Cat Talk Radio

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!