Ep. 26 - Feline Enrichment

09/01/22 • 27 min

An unfortunate myth about pet ownership is that the cats don’t require any attention from their owners and can simply be left to fend for themselves all day, every day. This episode is focused on correcting that false assumption.

Dr. Samantha Nieves joins us to talk about cat enrichment, why it is important and how listeners can create their own enrichment opportunities. She also shares with listeners about the numerous tricks she has taught her own cat Kota. And we learn a little something about SPAM as a random aside.

Here are links to information we talked about today:

Ohio State University put together these fantastic Guidelines for Cat Owners
Environmental Needs Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Design your own Food Puzzle For Cats
You know you want to learn more about the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota

Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].

Here are links to information we talked about today:

Ohio State University put together these fantastic Guidelines for Cat Owners
Environmental Needs Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Design your own Food Puzzle For Cats
You know you want to learn more about the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota

Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].

Previous Episode

Ep. 25 - Not One More Vet

Caring for animals can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Who wouldn’t enjoy seeing lots of playful puppies and kittens, fluffy rabbits and energetic guinea pigs? Unfortunately, caring for family pets sometimes carries heavy emotional burdens. Imagine a day with three euthanasias or being unable to save a pet experiencing a medical emergency.

Not One More Vet was founded to provide mental health resources and support to professionals in the veterinary industry struggling with the emotional burdens of their jobs. Darlene Bos, Executive Director of NOMV, joins the podcast today to discuss her group's work, why it is important and how pet parents can support the organization’s efforts.

Here are links to information we talked about today:

Learn more about Not One More Vet at their website
Follow NOMV on Instagram
Researchers Try to Understand High Suicide Rate Among Veterinarians from Discover Magazine
Check out this article from The Canine Chronicle for ideas on how you can show respect and appreciation to your veterinarian

Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].

Next Episode

Ep. 27 - Michael and Stephen are not legal experts

Who gets the pet if a couple breaks up? Are you entitled to “pain and suffering” if your cat dies as a result of a car accident? If your dog is attacked at the dog park, who is responsible for the veterinary bills? You may consider your rabbit as part of the family but how does the law see them?

These are complex questions with no simple answers. As neither Michael or Stephen are legal experts, they brought Scott Kimberly into the studio to talk about these issues and more. While Scott’s answers are repeatedly prefaced with “that depends,” he walks us through plenty of the reasons how and why the law views pets the way it does.

Here are links to information we talked about today:

You can learn more about Scott and his law firm on his website or at Facebook
Tennessee Code Annotated is the source for all Tennessee laws – about pets and otherwise
Can someone find Stephen’s mugshot with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department?

Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].