In this very special 100th episode of the Cat Café Podcast, Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle take a cozy walk down memory lane — catnip lattes in hand — to celebrate a century of cat conversations! 🐾 They revisit how it all began: two feline fanatics with a microphone, a shared passion for cats, and a mission to make veterinary medicine both educational and entertaining. From humble beginnings (and a few audio hiccups) to an incredible lineup of world-class guests, the Cat Café has become the go-to spot for everything feline — science, stories, and a generous sprinkle of cat humor. Tune in as they share favorite behind-the-scenes moments, reflect on the evolution of the podcast, and tease what’s next for the next hundred episodes. Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or just discovered us, this is the purrfect celebration of the global cat-loving community that’s grown around the show.

Ever wonder what your cat is really trying to tell you? Our next Catcafe podcast guest is Tabitha Kucera, a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and founder of Chirrups and Chatter. Tabitha is an international speaker, educator, and advocate for feline welfare, known for helping caregivers and veterinary teams better understand cat behavior and enrichment. Feline enrichment isn’t “extra”—it’s essential! Learn why in this episode.

Is there new hope for cats with heart disease? Steve Dale thinks so! Steve is a certified animal behavior specialist who has been a trusted voice in the world of pet health for over 20 years. He is a nationally syndicated pet columnist, radio show host, and television personality who specializes in pet news and information, as well as editorial and advocacy pieces. Steve is the host of Steve Dale's Pet World, on WGN Radio. His contributions to advancing pet wellness have earned him many awards and recognitions around the globe. 

🎙️ Dr. Leslie Lyons is back on the Catcafe Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the world of veterinary genetics—starting all the way back with Mendel and his legendary peas. 🫛👨‍🔬 We’ll chat about what’s coming up in the genetics session at the WSAVA Congress in Rio, and as always, Leslie brings her passion, expertise, and even a surprise cameo from her very own cat 🐈‍⬛ (who may or may not have inherited the spotlight gene). Leslie is not only a renowned geneticist, but also a key member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, working hard to make sure our furry friends get the best genetic insights around the globe. Tune in for a purr-fect blend of science, cats, and a little Mendelian magic!

Why are cats orange? Meet Dr. Leslie Lyons, one of the world’s foremost experts in feline genetics. In this episode of Purr Podcast, we are demystifying orange cats! Dr. Lyons discusses new studies that revealed a never-before-seen genetic pathway for color pigmentation linked to orange cats.

Cats have skin too! In this episode, Dr. Susan and Dr. Kelly interview Dr. Sandra Koch, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, to discuss dermatologic diseases in cats, with a particular focus on cutaneous masses. Dr. Koch highlights the diagnostic approach to lumps and bumps in feline patients, including differentials ranging from benign cysts to malignant neoplasms. She also discusses the clinical relevance of feline perianal scent glands, which can become inflamed or obstructed, leading to dermatologic issues. The conversation concludes with an overview of common skin cancers in cats, their biological behavior, and available treatment options—underscoring that not all cutaneous neoplasms are malignant.

Meet Dr. Lisa Restine! She is a board-certified feline practitioner with a special interest in internal medicine, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Restine completed her DVM at Western University of Health Sciences in California. She is the Associate Feline Professional Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition. How can you incorporate cat care into your daily practice? Dr. Restine discusses the future of feline-focused veterinary care! Tune in on Tuesday, April 15th, wherever you get your podcasts! #PurrPodcast #vetmed #felinemedicine #catcare

Dr. Mike Lappin is back on the Cat Café Podcast! 🐱 This time, he’s diving into a very important and timely topic: avian influenza in cats. What do we know? What should we worry about? And how do we keep our feline friends safe? Join Dr. Susan Little, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, and Dr. Lappin as they unpack the facts, bust the myths, and bring clarity to this emerging threat. You won’t want to miss this one — it’s flu talk, but make it feline.

In this episode of the Cat Cafe Podcast, Dr. Jolle and Dr. Susan team up with Eric Garcia to break down how cat owners can use AI the right way. While AI is revolutionizing many industries, including veterinary medicine, it’s also becoming a helpful tool for pet parents. But with so much tech out there, how do you separate helpful AI from hype?
We explore the practical ways AI can improve life for both you and your feline friend, from smart litter boxes that track health trends to AI-powered vet chatbots and apps that help monitor your cat’s well-being. Plus, Eric shares expert advice on how to use AI responsibly—because while technology can be a great tool, it should never replace the expertise of a real veterinarian.
If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can help you better care for your cat, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in to learn how to make AI work for you and your feline companion—the right way!

This week on the Catcafe Podcast, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Pamela Jones, a medical radiation oncologist with an impressive career journey. 
We dive into radiation therapy for some of the toughest feline cancers, including injection site sarcomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and—surprise!—intestinal lymphoma. Did you know that simply radiating a cat’s abdomen can improve lymphoma cases? It’s a fascinating option, even though data on radiation therapy in cats is limited. Pam shares her insights, emphasizing that sometimes, in veterinary oncology, there’s no clear right or wrong—just the best possible choice for each patient.

In this episode of the Purrpodcast, we chat with Dr. Terza Brostoff, a brilliant veterinary microbiologist from UC Davis, about a disease that’s been a heartbreaker for cat lovers: feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Dr. Brostoff explains how her cutting-edge research is changing the game, with new treatments like Remdesivir giving cats with FIP a second chance. Whether you’re a science buff or just love your cats, this episode breaks down the latest advances in a way that’s easy to understand—and full of hope for the future of feline health!

Dr. Amir Kol, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his veterinary degree from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine in Israel in 2006. Following this, he completed a residency in clinical pathology and a PhD in integrative pathobiology at UC Davis, focusing on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. We deep dive into FIP as a disease in cats and how cats can help figure out human coronaviruses.

Episode Title: The Burden of Care: Supporting Chronically Ill Cats with Dr. Jessica Quimby. In this heartfelt episode of the Cat Cafe Podcast, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn and Dr. Susan Little sit down with the renowned feline internal medicine specialist, Dr. Jessica Quimby, from The Ohio State University. As a leading expert in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, Dr. Quimby brings her unparalleled knowledge and compassion to a discussion about caring for chronically ill cats.Topics include:

• Understanding the unique challenges of managing feline chronic illnesses like CKD.
• Balancing medical interventions with quality of life for our feline friends.
• Emotional and professional burden of care for veterinarians, cat owners, and caregivers.
• Practical strategies to provide optimal care while navigating the pressures of chronic disease management.

This episode goes beyond clinical advice, touching on the emotional complexities of working with chronically ill cats and the caregivers who love them. Whether you're a veterinarian, a pet parent, or simply curious about the human-animal bond, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.

Endocrine diseases are prevalent in cats, and the most frequent ones are diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism in cats is a common endocrine disorder typically seen in older felines, characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) from an enlarged, usually benign thyroid gland. This hormone surge ramps up metabolism, leading to classic symptoms like weight loss despite an increased appetite, hyperactivity, restlessness, and a poor coat condition. Other signs may include increased thirst, vomiting, and heart murmurs or hypertension due to the cardiovascular strain. If untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney damage. Treatment options include medication, dietary management, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy, depending on the cat’s health status and owner’s preference.

Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn and Dr. Susan Little interview Dr. Terza Brostoff, DVM, PhD, from the University of California, Davis, to discuss her pioneering research on new medications for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Dr. Brostoff detailed the foundational steps in her investigations aimed at developing effective therapeutic options for this devastating disease, which affects cats and is caused by a coronavirus. Dr. Brostoff emphasized why these new therapeutic options are groundbreaking, offering hope for significant advancements in feline health and veterinary medicine. The podcast provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of FIP research and the promising future of these new medical interventions.

Dr. Petra Cerna, a versatile expert in veterinary medicine, law, and cat breeding, brings her wealth of knowledge to "The CatCafePodcast" as a distinguished guest. In this episode, we explore crucial conversations on cat breeding and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), delving into the intricate aspects of this disease and its implications for feline health. Join us for an enlightening discussion with Petra, whose diverse expertise provides distinct perspectives on the nurturing and welfare of our beloved feline friends.

In this podcast with Dr. Kelly StDenis, she delves into the new guidelines from AAFP regarding the chronic use of NSAIDs in cats. Dr. StDenis discusses the importance of these guidelines in managing feline pain and the potential risks associated with long-term NSAID usage in cats. She provides insights into alternative pain management strategies and emphasizes the need for careful monitoring when using NSAIDs in feline patients. A must know for cat owners.

Exciting Announcement!  We are repeating an early podcast with Dr. Sheri Ross. In this podcast, Dr. Ross will share her expertise, passion, and experiences in the field of renal (kidney) medicine for cats, covering a wide range of topics including pet care, animal behavior, and the latest advancements in veterinary science. Whether you're a fellow veterinarian, a pet owner, or simply curious about the fascinating world of animal health, this podcast is for you! Stay tuned for engaging discussions, expert advice, and heartwarming stories that celebrate the bond between humans and animals. Don't miss out on this enriching opportunity to learn and connect with Dr. Sheri Ross.