Episodes

Do cats really need water fountains, or is it just clever pet industry marketing? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss dives into the science of feline hydration. Learn why cats evolved to get most of their water from prey, why dry food changes the equation, and what happens when cats don't get enough moisture. Molly explores whether cats truly prefer running water, the surprising role of biofilm in water bowl rejection, and why your cat's nose may be detecting problems long before yo...

Cats have been worshipped, feared, smuggled onto ships, awarded military medals, and even used in ancient warfare. In this solo episode, Molly dives into some of the most obscure, surprising, and downright unbelievable cat facts from history, science, and culture. Learn how cats helped win battles, why some cats have "extra toes," how felines may manipulate humans with their purrs, and the strange reason cats survived a shipwreck only to become famous. If you think you already know everything ab...

Cats, cancer, glyphosate, and… Agent Orange?! A viral social media comment claimed that glyphosates used on grains are "a version of Agent Orange" and blamed them for rising cancer rates in pets. But is that actually true? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss separates fear from fact and dives into: what glyphosate actually is why it is NOT Agent Orange where the myth came from the real scientific debate surrounding glyphosate whether there's evidence linking pet food to cancer why ca...

Cats aren't trying to control you—they're trying to feel safe. In this episode, Molly DeVoss breaks down how a cat's sense of control directly impacts their confidence, behavior, and relationship with you. From scent marking and routine to shelter strategies and real-life household habits, you'll learn how to reduce stress, prevent behavior issues, and build trust by giving your cat what they truly need: predictability and choice.

Is your cat "acting out"… or trying to tell you something? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly sits down with veterinarian Dr. Kevin Toman to explore the often-overlooked connection between chronic medical issues and feline behavior. From litter box problems to aggression and withdrawal, many behaviors we label as "bad" may actually be signs of pain, discomfort, or underlying illness. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Toman shares how conditions like arthritis, gastrointestinal issue...

On this hilarious episode of Cat Talk Radio , Molly DeVoss sits down with comedian Matt Koff to talk about his new comedy special Cat Man — an hour of stand-up centered around divorce, middle age, and yes… cats. Matt believes society has a strange bias against men with cats, saying: "People love cats, but men with cats make people uncomfortable. Including me." Molly and Matt dive into why cats challenge masculinity stereotypes, why cat people are often misunderstood, and how living with cats can...

Your cat isn't just cute—they're a highly specialized predator with a lot in common with one of history's most iconic hunters: Tyrannosaurus rex. In this episode, Molly breaks down the surprising similarities between cats and T. rex—from ambush hunting and jaw mechanics to sensory superpowers and energy conservation (aka sleeping all day, chaos all night). If you've ever been ambushed in a hallway, stared down from across the room, or judged for your life choices… this episode will make a lot of...

What if the biggest health risk in your cat's bowl isn't what's listed on the label… but what's created during processing? In this eye-opening episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss explores the potential dangers of charred kibble and what those dark, burnt bits could mean for your cat's long-term health. High-heat processing methods used to make dry food can create harmful compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)—both linked to cancer and chronic dis...

What happens when a cat survives something unimaginable—and finds their way to joy? In this powerful episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss speaks with Deborah Felin Magaldi, Director of Cat PAWS, about the incredible story of Benny—a cat who was found with a broken jaw and has since made a remarkable recovery… complete with a birthday celebration. But Benny's story is about more than survival. It highlights an important and often under-discussed reality: 👉 animal abuse and domestic violence ca...

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are transforming human health—but what happens when they end up in the wrong paws? In this eye-opening episode, integrative veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne joins Cat Talk Radio to discuss the hidden risks these powerful medications pose to pets. As these drugs become more common in households, so does the risk of accidental exposure—and the consequences can be serious, even life-threatening. Dr. Osborne breaks down how these medications work, w...

Why does your cat do the weird things they do? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss takes a fun and insightful approach to feline behavior by "spitballing" the most confusing cat quirks. From midnight zoomies to knocking things off tables, you'll learn: What's really behind those "random" behaviors How to look for patterns instead of isolated moments The difference between curiosity and assumption How to turn observation into real behavior solutions Because your cat isn't random—they'...

Do you ever feel like your cat is sending mixed signals… or just completely ignoring you? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss dives into the communication breakdown between cats and their humans —and what your cat wishes you understood. You'll learn: The most commonly misread cat behaviors Subtle body language cues you might be missing Why cats seem to send "contradictory" signals How anthropomorphism leads to confusion and frustration What your cat is actually communicating—and how ...

Is your cat secretly a genius… or just really good at causing chaos? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss breaks down the 9 most intelligent cat breeds —from the high-energy Bengal to the observant Persian—and what their behavior can teach us about feline intelligence. But this isn't just about breeds. You'll learn: What "intelligence" actually looks like in cats Why smart cats are often labeled "problem cats" The hidden reason behind behaviors like night zoomies, cabinet opening, and...

When Number Two Becomes Problem Number One Your Cat's Litter Box Behavior Is Trying to Tell You Something Description: Is your cat pooping outside the litter box, straining in the litter box… or not going at all? Constipation in cats is more common—and more serious—than many cat guardians realize. In this solo episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss breaks down everything you need to know about feline constipation, including the most common causes, subtle warning signs, and safe, effective ways ...

Why does your cat think 3 AM is the perfect time to wake you up? If your cat walks across your face, yowls down the hallway, or taps your cheek in the middle of the night, you're not alone. In this episode of Cat Talk Radio , host Molly DeVoss explains why cats interrupt our sleep — and what you can do to finally get a full night's rest. Cats are often described as crepuscular, meaning they're most active at dawn and dusk. But that doesn't mean they sleep peacefully all night. In fact, many of t...

Have you ever caught your cat staring at an empty wall… or launching into a full pounce over something you couldn't see, hear, or detect at all? They aren't seeing ghosts — they're experiencing a completely different sensory world. In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Certified Cat Behavior Specialist Molly DeVoss explores how cats truly perceive their environment. From night vision and motion detection to high-frequency hearing, scent-driven emotional awareness, and even the possibility of subtle...

On this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss explores the fascinating science behind cats' homing instincts. Inspired by the discovery that birds can "see" Earth's magnetic field using cryptochrome, Molly dives into whether humans or cats share this ability — and what actually helps cats navigate their world. From cognitive maps and scent landscapes to path integration and acclimation for working cats, this episode uncovers the multi-modal navigation system that makes cats such remarkable ori...

In this myth-busting episode of Cat Talk Radio , hosts Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn dig into the science behind some of the most common misconceptions about cats. Are cats really aloof? Do they need to roam outdoors to be happy? Is milk actually a treat — or a tummy ache waiting to happen? Drawing on current research and real-world behavior experience, Molly and Dewey unpack where these myths came from, why they persist, and how believing them can impact our cats' welfare. You'll walk away with...

In this episode of Cat Talk Radio , hosts Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn dive deep into the science behind what makes cats nutritionally unique. From their evolution as true hunters to their status as obligate carnivores, you'll learn why cats require high levels of animal protein, why certain nutrients like taurine and arginine are essential, and how their metabolism differs from dogs and humans. If you've ever wondered why cats can't thrive on plant-based diets, why moisture matters so much, or...

Ever feel like your cat is sending mixed signals—or speaking a language you didn't get the manual for? In this special Listener Questions episode of Cat Talk Radio , Molly dives into real questions from real cat guardians. From cats who hiss while purring, to food-stealing feline roommates, outdoor obsession, tail quivering and rear-leg stomping, and other puzzling behaviors—nothing is off the table. You'll learn what these behaviors actually mean, when to worry, and how to respond in ways that ...

In Part 2 of our Tarzan Syndrome series, Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn move from why cats struggle socially to how we can actually help them. This episode dives into real-world social rehabilitation for cats with poor social skills , including step-by-step behavior modification plans, common mistakes that derail progress, and true success stories that prove change is possible. If you're living with cats who hiss, stalk, ambush, or simply can't coexist peacefully, this episode offers practical gu...

Why do cats sleep so much—and what are they actually doing while they're out cold on your laptop? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio , Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn dive into The Science of Cat Naps , breaking down feline sleep cycles, REM dreaming, and why your cat can go from dead asleep to fully alert in half a second. You'll learn why sleep is essential to your cat's physical and emotional health, what those twitchy whiskers and toe beans mean during dream sleep, and how to support healthy re...

When you meet a cat in a shelter, you're not meeting their personality—you're meeting their stress response. In this special episode of Cat Talk Radio , Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn step aside and let a shelter cat named Whiskers tell the story. Through first-person storytelling and behavior science, we explore what shelter cats are really communicating when they hide, hiss, freeze, or seem "unfriendly." This episode pulls back the curtain on: Why shelter behavior is situational, not permanent ...