19 Cats and Counting Episode 155 Outdoor Cats, Stress, and Pandora Syndrome

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.

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.

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.

The holidays are full of sparkle, celebration, and togetherness, but they also bring a few unique safety challenges for our feline friends. In this special episode, Dr. Kelly Cairns and I unwrap the biggest seasonal hazards you’ll want to watch for, including tempting but toxic holiday foods, extra household activity and guests, and all the glittery décor cats love to investigate, from ribbons and bows to ornaments and Christmas trees, even plants we should be careful with around our feline family members. We’ll share practical, vet-approved tips to keep your home safe, calm, and cat-friendly throughout the season, and what to do if your cat does eat something they shouldn’t. And because the holidays should be fun for our pets too, we also talk about thoughtful, enriching gift ideas your cats will absolutely love. Join us for a festive, informative guide to ensuring your feline companions enjoy the holidays as much as you do! EPISODE NOTES: Have a Cat Safe Holiday Celebration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

Senior Cats are near and dear to Rita’s heart, having adopted several of these precious felines. Sometimes they cats end up in the shelter due to no talk of their own when their owners pass away or move to a care facility. Often overlooked at adoption time, senior cats still have a lot of love to give and can be the perfect companion for someone looking for a quiet kitty. Having known love all of their lives, it’s important to get these sweethearts into loving homes and give them a second chance at love. There are some things to consider when adopting one of these special angels, but nothing that should preclude them from getting adopted. Dr. Kelly Cairns is here to talk about the special needs of older cats, and how to prepare to care for a cat that might be getting up in age. You won’t be sorry opening your home, and your heart, to a senior cat who needs you.EPISODE NOTES: Senior Cats and their Special Needs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

FIP, Feline infectious peritonitis, is a feline disease every cat own dreads. Once 100% fatal, great advances in the cure, and preventative medication, mean no cat must die just because of a FIP diagnosis. However, not everyone can afford the expensive treatments. Listen as Rita talks with Peter Cohen about FIP, the symptoms, new medications, and how the FIP Warriors organization is working hard to ensure medication is available to everyone who needs it.EPISODE NOTES: Taking the Fear out of FIP, a discussion with Peter Cohen Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

People often get nervous when they find out they are expecting, but they have a cat in their household. Often well-meaning friends and relatives give all kinds of unsolicited advice, often boiling down to getting rid of Fluffy. Is that really fair to you or Fluffy? Far from being the mythical cat that will snatch the baby’s breath, cats are very loving beings and often bond closely with their human baby siblings. Also, did you know that babies raised with cats can experience reduced allergies, enhanced immune systems, and improved social-emotional skills like empathy and responsibility. Dr. Rachel Geller is here to talk with Rita about taking the fear out of introducing cat and baby, so we can set Fluffy up for a successful bond with your child and dispel some of those old myths.EPISODE NOTES: Dr. Rachel Geller Talks about Cats and Babies Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

Lisa Schermerhorn is a Quantum Healer and celebrated author of the popular book, “Every Truth is a Lie.” Lisa believes that “individuals who use focused intention, visualization, and energy transfer, they can stimulate their own body’s innate healing capabilities.” She is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and an Energy Medicine Practitioner, specializing in the release of conscious and unconscious behaviors, inherited ancestral beliefs, and deep quantum healing. Her work helps clients break free from limiting patterns and access their full potential. Lisa believes we can also use this energy to help our cats live peaceful and healthier life with us as well. After all, if you are feeling more at peace with yourself, that energy will reflect in how your pets behave as well. Join Rita and Lisa as they discuss how we can help our cats (and other pets) achieve a more peaceful existence, as well as ourselves. They’ll and also talk about her upcoming film “Zero Limits.”EPISODE NOTES: Lisa Schermerhorn, Energy Medicine Practitioner Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ezra J. Ameis, DVM. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Ezra opened his veterinary practice, Paw Priority, with the goal of offering both Urgent Care and General Practice with a personal touch. Most veterinarian offices today are owned or being bought by large corporations, which often values serving a large quantity of patience over care giving care with compassion. It’s often hard to get the same veterinarian for all appointments, too, which mean continuity of care for the pets they see is often lost, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis. Tune in and listen as Dr. Ezra explains how his veterinarian practice focuses on pet care in a compassionate setting. His clinic, is “dedicated to delivering the highest standard of medical care that your pet rightfully deserves”. As a bonus, we’ll also be discussing how Acupuncture for our pets has changed many pets’ lives for the better.EPISODE NOTES: Breaking the Corporate Mold: A Vet Who Puts Pets First Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

As cat owners, we all want to give our feline friends the best life possible. We’re careful about the food, treats, and toys we choose to keep them happy and healthy. But what about their teeth? Dental health is one area that often gets overlooked, and trust me, I’ve been guilty of that myself! So today, I’m super excited to chat with Dr. Greg Reinhart, Chief Scientific Officer at Pet Honesty, to dive into how we can keep our cats' teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Let's get those kitty smiles sparkling! EPISODE NOTES: Feline Dental Health Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.