Golden Whiskers with Scott Colby

In this week’s episode I’m joined by Melissa Natanson, certified holistic pet health coach and founder of Holistapaws Pet Health. Melissa specializes in gut and kidney health using principles of functional medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).
Together we dive into one of the most common — and most misunderstood — issues facing senior cats: kidney disease.
We talk about why kidney issues are rising, the surprising role of chronic dehydration and kibble diets, how gut health directly impacts renal function, and what cat parents can do proactively — before lab values start climbing.
Melissa also shares the health journeys of her two senior cats, Lily and Whip, and how nutrition, probiotics, omega-3s, Rehmannia-based supplements, and even subcutaneous fluids helped them thrive.
👉 If you’ve ever heard “elevated creatinine” or “early kidney disease” at the vet and felt that pit in your stomach… this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🩺 Why Kidney Disease Is So Common Now
Up to 30% of cats over age 10 and 50% over age 12 show signs of kidney issues. We unpack why longevity is rising — but so are chronic conditions.
💧 The Chronic Dehydration Problem
Why cats are biologically designed to get moisture from prey — not dry food — and how long-term low-moisture diets can stress the kidneys over time.
🧠 The Gut–Kidney Connection
IBD, inflammation, dental disease, and environmental toxins don’t just affect the gut — they increase the burden on the kidneys.
🍽️ The Protein Myth
Why lowering protein too early can backfire, what really matters (hint: phosphorus), and when prescription renal diets may — or may not — make sense.
🌿 TCVM & Rehmannia-Based Support
How Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine supports kidney blood flow, and why Melissa often uses Rehmannia-based formulas for aging cats.
💦 Subcutaneous Fluids Demystified
What they actually do, why they help, and practical ways to get support if you’re nervous about administering them yourself.
🧬 Stem Cell Therapy: The Future?
Emerging research on MSC stem cells and whether they may help regenerate kidney tissue in senior cats.
📘 Melissa’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
(Keeping things simple, practical, and proactive.)
• Prioritize moisture. Move toward a high-moisture, species-appropriate diet whenever possible.• Support the gut. A quality probiotic helps reduce uremic toxin burden and inflammation.• Add omega-3s. They help lower inflammation and support both gut and kidney health.• Watch phosphorus, not just protein. Especially in later-stage kidney disease.• Reduce environmental toxins. Be mindful of plug-ins, cleaners, laundry detergents, and chemicals cats walk through on their paws.• Consider Rehmannia-based kidney support. Especially for senior cats, even before symptoms appear.• Don’t panic over early numbers. Mild elevations don’t automatically mean the end — monitoring and foundational support matter.
🌍 Where to Find Melissa
Website:
https://www.holistapawspethealth.com
Facebook Page: HTA Paws Pet Health
Melissa is also partnering with Ask Ariel (pet nutritionist and product formulator) for additional feline wellness resources.
✨ Final Thought
Kidney disease isn’t sudden. It’s cumulative.
Years of dehydration, inflammation, environmental stressors, and dietary mismatch slowly add up — until one day the lab values shift.
But here’s the hopeful part: so do small improvements.
Moisture. Cleaner inputs. Better fats. Gut support. Inflammation control.
You don’t need perfection. You need awareness — and consistent upgrades over time.
And as I’ve learned personally, a kidney diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. With the right support, many cats live happy, comfortable years beyond that first scary appointment.
💌 Never miss an episode
For weekly feline wellness conversations with leading experts, head to GoldenWhiskersLove.com and subscribe. Every Friday’s episode lands straight in your inbox — plus practical takeaways for cat parents who want their cats to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.


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This week’s episode is a little different.
Normally on Golden Whiskers, I’m talking feline wellness. Interviewing experts. Sharing tips to help your cat live a longer, healthier, happier life.
Today… it’s just me.
And I’m talking about a dog.
My sister Jill’s golden retriever, Biscuit, unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of February. He was almost 13 years old.
Even though he wasn’t my dog, the grief has hit me harder than I expected.
So this episode is a celebration.A reflection.And a thank-you to a dog who lived with what I swear was a permanent smile.
🐾 Episode Snapshot
* Why grief doesn’t follow “ownership rules”
* What made Biscuit so unforgettable
* The contagious power of joy
* Why you should never age out of play
* How animals model the way we could live
Biscuit had what felt like 24/7 joy.
He was almost 13, but still had full puppy energy. Running. Playing. Smiling. Getting excited over Christmas gifts like it was the greatest day ever (because to him, it was).
He instantly loved everyone he met.
Not just tolerated.Loved.
If he saw a human and a dog, he gravitated toward the human. He made strangers feel special. He made rooms lighter. He made everyone smile.
And he did it without trying.
He didn’t overthink.He didn’t hold grudges.He didn’t wake up wondering if he was enough.
He just showed up… and loved.
📘 Recommendations for Cat Owners (and Dog Lovers)
Even though this episode centers on Biscuit, the lessons apply to every animal in our lives — including our cats.
Here are a few takeaways I’m personally reflecting on:
1. Joy is a decision.Animals don’t fake joy — they embody it. What would it look like to lean into joy more intentionally?
2. Energy is contagious.The way you show up affects the room. Biscuit proved that daily.
3. Love fast.Don’t hesitate. Don’t overthink it. Lead with warmth.
4. Don’t age out of play.Whether you’re 3 or 13 — or 53 — play keeps you young. Play keeps your pets young too.
5. Grief doesn’t require ownership.You don’t have to be the primary pet parent to feel loss deeply. If you’re hurting over someone else’s pet, that’s valid.
🐱 What I’m Trying With Niko and Milo
After recording this episode, I found myself watching Niko and Milo a little more closely.
They play constantly. They love each other without conditions. They greet me like I’ve been gone for a year even if I just took the trash out.
I’m trying to pause more.Be present when they’re playful instead of distracted.
Lean into gratitude instead of rushing past it.
I’m trying to embody a little more of Biscuit’s energy in my own life…
Permanent smile.Full-body tail wag.Love first. Ask questions later.
❤️ Final Thought
My sister Jill and her husband Dennis gave Biscuit an incredible life. Every time I saw them together, I thought: They are amazing dog parents.
And he gave it right back.
They were perfect for each other.
I was lucky to be Uncle Scott.
If there’s an animal in your life right now, hug them. Kiss them. Take the extra walk.
And if you’ve lost one, thank them for what they taught you.
They leave the lessons behind.
And sometimes, those lessons are exactly what we need.


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In this week’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Paola Zanabelli Davies — The Holistic Cat Specialist. She’s a psychologist trained in advanced feline behavior management, nutrition, and holistic care, and she helps proactive cat parents expand their options beyond traditional vet care with a hands-on approach.
Together we dive into cooperative care — the practical, relationship-preserving way to help your cat willingly participate in things like supplements, medication, hydration support, handling, and more. We also talk through Paola’s simple frameworks for doing this well (without turning your house into a wrestling match), plus the five phases cat parents go through during a health crisis — and how to stay grounded when you’re in the thick of it.
👉 If you’ve ever thought, “I know my cat needs this… but I can’t physically do it without stress and chaos,” this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🐾 Cooperative Care 101
What cooperative care actually is: training your cat to willingly participate in handling and medical support — using positive reinforcement — so care doesn’t become traumatic for your cat or for you.
🧠 Why Trauma Is Real (for cats AND cat parents)
Paola explains why so many cat parents end up dreading meds, fluids, and therapies — and how the fear of “doing it again” becomes its own barrier.
💧 Real-World Examples: Fluids, Syringe Feeding, Enemas (yep)
When a cat needs ongoing support, the “just get it done” approach stops working. Paola shares why training and technique matter most when the timeline is long.
🎯 The Gradual Approach That Actually Works
How to build a positive association step-by-step (treats, routines, calmness, consistency) so your cat learns:“This isn’t scary… and something good happens after.”
😼 Your Energy Matters More Than You Think
Your cat reads your nervous system. If you’re anxious, hesitant, or bracing for battle… they feel it. Paola explains how to reset your attitude before you even begin.
🧩 The TEAM Formula (Paola’s Practical Framework)
A simple acronym that makes cooperative care more doable:
T = Technique
Different supplements and meds require different methods — and your mobility/comfort matters too. The goal is effectiveness without bitterness, stress, or uncertainty.
E = Equipment
The wrong syringe, wrong size, wrong tool = chaos. Paola emphasizes choosing the right equipment so you don’t accidentally create a negative association.
A = Attitude
This is the big one. Your cat picks up on everything — breath, tension, fear, hesitation. Calm is part of the method.
M = Metrics
Write it down. Not a novel — just enough to track progress and patterns. You’ll be shocked how far you’ve come when you look back.
🧠 The RESPECT Framework (How Paola Thinks About Whole-Cat Care)
Paola’s big-picture model for strengthening feline wellness and the human–cat bond:
🏡 Lifestyle
R = Rhythm (routines, rituals, timing)E = Environment (home setup, stressors, resources)
🌿 Wellness
S = Species-Appropriate NutritionP = Proactive Care (herbs, natural support, holistic tools)
🤝 Connection
E = EmpathyC = Containment (loving boundaries + compromise)T = Trust
Paola explains how these areas overlap — and how where you start depends on what’s happening (health issue vs behavior issue vs “everything’s fine but I want to do better”).
🚨 The 5 Phases of a Cat Health Crisis (and what to expect)
Paola walks through the emotional reality cat parents face when something goes wrong:
* Emergency & Troubleshooting — panic, overwhelm, decisions on the fly
* Planning & Adjusting — food changes, routines, options, info overload
* Maintenance — stabilizing, building daily systems, avoiding flare-ups
* Recovery — improvement + the lingering “is this really over?” feeling
* Monitoring (Cruising Phase) — enjoying life, but staying observant and prepared
📘 Dr. Paola Zanabelli Davies’ Recommendations for Cat Owners
* Train before you need it. Cooperative care is easiest when you build the foundation early — not in the middle of an emergency.
* Make it a positive pattern. Pair handling + equipment + tiny steps with a reward your cat truly values.
* Get the equipment right. The wrong syringe or tool can ruin the moment (and the association).
* Calm yourself first. Your cat mirrors your nervous system. Breathe, slow down, don’t “brace for battle.”
* Use boundaries + alternatives. If something is a “no,” offer a “yes” — compromise builds trust.
* Track progress (metrics). Write down what worked and what didn’t. Your future self will thank you.
* Know the phase you’re in. Emergency mode requires different thinking than maintenance or recovery.
🌍 Where to Find Dr. Paola Zanabelli Davies
* Website: TheHolisticCatSpecialist.com
* YouTube: The Holistic Cat Specialist
* Facebook: Paola Zanabelli Davies + The Holistic Cat Specialist
✨ Final Thought
Cooperative care isn’t about forcing your cat to “tolerate” something. It’s about building trust so care becomes part of the relationship — not a threat to it. Start small, get your tools right, calm your own nervous system… and track your progress. Because a month from now, you’ll look back and realize: you and your cat are already doing better than you think.
💌 Never Miss an Episode
For weekly bite-sized feline wellness episodes, head to GoldenWhiskersLove.com and subscribe. You’ll get each Friday’s podcast in your inbox, plus updates and extras for devoted cat parents.


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In this week’s episode I’m joined by Jae and Adrienne — The Two Crazy Cat Ladies. They’re cat advocates, content creators, and longtime leaders in the natural feline wellness space, and they’ve spent the last 10 years helping cat parents raise healthier, happier cats.
Together we dive into a topic that’s way more important than most of us realize: the hidden toxicity inside our homes — especially fragrance — and how it can quietly impact our cats over time. We also talk about budget-friendly cleaning swaps, easy ventilation upgrades, safer outdoor enrichment (even if you live in an apartment like me), and rapid-fire solutions for common cat-parent struggles like chewing, dental care, and the “right” food bowls.
👉 If you’ve ever thought “I’m feeding good food… what else could I be missing?” — this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧪 The Hidden Indoor Toxicity Problem
Jae and Adrienne share why indoor cats can carry far higher levels of household chemicals than the humans in the same home — and why this matters for long-term health.
🌬️ Fragrance = The Sneaky Culprit
We talk about how plug-ins, candles, sprays, and “fresh” smelling cleaners can become a daily exposure issue — especially because cats groom so much and absorb residues through paws, fur, and airways.
🧼 Clean Home, Cleaner Ingredients (On a Budget)
You don’t need fancy products to start improving your home environment. They share simple DIY swaps like:
* vinegar + water as a base cleaner
* infusing vinegar with citrus peels / herbs for a better scent
* DIY home “freshness” ideas like simmer pots (instead of chemical fragrance)
🪟 Ventilation + Fresh Air Wins
Simple but powerful: open windows (when possible), add airflow, and consider air cleaning tools — even if you don’t want to spend a fortune.
🧰 The $35 DIY Air Purifier Setup
They share an affordable hack: a box fan + a fitted air filter taped to the back (a DIY purifier option for targeted rooms).
🛋️ The Furniture / Flame Retardant Conversation
We discuss how household materials (like certain flame retardants) may be part of the bigger picture — and what you can do without tossing your couch (think: barriers like cleaner blankets where cats lounge).
🌿 Safe Outdoor Time (Even for Apartment Cats)
If you’ve never taken your cats outside, Jae and Adrienne suggest starting with:
* a stroller (low-stress, easy entry point)
* practice inside first (carrier closed, hallway, breezeway)
* consistency matters — cats will learn the routine fast 😅
⚠️ Don’t Forget Yard Treatments
If you live in an apartment complex (or anywhere with managed landscaping), they recommend being mindful about pesticides/herbicides and wiping down after outside time if needed.
😼 Rapid Fire: Chewing, Teeth, Bowls, Coughing
We cover a bunch of real-life questions inspired by Niko and Milo, including:
* why cats chew and how to redirect it
* dental support options if brushing isn’t realistic
* why no plastic bowls (and how to reduce “whisker stress”)
* coughing that isn’t a hairball and when to ask your vet about asthma + x-rays
🧗 The “Big 3” For Thriving Indoor Cats
Their top focus areas:
* Vertical space / environment enrichment
* Moisture-rich, minimally processed food (when possible)
* key supplements they use consistently: digestive enzymes, probiotics, omega-3s
📘 Two Crazy Cat Ladies Recommendations for Cat Owners
Here are the key takeaways Jae and Adrienne want more cat parents to put into practice:
* Start with fragrance. Plug-ins, sprays, candles, and scented cleaners are a major “hidden input” many cat parents overlook.
* Make small swaps you can stick to. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight — one change at a time adds up.
* Use budget-friendly DIY cleaners. Vinegar + water is a strong base; infuse it with citrus peels/herbs if the smell bothers you.
* Ventilation is a wellness tool. Open windows (when possible) and increase airflow to reduce indoor chemical load.
* Consider an affordable air-cleaning option. A DIY box fan + filter setup can be a good stepping stone if full purifiers feel too expensive.
* Think “environment,” not just food. Bedding, detergent, floor cleaner, furniture materials — it all matters because cats are close to the ground and groom constantly.
* Outdoor enrichment is powerful — when it’s safe. Start with a stroller, move slowly, and build a consistent routine.
* Be mindful of pesticides outdoors. Especially in apartment complexes or treated lawns — ask questions and wipe down afterward.
* Skip plastic bowls. Use stainless steel or ceramic (and watch for cracks). Choose wide/shallow dishes to reduce whisker stress.
* Support dental health realistically. If brushing is a no-go, explore other vet-approved tools and oral support options that target gum health and the mouth microbiome.
🌍 Resources Mentioned
📚 Book: The Forever Dog Life (Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney Habib) — shared as a resource with DIY home + cleaner recipes (and cat-relevant sections).
🌍 Where to Find Two Crazy Cat Ladies
* Website + Newsletter: TwoCrazyCatLadies.com
* Social: Search “Two Crazy Cat Ladies” on:
* Facebook
* Instagram
* YouTube
* TikTok
* Threads
(They really are everywhere.)
✨ Final Thought
A healthier cat isn’t just about what goes in the bowl — it’s also what’s in the air, on the floors, in the laundry, and on the surfaces they live on every day. If this episode lit a little “uh-oh” bulb for you, don’t panic — just pick one small swap and start there. Because as Jae and Adrienne basically reminded us: once we know better, we can do better.
💌 Never miss an episode
For weekly feline wellness conversations (the real-world kind), head to GoldenWhiskersLove.com and subscribe. You’ll get each Friday’s episode in your inbox — plus extras for devoted cat parents.


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In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ruth Roberts, often called the original pet health coach. Dr. Ruth is a holistic veterinarian and creator of the Crock Pet Diet, and she has helped thousands of cats and dogs navigate chronic health challenges — from kidney disease and GI issues to inflammation, anxiety, and cancer — using gentle, whole-body approaches.
Together, we dive into one of the most misunderstood (and intimidating-sounding) topics in feline wellness: daily detoxification. The good news? Detox doesn’t mean extreme protocols or complicated routines. Dr. Ruth breaks it down into simple, doable foundations that support your cat’s natural healing systems — and often improve your health and stress levels too.
We also talk candidly about kidney disease, food transitions, supplements, hydration, gut health, and how to set kittens and young cats up for long, vibrant lives.
👉 If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough for your cat — or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice — this episode will calm your nervous system and give you clear next steps.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧘‍♀️ Detox Starts With You
Why your emotional state matters more than you think. Dr. Ruth explains how calming yourself helps your cat shift into a healing, parasympathetic “rest and digest” state — and how something as simple as turning off your phone and sitting with your cat can be powerful medicine.
🌬️ The Real Detox Organs (Hint: It’s Not Just the Liver)
The lungs, gut, and lymphatic system do more detox work than most people realize. We discuss how movement, breath, digestion, and hydration all work together to move waste out of the body naturally.
💧 Clean Water = Daily Medicine
Why filtered water matters, what it removes (chlorine, plastics, PFAS), and why even a basic filter like a Brita can make a meaningful difference for your cat’s kidneys and gut.
🍽️ Food as Foundation (Not a Fight)
Why minimizing ultra-processed food is more important than chasing supplements — and how moisture, protein quality, and inflammation all tie into longevity.
🩺 Kidney Disease: What Cat Parents Should Know
We talk about early-stage kidney disease, why restricting protein too early can backfire, the importance of phosphorus management, moisture, omega-3s, quercetin, and how sub-Q fluids can be truly life-changing when used thoughtfully.
🧠 Gut Health, Anxiety & Neurotransmitters
How the microbiome influences mood, stress resilience, immune surveillance, and even cancer defense — and why sporulated probiotics may be a better fit for many cats.
🐾 Starting Early = Aging Better
Why introducing whole foods, gentle supplementation, and routines before senior years gives your cat a health “runway” instead of playing catch-up later.
🥣 How to Transition Picky Cats (Without Losing Your Mind)
Real-world strategies for kibble-addicted cats: tiny steps, texture respect, patience over perfection — including Dr. Ruth’s legendary “⅛ teaspoon on the side of the bowl” method.
📘 Dr. Ruth’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
* Focus on foundations, not overwhelm. Health doesn’t require 27 supplements — it starts with food, water, calm, and movement.
* Feed the least processed food your cat will eat. Progress beats perfection every time.
* Prioritize moisture. Anything wetter than kibble is kinder to kidneys.
* Support inflammation early. Omega-3s (or food sources like sardines) can make a big difference.
* Think food-first for joints. Natural collagen sources (like cartilage) can support aging bodies.
* Start support before symptoms. Gentle supplementation in “middle age” creates resilience later.
* Be patient with transitions. Weeks or months is normal — especially for lifelong kibble eaters.
* Your calm matters. A regulated nervous system helps your cat heal more efficiently.
🌍 Where to Find Dr. Ruth Roberts
* Website: https://drruthroberts.com
* Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts
* YouTube: Dr. Ruth Roberts
* Community: Private Circle community
* Bonus: Crock Pet Diet ebook
✨ Final Thought
Health isn’t built through extremes — it’s built through rhythm.Calmer moments. Cleaner inputs. Better food. Small, steady upgrades over time.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Start where you are. Choose one simple shift. And trust that your cat’s body knows how to heal when the terrain supports it.
💛
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