Cattitude - Episode 287 PAWS, Laws & Claws: The Legal Side of Saving Cats

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Sherrie Hines, professor at the University of Georgia School of Law and the new director of the groundbreaking PAWS (Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills) program. With over a decade of experience shaping animal-welfare policy, open-records law, and shelter operations—plus years as a public defender and a hands-on rescue volunteer—Sherrie brings rare insight into the legal and ethical challenges facing pets, shelters, and adopters today. From holiday adoption surges and what every pet parent should know, to the hidden legal risks behind “No-Kill” branding, to the First Amendment issues affecting public comments and online advocacy, Sherrie offers expert, actionable guidance for anyone who loves animals and wants to protect them. It’s an eye-opening, empowering conversation you won’t want to miss.EPISODE NOTES: PAWS, Laws & Claws: The Legal Side of Saving CatsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern dives into a fascinating new frontier in pet wellness with guest Todd Shipman, Educational Manager for Leela Quantum Tech. Cat lovers are always searching for safe and innovative ways to support their feline family, and this episode explores a breakthrough unlike anything you’ve heard before — the use of natural quantum energy frequencies to promote balance, comfort, and overall well-being in pets. Todd explains how Leela Quantum Tech blends cutting-edge research with holistic healing principles, offering a fresh and science-rooted approach for supporting the health of cats, humans and even the environment. Whether you're skeptical or curious, this eye-opening conversation uncovers a brand-new angle on feline wellness that may just change the way you think about supporting your cat’s mind and body.EPISODE NOTES: Quantum Cats: The New Frontier in Feline WellnessBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern sits down with author G. David Stirling, creator of the wildly imaginative Cat Detective Series, including The Cat That Chased Cadillacs and The Cat That Followed Phantoms. His feline hero, Buck, is a black-cat detective with a secret agency beneath a backyard shed, solving crimes right under the nose of his human — the town’s only detective — who has no idea his cat is the real brains on the case! David shares how his real-life black cat, Panther, inspired the character, the surprising depth of feline intelligence and behavior woven into his mysteries, and why these books celebrate black cats instead of stereotyping them. If you love crime novels, fantasy, cozy mysteries, or simply adore cats with big personalities, this episode is a must-listen.EPISODE NOTES: Phantoms, Cadillacs & Claws — Crime Solving Through a Cat’s EyesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

On this episode of Cattitude, host Michelle Fern tackles one of the most important—and sometimes misunderstood—topics in cat care: why every cat should be an indoor cat. PETA spokesperson Sarah McFarlane joins the show to uncover the shocking and often heartbreaking dangers outdoor cats face, from predators and cars to cruelty and disease. Learn why even the most street-savvy feline isn’t equipped for life outside, how to create a stimulating indoor environment, and what to do if you see a cat in distress. Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover or new to feline parenting, this eye-opening conversation will change the way you think about keeping cats safe.EPISODE NOTES: Stay Inside, Stay Alive: Why Cats Belong IndoorsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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 DreamsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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 UniverseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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 LaerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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 PicklesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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 TakeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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 AllergiesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.