Best Cat Enrichment Podcasts (2025)

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4:14 - How to Find a Reliable Pet Sitter for Your Cat 56:58

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8h ago56:58

56:58

Leaving your cat home alone for days is never a good idea—but how do you find a trustworthy sitter? In this episode, I chat with professional pet sitter Tiah Rodriguez of Super Tech Pet Care about what to look for in a pet sitter, the red flags to avoid, and the essential info you should provide to set your sitter (and your cat!) up for success. 👉 …

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Enrich your cat with Tabitha Kucera 28:15

4h ago28:15

28:15

Ever wonder what your cat is really trying to tell you? Our next Purr Podcast guest is Tabitha Kucera, a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and founder of Chirrups and Chatter. Tabitha is an international speaker, educator, and advocate for feline welfare, known for helping caregivers and veterinary tea…

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Why Your Cat Won’t Use the Litter Box: 6 Rules to Fix It 22:45

5h ago22:45

22:45

Think your litter box setup is fine, yet your cat is still peeing on the bath mat? In this episode, Amy shares expert pet advice and reveals the six “everybody knows” rules cat parents accidentally bend, and how tiny fixes in cat care can stop outside-the-box accidents for good. You’ll learn why health issues come first, what “clean” really means t…

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#132 - Are You Self-Sabotaging? 52:49

2h ago52:49

52:49

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “Either I have to do X, or Y terrible thing will happen”? Welcome to dichotomous thinking, one of the sneakiest forms of self-sabotage we fall into. In this episode, Allie and Emily unpack how binary thinking shows up in our industry (and in life), why it’s such a trap, and how to start climbing out of it. Along…

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5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Pet for Your Child Under 5 18:38

7d ago18:38

18:38

Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak. Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those m…

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#131 - Why Training Mechanics Aren't Enough 47:59

7d ago47:59

47:59

You can have the fanciest training plan in the world—but if you skip the “soft” skills, you’re building on shaky ground. This week, Allie and Emily dive into the four soft skills that make everything else work: observation, curiosity, flexibility, and empathy. Along the way, you’ll hear about Oso’s epic garden-bed heists, why boob pillows aren’t ju…

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Is Crating Cruel? 5 Surprising Benefits for Your Dog 23:16

14d ago23:16

23:16

Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox. In this episode, I break …

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4:13 - Is My Cat Too Old for Harness Training? Busting the Biggest Cat Adventure Myth 8:34

12d ago8:34

8:34

Think your cat is “too old” to start harness training? Think again! In this episode, I share my personal experiences training cats from kittenhood through senior years, plus survey results from the KittyCatGO community that prove cats of ANY age can succeed. Learn why personality and patience matter more than age, and get practical tips to start yo…

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Nine lives, one heart with Steve Dale 17:08

7d ago17:08

17:08

Is there new hope for cats with heart disease? Steve Dale thinks so! Steve is a certified animal behavior specialist who has been a trusted voice in the world of pet health for over 20 years. He is a nationally syndicated pet columnist, radio show host, and television personality who specializes in pet news and information, as well as editorial and…

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#130 - Mike Agruss: A Nuanced Approach to Dog Bite Advocacy 1:07:05

14d ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Content Warning: This episode does include discussion of dog bites. When a dog bite happens, emotions run high—fear, guilt, anger, confusion. In today’s episode, host Emily Strong is joined by Mark Agruss, a personal injury attorney out of Illinois. For over two decades, attorney Mike Agruss has stood beside clients navigating those stressful momen…

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How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer 39:00

21d ago39:00

39:00

Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one? You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help.…

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#129 - Q&A: All About Anxiety in Dogs 40:18

21d ago40:18

40:18

Wondering if your dog will “grow out of” anxiety? Or if a sit-stay will solve their fear of strangers? This Q&A episode clears up the most common misunderstandings about anxiety in dogs and gives you the tools to actually help. Allie, Emily, and Ellen break down the difference between anxiety, fear, and reactivity; why breed stereotypes don’t dicta…

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Bringing Home a New Cat? Build Trust Fast With the CATS Method 19:05

28d ago19:05

19:05

That friendly, purring shelter cat you fell in love with can sometimes turn into a ghost or even a hissy ball of nerves the moment you get them home. It’s not rejection. It’s survival mode. And how you handle those first few days sets the tone for your entire relationship. Even if you don't have a cat, many aspects of these steps toward acclimating…

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4:12 - Cat on Deck: What It’s Really Like Living Full-Time on a Sailboat with a Cat 1:04:37

1M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on a sailboat full-time — with your cat? ⛵🐈 In this episode, I chat with Shane and Maryvonne La Peyre, who live aboard their sailboat with their cat Rigby. They share how they’ve made their unique lifestyle work, including safety tips, how they’ve cat-proofed their boat, the compromises boat life…

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Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie 42:23

22d ago42:23

42:23

What is light? How has it shaped our understanding of the universe, our biology, and even our culture?In this illuminating episode Brian Cox and Robin Ince shine a spotlight on the fascinating science and history of light. From sun and circadian rhythms to the dazzling complexity of quantum, they explore how humans have understood and been influenc…

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Pop goes the Cat with Dr. Joya Griffin 35:35

21d ago35:35

35:35

Lights, camera, action! Dr. Joya Griffin gives us a peek behind the curtain, sharing what it’s like to star on a veterinary TV show. She is the star of the Nat Geo WILD television series, Pop Goes the Vet, now streaming on Disney+. Find out what it was like to bring her joy of feline dermatology to the small screen. Listen to Purr Podcast on Tuesda…

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#128 - Try it: How to Find Indoor Activities for Dogs on Hot Days 14:51

28d ago14:51

14:51

When the temperatures soar, it can feel like your only option is to survive summer with the AC cranked up and a bored dog staring at you, but we’ve got your back. In this "Try It" episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily shares practical, low-effort indoor activities that meet your dog’s enrichment needs when going outside just isn’t safe. Y…

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How I Keep My Home Fresh and Fur-Free… Even With 8 Pets 44:24

1M ago44:24

44:24

Do you feel like no matter how much you clean, your home still smells like pets and looks like a fur factory? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by Tracy Fosterling, pet foster mom and social media favorite, to break down simple, realistic cleaning habits that actually work when you live with pets. Forget the overwhelming deep-clean week…

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Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins 42:08

29d ago42:08

42:08

What really separates a moth from a butterfly? Is it just a matter of day and night, or is there more to this fluttering feud than meets the eye?Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince flap into the fabulous world of Lepidoptera with Professor Jane Hill, Professor Chris Jiggins, and comedian Katy Brand. Together, they chase colourful wings through scien…

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#127 - Summer Enrichment Activities 44:23

1M ago44:23

44:23

Summer heat getting in the way of your enrichment goals? You’re not alone. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie and Emily break down their favorite summer enrichment activities into three easy categories: indoor alternatives, water-based outdoor options, and frozen fun. Whether you have a wrestling bulldozer or a scentwork-loving…

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6 Hacks to Save Money on Pet Food Without Guilt 19:57

1M ago19:57

19:57

Are you tired of feeling like you need a second job just to buy pet food? You're not alone. Prices keep climbing, and if you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle at the pet store doing mental math and wondering what bill to skip this week, this episode on pet food savings is for you. I’m breaking down six smart, realistic ways to save money on pet f…

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Dreading the Vet Bill? 5 Ways to Afford It Without Stress 19:45

1M ago19:45

19:45

Does a single vet visit feel like it could wipe out your bank account? You're not alone and you're not doing anything wrong. Too many pet parents walk into the clinic hoping for a quick checkup and walk out hundreds of dollars poorer, without knowing how it happened or how to avoid it next time. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the …

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Are You Rewarding Your Dog’s Bad Behavior Without Realizing It? 42:46

1M ago42:46

42:46

Feel like the more you try to fix your dog’s behavior, the worse it gets? If you’re dealing with barking, leash pulling, jumping, or flat-out ignoring commands, the problem might not be your dog: it might be what you’re accidentally reinforcing without realizing it. In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Bra…

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Before You Say Yes: 4 Gut Checks for Adding Another Pet 14:39

1M ago14:39

14:39

Thinking about adding another pet to your family? Before you give in to those puppy-dog eyes or kitten purrs, hit pause. Because while one more pet can be wonderful, it can also turn your home upside down if the timing or reason isn’t right. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 essential gut checks to help you decide if it’s truly the right time to expan…

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Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepto: What’s Safe for Your Pet? 41:16

1M ago41:16

41:16

When your dog’s limping or your cat won’t stop scratching, it’s tempting to reach into your medicine cabinet, but should you? In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Zoo, my vet and the veterinarian for Starlight Outreach and Rescue, to tackle one of the most Googled questions in pet parenting: “Can I give my pet human over-the-counter m…

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Do Pets Really Need Year‑Round Flea, Tick & Heartworm Meds? 43:43

1M ago43:43

43:43

You’re staring at another $200 vet bill and wondering if skipping a month of flea, tick, or heartworm meds will really matter. Your dog barely goes outside. Your cat’s never seen a flea. And those preventatives are not cheap. But what if that one skipped dose turns into a $3,000 emergency—or worse? In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Li…

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New Here? Start With Real Pet Parenting Solutions: The Pet Parent Hotline Trailer 2:07

1M ago2:07

2:07

Think getting a pet would make life better? Instead, you’re staring at sky-high vet bills, a dog that won’t stop barking, a cat refusing the litter box, and endless late-night searches for solutions. That’s why I created The Pet Parent Hotline, your lifeline for real pet parenting advice. This isn’t another fluffy pet podcast. Each week we tackle t…

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Fungal & other feline skin diseases with Dr. Joya 21:55

1M ago21:55

21:55

Dr. Joya Griffin graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned the Dermatology Service Award for her exceptional aptitude in clinical dermatology and her research on Malassezia otitis externa during her tenure at Cornell. Dr. Griffin became a Diplomate of the College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in August 2010 and…

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Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla 42:26

1M ago42:26

42:26

Brian Cox and Robin Ince dig deep into the strata of an imagined human history to unearth the curious concept of technofossils. Joined by paleobiologist Sarah Gabbott, material scientist Mark Miodownik and comedian and tech enthusiast Aurie Styla the panel unearth how the everyday objects that we throw away today compare to fossils of the past. Tog…

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Decoding Dog Zoomies: The Science Behind Your Pet's Frenzied Energy Bursts 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

Text Me Your Questions Support the show If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website. Go here for Free Dog Training ArticlesBy Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP is a World Renowned Dog Behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Fear Free Certified Professional with over 36 years of experience with the most difficult

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#126 - Sarah van Herpt: Healing Bears, Changing Minds 55:44

1M ago55:44

55:44

What does it take to rehabilitate hundreds of bears and build an enrichment-forward sanctuary from scratch? In this episode, we dive into the world of moon bears, sun bears, shrimp paste, and cultural change with Sarah van Herpt, Director of Veterinary and Behavioral Husbandry Services for Animals Asia in Vietnam. Sarah shares her incredible journe…

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The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman 42:43

1M ago42:43

42:43

Robin Ince and Brian Cox get out the ketchup and peel back the layers of one of the most versatile and beloved foods - potatoes. From the science of starch to the surprising role potatoes have played in history, we’re digging deep to uncover the truth behind the mighty spud.Chipping into the conversation are botanist Sandy Knapp, geneticist Glenn B…

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#125 - Does Comforting My Pet Reinforce the Fear? 34:22

2M ago34:22

34:22

You’ve heard it before: “Don’t comfort a scared dog, you’ll just reinforce the fear.” But… is that true? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie and Emily break down the science behind fear, behavior, and reinforcement and why that common advice just doesn’t hold up. They’ll explore how fear functions differently than you may think,…

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4:11 - My Cat Doesn’t Like Treats! 5 Ways to Boost Food Motivation for Training 13:38

2M ago13:38

13:38

Is your cat totally uninterested in treats? Struggling to make progress with harness or clicker training because your kitty just doesn’t care about food rewards? You’re not alone — and the good news is, there are ways to turn that around! In this episode, I share 5 practical strategies to help increase your cat’s food motivation. From switching to …

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How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma Ross 42:22

2M ago42:22

42:22

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are limbering up for a high-performance episode all about what it takes to build the perfect athlete.Joining them on the track are physiologist Dr Emma Ross, sports engineer Professor Steve Haake, Olympic rowing legend Helen Glover, and comedian Hugh Dennis - who’s getting into gear and reliving his cycling adventures in th…

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Genetic diseases in cats with Dr. Leslie Lyons 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

🎙️ Dr. Leslie Lyons is back on the PurrPodcast! This week, we’re diving into the world of veterinary genetics—starting all the way back with Mendel and his legendary peas. 🫛👨‍🔬 We’ll chat about what’s coming up in the genetics session at the WSAVA Congress in Rio, and as always, Leslie brings her passion, expertise, and even a surprise cameo from h…

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#124 - Try It: How to Use Sound Enrichment Without Regretting It Immediately 13:01

2M ago13:01

13:01

Sound enrichment is often touted as a magic solution for everything from masking triggers to helping pets chill out—but what happens when the “soothing” soundscape turns into sensory overload for you? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Ellen Yoakum, Pet Harmony co-owner, behavior consultant, and proud sound-sensitive human, gets cand…

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Should We Settle in Space? - Tim Peake, Kelly Weinersmith and Alan Davies 42:46

2M ago42:46

42:46

Brian Cox and Robin Ince blast off into a cosmic controversy as they ask, should humanity become an interplanetary species? At Harwell Campus, a space science innovation hub, they’re joined by astronaut Tim Peake, biologist and Royal Society prize winning author Kelly Weinersmith, and comedian Alan Davies to explore the science, ethics, and challen…

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#123 - Pet Firework Safety & Security Tips 35:09

2M ago35:09

35:09

The Fourth of July might be a favorite for humans, but for many pets, it’s more like a horror movie. From hiding in bathtubs to bolting through doors, the fallout from fireworks can be intense and dangerous. And hey, we know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t it a little late for firework advice?” Maybe. But let’s be honest. Most of us aren’t exactly win…

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4:10 - How to Play With Your Cat: Tips from Animal Behaviorist Mikel Delgado 1:05:12

2M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Think you know how to play with your cat? 🐾 You might be surprised! In this episode, I chat with cat behaviorist Dr. Mikel Delgado, author of the new book Play With Your Cat, all about the right way to play — and why it’s one of the most important things you can do for your cat’s physical and mental health. We talk about the science behind play, ho…

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201st Birthday Bonanza - Mel Giedroyc, Deborah Meaden and Nish Kumar 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

Get ready for a landmark episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage as we celebrate our 201st show! Brian Cox and Robin Ince invite a lively panel of celebrity guests to pose their burning scientific questions to a top-tier team of scientists.Mel Giedroyc is tunnelling into the world of engineering, asking how we build and operate trains under some of the…

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The secret behind orange cats 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

Why are cats orange? Meet Dr. Leslie Lyons, one of the world’s foremost experts in feline genetics. In this episode of Purr Podcast, we are demystifying orange cats! Dr. Lyons discusses new studies that revealed a never-before-seen genetic pathway for color pigmentation linked to orange cats. Thanks for tuning in to the Purr Podcast with Dr. Susan …

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#122 - Lili Chin: About Dog Breeds 51:28

3M ago51:28

51:28

How much can a dog’s breed really tell you? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, illustrator and author Lili Chin (she/her) returns to talk about her newest book, Dogs of the World: A Gallery of Pups from Purebreds to Mutts. You probably know Lili from her beloved body language infographics and viral artwork, and now she’s helping us b…

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#121 - Try it: Learn Your Pet's Ladder of De-Escalation 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

We talk a lot about recognizing when our pets are becoming more stressed. But what about when they’re calming down? In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong walks you through a practical and insightful skill: identifying your pet’s ladder of de-escalation. It’s the crucial flip side to recognizing escalation, and it is just as…

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Why You're Still Doing All the Pet Care (and How to Get Your Family to Step Up) 26:46

3M ago26:46

26:46

Ever feel like you're the only one who remembers to feed the dog, clean the litter box, or refill the water bowls? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing all the pet care yourself. This bonus summer episode gives pet advice and a complete system to get your household to step up and share the pet care load, without nagging, yelling, or t…