AMC's Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant, animal behavior scientist, and author of the new book Play With Your Cat: The Essential Guide to Interactive Play for a Happier, Healthier Feline.
Tune in as they discuss:
- Dr. Delgado's career path in feline behavior
- "Catios," and indoor vs. outdoor cat recommendations
- Common feline behavior issues, including litter box avoidance and inter-cat conflict
- Cats' sense of smell and its importance in their social interactions
- Cats' innate solitary nature and heightened stress response
- Litter box best practices: placement, hygiene, and choice of litter
- The importance of play in cats' wellbeing and the origins of Dr. Delgado's book
- How play mimics hunting, which is considered a "species-specific natural behavior" for cats
- Play in kittens vs. adult cats
- Guidelines for feline play: make it an interactive hunting experience
- Dr. Delgado's 5 Golden Rules of Play
Also on this month's show:
- Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring a helpless baby bird saved by a warm tortilla
- Animal news, including: a miniature poodle saved by NYPD, AMC, and the ASPCA; new research on dogs' response to human emotions; "cocaine sharks" off the coast of Florida
- Pet Health Listener Q&A
Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!
