Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond
Welcome to "Hiss & Tell" a cat podcast where we delve deep into the fascinating world of feline behavior with your host, Kristiina Wilson, MA, CCBC, a professional animal behaviorist with years of experience in understanding our feline friends.
Each episode of "Hiss & Tell" features insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests, including leading veterinarians, renowned social media cat personalities, dedicated researchers and scientists, talented cat photographers, experts in cat behavior and training and so much more.
Join us as we explore a myriad of topics, from decoding the complexities of pet loss to unraveling the mysteries of feline health and behavior. Discover the latest research findings, practical tips for training your cat, and heartwarming stories that highlight the unique bond between cats and their human companions.
Whether you're a seasoned cat owner, a feline enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of our purring companions, "Hiss & Tell" is your go-to podcast for all things cat behavior. So grab your favorite feline friend, cozy up, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together!
Episodes
47 episodes
Cat Body Language & Stress Signals with Dr. Serenella d'Ingeo
Your cat is “telling you” what they feel. The problem is that most of us are listening with the wrong cues. I sit down with Professor Serenella d'Ingeo, an animal physiology and behavior researcher, to unpack what the science of feline c...
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How to Help Your Cat Live Longer with Dr. Kevin Toman
Your cat isn’t “fine” just because they’re quiet! Cats are built to hide pain, and that’s exactly why so many chronic issues like kidney disease, dental disease, arthritis, hypertension, and even heart disease get missed until they explode into...
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How to Find a Lost Cat with Cat Detective Kim Freeman
Your cat is missing and everyone has advice, but a lot of it can make things worse. I sit down with Kimberly Freeman, a professional lost cat finder who has reunited cats with their families across nearly every state and more than 24 countries,...
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Inside the Science of Cat Happiness with Dr. Zazie Todd
“My cat is being difficult” is one of the most common lines I hear as a clinical feline behaviorist, and it’s usually pointing to something deeper than “bad behavior.” I’m joined by Dr. Zazie Todd, psychologist, animal behavior expert, psycholo...
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All Cats Are Cute: Music, Cats, and the Art of Being Present with CatBeats
Kindness is having a weird moment right now, and I mean that as a compliment. I sit down with CatBeats, a cat-loving electronic musician (and my longtime friend), to talk about how cats can pull us out of our heads and back into the present, wh...
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Feline Hyperesthesia Causes, Symptoms & Treatment with Dr. Stefania Uccheddu
A cat’s skin ripples, the tail whips, and suddenly the whole house feels on edge. We sit down with Dr. Stefania Uccheddu, a veterinary behaviorist and diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine, to decode feline...
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Sterling “TrapKing” Davis on Diversity, Masculinity, and Breaking Stereotypes in Animal Rescue
What happens when a rising hip-hop artist swaps tour buses for cat traps? Sterling “Trap King” Davis joins us to break down humane TNR with uncommon clarity and even rarer heart. We dig into how trap, neuter, return actually works, why the R is...
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Peeing Outside the Litter Box? It Might Be FLUTD, Not a Behavior Problem
A cat peeing outside the box isn’t a grudge - it’s often pain. We bring back Dr. Gina Rendon, Medical Director of Williamsburg Vets, to decode FLUTD and idiopathic feline cystitis and show how stress biology, environment, and hydration collide ...
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The Science Of Feline Hellos With Dr. Kaan Kerman
Ever wondered why your cat saves their biggest “hello” for you at the door—and why some people get louder greetings than others? We sit down with Dr. Kaan Kerman to unpack a new study showing that cats vocalize more during greetings when their ...
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How Stress and Inflammation Shape the Aging Feline Brain with Dr. Federica Pirrone
Senior cats rarely complain, but their brains may be asking for help. We sit down with ethologist Dr. Federica Pirrone from the University of Milan to unpack new research that ties subtle stress behaviors and low-grade inflammation to measurabl...
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How Pet Owners Power Cat Science with Darwin's Ark
Ever wonder what your cat’s DNA can tell us about fetching, affection, and health? We teamed up with Dr. Elinor Karlsson, chief scientist at Darwin’s Ark and professor at UMass Chan and the Broad Institute, to unpack how a simple fur-combing ki...
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The Secret Lives of Historical Cats With Jodie Stewart
A rescue cat walks into a historian’s life and suddenly the archive looks different. That’s the spark behind this wide-ranging conversation with cat historian Jodie Stewart, who explores how felines traveled with colonists, curled up in family ...
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Gut Feelings: How Microbes Shape Cat Behavior with Dr. Tom Gilbert
What if the path from feral to friendly begins in the gut? We sit down with evolutionary biologist Dr. Tom Gilbert to explore how cat microbiomes act like tiny chemical factories, converting food into signals that can shape fear, calm, vigilanc...
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Wobbly Cats, Big Hearts: Cerebellar Hypoplasia with Dr Gina Rendon
A wobbly step can still lead to a full, joyful life. We invited Dr. Gina Rendon, medical director at Williamsburg Vets, to demystify cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) and share how cats with this condition learn, adapt, and thrive. From the cerebellum...
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From Panic to Purrs: Getting Unstuck with Canopy Cat Rescue
Sean from Canopy Cat Rescue takes us behind the scenes of an extraordinary mission—saving cats from towering trees across Washington State. As a professional arborist and mountain guide, Sean reveals how he and his partner Tom turned their clim...
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Cat Minds Decoded with Dr. Kristyn Vitale
Ever wondered what's really going on inside your cat's mind? Prepare to have your understanding of feline behavior completely transformed in this captivating conversation with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, a certified applied animal behaviorist and pione...
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Leaf It Alone: A Cat Owner's Survival Guide to Houseplants
Ever brought home a beautiful houseplant only to discover your cat treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet? You're not alone. The delicate balance between maintaining a green home and keeping our feline friends safe is something many pet par...
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Bird Flu & Your Cat : What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know With Dr. Ann Hohenhaus
This episode addresses the recent concerns surrounding avian influenza and its potential effects on cats, offering vital information and practical advice for cat owners. We explore how avian influenza spreads, its symptoms, and essential steps ...
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From Chaos to Calm: Using Pattern Games for a Happier Cat
Unlock the secrets to a happier, healthier cat through the innovative use of pattern games. Join us for a captivating conversation with Beth Brown, a certified cat behavior consultant, as we uncover how these structured exercises can transform ...
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Unraveling Cat Genetics with Dr. Leslie Lyons
What secrets do our feline friends hold in their DNA? Join us on a captivating exploration into the world of cat genetics with the esteemed Dr. Leslie Lyons. We promise you'll gain a newfound appreciation for how cats, with their genetic ...
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Feline Feelings: Love, Loss, and the Science of Attachment with Dr. Jennifer Vonk
Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of our feline friends? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vonk, a trailblazer in comparative and cognitive psychology, to uncover the mysteries of animal cognition and behavior. From her journey tran...
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Emergency & Disaster Preparedness for Cats!
Ensure your feline companions are protected and prepared for emergencies and natural disaster with insights from Dr. Gina Rendon, a trusted veterinarian from Williamsburg Vets. Discover essential strategies for creating an impeccable emergency ...
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Understanding Community Cats: A Deep Dive with Stacy LeBaron
Discover how community dynamics and infrastructure planning can apply to outdoor cat welfare with our inspiring guest, Stacy LeBaron from the Community Cats Podcast. Stacy takes us on her journey from urban planning to championing cat welfare, ...
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AMA: Your Cat Behavior Questions Answered!
Ever wondered how to help your feline friends live their best lives? Get ready to unravel the mysteries of cat behavior with us on Hiss and Tell as Kristiina Wilson teams up with journalist and documentarian David Farrier for an engaging AMA ep...
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Enriching Indoor Cat Lives with Dr. Lynn Bahr
Explore the fascinating world of indoor cat enrichment with our special guest, Dr. Lynn Barr, a renowned feline veterinarian and founder of Dezi & Roo. Together, we unpack the critical role of environmental enrichment in maintaining your in...
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