The Natural Animal

Ruth Hatten
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  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Biweekly

Animal lover, animal advocate and animal naturopath Ruth Hatten shares thoughts and ideas about the nature of animals. Their preferences, their behaviours, their ways of being. To engender a greater understanding, respect, compassion and love for all animals - companion, farm and wild. More at https://www.ruthhatten.com.

  1. Jul 27

    Who Does My Animal Need Me To Be: Moving Beyond Caregiving into Companioning (Ep 40)

    When an animal becomes seriously unwell, it's easy to believe that healing depends on finding the next answer. The next test.The next supplement.The next medication.The next veterinary appointment. After my beautiful cat Elvy's recent medical emergency, I found myself caught in that cycle. I was doing everything I could to support his body, yet there was another lesson quietly unfolding beneath it all. This episode isn't about herbs or pharmaceuticals. It's about the often-overlooked role we play in our animals' healing environment. We spend so much time asking, "What does my animal need?" But perhaps there's another question that's just as important: Who does my animal need me to be? In this deeply personal episode, I explore the shift from being solely a caregiver who is trying to fix, monitor and control every outcome, to becoming a companion who walks beside their animal with presence, steadiness and an open heart. Together we'll explore: Why your nervous system is part of your animal's healing environmentThe science of co-regulation and how our emotional state can influence the animals we loveThe difference between caregiving and companioningWhy supporting yourself isn't selfish – it's an important part of supporting your animalHow fear, worry and anticipatory grief can quietly shape the environment our animals are living withinThe healing power of ordinary moments, even in the midst of illnessA gentle invitation to move beyond doing... and return to simply being Whether you're caring for an ageing companion, navigating a chronic illness, or walking alongside an animal facing uncertainty, I hope this conversation offers comfort and reminds you that your presence is one of the greatest gifts you have to give. The previous episode: Episode 39 – Why It's Time to Stop Choosing Sides in Animal HealthcareElvy's recent health journey and the lessons it has broughtCo-regulation and the role of the nervous system in healingThe importance of caring for the caregiver If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Instagram:@ruth.animalnaturopath@thenaturalanimalpodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone caring for an ageing or unwell animal. Your support helps these conversations reach more people who need them.

  2. Jul 20

    Natural or Conventional Pet Care? It's Time to Stop Choosing Sides (Ep. 39)

    What if one of the biggest divides in animal healthcare isn't between natural healing and veterinary medicine... ...but in the belief that we have to choose between them? In this deeply personal episode, I share the experience of caring for my beloved cat, Elvy, after he recently needed emergency, life-saving veterinary care. As a natural animal health practitioner, it was a week that challenged me emotionally, professionally and philosophically. It forced me to confront questions I'd never had to answer in quite the same way before. Can you be deeply committed to natural healing while also embracing emergency medicine? Can herbs and pharmaceuticals both have a place in an animal's care? What does truly holistic care look like when an animal's life depends on immediate intervention? This conversation isn't about natural medicine versus veterinary medicine. It's about moving beyond that divide altogether. In this episode, we'll explore: • Why natural healing and emergency veterinary medicine aren't competing philosophies • The difference between supporting long-term health and responding to a medical crisis • What true integrative animal healthcare really looks like • Why discernment is one of the most important skills we can develop as animal caregivers • How to thoughtfully support an animal receiving pharmaceuticals without abandoning holistic principles • Why every decision should begin with one simple question: What does this individual animal need from me, right now? This episode is an invitation to move beyond choosing sides and towards a more thoughtful, individualised approach to animal care. Because true integrative healthcare isn't about deciding whether natural healing or modern medicine is "better". It's about understanding what each has to offer and discerning what is most needed in that moment, for the animal in front of us. Let's continue the conversation on Instagram @ruth.animalnaturopath or @thenaturalanimalpodcast

  3. Jul 6

    Looking Beyond Food: What Really Shapes an Animal’s Health (Ep 38)

    What if we’ve been looking at animal health through too narrow a lens? Welcome back to Season 4 of The Natural Animal Podcast. In this opening episode, I share a realisation that’s emerged through years of working with animals and their guardians. Not because my approach has changed, but because I’ve found new language to describe what has always connected my work. Nutrition, herbs, emotional wellbeing, environmental health and energetic healing have never felt like separate conversations to me. They’re all part of the same story. Join me as we explore what it means to look beyond food and begin seeing animal health through a wider lens. Because perhaps the most important question isn’t simply, “What should I feed my animal?” but, “What kind of life is my animal living?” Additional Resources • Read the accompanying With The Animals essay. • Learn more about my work and offerings at ruthhatten.com. • Join the Animal Lovers Tribe and receive the free Low Tox Starter Kit for Pets. • ⁠If you're new to the Podcast, listen to Episode 1: Hello and Welcome to learn more about me and the show.

  4. 10/28/2025

    Every Animal Has A Message: Illustrating Animal Wisdom Through Art with Jessica Roux (#37)

    We’re closing out the season with something truly special. In this final episode of The Natural Animal for 2025, I’m joined by bestselling illustrator, author and gardener Jessica Roux — the creative force behind the Woodland Wardens oracle deck, Floriography, and a whole world of nature-inspired art that celebrates the wisdom of animals and plants. Jessica’s work feels like a love letter to the natural world. Her illustrations are rich with symbolism, story, and spirit — inviting us to see animals not just as beings, but as messengers. This conversation is soft, soulful, and deeply rooted in reverence — for creativity, intuition, and the magic of the wild. We cover: The inspiration behind the Woodland Wardens oracle deck How animals and plants guide Jessica’s creative process The link between intuitive art and animal connection The symbolism woven into her animal–plant pairings How she balances soulful creativity with the practical side of being an artist What it means to honour animals as sacred beings through illustration Gentle ways to reconnect with nature and tune into animal wisdom Whether you’re an animal lover, a card reader, a creative — or all of the above — this is a beautiful note to end the season on. ✨ Hit follow or subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming in 2026. Resources & Next Steps: → Follow Jessica Roux on Insta @jessicasroux → Visit Jessica Roux's website → For gentle, practical and connected ways to care for your animals naturally, join Ruth’s Animal Lovers Tribe and receive the Low Tox Starter Kit for Pets plus lots more.

  5. 10/14/2025

    What Actually Moves The Needle For Animals — Outrage or Strategy? With Emma Hurst

    What actually creates real change for animals — outrage or strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst to unpack the journey from animal activism to animal welfare reform. We explore how the psychology of behaviour change plays a critical role in advocacy, the three levers that drive reform (individual, corporate, political), and why strategy — not outrage — is what moves the needle for animals. From recent wins in NSW animal law — like banning the forced swim test — to the push for an independent Minister for Animal Protection, this conversation is a grounded, hopeful look at how compassion becomes policy. Resources & Next Steps→ Follow ⁠Emma Hurst on Instagram⁠ (@Emma.Hurst) for ongoing campaign updates. → Visit Emma's website to explore her latest work and legislative campaigns. → Want to help? Contact the Animal Justice Party to volunteer, become a member, or consider standing as a candidate. → For gentle, practical ways to care for your animals naturally, join Ruth’s Animal Lovers Tribe and receive the Low Tox Starter Kit for Pets. If you loved this episode…
 Please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow animal lover. Every listen and share helps grow our ripple of compassion, connection, and care — for all animals, companion, farm, and wild. Big Thanks To:⭐️ Bella Abraham – for the beautiful podcast artwork⭐️ Michael Barry – for the divine theme music

  6. 09/23/2025

    Animals & Community: Lessons for Human Connection

    Community isn’t just a social buzzword — it’s essential for life on Earth. In this episode of The Natural Animal podcast, I explore why we humans need to belong as much as we need oxygen and how animals — from wolves and elephants to dolphins, birds, and honeybees — form complex societies of their own. I share stories of the deep relationships I’ve built with clients, the science behind our drive for connection, and why big platforms like Facebook groups often feel too noisy for real depth. I also talk about the Animal Lovers Tribe, the quiet, heart-centered space I created for people who love animals and want to care for them naturally. Join me as I look at the psychology and biology of community and reflect on how humans and animals alike thrive when we come together. Additional Links & Resources: Join the Animal Lovers Tribe – a heart-centered community for people who love animals and want to care for them naturally. Connect with like-minded pet parents, enjoy Tribe Diaries, live online gatherings, and first access to my newest resources. Follow Ruth on Instagram
 for daily inspiration, holistic tips, and behind-the-scenes updates 👉 @ruth.animalnaturopath Got a question, topic idea, or feedback? 
Ruth would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a future guest/topic here. Big Thanks To: ⭐️ Bella Abraham – for the beautiful podcast artwork ⭐️ Michael Barry – for the divine theme music If you loved this episode… 
Please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow animal lover. Every listen and share helps grow our ripple of greater understanding, respect, compassion and love — for all animals, companion, farm, and wild.

  7. 09/09/2025

    Inside Cat Rescue: Challenges, Triumphs & Kitten Care Tips with Bethany Swiggs

    What does it really take to rescue cats and kittens, and why does it matter? In this episode of The Natural Animal podcast, I sit down with Bethany Swiggs, founder of Big Dollan’s Fur-Rescue, to explore the heart, challenges, and triumphs of cat rescue. Bethany shares her personal journey into animal rescue, why she’s so devoted to giving cats a second chance, and the realities she sees in the rescue world — from how organisations are run to the stigma and negativity cats sometimes face. We talk about how she’s working to create change, the importance of compassion and leadership, and the lessons cats can teach us about resilience and healing. You’ll also get practical kitten care tips — what new adopters and foster carers need to know, plus simple ways anyone can support cat rescue work even if they can’t foster or adopt. If you’ve ever wondered what life inside cat rescue looks like, or how you can make a difference for cats in your community, this conversation is both eye-opening and inspiring. 🐾 Learn more about Big Dollan’s Fur-Rescue: bigdollansfurrescue.org and on Instagram at @bdfurrescue Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Ruth - Learn more about Ruth’s holistic animal care services, products, and teachings 👉 ruthhatten.com Follow Ruth on Instagram
 for daily inspiration, holistic tips, and behind-the-scenes updates. 👉 @ruth.animalnaturopath Got a question, topic idea, or feedback?
 Ruth would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a future guest/topic here. Big Thanks To:
 ⭐️ Bella Abraham – for the beautiful podcast artwork
 ⭐️ Michael Barry – for the divine theme music If you loved this episode…
 Please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow animal lover. Every listen and share helps grow our ripple of compassion, connection, and care — for all animals, companion, farm, and wild.

  8. 08/27/2025

    Pet Wellness Without Overwhelm: How to Create a Step-by-Step Healing Plan for Your Animal

    Caring for your pet’s health can feel overwhelming — itchy skin, gut upsets, sensitivities, anxiety, even more serious conditions. Where do you start, and how do you know what to focus on first? In this episode, I share why healing doesn’t happen by trying to “fix it all” at once. Instead, lasting results come from creating a clear, step-by-step plan that works with your animal’s body at the right pace. You’ll hear a real-life case study of a five-year-old Bordoodle with chronic gut issues, skin flare-ups, and anxiety — and how we’re supporting her with a phased approach that starts in the gut, builds in elimination and emotional support, and gradually moves into probiotics, skin and immune care. This story highlights why slowing down, rather than rushing in, creates the best outcomes. I also share details about my newly refined programs — Holistic Foundations and Holistic Healing Journey — designed to take the overwhelm out of pet wellness and give you a personalised roadmap for your animal’s healing. Plus, a look at Cellular Compatibility Testing, the unique tool I use to identify which foods truly support your pet’s health at a cellular level. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why gut health is often at the root of skin, anxiety, and immune issuesHow liver and gallbladder function impacts fat digestion and overall wellbeingThe importance of pacing healing steps rather than doing everything at onceHow my updated programs provide phased roadmaps and symptom tracking so you can see your pet’s progress Links & Resources Holistic Foundations (1-Month Program) Holistic Healing Journey (3-Month Program) Cellular Compatibility Testing Gut Soothe Herbal Elixir (Three Rays Animal Apothecary) Join the Animal Lovers Tribe → Sign up to get those special codes + other offers, resources, and updates emailed directly to you Read my Substack reflection on managing energy in times of overwhelm. Follow Ruth on Instagram
 for daily inspiration, holistic tips, and behind-the-scenes updates 👉 @ruth.animalnaturopath Connect with Ruth to learn more about Ruth’s holistic animal care services, products, and teachings 👉 ruthhatten.com Got a question, topic idea, or feedback?
 Ruth would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a future guest/topic ⁠here⁠. ✨ A special discount for the Healing Foundations and Healing Journey programs is mentioned in this episode — tune in to grab the details. Offer valid until 9 September ✨ If you’ve ever felt lost in your pet’s healing journey, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a reminder that pet wellness doesn’t have to mean overwhelm. 🎧 If you loved this episode…
 Please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow animal lover. Every listen and share helps grow our ripple of compassion, connection, and care — for all animals, companion, farm, and wild. ------------- Big Thanks To:
 ⭐️ Bella Abraham – for the beautiful podcast artwork
 ⭐️ Michael Barry – for the divine theme music

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About

Animal lover, animal advocate and animal naturopath Ruth Hatten shares thoughts and ideas about the nature of animals. Their preferences, their behaviours, their ways of being. To engender a greater understanding, respect, compassion and love for all animals - companion, farm and wild. More at https://www.ruthhatten.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Ruth Hatten
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ruth Hatten
  • Show Website
    The Natural Animal