Golden Whiskers with Scott Colby

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.


Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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.


Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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.
💛
🎙️Loved This Episode?
Subscribe to The Golden Whiskers Podcast and leave a review—it helps spread the word so more cat parents can help their furry friends live longer, healthier, and happier lives.


Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Marci Koski, a certified feline behavior and training consultant and the founder of Feline Behavior Solutions.
Together, we dive into senior feline behavior — and why play, enrichment, and understanding your cat’s preferences become even more important as cats age. Marci shares practical, realistic ways to support older cats who may be slowing down physically but still need mental stimulation, agency, and connection.
We talk about how to adapt play for senior cats, why behavior is communication (not defiance), how clicker training works for cats of any age, and why so many behavior challenges can be improved by changing the environment — not the cat.
👉 If you’re caring for a senior cat — or want to set your younger cat up for healthier golden years — this episode is packed with insight you can use right away.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🐾 Why Play Still Matters for Senior Cats
Play supports both physical health and cognitive function, even as cats slow down. Senior cats don’t need to sprint like kittens — they need thoughtful, adapted enrichment that keeps their minds engaged and their bodies gently moving.
🧠 The Prey Sequence (and How to Use It at Any Age)
Marci breaks down the four stages of the prey sequence:stare → stalk/chase → pounce/grab → kill bite — and explains how you can recreate each phase in ways that work for older cats using wand toys, rolling balls, kicker toys, and even visual stimulation like bird watching.
🎯 How to Close the Loop on Play
Why it’s important to finish play sessions properly — moving from play to a snack — to support the natural hunt → eat → groom → sleep cycle that cats instinctively crave.
🖱️ Clicker Training for Cats (Yes, Really)
Cats are trainable. Marci explains how clicker (or marker) training works, why it’s powerful mental enrichment for senior cats, and how to use simple cues — even without a physical clicker.
🔥 Comfort Matters: Senior-Friendly Home Adjustments
Heated cat beds, lower-sided litter boxes, easy access, and reduced obstacles can dramatically improve quality of life for aging cats — especially those with arthritis or mobility changes.
🚽 Litter Box Challenges & Senior Cats
Why litter box issues often stem from pain, stress tolerance, or environment, not “bad behavior.” Marci shares what cats actually prefer when it comes to box size, litter type, placement, and accessibility.
🤍 Behavior Is Communication
One of the most important takeaways: cats are responding to the environment we give them. Change the environment, reduce stressors, and behavior often improves — helping keep cats in loving homes and out of shelters.
📘 Marci’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
* Keep play in your daily routine — at any age. Adapt it to your cat’s mobility, but don’t eliminate it.
* Use the prey sequence as your guide. Play doesn’t have to be intense to be fulfilling.
* Close the loop on play. Follow stimulation with a physical outlet and a small meal or treat.
* Provide warmth and comfort. Heated cat beds and mats can be incredibly soothing for senior cats.
* Make litter boxes easy and inviting. Large boxes, low sides, unscented clumping clay litter, good lighting, and easy access matter.
* Give cats choice and agency. Respect when they want interaction — and when they don’t.
* Create “looky, no touchy” zones. Safe spaces help cats feel secure and reduce stress.
* Remember: behavior can be changed. Cats are trainable, adaptable, and deeply responsive to their environment.
🌍 Where to Find Dr. Marci
* Website: https://www.felinebehaviorsolutions.com
* Facebook Page: Feline Behavior Solutions
* Facebook Group: Feline Behavior Solutions (Private Group)
* Instagram: @felinebehaviorsolutions
✨ Final Thought
Senior cats aren’t “less” — they’re simply different. When we slow down, pay attention, and meet them where they are, we deepen the bond in ways that matter most. Play doesn’t end with age. Choice doesn’t disappear. And connection grows strongest when it’s rooted in understanding.
🎙️Loved This Episode?
Subscribe to The Golden Whiskers Podcast and leave a review—it helps spread the word so more cat parents can help their furry friends live longer, healthier, and happier lives.


Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Julie‑Anne Heart, founder of Naturally Cats. Julie-Anne is a holistic cat therapist who specializes in supporting anxious cats — and anxious guardians — through emotional and energetic approaches.
Together, we dive into one of the most common (and quietly stressful) challenges cat parents face: how to help cats actually be happy in a multi-cat home — not just coexist.
We talk about why “one-size-fits-all” approaches often backfire, how emotional needs drive behavior, the role we play as guardians, and simple ways to create more harmony without adding complexity.
Julie-Anne also shares personal stories about her cats Leo and Baby Max (and her late cat Pickle), while I reflect on what I’ve learned living with bonded brothers Niko and Milo — and previously, Nomar and Mia.
👉 If you’ve ever wondered whether your cats are truly content, or felt overwhelmed trying to keep the peace, this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
😺 What “Happy” Actually Looks Like in CatsWhy happiness isn’t about silence or compliance — and how confidence, safety, engagement, and emotional regulation show up differently in every cat.
🧠 Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t WorkHow treating cats as interchangeable (even bonded cats) leads to emotional stress, behavior challenges, and missed needs.
🐾 Behavior Is CommunicationWhy scratching, fighting, hiding, or food issues are signals — not problems — and how emotion always sits beneath behavior.
🏠 Multi-Cat Stress Points You Can FixThe most common environmental pressure points in shared spaces, including litter boxes and feeding routines — and how small adjustments make a big difference.
💞 The Guardian’s Role (Yes, That Means Us)How our stress, emotions, and energy affect our cats more than we realize — and why caring for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s supportive.
🎨 Color Therapy as Emotional SupportA simple, accessible way to help cats self-regulate emotionally by giving them choice — without forcing anything. Check out my other interview with Julie-Anne on color therapy.
🌱 Small Changes That Restore HarmonyWhy progress doesn’t come from perfection, but from awareness, patience, and meeting cats where they are.
📘 Julie-Anne’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
* There is no one-size-fits-all approach.Every cat is unique. What worked for a previous cat may not work again — and that’s okay.
* Give cats choice whenever possible.Choice builds confidence, emotional safety, and reduces stress in shared environments.
* Support emotional health, not just behavior.Behavior is a response to emotion. Address the feeling first.
* Rethink shared resources.Feeding stations and litter boxes should support different preferences, not force competition.
* Try color therapy.Let cats choose when and how they interact with different colors to support grounding, calm, and emotional balance.
🌍 Where to Find Julie-Anne
🌐 Website: naturallycats.co.uk📖 Books: The Aromatic Cat and Cat Chakras📺 YouTube: Naturally Cats YouTube Channel📸 Instagram: @naturallycats📘 Facebook: Naturally Cats
She also offers practical eBooks on color therapy, herbs, essential oils, bone broth, and more — all available through her site.
Check out our other interview: Is Your Cat Anxious or Stressed? Use This Simple Color Therapy Technique To Help. 👉 Listen here.
✨ Final Thought
Harmony in a multi-cat home doesn’t come from managing behavior — it comes from understanding emotion. When we release expectations and give our cats more choice, safety, and patience, the entire household softens.
You don’t need to do more.You just need to notice more.
🎙️Loved This Episode?
Subscribe to The Golden Whiskers Podcast and leave a review—it helps spread the word so more cat parents can help their furry friends live longer, healthier, and happier lives.


Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe