Golden Whiskers with Scott Colby

🐾 Episode SummaryIn today’s episode of the Golden Whiskers Podcast, I’m sharing two powerful moments from previous conversations that completely changed how I think about cat behavior.Behavior issues—like litter box problems, stress behaviors, or sudden changes—are often misunderstood. What we label as “bad behavior” is usually our cat trying to solve a problem or communicate that something isn’t right.In this episode, you’ll hear insights from Dr. Rachel Geller and Melissa Sherman, who each approach feline behavior from a different—but deeply complementary—angle. Together, these clips offer a compassionate reframe that replaces frustration with curiosity and blame with understanding.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode* Why litter box issues are often about safety, not defiance* How cats problem-solve when they don’t feel secure* Why sudden behavior changes should always prompt a medical check first* How emotional stress—ours included—can influence a cat’s behavior* Why empathy and awareness are often the first real “solution”🐱 Recommendations for Cat Owners* If a behavior change is sudden or new, rule out medical causes first—pain and illness often show up as behavior* Look at your cat’s environment through their eyes, especially around vulnerable moments like using the litter box* Use open, uncovered litter boxes with clear visual fields whenever possible* Pay attention to changes in your own stress, routine, or emotional energy* Approach behavior with curiosity instead of frustration—small shifts can make a big difference🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned* Dr. Rachel Geller – Certified Cat Behaviorist* Melissa Sherman of Calming Creek – Animal communicator and holistic wellness practitioner(Full interviews with both guests are available in the Golden Whiskers Podcast archive.)💛 Final ThoughtsBehavior isn’t the enemy.Most of the time, it’s information. It’s your cat’s way of telling you they don’t feel safe, comfortable, or settled. When we slow down and listen instead of reacting, everything changes.If your cat’s behavior has been challenging lately, I hope this episode helps you see it through a gentler, more compassionate lens.Thanks for being here, and I’ll see you next time. Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

This week’s episode of the Golden Whiskers Podcast is a special one — a live interview with Penny Wood, also known as Dr. Zoolittle, a longevity zoologist who studies why animals age the way they do and what’s truly possible when we work with their biology instead of against it.In this powerful conversation, Penny explains why most cats never reach their true biological potential, the seven lifestyle facets that shape a cat’s healthspan, and what we can do right now to help our cats live longer, healthier, happier lives.You’ll also hear some personal reflections from me about my late cats, Nomar and Mia, and how much I wish I had known this information years ago — and how grateful I am to apply it now with Niko and Milo.Whether your cat is young and thriving or already a senior with health issues, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, hopeful, and inspired.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🐾 Why the “average” lifespan of 12–15 years isn’t a biological limit🐾 The truth about genes vs. lifestyle — and why 92% of longevity is in your hands🐾 The 7 lifestyle facets that determine how fast (or slow) your cat ages🐾 Why kibble accelerates aging — and what species-appropriate food really looks like🐾 How detoxification, microbiome balance, movement, and environment shape healthspan🐾 Why mental health and enrichment matter just as much as physical care🐾 What’s still possible for senior cats with kidney disease, thyroid issues, or mobility challenges🐾 What “biohacking” means for cats — and how stem cell activation supports longevity🐾 Whether cats experience “aging spurts” like humans🐾 Why nature, grounding, and outdoor elements are essential — even for indoor cats📘 Recommendations for Cat Parents* Shift toward species-appropriate nutrition.Even small steps — adding fresh meat, rotating proteins, or reducing kibble — create meaningful change.* Reduce environmental toxins.Swap out plug-in air fresheners, harsh cleaners, and scented products for safer alternatives.* Support the microbiome.Healthy gut, oral, and skin flora dramatically impact aging, immunity, and disease prevention.* Prioritize movement and alignment.Play, stretching, climbing, and natural movement patterns help maintain youthful function.* Bring nature into your cat’s world.Sunlight, airflow, textures, greenery, and grounding all support biological balance.* Don’t give up if your cat is already a senior.Penny reminds us that the body is always trying to return to health — and it’s never too late to make meaningful improvements.🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned* Learn more from Penny (Dr. Zoolittle):Website: https://drzoolittle.co/* Penny’s Anti-Aging Course for Pet ParentsIf today’s conversation opened your eyes the way it did mine, Penny’s full Anti-Aging Program is honestly the best next step you can take.She goes deep into all seven pillars, gives practical guidance you can start using immediately, and helps you build a personalized longevity plan for your cat.If you’re ready to help your cat thrive at every age — this program is absolutely worth exploring.Check out her Anti-Aging Course for Pet ParentsFinal ThoughtsEvery time I talk to Penny, I’m reminded how much power we actually have as cat parents. I wish I had known this information when Nomar and Mia were with me — but I’m grateful to apply it now with Niko and Milo and to share it with you.Longevity isn’t about chasing a number. It’s about giving our cats the healthiest, happiest, most vibrant life we can… for as long as we can.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow cat parent who wants to help their cat thrive. And if Penny’s wisdom resonates with you, her Anti-Aging course is an incredible next step — not a hard sell, just an invitation to go deeper.Thanks for listening, Golden Whiskers family. 🐾💛 Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

This week’s episode is a little different — and a very special one.Instead of a one-on-one interview, I hosted our first-ever live roundtable on Substack with two beloved feline wellness experts: Julie-Anne Heart of Naturally Cats and Melissa Sherman of Calming Creek.Together, we dug into a topic so many cat parents quietly struggle with:👉 Why anxious cats stop eating👉 How our own worry can make things worse👉 Energetic + practical steps that help cats feel safe enough to eat againIf your cat has ever skipped a meal, seemed “off,” or reacted to the stress in your home… this conversation is for you.✨ Episode SummaryIn this heartfelt roundtable, holistic cat therapist Julie-Anne Heart and animal communicator Melissa Sherman break down the emotional, behavioral, and energetic reasons cats stop eating — especially during stressful seasons of life.We talk about the worry spiral (the cat doesn’t eat → we panic → they feel our panic → appetite drops even more) and how to interrupt it with grounding practices, awareness, and subtle shifts in energy.Melissa and Julie-Anne share real experiences with their own pets, practical steps to calm your home and mealtime environment, and emotional guidance for guardians navigating the challenges of senior cats, chronic illness, and holiday stress.This is one of our most compassionate and relatable conversations yet.📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode* Why anxious cats often stop eating (and what they’re trying to tell us)* How your emotional state directly affects your cat’s appetite* The subtle behavioral cues that signal nausea, stress, or discomfort* What the energy spiral looks like — and how to break it* How to center yourself before preparing your cat’s food* Practical ways to give medication without causing food aversion* Tools for calming household energy during the holidays* Emotional support for guardians of senior or declining cats* A one-minute grounding exercise you can use anytime🐾 Recommendations for Cat Parents* Slow down before mealtime. Your cat feels your energy — calm yourself before preparing food.* Look for small cues. Lip-licking, sniffing and walking away, pacing, or hiding can signal stress or nausea.* Avoid rapid food changes. Some cats love variety, but many get overwhelmed. Keep things familiar when anxious.* Separate meds from meals. Hide pills in lickable treats or soft cheese, not in their main food bowl.* Shift your energy. Try brushing techniques, deep breathing, or Julie-Anne’s “Calm Connection” exercise.* Create emotional balance. Especially with senior cats, focus on presence, joy, and shared memories — not just symptoms.🔗 Links & Resources MentionedFollow Julie-Anne Heart — Naturally Cats🌐 Website: https://www.naturallycats.co.uk📸 Instagram / Facebook / YouTube🌀 Free community: The Soul Space (via her website)Follow Melissa Sherman — Calming Creek🌐 Website: https://www.calmingcreek.com📸 Instagram / Facebook: ✉️ Substack: Calming Creek Healing — metaphysical pet stories & animal astrology💛 Final ThoughtsAnxiety around eating isn’t just a “cat problem.”It’s a relationship moment — a reflection of how deeply our cats feel us, and how we can meet them in that space with calm, presence, and compassion.Whether you’re navigating the stress of the holidays, supporting a senior cat, or simply trying to understand your feline better, this episode is a reminder:Your energy matters. Your awareness matters. And your bond is stronger than you think.Thank you for being part of the Whisker Crew — and for being the kind of guardian who wants to truly understand and support your cat.💛🐾— Scott Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

🐾 Episode SummaryThis week I’m doing something different. Instead of a brand-new interview, I’m sharing the full, uncut conversation from the Thrive Feline Wellness Summit with clinical herbalist Rita Hogan.Rita is best known as a canine herbalist, but she’s also a devoted cat mom who’s spent over 20 years using herbs to support animals—especially around kidney disease, urinary tract issues, and stress.In this episode, we talk about:* Why kidney disease is so common in modern indoor cats* The role of kibble and low-moisture diets* Early warning signs that your cat’s kidneys and urinary tract might need help* How herbs like parsley, nettle seed, marshmallow root, catnip, and cat grass can support your cat* How to use herbs safely, without guessing on dosage or relying on sketchy Google advice* Real-world tips for actually getting your cat to take herbs (without turning it into a wrestling match)This conversation hit home for me after going through kidney disease with Mia. My hope is that it gives you a clearer roadmap and a little more confidence to support your own cat—especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or brand new to herbs.Important note: This episode is for education, not medical advice. Always work with your veterinarian (and, ideally, a qualified herbalist) before adding herbs or supplements to your cat’s routine.🐱 What You’ll Learn In This Episode* Why kidney disease is so prevalent in cats* The impact of dry food and low moisture* How stress and the emotional “vibe” in your home can affect your cat’s kidneys* Early red flags for kidney trouble* Vomiting and loss of appetite* Weak teeth, low immune function, ear infections* Constipation, groaning when they lie down* Jumpy, noise-sensitive, or howling at night* UTIs, bladder infections, stones, incontinence* Herbs that support your cat’s kidneys* Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – gentle diuretic, rich in minerals, helps sodium balance* Nettle seed (stinging nettle) – a powerhouse herb that can support kidney function, reduce inflammation, and help with protein in the urine* Why trace minerals are such a big deal for kidney health* Herbal help for urinary tract issues* Marshmallow root to soothe irritated urinary tissues* Other supportive herbs: ginger, couch grass, uva ursi, juniper berry (when used properly)* Why your cat’s pooping habits are part of the equation* The difference between “weird but still peeing” and a true emergency (especially in male cats)* Everyday herbs you probably already know* Catnip as a daily nervous system support herb, not just “kitty party dust”* Cat grass/wheatgrass for urinary and kidney support and chlorophyll* Using herbs safely (without guessing)* Why more is NOT better* The importance of correct dosing and Latin names* Why Google (and yes, even ChatGPT for dosing) isn’t where you want to be making medical decisions for your cat* How to slowly build your own “herb library” by learning one herb per month* Getting herbs into picky cats* Using glycerite extracts (less smell, less drama)* Hiding drops in high-value foods (tiny bit of tuna, churro sticks, etc.)* Staying calm and confident so you don’t stress your cat out further📘 Recommendations for Cat OwnersHere are some practical, doable steps inspired by Rita’s wisdom in this episode:* Rethink the bowl.* Work with your vet to move away from an all-dry diet toward more moisture-rich, species-appropriate food (wet, gently cooked, or raw where appropriate and safe).* Get yearly kidney data before there’s a crisis.* Ask your vet about a yearly urine protein check and bloodwork so you have a baseline and can spot changes early.* Start with one safe, simple herb.* Examples to explore (with proper guidance and dosing):* Parsley tea (Petroselinum crispum) as a gentle tonic* Nettle seed tincture for kidney support* Marshmallow root for urinary tract soothing* Catnip and cat grass for everyday nervous system and urinary support* Learn one herb a month instead of trying to master everything at once.* Use trusted products—not random Amazon bottles.* Some brands Rita mentioned in the interview to research and discuss with your vet/herbalist:* Pet Wellbeing – especially Urinary Gold* Adored Beast – silver hydrosol* Two Crazy Cat Ladies / Feline Essentials – urinary support with vitamin C and PEA* Dr. Judy Morgan’s store – PEA formulas* Invest in a good reference.* Book: Herbs for Pets by Greg Tilford (covers cats and dogs, safety, and dosing).* Book: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan (includes info on which herbs are safe for cats and how to dose them).* Don’t over-dose.* With herbs like nettle seed, “one to two drops” really means one to two drops.* If you’re ever unsure, pause and ask a pro instead of guessing.* Watch the whole cat, not just one symptom.* Mood, sleep, appetite, energy, litter box habits, and vocalizations all give clues.* If something feels off, check in with your vet—especially if your cat is straining to pee, not peeing, or seems in pain. Those are emergencies.🔗 Links & Resources MentionedLearn from and connect with Rita Hogan:* 🌿 Website & Store: [canineherbalist.com]* 🎓 Teaching Platform: [canineherbalism.com]* 🎙 Podcast: Dogs Are Individuals (search wherever you listen to podcasts)* 📗 Book: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan (includes cat-safe herb notes and dosing)🐾 Final ThoughtsGoing through kidney disease with Mia was one of the hardest stretches of my life as a cat dad. A lot of what Rita shared in this conversation—especially around nettle seed, parsley, and early subtle signs—are things I wish I had known back then.If your cat is already dealing with kidney issues or urinary problems, or if you just want to be more proactive, my hope is that this episode gives you:* A few concrete places to start* Language you can bring into conversations with your vet* And a reminder that you don’t have to learn everything at onceJust like Rita said: one herb a month is more than enough.If this episode helped you, it would mean a lot if you:* Share it with another cat parent who’s navigating kidney disease or UTIs* Follow/subscribe to the Golden Whiskers Podcast* Leave a quick rating or review so we can help more people help their cats live longer, healthier, happier lives into their golden years.Thanks for being here and for loving your cat as much as you do. 💛🐾 Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

🎙️ Episode SummaryThis week, we’re doing something different.No new guest, no full solo episode — just a simple, practical nutrition roundup pulled from three of my favorite conversations from the Feline Wellness Summit.You’ll hear from Dr. Ruth Roberts, Elizabeth Casas, and Penny Wood as they break down some of the biggest questions cat parents have about food:* Why kibble isn’t great for long-term health* How to transition picky cats without a hunger strike* What pet food labels really mean* The differences between kibble, canned, freeze-dried, lightly cooked, and raw* Affordable ways to cook for your cat* Simple whole-food upgrades* And why hydration is one of the most underrated longevity tools for catsMy goal with this episode isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to give you a handful of small, realistic changes that can make a big difference over the long run.📘 Recommendations for Cat OwnersHere are a few simple, doable ideas inspired by Dr. Ruth, Elizabeth, and Penny — things you can start trying this week:1. Add One Small Upgrade to the BowlDon’t overhaul everything.Just try one “better than yesterday” idea:* a bite of wet food* a teaspoon of cooked meat* a sprinkle of sardines* or a little bone broth mixed into the mealEven tiny changes move your cat in the right direction.2. If Your Cat Eats Kibble, Start By Adding Moisture SafelyInstead of pouring water directly onto kibble (which Penny explains can reactivate fungal toxins), try:* a water fountain* diluted bone broth* or a splash of goat milkAnything that encourages “free drinking” is a win.3. Try the “⅛ Teaspoon Method”From Dr. Ruth:When transitioning from kibble → wet → cooked → raw, start with an eighth of a teaspoon of the new food placed next to the main bowl.No pressure. No tricks.Just familiarity.Slow is often fast with cats.4. Watch Out for Ingredient SplittingElizabeth shared how companies disguise high-carb formulas by listing “corn,” “corn gluten,” and “corn flour” separately.If the ingredients look like a grocery store scavenger hunt… that’s a red flag.5. Consider Cooking in a Crock PotElizabeth’s tip:Cats don’t eat much volume, so one overnight batch of cooked food can often last weeks.It’s more affordable than most people expect — and you control every ingredient.6. Hydration = Kidney SupportPenny made this point clear:Cats are terrible free drinkers.If they’re eating dry food and not drinking, the kidneys work overtime for years.Moisture in food is one of the easiest longevity “hacks” for cats.🎧 Guest Links* Dr. Ruth Roberts — https://drruthroberts.com/* Elizabeth Casas — On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecasascpcn* Penny Wood — https://drzoolittle.co/✨ Final ThoughtI always listen to these episodes through the lens of my own journey with my cats — especially Mia and Nomar, and now Niko and Milo who are 2 years old now.When you know better, you do better.And sometimes “doing better” is simply moving one inch in a healthier direction.Don’t worry about getting it perfect.Just pick one upgrade and test it this week.Your cat will tell you what works.Give your cat some extra love from me, Niko, and Milo, and I’ll see you next time. Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe