19 Cats and Counting Episode 153 Award Winning Author, Debra Blaine

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.

Welcome back to the 19 Cats and Counting Show! After a brief hiatus, Rita Reimers, Cat Behavior Trainer, is back to talk about all things cat. Today Rita will talk about the changes at 19 Cats and her new company and will also talk about what’s coming up on future show. Rita will also do an overview about Understanding Cat Behavior and discuss how she almost made the wrong life & death decision about her cat Oliver, based on an incorrect diagnosis by a veterinarian. Don’t worry; Oliver is fine now, but he almost wasn’t. Second opinions are always wise before you take an action that can never be undone.EPISODE NOTES: Back in the Cat Seat: Rita’s Return and Oliver’s Close Call Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

What do you do when there are so many community cats outside, and they keep having more and more kittens? If you’re Jan Leonard, you don’t wait for someone to fix the problem: you create your own solution. Backwoods TNR is a non-profit organization in Clinton, Louisiana, was created by Jan when she saw that no one else was helping these cats. Their mission is to reduce overpopulation, promote the welfare of and improve the lives of free-roaming feral, stray, homeless, and abandoned cats and the people who care for them. Listen in as Rita and Linda talk with Jan about her all-volunteer non-profit, providing TNR at no charge to her community.EPISODE NOTES: Trap, Neuter, Revolution: How One Woman’s Mission Transformed a Town Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.