Best Cat Enrichment Podcasts (2025)

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Feline Zen: Reducing Stress and Enriching Your Cat’s Life 45:36

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11d ago45:36

45:36

Welcome back to another episode of Healing Tails! I'm Dr. Ruth Roberts, and we’re diving into the calming world of feline well-being with the fabulous duo Jay and Adrien, also known as The Two Crazy Cat Ladies. If you're a cat parent, this episode is a must-listen! We're talking all things feline stress—what it looks like, how it manifests, and mos…

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4:9 - Keeping Your Cat Cool on Summer Adventures 13:51

11d ago13:51

13:51

Adventuring with your cat in the summer can be fun — but it also comes with serious safety risks. In this episode, I’m sharing essential tips for keeping your cat cool during outdoor adventures in hot weather. You’ll learn how to prevent overheating and heat exhaustion, how to recognize the early signs of overheating and heat stroke in cats, and wh…

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Animal Communication & Navigating End-of-Life Care with Love and Grace 38:06

3d ago38:06

38:06

Welcome back to Healing Tales! I’m Dr. Ruth Roberts, here to help you become the best pet parent you can be with simple, natural care that supports real life, real budgets, and real pets. In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by the incredible Melissa Sherman, founder of Calming Creek. Melissa is an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic …

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Listening to Healing: How Meditation Music Transforms Pet Wellness 49:29

4d ago49:29

49:29

Welcome back to Healing Tales! In this episode, I sit down with Falyn and Ian, two visionary wellness practitioners and founders behind Listening to Smile, to dive deep into the intersection of sound healing, functional health, and the powerful connection between humans and animals. Together, we explore how unresolved health issues led them into th…

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#121 - Try it: Learn Your Pet's Ladder of De-Escalation 15:38

6d ago15:38

15:38

We talk a lot about recognizing when our pets are becoming more stressed. But what about when they’re calming down? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong walks you through a practical and insightful skill: identifying your pet’s ladder of de-escalation. It’s the crucial flip side to recognizing escalation, and it is just as…

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Why You're Still Doing All the Pet Care (and How to Get Your Family to Step Up) 26:09

6d ago26:09

26:09

Ever feel like you're the only one who remembers to feed the dog, clean the litter box, or refill the water bowls? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing it all. This bonus summer episode gives you a complete system to get your household to step up and share the pet care load, without nagging, yelling, or turning into the resentful pet …

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Natural Detox for Pets: Post-Vaccine & Heartworm Healing 47:00

10d ago47:00

47:00

In this episode of Healing Tales, I sit down with Audrey Moyna—a retired pharmacist turned holistic pet health coach—to explore the natural, balanced path to healing pets after vaccines and heartworm treatments. Audrey brings a rare perspective that fuses decades of pharmaceutical expertise with a passion for natural healing methods, including diet…

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Beyond Threshold: The Science of Effective Counter Conditioning and Keeping Dogs Safe During Fireworks, With Certified Dog Behaviorist, Will Bangura 30:20

12d ago30:20

30:20

Text Me Your Questions In this episode of Dog Training Today, certified canine behaviorist Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, tackles one of the most common—and consequential—mistakes pet parents make when attempting behavior modification: working with their dog above threshold. Whether you're addressing fear-based reactivity, anx…

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#120 - Why Your Pet Needs a Safe Space (and How to Make One) 46:38

13d ago46:38

46:38

Whether your pet is overwhelmed by the doorbell, a new houseguest, or the invisible ghosts that apparently live in the laundry room, having a safe space can make a world of difference. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily and Ellen break down why safe spaces aren’t just cozy corners—they’re essential tools for helping our pets (a…

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Empowering Pet Parents: How the New Pet Parent Course Can Transform Your Pet's Health Journey 24:50

17d ago24:50

24:50

Hey y'all, welcome back to another heartwarming episode of Healing Tails! I'm Dr. Ruth Roberts, your Original Holistic Pet Health Coach, and today I'm thrilled to introduce someone who's deeply committed to the well-being of our furry family members. Meet Beth Hrnciar, founder of Follow My Lead Pet Care, an incredible dog trainer and holistic pet h…

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Meet Dr. Ruth Roberts: The Heart Behind Holistic Pet Health 53:53

18d ago53:53

53:53

In the inaugural episode of 'Healing Tails,' Melissa Natanson introduces listeners to Dr. Ruth Roberts, a pioneer in holistic pet health. The episode delves into Dr. Ruth's inspirations, including a touching story about a client’s dog that opened her eyes to the importance of integrative approaches in veterinary medicine. Listeners will learn about…

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#119 - Try it: Teach "Go To A Safe Space" From Behind a Barrier 9:16

20d ago9:16

9:16

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong shares two ways to teach your dog to go to a safe space from behind a barrier—a skill that supports emotional regulation and improves outcomes for both aggressive and behaviorally healthy animals. You'll learn when and why Pet Harmony uses this technique (spoiler alert: a lot!), how it …

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Sneak Peak of Healing Tails with Dr. Ruth Roberts 1:13

24d ago1:13

1:13

🎙️ Sneak Peek Alert! 🎙️ We’re getting ready for the launch of the Happy Tales Podcast on Wednesday, June 18! 🚨 In this special first episode, I, Dr. Ruth Roberts, am interviewed by Melissa Natanson as we share powerful insights into holistic pet care. In this clip, we explore the importance of creating balance in your pet’s health routine.🌱 👉 Why w…

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4:8 - Catification 101: Enriching Your Home for Your Cats with Kate Benjamin 44:43

25d ago44:43

44:43

What is catification — and why is it so important for your cat’s health and happiness? In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Benjamin, catification expert and founder of Hauspanther, to talk all about creating enriching spaces for your cats. We discuss what catification really means, why it matters for your cat’s physical and mental well-being, and h…

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#118 - Amber Quann: Biofeedback, Beer, & Backpacks 1:19:21

26d ago1:19:21

1:19:21

What do biofeedback, brewery manners, and doggy backpacks have in common? Amber Quann, CEO and Head Trainer at Summit Dog Training, weaves them together beautifully in this episode of Enrichment for the Real World. Host Emily Strong and guest, Amber Quann dig into the nuances of dog relaxation, not just as a one-size-fits-all goal, but as a spectru…

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#117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact 43:08

1M ago43:08

43:08

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie Bender and Emily Strong chat about the use of protected contact including what it is (and no, it isn’t just putting up a gate or a fence), how to adjust your plan based on needs and progress, tips to avoid the temptation to rush, and advice to ensure that you’re not just relying on barriers to…

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4:7 - What We Wish We Knew Before Adventuring with Our Cats: Lessons from Trailblazers 14:12

1M ago14:12

14:12

In this special episode, members of the KittyCatGO Trailblazers community share the things they wish they had known when they first started training and adventuring with their cats — plus the lessons they learned the hard way. From training mistakes to gear fails and mindset shifts, these real stories and reflections will help you start smarter and…

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#116 - Try It: Budget-Friendly Enrichment from Everyday Items 17:58

1M ago17:58

17:58

When it comes to enrichment, we often think we need fancy tools, expensive toys, or complicated activities—but what if the best enrichment was sitting in your recycling bin? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) shares how you can use everyday household items—yes, even your trash—to bring joy, engagement, and beh…

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#115 - Present Over Perfect: Enrichment That Matters 1:01:16

2M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Episode Overview: Raise your hand if you've ever felt like you’re not doing enough for your pet. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Whether you're a devoted pet parent or a seasoned pro, enrichment burnout is real—and it’s sneaky. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily (she/they) and Pet Harmony Behavior Consultant Claire Horvat (she/her) explore how perfec…

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Beyond The Biscuit: How to Train Dogs with Food the Right Way Force-Free Positive Reinforcement 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

Text Me Your Questions 🎧 Podcast Episode Description (for Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and RSS) In this episode, we debunk the myths and misinformation surrounding the use of food in dog training — including the age-old claim that “dogs trained with treats only work when food is visible.” Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, internation…

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4:6 - Vets Explain Disease Prevention for Adventure Cats 49:11

2M ago49:11

49:11

Taking your cat outdoors? 🐾 It’s important to understand the health risks — and how to prevent them. In this episode, I’m joined by two veterinarians from the EveryCat Health Foundation to talk about the most common diseases your cat might be exposed to when outdoors. We cover which illnesses to watch out for, how they’re transmitted, what vaccines…

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#114 - Sami Griffin: Beyond Performative - Effective Gender Inclusivity for Pet Professionals 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

What does gender inclusivity have to do with pet behavior consulting? (Spoiler: everything.) In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) chats with Sami Griffin (they/them), a cat and dog behavior consultant with a passion for creating safer, more inclusive spaces—for pets and their people. Sami helps us move beyond su…

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#113 - Q&A: Enrichment Overload- When Is It Too Much? 38:53

2M ago38:53

38:53

Ever find yourself second-guessing if you’re “doing enrichment right”? You’re not alone—and this episode is here to clear things up. In this Q&A session, Allie Bender (she/her), Emily Strong (she/they), and Ellen Yoakum (she/her) tackle real questions from listeners who are curious (and maybe a little confused) about enrichment. They break down com…

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4:5 - Get the Gear! 10 Essential Cat Adventure Accessories 13:30

2M ago13:30

13:30

In this solo episode, I dive into my top 10 must-have cat adventure gear and accessories that every cat parent needs for safe and successful outings. I explain why each item is essential—from harnesses and carriers to treats and toys—and share my personal product recommendations. 🔗 Resources mentioned in episode: Article - Cat Backpack or Stroller:…

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#112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

Looking for an easy way to enrich your dog’s life and support your behavior goals? “Find It” might be your new favorite go-to. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) walks you through exactly how to teach “Find It” from scratch—even if your dog has never done scent work before. You’ll get a step-by-step guide that…

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Why the “No Kill” Movement Hurts More Than It Helps 52:39

2M ago52:39

52:39

What if the no-kill movement isn’t saving animals but failing them? It promised to end unnecessary euthanasia and revolutionize sheltering. But behind the glowing stats and feel-good slogans lies a much messier reality, one most people don’t want to talk about. In this episode, I sit down with animal welfare expert Daniel Ettinger to expose the uni…

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#111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household 41:50

3M ago41:50

41:50

Simple, flexible scent games that help your dog thrive—and give you a well-earned breather. If you’ve ever needed your dog to do something enriching without needing your full attention, or wanted to build your relationship through fun, sniffy games, this episode is your new best friend. In this week’s episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie…

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4:4 - How Cats Are Trained for Movies & TV with Melissa Millett 1:14:50

3M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Ever wonder how cats end up in your favorite TV shows and movies? 🎬 In this episode, I chat with professional animal trainer Melissa Millett of the Ultimutts about what it takes to train cats for the screen. She shares her behind-the-scenes experiences, training techniques, what makes a good feline actor, and how you can get involved in the world o…

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When Rescue Breaks You: The Cost of Saying Yes Too Much 8:58

3M ago8:58

8:58

What happens when your love for animals becomes the thing that breaks you? I broke down in the middle of a hurricane, sobbing, soaked, and desperately trying to keep my barn from blowing away while sick kittens cried in a barely secured shed. That was the moment I knew something had to change. In this raw, no-holds-barred solo episode, I share the …

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Heartworm Prevention Myths That Could Cost Your Pet’s Life 36:54

3M ago36:54

36:54

Heartworm Truths Every Pet Owner Needs to Hear with Dr. Zoo 💔 Heartworm disease is slow, painful, and entirely preventable. So why are pets still dying from it? In this essential episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs, Dr. Zoo shares two real-life cases that hit hard: a young German Shepherd in kidney failure at just two years old after his owners sto…

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4:3 - Escape-Proof Cat Harness? Think again! 13:39

3M ago13:39

13:39

In this episode, I step on my soapbox to explain why I think there is NO SUCH THING as an escape proof cat harness. I also share about the importance of thorough training and the steps you CAN take to prevent cat harness escapes. Show NotesBy Emily Hall

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Calm Your Reactive or Aggressive Dog with "Look at That" Training 31:19

3M ago31:19

31:19

Text Me Your Questions Certified canine behaviorist Will Bangura shares a powerful force-free approach to help dogs with reactivity or aggression without using corrections or punishment. • Understanding that reactive behavior stems from anxiety, stress, and fear • Why corrections and punishment only suppress behavior without changing emotional stat…

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Turn Pet Hunger Into Hope for Families in Need 45:01

3M ago45:01

45:01

What if feeding your pet meant you had to skip dinner yourself? For thousands of families, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s a heartbreaking daily decision. And when the bills pile up, surrendering a beloved pet can feel like the only option left. In this episode, I talk with Stacey LeBaron, founder of PAWSitive Pantry and host of The Community Cats P…

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Still Feeling Guilty After Losing a Pet? Here’s Why 52:43

3M ago52:43

52:43

Did I wait too long? Did I do the right thing? What if I failed them? If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you’ve probably asked yourself these same painful questions. Grief is hard enough, but guilt can make healing feel impossible. I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, eve…

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#110 - Q&A: Enrichment Strategies for Pets with Allergies 35:07

3M ago35:07

35:07

Anyone who has a pet with allergies knows that it can be rough to create an enrichment strategy that fits their needs. Depending on the type and severity of that allergy there can be a lot of restrictions. In this episode, we discuss the allergy journies we've gone on with our own dogs and how we've created enrichment strategies around allergy rest…

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10 Critical Mistakes That Sabotage Your Dog Training (And How to Fix Them) 36:04

4M ago36:04

36:04

Text Me Your Questions Support the show If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website. Go here for Free Dog Training ArticlesBy Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP is a World Renowned Dog Behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Fear Free Certified Professional with over 36 years of experience with the most difficult

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4:2 - Bicycling with Cats 41:31

4M ago41:31

41:31

In this episode, I chat with cyclist Travis Nelson, who bikes around London with his cat Sigrid. He will be sharing tips and advice on the safety, training, and gear required. Show NotesBy Emily Hall

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4:1 - Harness Training Mistakes + What to Do Instead 14:12

4M ago14:12

14:12

Taking your cat for outdoor walks on a harness and leash is one of the best ways you can provide them with the enrichment they need and crave! It checks ALL the boxes for mental and physical stimulation. PLUS it helps to create and build a stronger bond and sense of trust between you and your cat. BUT making mistakes with your training can hinder y…

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Are Hairballs Normal? What Most Cat Parents Get Wrong 34:25

4M ago34:25

34:25

Think hairballs are just a normal part of life with cats? Think again. If your cat is coughing up hairballs weekly or even monthly, it’s not just gross—it’s a red flag. Frequent hairballs can point to stress, food allergies, digestive issues, or even chronic illness. In this episode, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins about what really cause…

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#109 - Assessing Risk for the Safety Enrichment Category 56:22

4M ago56:22

56:22

We're asked all the time about enrichment that isn't related to food. Well, here we are, folks! Today's episode is all about the safety category of enrichment. We'll discuss how to perform a risk assessment for your pet's enrichment strategy. You can find the full episode show notes here.By Pet Harmony

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Make Your Pet Happier by Meeting Their Real Needs 42:53

4M ago42:53

42:53

Is calling your pet your “fur baby” harmless fun or actually harmful to your pet’s well-being? If you’ve ever wondered whether treating your pet like a child is helping or hurting them, you’re not alone. The truth is, humanizing pets isn’t the issue. Misunderstanding their needs is. In this episode, I talk with veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Ma…