It’s a magical, moonlit edition of Cattitude! Host Michelle Fern chats with author Samantha Mattocks about her spellbinding new book, The Magic of Mister Mishkins — the latest in her whimsical middle-grade series. Meet Mister Mishkins, a ginger cat with a heart full of courage and curiosity who dreams of helping his human friend, Celene, dance with mice on the moon. With no spaceship and only a chorus of cats to help, can he make the impossible possible? Samantha shares how her real-life feline muse inspired this touching tale of friendship, healing, and believing in magic. Perfect for children, cat lovers, and anyone who still dares to dream among the stars!

EPISODE NOTES: The Magic of Mister Mishkins: Cats, Courage & Moonlight Dreams

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This week on Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes multi-talented creator Tim Carthon for a deep dive into his cute and crazy catworld, including his web series, #9Cats2Lives! From hilarious cat antics to heartfelt moments of feline inspiration, Tim shares how cats — and comedy — can help us process real-life emotions. They talk about building a feline universe that matters, the rise of solo creators in the animation world, and the secret sauce behind crafting characters that feel so human… yet are totally cats! It’s a purr-fect blend of creativity, laughter, and cat-centric storytelling you won’t want to miss.

EPISODE NOTES: 9Cats2Lives: Tim Carthon’s Cute and Crazy Feline Universe

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern chats with writer and critic Rebecca van Laer about her debut memoir, Cat. Van Laer explores how our lives with cats reshape the wild we’ve tried to domesticate—what “tame,” “neuter,” and “indoors” say about nature and about us. She shares why she chose a life plus cats (not kids), and how “undomesticating” herself alongside her senior companions Toby and Gus reframed love, work, and family. From cats’ mysteriously divine histories to millennial burnout in a content-marketing grind, maternal fault lines, and the radical permission in feline laziness and pleasure, Rebecca’s reflections purr with humor and honesty—right down to Gus’s opinion: “I don’t want to be famous…I just want to go to the basement.”

EPISODE NOTES: Toby, Gus & Me: Choosing a Life Plus Cats with Rebecca van Laer

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Move over, self-help gurus—this week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes veteran writer John Riddle and his grandsons Alex and Gavin Podgorski to introduce their whiskered life coach, Mr. Dill Pickles. We’re celebrating Life Advice from Mr. Dill Pickles, a hilariously sassy new book (now on Amazon) delivering 30 bite-size lessons for living your best cat life—think “Nap like it’s your job,” “Only cuddle when it’s inconvenient,” and “The laser is never real… but chase it anyway.” Co-authored by Alex and Gavin with Pop-Pop’s polish from John, each tip comes with laugh-out-loud explanations and “cat fun facts.” You’ll even hear a rare proclamation from atop the fridge as Mr. Dill Pickles explains why sunbeams beat spreadsheets every time. If you love cats, comedy, and unapologetic feline wisdom, curl up, press play, and let Mr. Dill Pickles run your nine lives.

EPISODE NOTES: Life Advice from Mr. Dill Pickles

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On this episode of Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes Jakob Shaw, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at PETA, to talk about how small everyday actions can help protect wildlife. From raccoons and squirrels to cats and dogs, animals can easily become trapped in common household items like cans, jars, and bottles. Jakob shares practical, humane tips for preventing harm—from properly securing recyclables to using safe deterrents instead of cruel methods like glue traps. Tune in to learn how simple changes in how we manage trash and household pests can make the world safer for our furry and feathered neighbors.

EPISODE NOTES: Living in Harmony with Wildlife: Simple Steps You Can Take

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Dating a cat person but sneezing through the sparks? On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Nick Lachey (98 Degrees; host of Love Is Blind, The Ultimatum, Perfect Match) and Dr. Michelle Moyal, veterinarian with Purina, for a lively, love-forward conversation about navigating relationships when cat allergies enter the chat. Nick shares why he teamed up on the new “Live Clear, Love Clear” video series and his own perspective on keeping romance alive when one partner’s eyes won’t stop watering, while Dr. Moyal breaks down the science behind Purina ONE LiveClear—how it helps neutralize the Fel d 1 allergen at the source (the cat’s mouth!) and what real couples are experiencing by day 21. From first-date sneeze fails to practical tips for blending cats and couples, this episode is equal parts heart and hairballs… minus the sniffles.

EPISODE NOTES: Swipe Right on Cats: Nick Lachey on Dating with Allergies

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes cartoonist and writer Thom Zahler, best known for his work on My Little Pony comics and the hit series Love and Capes. Thom introduces his brand-new comic, The Ghost Whiskerers, published by John Carpenter’s Storm King Comics. Inspired by his real-life feline duo, Mal and Halloween, this spooky-yet-heartwarming adventure takes listeners into a world where cats battle the supernatural! Thom shares behind-the-scenes stories of bringing his cats to life on the page, why felines make such purr-fect comic book stars, and how The Ghost Whiskerers blends humor, heart, and a touch of ghostly fun for cat lovers of all ages.

EPISODE NOTES: The Ghost Whiskerers: Cats, Comics & the Supernatural!

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern chats with Georgette Blau from On Location Tours about their latest purr-fect creation — And Just Like Cat! Inspired by Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, this hilarious parody series reimagines the Manhattan world of love, friendship, and fabulous fashion… all through the eyes of a witty, opinionated feline. Georgette shares behind-the-scenes stories, cat-punned adventures, and how the series ties into their famous Sex and the City Hotspots Tour. If you’ve ever wondered what SATC would be like with whiskers, catnip, and a little cattitude — this is your episode!

EPISODE NOTES: And Just Like Cat… Manhattan Gets Meow-nificent

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern chats cats with the purr-fectly fascinating Vanessa Morgan — feline photographer, horror author, and founder of the wildly popular blog, Traveling Cats. For over 20 years, Vanessa has documented cats from around the globe, turning ordinary travel photos into a captivating cat-centric visual diary. What began as a fun side project became the largest online collection of cat travel photography and a go-to resource for cat-loving adventurers. Vanessa shares her journey of feline discovery, cultural cat differences, and her love of horror films (yes, she even wrote Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies). Get ready for a whirlwind of whiskers, wanderlust, and a little spooky fun!

EPISODE NOTES: Traveling Cats & Spooky Chats with Vanessa Morgan

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This week on Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes Tori Fugate, Director of Communications for Shelter Animals Count, to talk about the peak of kitten season and what new national data is revealing about the influx of feline intakes across shelters. Tori shares critical insights from 2024’s shelter data showing how kitten intakes (0–8 weeks old) surge in May, followed by a boom of juvenile cats in June and July. This seasonal trend puts enormous pressure on animal shelters, making it vital for rescues to proactively plan for fosters, staffing, medical care, and community support. Learn how this data helps shelters better prepare, save lives, and support these most vulnerable feline arrivals—and what you can do to help!

EPISODE NOTES: Kitten Tsunami: Why Kitten Season Floods Shelters with Felines

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In this informative episode of Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes veterinarian and fellow Pet Life Radio host Dr. Jeff Werber to tackle a condition many cat parents have never heard of—megacolon. Inspired by listener Erin and her beloved cat Rosebud, this episode dives into what megacolon really is, why it happens, and how to recognize and manage this serious feline health issue. Dr. Jeff shares his expert insight on how cats, known for being stoic and secretive about their ailments, can suffer in silence—making awareness and early diagnosis crucial. Whether you’ve heard the term before or it’s completely new to you, this episode is packed with must-know info for every cat lover.

EPISODE NOTES: Megacolon in Cats: What Every Cat Parent Needs to Know

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This week on Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes professional cat photographer Karen Hoglund, who shares her expert tips on how to capture the purr-fect feline photo. From understanding what sets cat photography apart from snapping pics of pups, to creative ways of bringing out your cat’s true personality, Karen offers insights for cat lovers and shutterbugs alike. She also discusses the emotional value of end-of-life photo sessions, and how they can provide healing and closure. Plus, don't miss her fun prop ideas to elevate any cat photoshoot!

EPISODE NOTES: Fur-tography 101: How to Snap Your Cat Like a Pro

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes feline health expert Dr. Kelly Fishman to uncover the hidden truths about aging cats. Inspired by a recent New York Times article exposing the gap in feline versus canine medicine, Dr. Fishman shares why most cats over age 11 are silently suffering from chronic pain—and what cat parents can do to help. From spotting subtle signs of discomfort to practical tips for exercise, nutrition, and in-home comfort, this episode is packed with must-know advice to keep your cat active, healthy, and pain-free well into their golden years. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that could change how you care for your feline friend!

EPISODE NOTES: Arthritis & the Aging Cat: What Every Cat Parent Should Know

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Dr. Radosta shares her deep expertise on feline aggression, explaining the root causes and how pet parents—no matter how experienced—can better understand and support their cats. Her mission is to educate owners on how to help their cats feel safe, understood, and ultimately less reactive. Tune in for invaluable insights that could transform your relationship with your feline friend.

EPISODE NOTES: From Hiss to Harmony: Solving Cat Aggression

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Brad Beyer, author of the touching new memoir SILOPI: A TRUE STORY OF LOVE AND RESILIENCE. Brad shares the remarkable journey of how, in the aftermath of the first Gulf War, he rescued a tiny black and white kitten he discovered curled up in his Army hat in a chow tent in Silopi, Turkey. In this heartfelt episode, Brad recounts his military service — from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the deserts of Turkey — and the deep, life-changing bond that formed between a young infantryman and an unlikely feline companion. With warmth, humor, and emotion, he tells the story of sneaking the kitten back through Berlin and all the way home to Philadelphia. More than a tale of survival, SILOPI is a moving tribute to love, family, and the unexpected ways animals can shape our lives.

EPISODE NOTES: One Kitten, One Soldier, One Extraordinary Journey: Silopi - A True Story of Love and Resilience

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Chris Robinson, contributor to the thrilling new book Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. If you’ve ever gasped at a feline jump scare, swooned over a mystical cat in a fantasy epic, or marveled at our favorite furballs in sci-fi adventures, this episode is for you! Chris and Michelle dive into the world of cats on the silver screen—from chilling horror moments to magical feline sidekicks and intergalactic kitties. Hear about cult classics, unforgettable cat scenes, behind-the-scenes trivia, and movie night must-watches from this definitive guide for cat lovers and cinephiles alike. Whether you’re a horror buff, a fantasy fan, or just obsessed with cats in pop culture, you won’t want to miss this purr-fectly entertaining episode!

EPISODE NOTES: Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International (PSI), to talk all about finding the right pet sitter for your cat (or cats!). Whether you’re heading out of town or just want peace of mind, Beth shares expert tips on choosing a qualified cat sitter and explains why professional pet sitters are an essential part of your feline family’s care team. With two decades of experience in the pet-care industry, Beth also offers insights into the growing pet-sitting field, industry trends, and the importance of avoiding burnout for sitters. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your cat happy while you're away—or considered pet sitting as a career—this episode is a must-listen!

EPISODE NOTES: Not Just Any Cat Sitter: How to Choose the Purr-fessional One!

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes back bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan to talk about her delightful new children’s book, Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like My Cat? With charming illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Lee Wildish, the book hilariously explores sibling rivalries through the eyes of a little girl who adores her cat but can’t quite figure out her mischievous brother. Join us as Allia shares the inspiration behind the book, the heartwarming (and humorous!) lessons it teaches, and why both kids and adults will smile every time they open its pages. 

EPISODE NOTES: Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like My Cat?

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Dr. Deborah Mandell, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and pet medical expert to talk about disaster preparedness for your pets. With more intense and frequent disasters occurring, the chances of a person experiencing an emergency in their community is a higher possibility. We always think about what we may need as humans to navigate an emergency, but what about our pets?

EPISODE NOTES: Disaster-Proof Your Pets: Emergency Prep with Dr. Deborah Mandell

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Dr. Evan Zhao, Co-Founder of Pacagen, the groundbreaking biotech pet care brand tackling human allergies to cats! Inspired by his wife’s severe cat allergies after adopting their beloved British Shorthair, Miaomiao, Dr. Evan developed Pacagen’s Cat Allergen Neutralizing Spray—a game-changer for cat lovers struggling with sneezing, itchy eyes, and discomfort. Now, Pacagen has expanded with a Cat Food Topper that boasts a 98% efficacy rate in reducing allergens! Tune in as Dr. Evan shares how bio-manufacturing and science are making it easier than ever to live happily with your feline friend.

EPISODE NOTES: From Sneezes to Snuggles: The Future of Cat Allergy Relief

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