Tiger King Joe Exotic (more on that later...)

Dr. Kelly Cairns, DVM is VP of medical excellence education for over 400 Thrive Pet Healthcare family facilities! She is passionate about health care for all our pets, but she has a special fondness for our feline friends. (We love that!)

Linda and Rita welcome back their favorite cat behaviorist, Dr. Rachel Geller, who is here to talk about her new course. In cooperation with the Community Cats Podcast, Dr. Rachel is teaching a class that we as a community need; the Surrender Prevention Workshop!

We all know how stressful buying a house and moving in can be. Now, imagine you and your fiancé find your dream home, but the day of closing are “comes with a few barn cats” and the former owners of the house are hoping you will let them stay… Neither of you are "cat people" but, okay. How hard can it be to take care of a couple of old barn cats, right? Surprise, it’s actually FIFTEEN (15) cats, none of whom are spayed or neutered!

With 27 cats between them, Linda and Rita know cat’s, and what motivates them. Of course, they have not always been so knowledgeable about what drives cats and their unique behaviors, nor how to steer them into behaviors we can live with.

Is your cat happy? Do they feel okay? We know how cats can hide signs of illnesses. Is there something they'd like us to do for them? If only cats could talk! Well, cats may not be able to talk but Linda and Rita specialize in reading cat body language and signs to help our cats. But what if we could do more? What if we could let our cats know how we feel about them and have better communication?

What would happen to your beloved feline friends if something happened to you? If you needed to be in the hospital for a month, or if you pass away, who would take care of your fur-babies? Would that human know the details about your cat's health, likes and dislikes, routines etc.?

Did you know that between 20 and 50% of cats over the age of 15 have some degree of kidney disfunction going on? Kidney disease is 3 times higher for cats than dogs, too. It’s also unfortunate that many of these cats aren’t diagnosed until the disease has progressed to an untreatable state. Cats are notorious for hiding signs of illness, and just as notoriously difficult to get inside the carrier…

On TV, they call the fire department to save kitty, but many don't do that anymore or their ladders just don’t reach high enough. We know it can be difficult for cats to get back down due to the shape of their claws. Their forward hook of cat claws is great for grabbing hold and quickly climbing up the tree to escape danger. But coming down, those claws are actually a hindrance to heading down. What do we do?

Jenna Mahan is a registered vet tech and is also the Director of Claims at Embrace Pet Insurance. Jenna joins Rita and Linda on this episode to discuss tips for keeping your cats (and dogs) safe during the holidays. They also discussed pet insurance, how it works, and the incredible value it provides. Surprisingly, it’s not as costly as we thought, either! If you have cats (and/or dogs), you will benefit from the information Jenna shared with us how pet insurance policies work.

You may know Sheri Lynch from The Bob and Sheri show, which is syndicated in 70 nationwide affiliates, 177 countries, and 150 ships at sea through American Forces Network. But you probably didn’t know that Sheri is a cat lover, who is owned by 3 adorable cats! Inspired by her Italian roots, Sheri wrote a cookbook called Cooking with Cats. This book is full of recipes, fun feline kitchen helpers, and even some recipes for yummies for your cat. Join Rita and Linda as they talk (and laugh) with Sheri and talk about cats, cooking, and whatever else comes to mind.

Soda Pup is a veteran-owned business started by Adam Baker that makes amazing, durable toys for super chewer dogs. Wait! What does that have to do with cats?

We are purring with excitement over Affordable Pet Labs! Dr. Rory Lubold and Dr. Joe Menicucci are both veterinarians, as well as friends since college. They decided our animal's health care tests needed to both easier and more affordable to us humans.

Alden Martinez is the proud founder of Katio Dogio. Along with his trusty partner, Kelly (his wife), their company is making products that solve some common problems for cat lovers everywhere! We tried the floating bowls and found them very helpful for our cats’ digestion, as well as giving us much less incidence of hairballs and vomit. Who doesn't love that?

Amy Shojai dreamed of becoming a Broadway star as a child. While that dream did not come true, she turned her creativity toward cats, dogs, and writing! Her Mom told her friends, “When Amy grows up, she won’t have babies—she’ll have puppy dogs and kitty cats.”

Rita and Linda adore Chris Roy! He has worked tirelessly to bring animal rescue, transport, fosters, and adopters all together on one platform; Doobert.com. Now, Chris has gone one step further. He has created a platform where you can shop for your pet's food and other supplies, while helping rescues at the same time. A percentage of every sale is donated to the non-profit animal wellness organization of your choice!

Did you ever have a guest you loved so much that you invited them to come back ASAP? That's how Rita and Linda feel about Pam Roussell. As a cat mom, behavior expert, holistic wellness expert and lover of all things feline, Pam is a wealth of information! Join us as Linda and Rita chat with Pam about mental, physical and emotional health practices, and how color therapy can help your feline friends!

If you've ever wanted to know more about big cats, you will love this episode of 19 Cats and Counting! Rita and Linda talk to Jeanna Hensler from the WildcatSanctuary.org. They focus on giving big cats a sanctuary to live the rest of their lives, as naturally as possible. Their residents include 4 big cats rescued from Tiger King Park, as well as many others rescued from private homes and other facilities.

If you haven't met Molly DeVoss yet, you are in for a treat! It took us months to get time on her busy schedule, but it was well worth it! As a Certified Feline Behaviorist, Molly is the owner of Cat Behavior Solutions, helping those kitties both in their homes and in the shelters.

Nicole Kay has a little Superwoman DNA in her! She founded JustCatsStore.com to focus on providing feline essentials that are the best of the best. A store that includes other animals and sells less than the best would make more money, but that's not Nicole! She is focused on "providing cats and their people with high quality products" and have "selectively chosen the best, high quality products for you and your feline." Additionally, she has partnered with a rescue to help get cats adopted and you can even donate to support a rescue! Nicole donates time, money, and resources to help local as well as national, pet rescue groups.

Phinney’s is working hard to keep people and their beloved pets together! They help with education, taking pets to the vet, providing care and even short-term fosters in case of hospitalization or other emergency needs. What a meow-velous idea! And they are working with the a-meow-zing Dr. Rachel Geller to help with behavior issues! Phinney’s is doing great work in Massachusetts, and we would love to see this idea go global!

Ava is a typical 14-year old. She loves her family, her friends, and her pets. What is amazing about Ave is that she is the 14-year-old Founder and Chief Pet Officer of Ava's Pet Palace. Did you read that right? Yes, 14!

Cat mom, fitness enthusiast, swimmer, holistic health seeker, yogi, aspiring gardener, lover of sunny Cancun beaches, gentle spirit, high sales achiever and entrepreneur. These are just a few of the ways Pam Roussell describes herself. As a cat lover all her life, Pam has always had cats as pets. Her first baby pictures show her as a newborn stuffed in a Christmas stocking with a beautiful white kitty sitting relaxed beside her.