Cattitude - The #1 Cat Podcast

What do a neurologically impaired squirrel, a disabled sheep who herded cats, six cats with feline leukemia, and a beloved former police horse have in common? They’re all part of the extraordinary life of Michelle Lerner, author of A Series of Opinionated Animals: A Memoir. On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern talks with the Harvard-educated lawyer, author and lifelong animal advocate about the rescued animals who shaped her life and taught her to see beyond age, illness and disability. Michelle shares the unforgettable story of Teddy Bear, a tiny, mostly hairless kitten with serious health challenges and an enormous personality; Lammy, the disabled sheep who wore children’s skateboard pads and actually learned to herd cats; and Shire, the horse she calls her soulmate, whose influence helped set her on the path to animal law. Michelle also reveals how an animal-rights sticker on her Harvard Law School locker helped spark a student movement that eventually contributed to animal law being taught at Harvard. It’s a funny, moving and inspiring conversation about rescue, advocacy and the remarkable lessons animals can teach us when we recognize their value for who they are.

EPISODE NOTES: A Sheep That Herded Cats?! Meet Michelle Lerner’s Opinionated Animals!

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What happens when a chatty orange cat, his fiercely independent feline sister, and a creative cat mom take over social media? You get Beauty and the Bean! This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Cassidy Howard, the creator behind the hilarious, Webby Award-winning cat sensation, Beauty and the Bean, featuring Bean and Lily, whose daily adventures have captured the hearts of nearly 2 million followers across social media. Cassidy shares how a simple pandemic pastime turned into the wildly popular “Waking Up with Bean” series, where Bean's morning meows become laugh-out-loud conversations and Lily provides plenty of feline attitude. Discover the surprising rescue stories behind these internet-famous cats, what it takes to create fresh content every single day, and how their videos are inspiring people to fall in love with cats and even consider adoption. Plus, Bean's punk-rock music career, his latest adventures, and what's next for this irresistible feline duo. It's a purr-fectly entertaining conversation you won't want to miss!

EPISODE NOTES: Beauty and the Bean: Meet the Webby Award-Winning Cats Taking Over the Internet!

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Your cat may look perfectly healthy, but could a serious heart condition be hiding beneath those purrs? On this important episode of Cattitude, host Michelle Fern welcomes feline specialist Dr. Ashlie Saffire to uncover the often-overlooked dangers of heart disease in cats. Discover why cats are masters at hiding illness, the subtle warning signs every cat parent should recognize, and why hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is more common than you might think. Dr. Saffire explains how routine veterinary visits, early detection, and advances in feline heart care can make a difference in your cat's health and quality of life. Plus, learn how to make vet visits less stressful, what changes in your cat's behavior should raise red flags, and when symptoms require immediate attention. Whether your kitty is a playful youngster or a cherished senior, this is one episode that could help you protect the feline you love!

EPISODE NOTES: Is Your Cat Hiding Heart Disease? The Warning Signs Every Cat Parent Should Know!

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Nathan the Cat Lady is back—and he’s traded some of the laughs for a whole lot of lifesaving! This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern catches up with social media sensation Nathan Kehn, aka Nathan the Cat Lady, who reveals how his world has changed since his last visit nearly six years ago. After a health scare forced him to reevaluate his life, Nathan left his full-time job and threw himself into animal rescue—and he hasn’t slowed down since. From TNR and transporting hundreds of shelter animals to safety with Wings of Rescue, to helping rescue Spanish galgos, building catios and animal sanctuaries, and even raising $150,000 in donated supplies for a former animal-testing facility turned sanctuary, Nathan is proving that having a huge social media following can do a whole lot more than generate likes. He also shares the hilarious story of why “Nathan the Cat Daddy” lasted exactly ONE DAY, gets candid about why animal rescue groups need to stop fighting and start working together, and delivers an important message to his more than one million followers: you don’t need money, expertise or a huge platform to save animals—everybody can do something. It’s funny, outspoken, inspiring and unmistakably Nathan the Cat Lady!

EPISODE NOTES: Nathan the Cat Lady Unleashed: Cats, Chaos & Saving Lives!

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What if your cat could tell you exactly what they're thinking? This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes animal communicator Zan Ottaway, whose approach combines intuitive communication with an understanding of animal behavior. Zan explains how she connects with cats, why she believes anyone can become more receptive to what their pets are communicating, and why cats aren't being spiteful when they act out—they may instead be expressing insecurity, excitement or stress. Michelle even puts Zan's ideas to the test with her own misunderstood cat, Charlotte, as they explore one of the most frustrating feline problems of all: litter box issues. The conversation also takes a touching turn as Zan discusses how cats grieve, communicating with pets who have passed, the guilt many pet parents experience after losing a beloved animal, and her work helping rescue animals. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic or simply wish your cat came with a translator, this episode may have you looking—and listening—to your feline companion in an entirely new way.

EPISODE NOTES: Your Cat Is Talking—Are You Listening?

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