Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

• Leaf It Alone: A Cat Owner's Survival Guide to Houseplants

  Send us a textEver brought home a beautiful houseplant only to discover your cat treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet? You're not alone. The delicate balance between maintaining a green home and keeping our feline friends safe is something many pet parents struggle with.Hiss and Tell welcomes plant and pet specialist Anastasia from Leaf & Paw to explore this crucial intersection of plant parenthood and cat guardianship. With over 200 houseplants coexisting with her pets, Anastasia shares practical wisdom gained from both personal experience and professional expertise.Our conversation dives deep into which common houseplants pose dangers to cats—those trendy Monsteras and trailing Pothos might look beautiful on Instagram, but their calcium oxalate crystals can cause serious irritation if ingested. But don't despair! You'll discover a wealth of pet-safe alternatives that can satisfy your plant addiction without putting your fur babies at risk. From elegant Hoyas to dramatic Calatheas, there are plenty of options for the plant-loving cat parent.Beyond just identifying safe and toxic plants, this episode tackles the behavioral aspects of why cats chew plants in the first place. Hint: it's usually not spite, but boredom. Learn practical strategies for redirecting this behavior and creating harmonious multi-species households where both your plants and pets can thrive.Whether you're dealing with a plant-munching menace or a soil-digging troublemaker, this episode provides actionable solutions that respect both your love of greenery and your commitment to your cat's wellbeing. Subscribe now for more insights on creating healthier, happier lives with your feline companions.

  --------  

  49:13
• Bird Flu & Your Cat : What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know With Dr. Ann Hohenhaus

  Send us a textThis episode addresses the recent concerns surrounding avian influenza and its potential effects on cats, offering vital information and practical advice for cat owners. We explore how avian influenza spreads, its symptoms, and essential steps pet owners can take to protect their feline companions.• Overview of avian influenza and its two strains • Understanding the risks for cats and other mammals • Transmission methods, including respiratory and fecal routes • Symptoms of avian influenza in felines • Importance of keeping cats indoors as a precaution • Recommendations for reducing exposure to infected wildlife • Concerns about raw diets and contagious food sources • Tips for enriching indoor environments to keep cats happy and healthy • Current health resources for monitoring avian influenza cases 

  --------  

  35:12
• From Chaos to Calm: Using Pattern Games for a Happier Cat

  Send us a textUnlock the secrets to a happier, healthier cat through the innovative use of pattern games. Join us for a captivating conversation with Beth Brown, a certified cat behavior consultant, as we uncover how these structured exercises can transform your feline friend’s life. From providing predictability for shy cats to reducing stress for high-energy felines, Beth shares insights that could revolutionize your approach to cat care. We dive deep into her journey from shelter work to private consulting and explore why pattern games are a game-changer.Learn how to make your cat’s carrier their happy place with our guide to carrier training through pattern games like Super Bowls. We examine how empowering your cat to make choices not only eases their anxiety during vet visits but also prepares them for emergency situations. Discover the synergy of partnering with veterinarians who embrace these game-based methods for more pleasant and manageable vet experiences. We also include practical advice for implementing these techniques in multi-cat households, ensuring that resource-guarding and behavioral challenges become a thing of the past.Finally, we explore the profound impact of pattern games on shelter cats and the adoption process. Learn how simple games like "up and down" can make human interactions more enjoyable, increasing a cat’s chances of finding a forever home. Plus, hear about the support available from experts and the potential for integrating these methods into shelter environments with minimal resources. Whether you’re a cat owner or a shelter volunteer, this episode is packed with valuable techniques to enrich the lives of cats and strengthen the human-animal bond.

  --------  

  48:48
• Unraveling Cat Genetics with Dr. Leslie Lyons

  Send us a textWhat secrets do our feline friends hold in their DNA? Join us on a captivating exploration into the world of cat genetics with the esteemed Dr. Leslie Lyons.  We promise you'll gain a newfound appreciation for how cats, with their genetic parallels to humans, serve as invaluable models in biomedical research and how their genetic diversity enriches our understanding of their origins and health.The mysteries of cat coat colors and curious phenotypes are unraveled as we explore phenomena like curled ears and taillessness. Dr. Lyons explains the X-chromosome inactivation that results in striking tortoiseshell patterns and the rare occurrence of tortoiseshell male chimeras. You'll hear about the surprising forensic potential of cat fur DNA analysis, which could one day help identify our mischievous feline companions. These genetic insights not only offer a deeper connection to our furry friends but also present a scientific frontier in understanding variations in feline appearances.We also navigate the complexities of feline genetic health, tackling conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. With advancements in genetic testing and the increasing accessibility of genome sequencing, Dr. Lyons discusses the promise of precision medicine in enhancing feline healthcare. We underscore the vital role of genetic testing in responsible breeding, aiming for a future where genetic markers can inform wellness checks and safeguard the health of cats for generations to come. This is more than a conversation about cats—it's a journey into the genetic tapestry that shapes their existence.

  --------  

  41:59
• Feline Feelings: Love, Loss, and the Science of Attachment with Dr. Jennifer Vonk

  Send us a textEver wondered what goes on in the minds of our feline friends? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vonk, a trailblazer in comparative and cognitive psychology, to uncover the mysteries of animal cognition and behavior. From her journey transitioning from human cognition research to studying a variety of species like orangutans and domestic cats, Dr. Vonk offers enlightening insights. We tackle the misconceptions of cats as aloof creatures and highlight their surprising ability to form deep social bonds with humans, despite their non-social evolutionary origins.Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we explore the emotional connections between humans and animals, particularly through the lens of attachment and empathy in those with borderline personality disorder and autism. Sharing personal stories and research findings, we challenge common stereotypes, revealing how cats showcase affection just as deeply as dogs. We also navigate the sensitive topic of pet owners' decision-making processes during end-of-life moments, examining how empathy and emotion regulation play critical roles.Get ready for a journey into the intricacies of pet ownership, animal grief, and sensory perception in cats. Hear about the distinct behaviors of cats following the loss of a companion and the challenges in understanding their emotional responses. Our discussion extends to the importance of recognizing sensory cues and the cognitive abilities of animals typically perceived as solitary. Whether you're a cat enthusiast or simply curious about animal minds, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the emotional lives of animals.

  --------  

  56:08

More Science podcasts

Trending Science podcasts

About Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond