19 Cats and Counting Episode 161 Scott Simon’s Love Letter to the Pets Who Changed His Life

June is National Adopt a Cat Month, making it the perfect time to welcome Dr. Mark Primiano of Tree House Humane Society in Chicago to the show. Rita and Dr. Mark discuss the growing popularity of the modern Cat Dad, the importance of adoption, and how affordable spay/neuter programs help save lives and reduce cat overpopulation. They also take a closer look at the incredible work being done at Tree House to support cats, families, and communities. Whether you're thinking about adopting, already share your home with cats, or simply love hearing about people making a difference for felines, this is an episode you won't want to miss.EPISODE NOTES: Cat Dads, Cat Rescues & Celebrating Cat Adoption Month Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

On today’s episode of 19 Cats and Counting, we’re joined by the unstoppable KJ McGlin, also known as the Kitty Correspondent. KJ is the author of Raised by Cats, a speaker, frequent podcast guest, host of KJ Today on YouTube, co-host of Pet Pals TV with Patty Spitler, creator of the annual PurrCon event weekend, and a passionate supporter of all things cat. We’ll be talking about her latest adventures, the 2026 PurrCon event, and the many ways she brings energy, enthusiasm, and advocacy to the cat community. Honestly, we’re still trying to figure out how she finds time to sleep. I am delighted to have my friend and colleague, KJ McGlinn on my show. I hope I can keep up with her boundless energy!EPISODE NOTES: PurrCon, Podcasts & Passion: The Many Lives of KJ McGlin Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

On today’s episode of 19 Cats and Counting, we’re talking all about pet wellness with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman. He’s the author of the new book Path to Pet Wellness, and we’ll be diving into natural approaches to keeping our pets healthy, from nutrition and stress reduction to overall emotional and physical well-being. It’s a fascinating conversation for anyone looking to take a more whole-body approach to pet care. We’re happy to have him back on the show to share his holistic approach to all things pet and talk about his book.EPISODE NOTES: Beyond the Vet Visit: Natural Ways to Help Your Cat Thrive Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and longtime host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, Scott Simon joins Rita Reimers on 19 Cats and Counting to discuss his heartfelt new book celebrating the beloved pets who shaped his life. Through touching, funny, and deeply relatable stories, Scott reflects on the joy, grief, and enduring love animals bring into our homes and hearts. In his newest book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known, Scott shares touching, funny, and heartfelt reflections on the pets who have shaped his life and the lessons they left behind. (Rita notes: Her cat Lulu can’t put it down!) Please join us as we talk about his book, and the various stories that inspired it.EPISODE NOTES: Scott Simon’s Love Letter to the Pets Who Changed His Life Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

On Part 2 of this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, feline behaviorist Rita Reimers welcomes cat welfare scientist Katia Colitti for an eye-opening and emotional conversation about what cats truly need to thrive. From enrichment, boredom, litter box mistakes, and respecting every cat’s unique personality, to the deep bond we share with our feline companions, this episode explores the science and soul of living with cats. Rita and Katia also dive into the often-overlooked topic of cat loss grief, senior cat care, and why adopting older cats can be one of the most meaningful acts of love. A must-listen for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or learned from a cat.EPISODE NOTES: More Than ‘Just a Cat’: Love, Loss & Living Better with Cats Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

On this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, Rita Reimers welcomes cat welfare scientist and attorney Katia Colitti for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation about feline behavior, aging, and the human-cat bond. From understanding the unique needs of senior cats to recognizing subtle behavioral changes and medical issues, this episode dives deep into what it really means to care for cats at every stage of life. Katja shares insights from her Mittens Companion Project, breaking down cat welfare science, emotional well-being, and why cats are anything but “low maintenance.” Plus, they explore topics like feline hearing changes, cognitive decline, litter box challenges, and the importance of enrichment, patience, and truly listening to your cat. A must-listen for cat lovers who want to better understand—and strengthen—their relationship with their feline companions.EPISODE NOTES: What Your Cat Wishes You Knew (Especially as They Age) Part 1 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 and Counting, Rita Reimers sits down with feline behaviorist Stephen Quandt to explore his journey into the world of feline behavior and shelter volunteerism. Stephen shares how his work with numerous shelters shaped his approach to behavior consulting and discusses the diverse clientele he serves today. He also gives listeners a glimpse into his own home life with his husband Thom and their two beloved cats, Crickett and Jenny, who prove that friendship knows no limits. Stephen will be joining the show on a semi-regular basis to share his expertise across many aspects of feline wellness.EPISODE NOTES: Feline Wellness in Action: Inside the Work of Stephen Quandt 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 and Counting, Rita Reimers speaks with Stacy LeBaron about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and why it benefits entire communities, whether you love cats or not. Stacy shares how TNR improves public health, reduces nuisance behaviors, and creates long-term humane solutions for free-roaming cats. They also discuss the exciting renaming of Community Cats Podcast to Community Cats Central and the educational classes now available to advocates and caregivers nationwide. Trap-Neuter-Return is often misunderstood — and sometimes controversial — but as Stacy LeBaron explains, it is one of the most effective, humane strategies for managing free-roaming cat populations. Whether you’re actively involved in TNR or simply want to understand how humane community cat management benefits everyone, this episode provides clarity, facts, and actionable insight.EPISODE NOTES: Community Cats, Community Solutions: A Conversation with Stacy LeBaron 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’m joined by Margaret Tompkins, and we’re tackling one of the most persistent myths in the cat world: the idea that cats who are FIV or FeLV positive can’t safely live with cats who are not. This belief has caused a lot of unnecessary fear, heartbreak, and even rehoming decisions (or worse) over the years. In this episode, Margaret and I break down what’s actually true, what’s outdated, and how informed, responsible cat guardians can make thoughtful decisions based on science, not stigma. I currently have an FIV cat in my rescue, Larry. He gets along very well with my non FIV rescue cats and he is a sweet love bug. Don’t pass up adopting an otherwise perfectly wonderful cat out of fear; listen to what Margaret has to say so you can feel better about introducing an FIV or FeLV cat into your clowder.EPISODE NOTES: FIV and FeLV Cats Need Love Too! 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 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.