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PODCAST

Felinésse

Felinésse by CatsEssentials

Women Voices in Feline Health & Beyond. Hosted by Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, this podcast features conversations with pioneering women who are driving innovation in feline care and advocating for a healthier planet. Together, we dive into all things feline — from science and wellness to the simple joy of how much we love our cats.

kids & family pets & animals

All Episodes

00:29:20

Why Feline Health Needs Its Own Research (And How...

Felinésse ·

2026/07/18

For decades, cats have received far less research fundingthan many other animals—but that's changing. In this episode of CatsEssentials, Melissa welcomes Jackie Jaakola, President and CEO of the EveryCat Health Foundation, the world's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to feline health research.Jackie shares how groundbreaking feline research isimproving the lives of cats worldwide, why cats require their own unique medical studies, and how discoveries in feline medicine have even

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00:41:09

Bringing Home a New Cat? What Every Cat Parent Should...

Felinésse ·

2026/06/04

Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but building trust takes patience, understanding, and time.In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Rachel Geller, a Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist and Founder of All Cats All the Time, to discuss how adopters can help cats adjust successfully to their new homes. Together, they explore creating safe spaces, recognizing signs of trust, introducing cats to one another, solving common litter box challenges, and the unique joys of adopting senior

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00:38:23

How to Recognize Hidden Arthritis Pain in Cats...

Felinésse ·

2026/05/08

You might think your cat is just “slowing down” with age… but what if they’re actually in pain?In this eye-opening episode, host Melissa Manzanera sits down with renowned feline veterinarian Dr. Wendy Simpson to uncover the hidden signs of arthritis in cats—a condition that affects up to 90% of cats over age 12, yet often goes undiagnosed.Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which means subtle behavior changes could be your only clue. From hesitation to jump to changes in grooming, litter box

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00:35:42

How Cats Support Us Through Illness | The...

Felinésse ·

2026/04/27

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Lori Kogan and Dr. Jennifer Currin-McCulloch from Colorado State University to explore how the human–animal bond supports people during serious illness.The conversation looks at what it means to navigate cancer and other health challenges, and where cats and pets fit into that experience: whether as part of a broader support system or, in some cases, the primary source of comfort.From the quiet presence of a cat during treatment to the sense of

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00:34:58

Do Cats Really Love Us? The Science Behind the...

Felinésse ·

2026/04/02

Do cats really love us… or are they just using us for food?In this fascinating episode, Melissa Mezzalira explores the science of the human–cat bond with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, a leading expert in cat behavior and the human-animal bond, to uncover the truth about how cats actually see us.You’ll discover groundbreaking insights from research featured in Inside the Mind of a Cat, including why cats form deep emotional attachments to humans, how they see us as caregivers, and why your cat may prefer you

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00:31:10

The Hidden Guilt Many Cat Parents Feel | With Dr....

Felinésse ·

2026/03/17

Why do so many cat parents feel guilty when they leave their cats home alone?In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, speaks with psychologist and human-animal interaction researcher Dr. Lori Kogan about the emotional bond between humans and cats.They explore the science behind the calming effects cats have on people, the psychological connection many cat parents experience, and why guilt around cats is often overlooked or misunderstood.This conversation highlights the

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00:31:17

Are Cats the New Children? Understanding Modern Pet...

Felinésse ·

2026/02/26

Are cats the new children?Pet parenting is more visible than ever, but why?In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, speaks with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Shelly Volsche about the cultural rise of pet parenting and what science reveals about loving cats like family.Is this simply a trend, or does it reflect deeper shifts in identity, caregiving, and how society defines “family”?Together, they explore:• The difference between “pet owner” and “pet parent”• How language

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00:23:56

The Feline Microbiome: Why It Changes Everything |...

Felinésse ·

2026/01/15

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials and host of Felinésse, for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Holly Ganz, PhD — microbial ecologist and Chief Science Officer of Animal Biome, a pioneering company translating microbiome science into practical solutions for feline health.Dr. Holly Ganz is a microbial ecologist and the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Animal Biome, a company dedicated to translating cutting-edge microbiome science into practical solutions for pet health

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00:37:19

Leaky Gut in Cats Explained | Felinésse Podcast |...

Felinésse ·

2025/12/20

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials and host of Felinésse, for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Odette Suter, DVM — holistic veterinarian, bestselling author, and educator with over 30 years of experience helping cats heal chronic illness at the root level.In this episode, we explore one of the most misunderstood drivers of feline health problems: leaky gut and chronic inflammation. Dr. Suter explains, clearly and compassionately, how damage to the gut lining can quietly trigger

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00:26:16

Dr. Jennifer Conrad: Declawing: What Cat Parents Need...

Felinésse ·

2025/12/02

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, as she speaks with Dr. Jennifer Conrad of The Paw Project about the truth behind cat declawing. Discover what the procedure really involves, the lifelong physical and behavioral impacts on cats, and why many declawed cats end up in shelters. You’ll also learn humane alternatives, how to support cats already declawed, and the recent California law banning non-therapeutic declawing.A must-listen for cat parents, and animal welfare advocates who want

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00:45:22

Julie Anne Lee: From Hidden Toxins to Holistic...

Felinésse ·

2025/09/11

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, as she sits down with Julie Anne Lee, founder of Adored Beast Apothecary. Julie Anne is a pioneering voice in holistic pet health, with decades of experience in integrative veterinary practice. In this conversation, we explore the unique health needs of cats, the hidden toxins in their environment, and the natural solutions that can help them thrive.When we protect our cats from toxins, we protect ourselves and the planet, too. If you’re a cat

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11 results

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