Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

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What if understanding the intricate dance between human psychology and animal behavior could transform how we care for our pets? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Maya Gupta and Dr. Miranda K. Workman from the ASPCA's Applied Behavior Research and Animal Welfare Team. Dr. Gupta shares her compelling journey from clinical psychology to animal welfare, sparked by a poignant encounter with domestic violence and animal cruelty. Meanwhile, Dr. Workman delves into her extensive background in sheltering and applied animal behavior, anthrozoology, and her critical research on multi-species families.
Ever wondered why some cats get adopted faster than others? Miranda's fascinating study on Petfinder reveals the subtle yet powerful factors that influence cat adoption success, such as the cat's age, gender, and even the presence of toys in photos. Our guests also shed light on innovative approaches to understanding dog-cat interactions in shelters, using mechanical cats and olfactory cues to better assess compatibility. We discuss the challenges in animal welfare research, including financial barriers and the crucial role of open access publications in democratizing knowledge.
Language shapes perceptions and, ultimately, the fate of animals. We explore the transformative power of terms like "community cats" over "feral" and how these shifts can positively impact animal welfare. Our conversation touches upon common behavioral issues in cats, such as house-soiling and shyness, and the importance of addressing these to prevent owner surrenders. You'll also hear about the promising research into cooperative care for cat grooming and the use of pharmacological aids to improve feline well-being. Don't miss the valuable insights from Dr. Gupta and Dr. Workman as they help us build a more compassionate world for our animal companions.

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Unlock the secrets to a stress-free life for your feline companions with expert insights from Dr. Gina Rendon of Williamsburg Vets. Discover how to identify the subtle signs of stress and anxiety in cats, and learn how to differentiate these behaviors from underlying medical conditions through comprehensive exams and lab work. Dr. Rendon shares her knowledge on how environmental changes can impact your cat's health, leading to issues like urinary and gastrointestinal problems, and emphasizes the importance of a nurturing environment built on the American Association of Feline Practitioners' five pillars.
Get ahead of potential stressors with practical strategies for reducing anxiety and creating a cat-friendly home. From the arrival of a new pet to the challenges of boredom, this episode guides you through the triggers that may be affecting your cat's well-being. Gain valuable advice on the use of calming sprays, supplements, and medications tailored to address feline anxiety. Explore products like Purina's Calming Care probiotic, dietary supplements with L-theanine, and prescription options when needed, ensuring your cat's peace of mind.
Whether you're managing the dynamics of a multi-cat household or preparing for a big move, we've got you covered with stress-reducing techniques and expert tips. Learn the nuances of handling inter-cat aggression and maintaining harmony in your home, as well as how to ease the stress of moving with a cat. Dr. Rendon also provides practical advice on cat carrier training and stress reduction during vet visits, ensuring that your feline friends remain comfortable and calm in any situation. This episode is your comprehensive guide to happy, healthy, and stress-free cats.

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In this episode, the Kristiina, Joelle Andres of Bastian&Brews and Morgan Krug of Pawsitive Behaviors discuss the grief and loss of their beloved pets. The conversation also touches on anticipatory grief and the challenges of staying present during the grieving process. They discuss the sudden illness and decline of their pets, the emotional journey of saying goodbye, and the grief experienced by their other pets in the household. They also talk about the importance of community support during the grieving process and the physical manifestations of grief. The chapter concludes with a discussion on coping with negative comments and the complexity of grief. Finally, they discuss tools and resources that have been helpful in their own journeys. The conversation covers topics such as online harassment, the pressure to grieve 'correctly,' the benefits of journaling and reframing, the challenges of leaving the house, and the validation and healing that can come from psychic sessions. They also touch on the importance of preserving memories and finding comfort in nature. The conversation ends with expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

Takeaways

• Grief and loss are difficult experiences, especially when it comes to the loss of a pet.
• Anticipatory grief can be a challenging aspect of the grieving process.
• Staying present and finding ways to cope with grief can help in the healing process. Losing a pet can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and the grief process can vary for each individual.
• The support of a community, both online and offline, can provide comfort and understanding during the grieving process.
• Other pets in the household may also experience grief and may exhibit changes in behavior or require additional support.
• Memorializing a pet can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and find solace in the grieving process.
• Grief can manifest physically, and it is important to prioritize self-care and seek support from professionals if needed. Online harassment can be a significant issue when sharing personal experiences of grief. It is important to protect oneself from negative comments and seek support from trusted individuals.
• There is no timeline for grief, and it is important to give oneself time and space to heal.
• Different tools and resources can be helpful in the grieving process, such as journaling, seeking support from friends and professionals, and finding comfort in nature.
• Psychic sessions can provide validation and closure for some individuals, but it is important to find reputable communicators who uphold ethical standards.
• Preserving memories and finding ways to honor the memory of a loved one can be healing and comforting.

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Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, discusses the basics of cheetah conservation and her journey into studying and protecting cheetahs. She explains that cheetahs have a short lifespan and low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. Dr. Marker also talks about the challenges of conserving cheetahs living outside protected areas and the importance of working with farmers to reduce human-wildlife conflict. She highlights the role of livestock guarding dogs in protecting livestock and preventing cheetah killings. Additionally, Dr. Marker explains the physiological adaptations of cheetahs that enable them to be the fastest land animals and their hunting behavior. She also discusses the cognitive abilities of cheetahs and their large home ranges. Dr. Marker discusses the health challenges faced by cheetahs, including diseases like herpes virus, calicivirus, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). She explains that cheetahs lack genetic diversity due to a historic small population, which has led to a reduced immune system. However, there is now a cure for FIP which has saved seven cheetahs. Dr. Marker also discusses the illegal wildlife pet trade, where cheetah cubs are stolen from the wild and sold as pets in the Middle East. She emphasizes the need to stop the trade and the demand for cheetah cubs. Additionally, Dr. Marker talks about the rehabilitation program at Cheetah Conservation Fund, where cheetahs are raised and rewilded to be released back into the wild. She mentions the success of reintroducing cheetahs in India, where they had gone extinct. Dr. Marker highlights the importance of conservation and the need for funding to save the cheetahs from extinction.

Keywords

cheetah conservation, genetic diversity, human-wildlife conflict, livestock guarding dogs, physiological adaptations, hunting behavior, cognitive abilities, home ranges, cheetahs, health challenges, diseases, genetic diversity, immune system, FIP, illegal wildlife pet trade, rehabilitation program, rewilding, conservation, funding

Takeaways

• Cheetahs have a short lifespan and low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction.
• Conserving cheetahs living outside protected areas requires working with farmers to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Livestock guarding dogs play a crucial role in protecting livestock and preventing cheetah killings.
• Cheetahs are the fastest land animals and have physiological adaptations that enable their speed, such as semi-non-retractable claws and aerodynamic bodies.
• Cheetahs hunt small to medium-sized antelopes and use their speed and agility to catch their prey.
• Cheetahs have large home ranges and navigate their environment through scent marking and learning from their mothers.
• Cheetahs are more shy and prone to stress, and providing them with companionship and exercise helps reduce stress levels. Cheetahs face health challenges such as herpes virus, calicivirus, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) due to their reduced immune system caused by a lack of genetic diversity.
• There is now a cure for FIP called Cheetah 44, which has saved seven cheetahs.
• The illegal wildlife pet trade is a major threat to cheetahs, with cubs being stolen from the wild and sold as pets in the Middle East.
• Cheetah Conservation Fund has a rehabilitation program where cheetahs are raised and rewilded to be released back into the wild.
• Reintroduction efforts have been successful, with cheetahs being reintroduced in India after going extinct in the 1950s.
• Conservation efforts and funding are crucial to saving the cheetahs from extinction.

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When the heart-wrenching moment arrives to say goodbye to our furry friends, the heavy shroud of grief can feel isolating. It's a journey I've walked myself, and one that Beth Bigler, a compassionate pet loss and grief counselor, has dedicated her life to easing for others. Together, we navigate the tender, often unspoken realms of pet loss, providing a sanctuary for those grappling with the aching void left behind.
Beth, with her intimate understanding of the pet-human bond, guides us through the poignant process of anticipatory grief and the realization that our time with our cherished companions is finite. We share strategies for cherishing the final days—from the therapeutic "fuck it plan" where pets indulge in their favorite activities, to the importance of self-compassion for pet owners. It's a conversation infused with empathy, as we honor the joy pets bring to our lives and offer solace for the inevitable heartache that accompanies their departure.
As we traverse the stages of grief and wrestle with emotions like anger and guilt, the importance of community and professional support becomes clear. We address the complex interplay of feelings and the need for self-care, offering practical advice for those navigating the tumultuous seas of loss. This episode isn't just an exploration of sorrow; it's a heartfelt embrace, a recognition of the depth of love we share with our pets, and a guide to finding peace in the wake of their absence. Join us as we reflect on the enduring impact our pets leave on our hearts, long after they've taken their last breaths.