Cat Cafe Podcast

Pain in cats is notoriously easy to miss and dangerously easy to undertreat, and in this episode of the Purr Podcast, Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle sit down with Dr. Tamar Grubb to unpack why. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia with a research focus on multimodal pain management, Dr. Grubb brings both the science and the clinical wisdom to a topic that touches every cat owner and every veterinarian who has ever wondered whether their feline patient is truly comfortable. From the subtleties of recognizing pain in a species that evolved to hide it...

Are indoor cats really safe? Viral disease risks are revealed in this episode of the Purr Podcast! We sit down with Dr. Jane Sykes, a global leader in veterinary infectious diseases. We talk about why vaccine hesitancy is rising and what it means for cats, and how infectious diseases are changing due to environmental factors.

Have you ever had a vet tell you your cat is aggressive? You're not alone — and honestly, that label might be doing more harm than good. Today we're digging into what's actually going on when cats bite, scratch, or completely shut down at the vet, and what clinics can do differently to make the whole experience less awful for everyone involved.
My guest is Dr. Renee Rucinsky, a board-certified feline specialist, owner of Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital and Mid Atlantic Feline Thyroid Center in Maryland, and someone who has dedicated her career to understanding cats on their own terms. Sh...

In this episode of the Cat Café Podcast, Dr. Katie Tolbert discusses feeding tubes in cats—devices that may look intimidating at first glance but are truly lifesaving tools for patients that refuse to eat. She explains why nutritional support is critical in feline medicine, how feeding tubes help prevent complications like hepatic lipidosis, and why early placement can dramatically improve outcomes. What seems scary to owners is, in reality, one of the most effective and compassionate interventions we have for cats that simply won’t eat.

Dr. Susan Little and Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn kick off the new year with a mix of unforgettable true cat stories, behind-the-scenes podcast moments, and an exclusive first look at our 2025 podcast statistics. Joined by our Communications Manager, Stacey Gonzalez, we reflect on the most-listened-to episodes of the year, uncover surprising listener trends, and share a few insights that even we didn’t see coming. It’s part storytelling, part data dive—and all cats.

Why were cats with GI disease rarely diagnosed 30 years ago? Let's talk feline Pancreatitis, EPI, and nutrition breakthroughs! Dr. Joerg Steiner explains why nutrition is foundational to internal medicine, how interdisciplinary science advances veterinary care, and why mentorship and training the next generation of scientists may be his most important legacy in this episode of Purr Podcast.

Why do so many indoor cats develop urinary disease? Meet Dr. Allison Kendall, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at NC State and feline nephrology & urology specialist. In this episode of Purr Podcast, we talk pee, pain, and common causes for urinary probems in cats.

In this very special 100th episode of the Cat Café Podcast, Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle take a cozy walk down memory lane — catnip lattes in hand — to celebrate a century of cat conversations! 🐾 They revisit how it all began: two feline fanatics with a microphone, a shared passion for cats, and a mission to make veterinary medicine both educational and entertaining. From humble beginnings (and a few audio hiccups) to an incredible lineup of world-class guests, the Cat Café has become the go-to spot for everything feline — science, stories, and a generous sprinkle of cat humor. Tune in as they share...

Ever wonder what your cat is really trying to tell you? Our next Catcafe podcast guest is Tabitha Kucera, a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and founder of Chirrups and Chatter. Tabitha is an international speaker, educator, and advocate for feline welfare, known for helping caregivers and veterinary teams better understand cat behavior and enrichment. Feline enrichment isn’t “extra”—it’s essential! Learn why in this episode.

Is there new hope for cats with heart disease? Steve Dale thinks so! Steve is a certified animal behavior specialist who has been a trusted voice in the world of pet health for over 20 years. He is a nationally syndicated pet columnist, radio show host, and television personality who specializes in pet news and information, as well as editorial and advocacy pieces. Steve is the host of Steve Dale's Pet World, on WGN Radio. His contributions to advancing pet wellness have earned him many awards and recognitions around the globe.

Dr. Joya Griffin graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned the Dermatology Service Award for her exceptional aptitude in clinical dermatology and her research on Malassezia otitis externa during her tenure at Cornell. Dr. Griffin became a Diplomate of the College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in August 2010 and joined the Animal Dermatology Group. She has a special interest in fungal and immune-mediated skin diseases as well as feline dermatology. Dr. Griffin is the star of the Nat Geo WILD television series, Pop Goes the Vet, now streaming on Disney+.

🎙️ Dr. Leslie Lyons is back on the Catcafe Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the world of veterinary genetics—starting all the way back with Mendel and his legendary peas. 🫛👨‍🔬 We’ll chat about what’s coming up in the genetics session at the WSAVA Congress in Rio, and as always, Leslie brings her passion, expertise, and even a surprise cameo from her very own cat 🐈‍⬛ (who may or may not have inherited the spotlight gene). Leslie is not only a renowned geneticist, but also a key member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, working hard to make sure our furry friends get the best...

Why are cats orange? Meet Dr. Leslie Lyons, one of the world’s foremost experts in feline genetics. In this episode of Purr Podcast, we are demystifying orange cats! Dr. Lyons discusses new studies that revealed a never-before-seen genetic pathway for color pigmentation linked to orange cats.

What is normal feline behaviour? Meet Dr. Ilona Rodan! Dr. Rodan is ABVP certified in feline medicine and completed her ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour with Distinction. She founded Cat Behavior Solutions for veterinary referral of feline behavior problems. Dr. Rodan discusses what the feline experience is like in a veterinary practice, and what you can do to reduce the fear. 

Cats have skin too! In this episode, Dr. Susan and Dr. Kelly interview Dr. Sandra Koch, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, to discuss dermatologic diseases in cats, with a particular focus on cutaneous masses. Dr. Koch highlights the diagnostic approach to lumps and bumps in feline patients, including differentials ranging from benign cysts to malignant neoplasms. She also discusses the clinical relevance of feline perianal scent glands, which can become inflamed or obstructed, leading to dermatologic issues. The conversation concludes with an overview of common skin cancers in cats, their biological behavior, and available treatment options—underscoring th...

Meet Dr. Lisa Restine! She is a board-certified feline practitioner with a special interest in internal medicine, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Restine completed her DVM at Western University of Health Sciences in California. She is the Associate Feline Professional Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition. How can you incorporate cat care into your daily practice? Dr. Restine discusses the future of feline-focused veterinary care! Tune in on Tuesday, April 15th, wherever you get your podcasts! #PurrPodcast #vetmed #felinemedicine #catcare

Dr. Mike Lappin is back on the Cat Café Podcast! 🐱 This time, he’s diving into a very important and timely topic: avian influenza in cats. What do we know? What should we worry about? And how do we keep our feline friends safe? Join Dr. Susan Little, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, and Dr. Lappin as they unpack the facts, bust the myths, and bring clarity to this emerging threat. You won’t want to miss this one — it’s flu talk, but make it feline.

In this episode of the Cat Cafe Podcast, Dr. Jolle and Dr. Susan team up with Eric Garcia to break down how cat owners can use AI the right way. While AI is revolutionizing many industries, including veterinary medicine, it’s also becoming a helpful tool for pet parents. But with so much tech out there, how do you separate helpful AI from hype?
We explore the practical ways AI can improve life for both you and your feline friend, from smart litter boxes that track health trends to AI-powered vet chatbots and apps that help monitor your cat’s we...

This week on the Catcafe Podcast, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Pamela Jones, a medical radiation oncologist with an impressive career journey. 
We dive into radiation therapy for some of the toughest feline cancers, including injection site sarcomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and—surprise!—intestinal lymphoma. Did you know that simply radiating a cat’s abdomen can improve lymphoma cases? It’s a fascinating option, even though data on radiation therapy in cats is limited. Pam shares her insights, emphasizing that sometimes, in veterinary oncology, there’s no clear right or wrong—just the best possible choice for each patient.

In this episode of the Purrpodcast, we chat with Dr. Terza Brostoff, a brilliant veterinary microbiologist from UC Davis, about a disease that’s been a heartbreaker for cat lovers: feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Dr. Brostoff explains how her cutting-edge research is changing the game, with new treatments like Remdesivir giving cats with FIP a second chance. Whether you’re a science buff or just love your cats, this episode breaks down the latest advances in a way that’s easy to understand—and full of hope for the future of feline health!

Dr. Amir Kol, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his veterinary degree from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine in Israel in 2006. Following this, he completed a residency in clinical pathology and a PhD in integrative pathobiology at UC Davis, focusing on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. We deep dive into FIP as a disease in cats and how cats can help figure out human coronaviruses.

Episode Title: The Burden of Care: Supporting Chronically Ill Cats with Dr. Jessica Quimby. In this heartfelt episode of the Cat Cafe Podcast, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn and Dr. Susan Little sit down with the renowned feline internal medicine specialist, Dr. Jessica Quimby, from The Ohio State University. As a leading expert in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, Dr. Quimby brings her unparalleled knowledge and compassion to a discussion about caring for chronically ill cats.Topics include:
Understanding the unique challenges of managing feline chronic illnesses like CKD.Balancing medical interventions with quality of life for our feline friends...

Endocrine diseases are prevalent in cats, and the most frequent ones are diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism in cats is a common endocrine disorder typically seen in older felines, characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) from an enlarged, usually benign thyroid gland. This hormone surge ramps up metabolism, leading to classic symptoms like weight loss despite an increased appetite, hyperactivity, restlessness, and a poor coat condition. Other signs may include increased thirst, vomiting, and heart murmurs or hypertension due to the cardiovascular strain. If untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney damage...

Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn and Dr. Susan Little interview Dr. Terza Brostoff, DVM, PhD, from the University of California, Davis, to discuss her pioneering research on new medications for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Dr. Brostoff detailed the foundational steps in her investigations aimed at developing effective therapeutic options for this devastating disease, which affects cats and is caused by a coronavirus. Dr. Brostoff emphasized why these new therapeutic options are groundbreaking, offering hope for significant advancements in feline health and veterinary medicine. The podcast provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of FIP research and the promising future of these...

Dr. Petra Cerna, a versatile expert in veterinary medicine, law, and cat breeding, brings her wealth of knowledge to "The CatCafePodcast" as a distinguished guest. In this episode, we explore crucial conversations on cat breeding and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), delving into the intricate aspects of this disease and its implications for feline health. Join us for an enlightening discussion with Petra, whose diverse expertise provides distinct perspectives on the nurturing and welfare of our beloved feline friends.

In this podcast with Dr. Kelly StDenis, she delves into the new guidelines from AAFP regarding the chronic use of NSAIDs in cats. Dr. StDenis discusses the importance of these guidelines in managing feline pain and the potential risks associated with long-term NSAID usage in cats. She provides insights into alternative pain management strategies and emphasizes the need for careful monitoring when using NSAIDs in feline patients. A must know for cat owners.

Exciting Announcement!  We are repeating an early podcast with Dr. Sheri Ross. In this podcast, Dr. Ross will share her expertise, passion, and experiences in the field of renal (kidney) medicine for cats, covering a wide range of topics including pet care, animal behavior, and the latest advancements in veterinary science. Whether you're a fellow veterinarian, a pet owner, or simply curious about the fascinating world of animal health, this podcast is for you! Stay tuned for engaging discussions, expert advice, and heartwarming stories that celebrate the bond between humans and animals. Don't miss out on this enriching opportunity to l...

Recent reports have highlighted a case of bubonic plague transmitted by a cat, underscoring the importance for cat owners to be aware of zoonotic diseases. Bubonic plague is spread through fleas, commonly found on rodents and pets like cats. Cat owners should prioritize flea prevention measures, regular veterinary check-ups, and avoiding contact with wild rodents. It's essential to monitor cats for symptoms and seek prompt veterinary care if any signs of illness arise, ensuring both feline and human health. Dr. Mike Lappin, returns to the podcast to explain.

Cat semi-owners refer to individuals who have a relationship with a cat but don't have full ownership responsibilities. These individuals may care for a cat temporarily or occasionally, providing some care or companionship without being the primary or permanent caregiver. For instance, someone might frequently feed and spend time with a neighbor's cat, offer occasional pet sitting, or assist in caring for a friend or family member's cat without having the formal title of an owner. These semi-owners might not be responsible for all aspects of the cat's care, such as veterinary visits or major decisions, but they still play...

The holiday season can bring about several dangers for cats:
Tinsel and Ribbons: Cats are attracted to shiny, dangly objects like tinsel and ribbons, but if ingested, these can cause intestinal blockages.Holiday Plants: Some common holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to cats if ingested.Candles and Flames: Curious cats might get too close to open flames from candles, risking burns or knocking them over.Gift Wrapping Materials: Similar to ribbons and tinsel, wrapping paper, tape, and strings can be harmful if swallowed.Festive Foods: Rich, fatty, or seasoned foods from holiday dinners can upset...

Dr Susan and Dr. Jolle discuss giving cats as a present. Dr. Susan: "Giving a cat as a present seems heartwarming but requires careful consideration. Cats have unique needs and personalities, not just a gift item."Dr. Jolle: "Absolutely, Dr. Susan. It's crucial to ensure the recipient is ready for the responsibility. Proper introduction and commitment to the cat's lifelong care are essential."

Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle, famous cat veterinarians, discuss hybrid cats. What are hybrid cats, how do you make them, and what are the benefits and disadvantages? A hybrid cat is the result of breeding two different cat breeds (often a wild breed) to combine certain desirable traits from each breed. These hybrids can occur naturally or through intentional breeding. For example, the Bengal cat is a popular hybrid breed, resulting from crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats. Hybrid cats can exhibit a mix of physical characteristics and temperaments from both parent breeds, creating unique and sometimes sought-after traits...

Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle discuss some common abnormalities that you can observe in the most populare cat breeds. From polycystic kidne disease to ear and tail abnormalities. The main disadvantage of inbreeding is that these diseases tend to pop up.

Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle discuss common cat breeds in North America (US & Canada). Can you guess which breed is in the number one spot? Breeding emphasizes particular traits in these cats but can also come with unwanted characteristics and diseases.

The purrpodcast meets the veterinary life podcast hosted by Dr. Marci Kirk and Dr. Annie Chavent. We have a crossover podcast with so many questions answered. We talk about the start of the purrpodcast and all the things we have learned in the five years of our podcast. This is such a fun episode.

Dr. Duncan Lascelles, a famous veterinary surgeon and pain expert, and Dr. Margaret Gruen, a veterinary behaviorist, tackle chronic pain together at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. What are the clinical signs of chronic pain in cats? Does their behavior change? Did you realize that 60-90 percent of cats between 6 months and 20 years have symptoms of degenerative joint disease? Of those cats, 45% have pain.

Dr. Jessica Quimby from the Ohio State University joins us to discuss chronic kidney disease and a new test called FGF23. Chronic kidney disease is really common in older cat but now we have new ways to diagnose it early.

A communication manager is essential in any veterinary practice, but what does such a person do? Stacey Gonzalez is interviewed by Dr. Susan and Dr. Jolle about her career and what roles she plays in a cat hospital.

Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine is a specialist in veterinary reproduction and talks with Dr. Susan and myself about if we can spay cats without doing surgery. At the end of the podcast we talk about the difference between ovariectomy (removing only the ovaries) and ovariohysterectomy (removing the ovaries and the uterus) in cats. What is more exciting than cat repro? Did you know that cats are inflatable?

Dr. Kelly and Dr. Jolle discuss the new cat book, "nine lives are not enough, a practical guide to caring for a geriatric cat' with the author Dr. Mary Gardner. Mary is a veterinarian and expert in geriatric animals. Her new book is fantastic and we recommend all cat owners read it. It is a practical guide to changes that will happen when cats get older, and it is always so much fun to have Dr. Mary on the show.