エピソード

  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 160 More Than ‘Just a Cat’: Love, Loss & Living Better with Cats
    2026/04/29
    On Part 2 of this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, feline behaviorist Rita Reimers welcomes cat welfare scientist Katia Colitti for an eye-opening and emotional conversation about what cats truly need to thrive. From enrichment, boredom, litter box mistakes, and respecting every cat’s unique personality, to the deep bond we share with our feline companions, this episode explores the science and soul of living with cats. Rita and Katia also dive into the often-overlooked topic of cat loss grief, senior cat care, and why adopting older cats can be one of the most meaningful acts of love. A must-listen for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or learned from a cat.

    EPISODE NOTES: More Than ‘Just a Cat’: Love, Loss & Living Better with Cats

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    30 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 159 What Your Cat Wishes You Knew (Especially as They Age) Part 1
    2026/04/04
    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.

    EPISODE NOTES: What Your Cat Wishes You Knew (Especially as They Age) Part 1

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    15 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 158 Feline Wellness in Action: Inside the Work of Stephen Quandt
    2026/03/18
    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.

    He also gives listeners a glimpse into his own home life with his husband Thom and their two beloved cats, Crickett and Jenny, who prove that friendship knows no limits. Stephen will be joining the show on a semi-regular basis to share his expertise across many aspects of feline wellness.

    EPISODE NOTES: Feline Wellness in Action: Inside the Work of Stephen Quandt

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    29 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 157 Community Cats, Community Solutions: A Conversation with Stacy LeBaron
    2026/03/09
    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.

    Trap-Neuter-Return is often misunderstood — and sometimes controversial — but as Stacy LeBaron explains, it is one of the most effective, humane strategies for managing free-roaming cat populations.

    Whether you’re actively involved in TNR or simply want to understand how humane community cat management benefits everyone, this episode provides clarity, facts, and actionable insight.

    EPISODE NOTES: Community Cats, Community Solutions: A Conversation with Stacy LeBaron

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    35 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 156 FIV and FeLV Cats Need Love Too!
    2026/02/17
    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.

    I currently have an FIV cat in my rescue, Larry. He gets along very well with my non FIV rescue cats and he is a sweet love bug. Don’t pass up adopting an otherwise perfectly wonderful cat out of fear; listen to what Margaret has to say so you can feel better about introducing an FIV or FeLV cat into your clowder.

    EPISODE NOTES: FIV and FeLV Cats Need Love Too!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    34 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 155 Outdoor Cats, Stress, and Pandora Syndrome
    2026/02/04
    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.

    EPISODE NOTES: Outdoor Cats, Stress, and Pandora Syndrome

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    33 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 154 At-Home Euthanasia and Compassionate End-of-Life Care
    2026/01/28
    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.

    We talk openly about at-home euthanasia, what it really looks like, and why having this option can make such a profound difference for pets and the people who love them. Dr. Hsia explains how in-home care allows animals to remain in familiar surroundings, reduces stress, and gives families the space and time they need to be present and supported during the process.

    This conversation also explores the emotional side of end-of-life decisions, including how to know when it may be time, how veterinarians approach these moments with compassion, and why education around euthanasia is so important. For many pet guardians, fear of the unknown makes an already painful situation even harder. Dr. Hsia helps gently demystify the process while honoring how deeply personal these decisions are. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and reassuring, and it offers comfort and clarity to anyone facing — or wanting to better understand — end-of-life care for their pets.

    EPISODE NOTES: At-Home Euthanasia and Compassionate End-of-Life Care

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    31 分
  • 19 Cats and Counting Episode 153 Award Winning Author, Debra Blaine
    2025/12/29
    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.

    Debra shares the beautiful story of how her own stray cat adopted her, and we dive into the world of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return): when it’s the right solution, when it’s not, and how to know whether a cat should be returned, rehomed, or rehabilitated. Her insights are invaluable for anyone who cares for outdoor cats or wants to make a real difference in their community.

    We also chat about Debra’s newest creative project: an upcoming fiction mystery series starring (of course!) cats, because who better to solve a good mystery than our whiskered detectives? Tune in for an episode filled with compassion, clarity, and a shared love for helping every cat live their best life.

    EPISODE NOTES: Award Winning Author, Debra Blaine

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.
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    34 分