Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but building trust takes patience, understanding, and time.

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Rachel Geller, a Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist and Founder of All Cats All the Time, to discuss how adopters can help cats adjust successfully to their new homes. Together, they explore creating safe spaces, recognizing signs of trust, introducing cats to one another, solving common litter box challenges, and the unique joys of adopting senior cats.

Whether you’re welcoming your first cat or adding another feline family member to your home, this conversation offers practical guidance to help your cat feel safe, secure, and loved.

Learn more about Dr. Rachel Geller:
https://drrachelcatbehavior.com

Dr. Rachel Geller YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvSItTMu-jVCdrrmfvDy9g

Create a welcoming sanctuary for your cat with CatsEssentials:
https://www.catsessentials.com

You might think your cat is just “slowing down” with age… but what if they’re actually in pain?

In this eye-opening episode, host Melissa Manzanera sits down with renowned feline veterinarian Dr. Wendy Simpson to uncover the hidden signs of arthritis in cats—a condition that affects up to 90% of cats over age 12, yet often goes undiagnosed.

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which means subtle behavior changes could be your only clue. From hesitation to jump to changes in grooming, litter box habits, or even mood—these small shifts may signal something much bigger.

Dr. Simpson shares what most cat parents miss, how veterinarians diagnose arthritis, and the most effective ways to help your cat live a more comfortable, pain-free life.

If you love your cat, this episode could change everything.

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Lori Kogan and Dr. Jennifer Currin-McCulloch from Colorado State University to explore how the human–animal bond supports people during serious illness.

The conversation looks at what it means to navigate cancer and other health challenges, and where cats and pets fit into that experience: whether as part of a broader support system or, in some cases, the primary source of comfort.

From the quiet presence of a cat during treatment to the sense of purpose they can provide when everything else feels uncertain, this episode highlights the role pets play in emotional support, identity, and day-to-day life during difficult times.

Topics discussed include:
• why pets are often overlooked in medical conversations
• how cats provide comfort, routine, and connection
• the challenges of caring for a pet during illness
• ways to support someone and their pet in practical terms
• considerations for safety during treatment

This episode offers perspective and support for anyone navigating illness, as well as for those looking for ways to show up and help, both for people and their pets.

Resources to include:
PAWS Resource Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTNIFyfhMFrifX91LxhxUzA-IFfQXhJJ/view?usp=drive_link

PAWS Care Network app (Apple)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paws-care-network/id6757776337

PAWS Care Network app (android)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remsenstudio.pawscarenetwork