Wobbly Cats, Big Hearts: Cerebellar Hypoplasia with Dr Gina Rendon
Send us a textA wobbly step can still lead to a full, joyful life. We invited Dr. Gina Rendon, medical director at Williamsburg Vets, to demystify cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) and share how cats with this condition learn, adapt, and thrive. From the cerebellum’s real job in refining movement to the viral roots of CH through panleukopenia, we break down the science without losing sight of daily life at home. You’ll hear how to recognize early signs beyond normal kitten wobble, what makes CH different from vestibular issues, and why the condition is non-progressive—meaning time, smart setups, and practice truly pay off.We also walk through practical, budget-friendly solutions you can use right away. Think traction over tile, foam tiles over hardwood, and soft bumpers where enthusiastic sprints end. Learn how to build simple standing troughs for balance training, use passive range-of-motion to keep limbs limber, and pick feeding stations with the right height and tilt to reduce mess and frustration. We share litter strategies—from low-entry boxes to mats with lips—that support independence, plus the surprising tail-base stabilization trick some caregivers use to help kittens practice standing. Along the way, meet Egg, our fearless CH kitten who turned wobble into willpower, teaching us why these cats are resilient, social, and often hilariously bold.If you’re considering adopting or fostering a CH cat, we’ve got you covered on commitment and real expectations. You’ll get straight talk on home prep, cleaning routines, and the small accommodations that make a big difference. We also point you toward active CH communities packed with DIY ideas, gear tips, and vet recommendations. Whether you’re here for animal behavior insights, feline neurology, or heartwarming rescue stories, this episode offers tools and hope in equal measure. Subscribe, share with a cat-loving friend, and leave a review to help more people discover how special-needs cats shine.
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From Panic to Purrs: Getting Unstuck with Canopy Cat Rescue
Send us a textSean from Canopy Cat Rescue takes us behind the scenes of an extraordinary mission—saving cats from towering trees across Washington State. As a professional arborist and mountain guide, Sean reveals how he and his partner Tom turned their climbing expertise into a specialized rescue organization that's saved nearly 8,000 feline lives.The conversation unpacks the fascinating intersection of technical climbing and feline behavior—how expert rescuers interpret a cat's meows, ear positions, and tail movements to predict whether a terrified feline will accept help or climb higher to escape. Sean explains the startling reality that fire departments rarely rescue cats from trees, leaving desperate pet owners searching for solutions when their companions climb too high.Through vivid storytelling, Sean debunks persistent myths about cats in trees. No, cats don't reliably come down when they're hungry—Sean has rescued cats stuck for over 23 days. Leaving food at the tree's base won't work and may attract predators. And the classic claim that "you never see cat skeletons in trees" misses the simple fact that deceased animals fall or are scavenged.For pet owners, the episode offers practical prevention strategies, from creating secure outdoor catios to understanding why cats climb trees in the first place. Sean shares touching stories of "repeat climbers" (the record is seven rescues for a single cat!) and explains how the organization has expanded to rescue everything from iguanas and parrots to helping wildlife rehabilitators return fallen owlets to nests.What began as occasional rescues has blossomed into a full-time non-profit service performing around 800 rescues annually. Whether you're a cat lover, fascinated by specialized rescue operations, or simply appreciate dedicated people using unique skills to help animals in distress, this conversation will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the heroes who climb toward the sky to bring our feline friends safely back to earth.
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Cat Minds Decoded with Dr. Kristyn Vitale
Send us a textEver wondered what's really going on inside your cat's mind? Prepare to have your understanding of feline behavior completely transformed in this captivating conversation with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, a certified applied animal behaviorist and pioneering researcher in feline social cognition.Dr. Vitale dismantles the persistent myth that cats are solitary creatures, revealing compelling evidence of their complex social lives. She explains how domestic cats have evolved far beyond their wildcat ancestors, developing remarkable flexibility to thrive in diverse social environments. From free-ranging colonies to multi-cat households, cats form sophisticated social networks with clear preferences for certain companions over others—just like we do.The conversation explores fascinating discoveries about cats' cognitive abilities that rival those of dogs. Your feline companion can actually read your emotions, follow your pointing gestures, and adjust their behavior based on your reactions to new situations. That "tail up" greeting isn't just cute—it's a deliberate social signal communicating confidence and friendliness. Dr. Vitale reveals the subtle cues cats use to communicate with each other and with us, often through signals so delicate that most humans miss them entirely.For multi-cat households, this episode offers practical wisdom to reduce tension and conflict. Learn why resource distribution trumps dominance hierarchies, why rushing introductions between cats often backfires, and how to tell the difference between play and aggression. Dr. Vitale's research-backed insights will transform your relationship with your cat, helping you create an environment where they can express their natural behaviors and thrive socially.Whether you're a devoted cat parent or simply curious about these mysterious creatures, this episode will forever change how you view feline behavior. Join us to discover the extraordinary social intelligence of cats and gain a deeper understanding of what your cat is really trying to tell you. Check out Dr. Vitale's work at maueyes.com or follow her on social media to continue exploring the fascinating world of feline cognition.
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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.
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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
Welcome to "Hiss & Tell" a cat podcast where we delve deep into the fascinating world of feline behavior with your host, Kristiina Wilson, MA, CCBC, a professional animal behaviorist with years of experience in understanding our feline friends.Each episode of "Hiss & Tell" features insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests, including leading veterinarians, renowned social media cat personalities, dedicated researchers and scientists, talented cat photographers, experts in cat behavior and training and so much more. Join us as we explore a myriad of topics, from decoding the complexities of pet loss to unraveling the mysteries of feline health and behavior. Discover the latest research findings, practical tips for training your cat, and heartwarming stories that highlight the unique bond between cats and their human companions.Whether you're a seasoned cat owner, a feline enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of our purring companions, "Hiss & Tell" is your go-to podcast for all things cat behavior. So grab your favorite feline friend, cozy up, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together!
New Zealand