19 Cats and Counting Episode 139 Feeding Fears: Bird Flu and the Raw Diet Debate

There’s no doubt that raw food for our cats and dogs has arguably been the number one choice, touted by veterinarians and pet experts alike. Closer to what cats and dogs would eat in nature, the benefits of feeding raw range from improved appetite, weight management, and healthier skin and coats. However, our love of the raw diet has now been tarnished. H5N1, aka Bird Flu, has been found in numerous raw meals, causing illness and even death in a few cases. The FDA is demanding better control over the manufacture of raw pet foods, while the AVMA says “Feline susceptibility to H5N1 is a cause for vigilance.” Steve Dale is here to help us understand what is happening in the pet food industry: is raw food still a good choice for our cats, or do we go back to traditional cooked meals for our cats? Let’s find out… EPISODE NOTES: Feeding Fears: Bird Flu and the Raw Diet Debate

Have you ever considered doing TNR (Trap Neuter Return) or maybe fostering some cats while they wait for their furr-ever homes? There are many well-known people in the world of TNR and fostering, like Sterling Davis the Trap King and Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw. They commit their days to these tasks, and we are thankful for them. But what if you want to help, but you can't commit to helping full time? Or you don’t have resources? Rita and Linda are joined by Rachel Comte, who decided to help when and where she can. She's here with Rita and Linda to discuss how she is helping by doing some part time TNR and fostering and making a big impact in her neighborhood. EPISODE NOTES: Rachel Comte - TNR and Fostering

From the minute we bring a tiny kitten into our homes, we know our days with them are numbered. Their lives are so much shorter than ours and someday, we will all face that moment of decision: should I keep treating my sick cat, or should I let him go? Is he happy or is he suffering? If kitty is very sick and we know he’s at end of life, do we let nature take its course at home or do we help with euthanasia? How do we know when it's time to help? We are so thankful Dr. Jeff Feinman is back to talk to us about this difficult decision and what we can do now, to help our cats live as long as possible and to be aware of the changes we may not notice. EPISODE NOTES: Dr. Jeff Feinman - End of Life Decisions

They say cats have 9 lives, but what if we could give them 10? Many areas of the country struggle with an overabundance of community cats, causing issues for the residents. In 2013, the live release rate for cats in shelters in Cincinnati, Ohio was only 37%. That means, a whopping 63% of cats didn’t survive the shelter system. That one statistic was the cat-alyst for creating the Give Them Ten movement. We are honored to have Deborah Cribbs, the founder and leader of the Give Them Ten movement, as our guest. Listen in to find out how they turned that live release rate of 37% in 2013 to the current live release rate of 96%! WOW that’s a staggering improvement! If you LOVE cats and want to improve the lives and health of cats, this episode is for you. If you HATE cats and want to reduce the population of those community cats in your neighborhood ... this episode is for you! Together, we can be the solution. EPISODE NOTES: Give Them Ten!

Most often, when we get a new kitten, they have been weaned from their momma and are ready for their new home. But what if you find a kitten who is abandoned and not yet old enough to be weaned? What do they need? How often should they be fed? When do we visit the vet? Dr. Kelly Cairns is back to help us unpack this situation so we can be prepared to give foundling kittens their best possible start in life. Dr. Kelly is VP of medical excellence and education for over 400 hospitals in the Thrive Pet Healthcare family and is a regular guest on 19 Cats and Counting. EPISODE NOTES: Dr. Kelly Cairns - Found Kittens

Pandora Syndrome can cause many health issues in our cats and comes from anxiety. Dr. Jeff Feinman is here to tell us more about Pandora Syndrome, what is it, how it affects our cats, and what we can do to help cats who have it. Join us to learn more about the issues it causes and how you can help your kitty to lessen their likelihood of suffering from this common ailment. Dr. Jeff Feinman holds degrees in veterinary medicine and molecular biology. He is also a holistic veterinarian. EPISODE NOTES: Dr. Jeff Feinman - Pandora Syndrome

Michael Herbert took one of his cats to the vet. After coming home, aggression immediately started between his cats. They always got along before, what happened? He was shocked to learn about Feline Non-Recognition Aggression, which happens when a cat’s scent has changed due to a vet visit, grooming, or boarding visit, or other such time when the cats lived apart. Why hadn't his veterinarian warned him about this possibility when one of his cats had to stay at the animal hospital for treatment? Michael and Dr. Rachel Geller, join Rita and Linda to discuss what this phenomenon is and what we can do to avoid it. This is something that is just now being understood and talked about in the cat community. We feel that ALL cat parents need to know about Feline Non-Recognition Aggression and the best ways to prevent it from happening to your cats. EPISODE NOTES: Non-Recognition Feline Aggression

Does this sound familiar? Your cat is doing something super adorable. You grab your camera and snap a picture, but the photo never does your feline friend justice. Then there's those black beauty kitties! You snap a quick pic of your sleek black panther and the photo looks like a lump with no face. How do people get such great pictures of their cats? Your cat is just as beautiful (possibly more beautiful) than theirs! When Rita and Linda met Suzie Inverso, who photographs pets professionally at her studio, Crimson Cat Photography, they knew they wanted to talk to her! Listen in to hear more and pick up a few tips for your own cat cover-girl... or boy! EPISODE NOTES: Cat Photographer Susie Inverso

Earlier this year, we, and the world, suffered a tremendous loss in the very unexpected passing of our friend and former boss, Richard Simmons. To say we were devastated would be an understatement. If it wasn’t for Richard, we never would have met. If it wasn’t for Richard, we wouldn’t have the comfort with media that we have. And lastly, if it wasn’t for Richard, Cat Behavior Alliance, the Carolina Cat Sanctuary, and 19 Cats and Counting would not exist .Please join us as we talk about how we each came to meet and work for Richard, and how fate helped us to become BFFs, business partners, cat behavior experts, and cat behavior trainers. EPISODE NOTES: Richard Simmons – Tribute Show

Steve Dale knows pets. He is a celebrated Animal Behaviorist and animal welfare advocate, with not one, not two, but THREE radio shows! Rita had the pleasure of meeting Steve a few years ago at a conference about Cat Behavior. Steve is one busy guy, and we’re honored he made the time to be on our show! If there is one thing Steve is passionate about, it’s the health and well-being of all of our beloved pet companions. As a board member to the Every Cat Health Foundation (formerly known as The Winn Feline Foundation), everycat.org, Steve has his finger on the pulse of feline disease management breakthroughs as they happen. Every Cat is on the cutting edge of the development of treatments for and prevention of the various diseases our feline companions get. Join Linda and Rita, as Steve tells us about the amazing work of Every Cat, as he challenges Rita and “19 Cats” to get involved. With pleasure, Steve! Whatever we can do to help, we’re onboard! EPISODE NOTES: Steve Dale and a Cure for FIP