Episodes

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 or...

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 wit...

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, o...

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 b...

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 res...

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 permanen...

Do cats think we're in charge—or do they think we're just really weird-looking cats? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn dive into groundbreaking research by biologist John Bradshaw, author of Cat Sense, revealing that cats don't see humans as authority figures at all. Instead, they treat us as conspecifics—members of their own species. We break down the cat behaviors that support this theory, including slow blinking, head bunting, kneading, play aggression, and wh...

What do cats actually remember — and for how long? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn unpack the science behind feline memory and learning. From emotionally charged experiences and routines to food locations, handling, and familiar people, cats remember far more than we often realize — just not the way humans do. You'll learn: Why fear-based memories can last months or even a lifetime How cats remember people through scent, voice, and routine Why punishment back...

Essential oils, protein powders, supplements, hair ties, yoga straps, weighted blankets—what do these have in common? They're all part of modern wellness routines… and all can pose serious, often overlooked risks to cats. In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Certified Cat Behavior Specialist Molly DeVoss and co-host Dewey Vaughn unpack the hidden dangers lurking in "healthy" habits. You'll learn why cats are uniquely vulnerable to everyday wellness products, which items are most likely to cause e...

This week on Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss, Certified Cat Behavior Specialist, and Dewey Vaughn dive into one of the hottest and most controversial emerging topics in veterinary medicine: GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for cats. With early studies like the MEOW-1 trial underway, some researchers hope these medications could help reverse obesity and even prevent diabetes — a condition that leads far too many cat guardians to choose euthanasia due to cost or treatment difficulty. But here's the truth: no...

Hunting isn't just instinct — it's essential for a happy, healthy cat. In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly and Dewey dive into why daily prey play is critical, how dopamine drives the thrill of the hunt, and why "my cat doesn't play" usually means the human is doing it wrong. Learn practical tips to engage your cat, prevent frustration-driven behavior problems, and turn your living room into a predator-friendly playground — safely, and without losing any fingers.

Litter box issues that look like a UTI but aren't? Welcome to the confusing world of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). In this episode, Molly and Dewey unpack one of the most common — and most misunderstood — reasons cats pee outside the box, strain to urinate, or leave alarming drops of blood behind. You'll learn how stress inflames the bladder, why antibiotics often don't help, how diet (especially dry food!) can play a starring role, and the essential steps to take before assuming behavioral...

When is "safe" not actually safe? In this eye-opening episode, Molly and Dewey dig into a surprising chapter in pet food history: the irradiated cat food incident in Australia that led to neurological illness in dozens of cats. We break down what food irradiation is, why it was used, which brand was affected, how it caused nutritional and neurological problems, and what cat parents should look for today. If you've never heard of Feline Irradiated Diet-Induced Demyelination… you will now — and y...

Ever wondered if your cat's coat color hints at their personality—or their superpowers? 🐾 In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn dive into the fascinating world of feline genetics, from Siamese kittens born white to the mysterious powers of black cats and the freckles of ginger tabbies. We'll explore how genes, temperature, and even geography shape your cat's fur—and what science really says about color and behavior. Tune in for a mix of curiosity, humor, and mind-blow...

Think dry food is just a crunchy convenience? Think again. In this episode, Molly and Dewey dive into listener Doug Hines' research uncovering the "double danger" of kibble — how it not only lacks moisture but also steals it from your cat's body during digestion. Learn why chronic dehydration is quietly sabotaging feline health, what really causes that "mystery puke," and whether the old "dry food cleans teeth" myth holds any water. (Spoiler: it doesn't.) Grab your water bottle — and your cat's ...

In this special listener Q&A episode, Certified Cat Behavior Specialist Molly DeVoss answers feline questions from around the globe — including India and Canada! From bruxism (teeth grinding) to kitten feeding, sun safety for white cats, and caring for a deaf farm cat, Molly covers it all. Tune in to discover what current cat research reveals, why cats sometimes seem insatiably hungry, and how to keep your kitty's health and happiness on track — no matter where you are in the world.

When your cat pees outside the litterbox, it's easy to assume bad behavior — but what if your cat is trying to tell you something? In this episode, Molly and Dewey explore a fresh way to look at litterbox issues: as communication. From emotional stress and social tension to medical discomfort and environmental triggers, they decode what your cat's "messages" really mean — and how to respond with empathy instead of frustration. If you've ever wondered "Why is my cat peeing on my stuff?", this on...

Behind the Purrfect Posts: What Social Media Gets Wrong About Cats (Social Media Cats vs. Real Cats: The Behavior Gap) Why does your cat hiss when you try to put on a costume — but that Instagram cat seems to love it? In this myth-busting episode, Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist Molly DeVoss and co-host Dewey Vaughn pull back the curtain on viral cat videos to reveal what's really going on behind the scenes. From cats "snuggling" dogs to "hugging" their owners, Molly explains h...

Think cats don’t need grooming? Think again! In this episode, Molly DeVoss talks with Liz Hampton, Director of Education & Grooming at Fluffology, about how even small changes in grooming routines and environments can make a big difference in your cat’s comfort and wellbeing. From brushing and bathing to nail trims and what really happens behind the scenes at a cat-friendly salon, Liz helps demystify grooming so your cat can stay clean, calm, and confident.

Ever wonder why your cat suddenly transforms into a furry ninja at 2 a.m.? On this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn dive into the science of feline night-time antics. Learn why cats aren’t nocturnal but crepuscular, how natural hunting instincts drive their late-night energy, and practical tips to redirect their zoomies. From pre-bedtime play to timed 3 a.m. snacks, discover strategies to align your cat’s schedule with yours—so everyone gets more sleep (mostly).

We’re busting the myth that your cat is keeping score! Join Molly and Dewey as they explore feline memory, emotional responses, and why what looks like “resentment” is really stress or self-protection. Learn the science behind cats’ long-term memory, how it compares to dogs, and practical tips for helping your cat bounce back after a stressful event.

The cat food aisle can feel overwhelming. With so many options labeled “premium,” “grain-free,” or “natural,” how do you know what’s really best for your cat? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss is joined by Dave Ratner, founder of Dave’s Pet Food, to cut through the confusion and talk honestly about what should — and shouldn’t — go into your cat’s bowl. Dave shares his philosophy on pet food, how to balance affordability with nutrition, and the most important things cat owners shou...

Ever been told, “He never does that with me!” when it comes to your cat’s behavior? You’re not losing your mind—cats really do act differently depending on who they’re with. In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly and Dewey dive into the phenomenon we’re calling feline gaslighting—why cats tailor their behavior to different people in the household (and even to strangers). From reading body language and tone of voice to forming unique relationships with each individual, cats are masters at adap...