The Cat Conversation

KJ
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Welcome to The Cat Conversation with KJ, Your Kitty Correspondent! Each episode we help cat people like you understand your cats better so you can have a better relationship with your cat! Watch KJ on Pet Pals TV, a nationally syndicated pet show where KJ shares positive stories about cats! Subscribe to KJ TODAY, your YouTube channel for the positive vibes of pop culture, people to know and pets! Follow KJ on your favorite social media platform: kjonsocial.com

  1. Sep 30

    Is Your Cat Really Happy? What New Research Reveals

    How can you tell if your cat is hiding pain or if a change in behavior deserves a closer look? KJ McGlinn talks with Dr. Tammie King of the Waltham Petcare Science Institute about feline quality of life and the subtle clues cat parents can easily miss. In this Cat Conversation from Pet Pals TV, we explore research designed to help us better understand our cats' physical and emotional wellbeing throughout their lives. Your cat may seem less playful, stop climbing, or spend less time interacting with you. Is that simply their personality or age—or could something else be happening? KJ shares what happened when her cat Malcolm, whom she had always called a "ground dweller," started climbing the family's cat shelves after treatment for joint pain. His story brings this conversation home: sometimes a behavior we think is "just our cat" deserves another look. In this conversation: • Why cats hide pain and discomfort • Changes in activity, appetite, mobility, and social behavior worth noticing • Why quality of life matters at every life stage • How researchers developed the Feline Quality of Life questionnaire • What cat trees, shelves, and elevated perches have to do with feline wellbeing • How observations at home can support conversations with your veterinarian • How eligible cats and dogs can participate in the Mars Petcare Biobank ABOUT THE RESEARCH The Feline Quality of Life questionnaire, also called FelQoL, assesses cats' physical and emotional wellbeing. Its development and validation included responses from more than 1,300 cat owners in the United States and United Kingdom. Learn about the research: https://www.waltham.com/feline-quality-life-study Explore Mars Petcare Biobank participation and current eligibility: https://marspetcarebiobank.com/pet-owners At the time of this interview, Dr. King explained that the questionnaire was being used in research and was not yet available as a standalone public app or test. Have you ever discovered that something you thought was "just your cat's personality" was connected to their health? Tell us about your cat in the comments. Subscribe for more Cat Conversations with KJ and expert interviews about the cats we love. This conversation is educational. Discuss changes in your cat's health or behavior with your veterinarian. #CatHealth #CatBehavior #PetPalsTV

  2. Sep 23

    Is Your Cat Aging Well: Senior Cat Support from Expert Vets | Live from PurrCon

    Is your senior cat slowing down, or hiding pain you can't see? Every cat parent eventually hits that moment. The jump onto the couch gets skipped, the litter box habits change, and you start to wonder whether it's just age or something more. In this episode of The Cat Conversation, KJ talks senior cat care with Maggie Placer, DVM, and Dean Vicksman, DVM. They cover when a cat officially becomes a senior, the quiet signs we tend to miss, what your vet checks during a senior exam, how to make sense of bloodwork, and the newer options helping cats with arthritis feel like themselves again. 🎤 Recorded live in front of an audience on the Cat Conversation Stage at PurrCon 2026, inside PopCon Indy. Presented by EveryCat Health Foundation. ━━━━━━━━━━ SIGNS YOUR SENIOR CAT NEEDS A VET VISIT Cats are experts at hiding discomfort. Call your vet if you notice: • Weight loss or weight gain • Drinking more water than usual • Using the litter box more often, or straining • Trouble getting in or out of the litter box • More vocalizing at night • Changes in vision • Avoiding stairs, or no longer jumping onto the couch, bed or counters • Skipping the things they used to love Tip: A baby scale and regular photos help you track changes at home. A friend or family member who only sees your cat now and then can often spot changes you've missed. ━━━━━━━━━━ KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Senior starts at 10. The American Association of Feline Practitioners defines a senior cat as 10 years and older. That's a good time to start twice-yearly exams and routine senior bloodwork. 2. A year is a long time in a senior cat's life. Cats age much faster than we do, so waiting a full year between checkups can let changes go unnoticed for too long. 3. Trends tell the story. A single bloodwork result matters less than how the numbers change over time. Ask your vet to walk you through yours. 4. "Just getting old" might be pain. Arthritis is common in older cats, and it's treatable. Warm, soft bedding and easy access to the litter box, food and water can make a big difference at home. 5. Care is getting easier. Monthly injections and medications given as liquids or applied to the ear or skin mean fewer pill battles. Ask your vet whether something to help your cat relax before visits could help. 6. Trust your instincts. "You live with your cat every day and you know your cat. If you feel something's off, trust your judgment." – Dean Vicksman, DVM ━━━━━━━━━━ CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome to The Cat Conversation 0:21 Meet Dr. Dean Vicksman & Dr. Maggie Placer 2:12 When you realize your cat is getting older 3:02 How often senior cats should see the vet 4:12 Signs something's off: trust your instincts 5:19 What counts as a "senior" cat? 6:05 Making sense of senior bloodwork 7:40 What vets check in a senior exam 8:31 Arthritis: the pain cats hide 9:51 New ways to ease arthritis pain 11:45 Free resources from EveryCat Health Foundation 13:41 The human-cat bond in the exam room 14:50 Quality of life and the hardest conversation 16:09 Top takeaways for senior cat parents 18:28 Thanks for watching ━━━━━━━━━━ RESOURCES 🐾 Learn more about feline health and support cat health research, from EveryCat Health Foundation: https://everycat.org 🐾 Free cat care guides written by feline veterinary experts: https://catfriendly.com ━━━━━━━━━━ JOIN THE CONVERSATION 💜 Looking for a supportive community for your cat questions and concerns? Join KJ's Cat Club, KJ's free Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/kjscatclub 🎧 Prefer to listen? The Cat Conversation is also on your favorite podcast app. 📱 Follow KJ: https://kjontheair.com ━━━━━━━━━━ SEE US LIVE AT PURRCON 2027 PurrCon returns March 26–28, 2027, inside PopCon Indy at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, with more live Cat Conversations on stage. Get the details at https://purrconindy.com ━━━━━━━━━━ ABOUT THE HOST KJ is a broadcaster, author, Kitty Correspondent for Pet Pals TV and the founder of PurrCon. She connects cat parents with the experts and stories that build a deeper bond. ━━━━━━━━━━ 💬 Tell us in the comments: What's your senior cat's name, and how old are they? 👍 If this helped, give it a like and subscribe so you never miss a Cat Conversation. This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you're worried about your cat, please contact your veterinarian. #SeniorCat #CatHealth #CatArthritis #TheCatConversation #PurrCon

  3. Sep 11

    Is Your Cat Hiding Pain? Signs Every Cat Parent Should Know | Vet Explains

    Cats are incredibly good at hiding pain. So how can you tell when something is wrong? We're here to help.   In this episode of The Cat Conversation, KJ sits down with veterinarian Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM, from EveryCat Health Foundation to talk about the subtle signs of pain cat parents often miss and what changes in your cat's behavior may be trying to tell you.  Cats instinctively hide weakness, which means pain may be present long before we recognize an obvious symptom. Sometimes the clues are surprisingly small: hesitating before a jump, grooming differently, sleeping in a new position, eating less, avoiding touch, or suddenly behaving differently.   Dr. Maggie explains why knowing your cat's normal may be one of the most powerful tools you have.   🐾 In this conversation:  • How cats hide pain • Subtle signs your cat may be uncomfortable • Why changes in grooming can matter • When limping or movement changes need veterinary attention • How arthritis can affect cats of all ages • Signs of chronic pain in senior cats • GI discomfort and vomiting • Stress, pain, and the connection between the two • Medication and treatment options for cats • Transdermal medications and compounding • Simple environmental changes that can make life easier • Elevated food bowls, ramps, bedding, warmth, and accessibility • Why behavior changes aren't your cat being "difficult" • How being present and noticing small changes can make a huge difference   One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:  Pay attention to changes from your cat's normal.  Your cat may not be able to tell you something hurts, but they are communicating all the time.   This episode was recorded live on The Cat Conversation Stage at PurrCon and presented by EveryCat Health Foundation.  Learn more about feline health research and the work of EveryCat Health Foundation: https://www.everycat.org   And if you're looking for more ways to understand your cat, strengthen your relationship, and feel more confident as a cat parent, join KJ and the cat-loving community at:  https://KJOnTheAir.com   🐾 Subscribe for more conversations about cat health, behavior, connection, and what our cats may be trying to tell us.   The Cat Conversation  Hosted by KJ, your Kitty Correspondent.   #CatHealth #CatBehavior #catparents

  4. Aug 6 ·  Video

    The Evolution of the Cat: From Wild to "Why Am I In The House??"

    Cats didn't simply become domesticated—they chose us. But how did ancient wild hunters become the mysterious, affectionate and fiercely independent cats sharing our homes today? Recorded live at PurrCon inside PopCon, KJ the Kitty Correspondent sits down with integrative veterinarian Dr. Natalie Oldenstahl for a fascinating journey through the evolution of the domestic cat. Discover how cats separated from saber-toothed cats millions of years ago, moved into early human communities to hunt rodents and eventually learned to live indoors. More importantly, KJ and Dr. O connect that history to the behaviors we see in our cats today. In this episode: 🐾 Why cats essentially domesticated themselves 🦁 How smaller cats evolved differently from lions and other big cats 🌍 The Fertile Crescent and the origins of domestic cats 😻 How cats developed meowing as a way to communicate with humans 🎶 Why purring doesn't always mean a cat is happy 🐭 How hunting instincts shape play, zoomies and feeding behavior 🌅 Why cats become active around dawn and dusk 🧗 How vertical territory can help indoor cats feel secure 🚽 Why eliminating outside the litter box is communication—not revenge 👃 How a cat's powerful sense of smell affects litter-box preferences 🐈 Why cats may struggle to coexist in multicat homes 🥫 The evolutionary reason cats become "picky" about food 🩺 How Fear Free veterinary care can make appointments less stressful Your cat isn't being difficult. Your cat is being a cat—and understanding the instincts behind their behavior can transform your relationship. What behavior finally made sense once you learned more about feline instincts? Share your story in the comments! Subscribe to The Cat Conversation for trusted feline education, expert conversations and practical ways to build a deeper bond with your cat. #EvolutionOfCats #CatBehavior #TheCatConversation #CatFacts #PurrCon   ***** evolution of the cat, evolution of domestic cats, cat domestication, history of cats, domestic cat origins, why cats domesticated themselves, wildcat to house cat, feline evolution, cat behavior, understanding cat behavior, why cats meow, why cats purr, cat communication, cat hunting instincts, cat zoomies, cat enrichment, vertical territory for cats, cat litter box problems, cat peeing outside litter box, picky eater cat, multicat household, Fear Free vet visit, integrative veterinarian, Dr. Natalie Oldenstahl, KJ the Kitty Correspondent, The Cat Conversation, PurrCon, PopCon, cat podcast

  5. Jul 17

    How to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Your Cat | First Visit Tips

    Does taking your cat to the vet stress both of you out? Dr. Robin Mercer of PetVet365 joins KJ, your Kitty Correspondent, to make that next appointment feel a whole lot easier. Recorded live at PurrCon, this Cat Conversation covers: 🐾 How to prepare your cat for a vet visit 🐾 What to expect at your cat or kitten's first appointment 🐾 Simple ways to make the carrier less scary 🐾 Important tests, screenings and baseline bloodwork 🐾 Why early kidney changes matter 🐾 What to tell your veterinary team before the exam 🐾 Why there is never shame in starting care now Whether you just adopted a kitten, welcomed home a senior cat or have been putting off an appointment because it feels overwhelming, this conversation will help you walk in feeling more prepared and confident. What is the hardest part of taking your cat to the vet? Tell us in the comments! 💜 JOIN KJ'S COZY CAT WORLD Love cats and calm? You belong here. Build a calmer, more connected life with your cat through exclusive meditations, guidance, conversations and community. https://kjontheair-site.netlify.app/cozy-corner 🐱 BRING KJ'S COZY CAT CORNER TO YOUR EVENT OR WORKPLACE Create a welcoming, cat-inspired experience for your workplace, conference, wellness event or community gathering. https://kjontheair-site.netlify.app/#  🎙️ BE A GUEST ON THE CAT CONVERSATION OR BOOK KJ FOR YOUR SHOW Have expertise, research, a product or a meaningful story that could improve life for cats and their people? Apply to join KJ for a future episode OR invite her on your show! Email kj@kjmediaco.com 🎉 PARTNER WITH PURRCON 2027 Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are now available for brands ready to connect directly with passionate cat parents. Email kj@kjmediaco.com ABOUT DR. MERCER AND PETVET365: Dr. Robyn Mercer is an experienced veterinarian with PetVet365, serving cat and pet parents in Fishers. PetVet365 takes a comfort-first approach to veterinary care, replacing traditional exam tables with cozy couches, offering plenty of treats and working closely with families to create less stressful visits for pets and their people. From a kitten's first checkup to ongoing senior care, Dr. Mercer believes there is never judgment and it is never too late to begin building a trusted veterinary relationship. 🐾 Learn more about PetVet365 or find the Fishers location: https://petvet365.com Subscribe for more trusted cat experts, practical guidance and conversations that deepen the bond between cats and their people. #CatVetVisit #CatCare #CatHealth #CatParents #TheCatConversation

  6. 11/10/2025

    Holistic Vet Secrets Every Cat Parent Needs | Dr. Randy Aronson joins The Cat Conversation

    Today's episode of The Cat Conversation brings heart and healing with Dr. Randy Aronson, a veterinarian of 43 years and host of Paws, Reflect, and Heal. We're talking about the real key to longer, healthier lives for our cats — not just lifespan, but healthspan. From clean water and better food choices to understanding why your cat might be hiding under the bed, Dr. Randy shares simple, science-backed ways to deepen the bond with your cat and boost their wellbeing. ✨ In this episode: What "integrative veterinary medicine" really means 🩺 Why kibble might be hurting your cat (and what to feed instead) The emotional bond between cats and their people ❤️ Early signs your cat could be in pain or unsafe Holistic ways to reduce inflammation and promote healing 🌐 Follow & Connect 💜 Learn more from Dr. Randy Aronson: DrRandyPetVet.com 🎧 Listen to his podcast Paws, Reflect, and Heal on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🐾 Join my cat-loving community: SuPURRSociety.com — where we share expert guidance, play strategies, and emotional support for cat parents who want calmer, happier homes.  🎟️ Plan your next cat-filled weekend at PurrCon — part of PopCon, May 8-10 2026! Meet cat experts and stars, shop adorable finds, and experience the ultimate feline fun and games and heartfelt live sessions like this one in person.  #CatHealth #HolisticVet #CatParents #SuPURRSociety #PurrCon #CatWellness #KJTodayShow #FelineNutrition #CatWritersAssociation #DrRandyAronson #CatLife #CatBond

    Holistic Vet Secrets Every Cat Parent Needs | Dr. Randy Aronson joins The Cat Conversation

  7. 06/03/2025

    What Dr. Matt Wants Every Cat Lover (and Non-Cat Person) to Know! 🐾 | PurrCon Party Live

    🐾 PurrCon Pre-Party LIVE with Dr. Matt McGlasson & Sally Williams! 🐾 Join KJ, your Kitty Correspondent, for a meowgical live episode featuring the one and only Dr. Matt McGlasson and special guest Sally Williams, founder of Mission Meow! We're talking all things PurrCon at PopCon, feline charity, and why you do not want to miss the Thrive Inside Series—hosted LIVE at PurrCon by Sally herself, featuring Dr. Matt! In this episode: 🐱 "Rate Your Kitten" fun and cat-parent confessions 💚 Sally Williams shares the heart and mission behind Mission Meow 🌱 Find out how Dr. Matt is joining Sally LIVE for the Thrive Inside Series by PetGreens at PurrCon 📸 How YOU can get a photo with Dr. Matt (proceeds benefit Mission Meow!)  🎟️ Why you need your SuPURRhero Pass for PurrCon to be part of these unforgettable moments 😹 Feline fun, live Q&A, and all the community cat vibes This is your inside scoop on everything PurrCon, and it's your invitation to be part of the action—don't just watch, join us in person! 👉 Get your PurrCon passes now: https://www.popcon.us/purrcon GET YOUR PHOTO WITH DR. MATT AT PURRCON: https://captureticketing.com/events/155 Proceeds benefit Mission Meow! This special photo op is available Friday only at PurrCon during PopCon—don't miss your chance to capture the meowment! 🐾📸 👉 Support Mission Meow: https://www.missionmeow.org 👉 Learn more about PetGreens: https://petgreens.com Follow Dr. Matt McGlasson: Instagram: @dr.mattmcglasson Twitter/X: @drmattmcglasson Facebook: Dr. Matt McGlasson 🐾 Be sure to subscribe, hit the bell, and join the kitty crew! #PurrCon #CatConversation #DrMattMcGlasson #SallyWilliams #MissionMeow #ThriveInside #PetGreens #PopCon2025 #KJToday #CatLoversUnite #FelineFun #CatCommunity

  8. 04/10/2025

    Safe & Sound: Cat Safety with Pet Safety Cat Casey & Arden Moore

    🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟 Hey Cat Lovers! 🐾 I'm thrilled to announce the latest episode of the Cat Conversation, where I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the incredible Arden Moore and her charming safety cat, Casey! 🎙️✨ We covered so much ground, and I wanted to share three key takeaways that really stood out to me. The Importance of Pet First Aid: Arden emphasized that knowing pet first aid can be a life-saving skill for pet parents. She described it as the "life-saving bridge between the uh-oh and the vet clinic." With her experience in teaching pet first aid and CPR, she highlighted how crucial it is for us to be prepared in emergencies. If you're a pet owner, I highly recommend checking out her classes—she makes learning fun and practical! Building Trust with Your Cat: One of the most enlightening parts of our conversation was Arden's approach to training cats. She shared that training a cat requires patience and understanding. It's all about building a sense of security and trust. Once your cat feels safe, they're more open to learning. Arden's advice to "negotiate, not force" when it comes to training is a game-changer for anyone looking to strengthen their bond with their feline friend. Cats and Dogs Can Coexist: For those of you wondering about integrating a cat and a dog, Arden provided some fantastic tips! She stressed the importance of maintaining a calm environment during introductions and ensuring that the cat feels secure. Remember, a safe cat is a happy cat! By giving the cat the first treat and allowing them to have an escape route, you can help foster a peaceful relationship between your pets. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! 🎧🐱✨ Tune in to hear more about Arden's journey in the pet world, her amazing books, and how Casey helps her teach pet safety. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your support means the world to me. 💖 Want to talk more, learn more and be a part of more cat conversations? Join KJ LIVE in person at PURRCON in Indianapolis for the ultimate celebration of cats inside an incredible pop culture event! Get on the VIP list: https://purrconindy.com Join KJ's Cat Club: https://facebook.com/groups/kjscatclub Get KJ"s book, Raised by Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows: https://raisedbycats.com Looking for the best toys and enrichment for your cat? Shop KJ's Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/425JWTK Pawsitive vibes to you until our next Cat Conversation! [00:04:01] Pet safety and first aid. [00:06:04] Pet First Aid Importance [00:11:06] Cat training techniques and methods. [00:16:11] Safe cats, happy cats. [00:18:57] Cat behavior communication tips. [00:24:18] Dog and cat introductions. [00:27:16] Dog and cat interactions. #kjtoday #kittycorrespondent #CatConversation #PetSafety #ArdenMoore #CaseyTheCat #CatTraining #PetFirstAid #CatsAndDogs #PositiveVibes

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Welcome to The Cat Conversation with KJ, Your Kitty Correspondent! Each episode we help cat people like you understand your cats better so you can have a better relationship with your cat! Watch KJ on Pet Pals TV, a nationally syndicated pet show where KJ shares positive stories about cats! Subscribe to KJ TODAY, your YouTube channel for the positive vibes of pop culture, people to know and pets! Follow KJ on your favorite social media platform: kjonsocial.com

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