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© Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn
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Cat Talk Radio is your go-to podcast for understanding cat behavior—why cats do what they do, what drives the occasional "misbehavior," and how you can help them (and yourself!) live happier lives. We'll guide you through how to modify unwanted behaviors by creating an enriching environment that allows your cat to express natural instincts in ways that work for both of you. Along the way, you'll discover fascinating feline facts, learn how to have more fun with your cat, and find inspiration to try new things—all of which will deepen your bond and enhance your relationship. We also shine a light on the challenges faced by cats across the country and share their stories to inspire compassion and change.
342 Episodes
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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 UV perception, you'll discover how dramatically different your cat's reality is from your own. You'll also learn what we see that cats don't — including color differences, fine detail, and static imagery — and how these sensory contrasts influence behavior, enrichment, stress levels, and bonding. If you want to better understand why your cat reacts the way they do, this episode will change how you look at your home — and your relationship — forever.
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 orienters. If you've ever wondered how cats know where home is — or why relocation must be handled carefully — this deep dive will change how you see feline intelligence.
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 practical tips to better understand your cat's behavior and strengthen your bond — plus a whole new perspective on what your cat has been trying to tell you all along.
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 how modern feeding practices stack up against a cat's biological needs — this episode breaks it all down in a clear, practical, and fascinating way. Check our YouTube channel for a deep dive webinar into Cat Nutrition.
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 build trust, safety, and harmony in your home.
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 guidance, realistic expectations, and hope. Because social rehab isn't about forcing friendships—it's about teaching safety, tolerance, and calm.
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 rest in multi-cat (or cat-and-dog) households. If your cat naps all day and parties all night, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.
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 How stress and fear alter a cat's nervous system What adopters often misunderstand—and how to see cats more clearly Why patience, not pressure, reveals who a cat truly is If you've ever wondered why a shelter cat didn't "connect" with you—or how to better understand cats in transition—this episode is for you.
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 why cats don't "obey" commands the way dogs might. We also address modern dog training science, explaining why dominance-based models miss the mark—and why understanding your cat's evolutionary history is the key to better behavior, deeper trust, and a stronger bond. If you've ever wondered why your cat ignores you, interrupts your Zoom calls, or sleeps on your keyboard, this episode will finally make it all make sense.
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 backfires and reinforces the wrong memories How understanding memory helps you change behavior compassionately If you've ever wondered whether your cat is "holding a grudge," panics at the carrier, or wakes you up at the same time every morning — this episode explains why.
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 emergencies, and how to cat-proof your routines without giving up self-care. If you've ever thought, "It's natural, so it must be safe," this episode may change how you see your home—and your cat—forever.
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 drug can out-perform an unchanged lifestyle. Molly and Dewey break down the science behind GLP-1 drugs, why cats gain weight in the first place, how owners unintentionally sabotage progress, and what must happen after the medication wears off to prevent rebound weight gain. This episode is an honest, practical, behavior-centered guide to understanding the promise — and the limits — of GLP-1 treatments for pets.
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 issues. Whether you're a cat guardian, foster, or behavior enthusiast, this episode gives you the clarity you need to help your cat feel better — inside and outside the litter box.
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 you'll walk away equipped to make safer, more informed food choices for your cats.
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-blowing cat facts!
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 — this is one episode that might just change what's in your food bowl tonight.
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 one's for you. Tune in to learn how to turn those messy moments into breakthroughs in understanding your cat's emotional world.
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 how to spot stress signals, understand feline body language, and reset your expectations for what's normal cat behavior. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to appreciate your cat's authentic self — no filters required.
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I absolutely love listening to Cat Talk Radio! As a cat lover and guardian, this podcast has been a valuable resource for me to understand my furry companions better. Molly and Dewey provide a wealth of information on various cat-related topics, from understanding cat behavior ( https://learnaboutcat.com/category/cat-behavior/ ) to solving common issues like misbehavior and litter box problems.