Felinésse

You might think your cat is just “slowing down” with age… but what if they’re actually in pain?

In this eye-opening episode, host Melissa Manzanera sits down with renowned feline veterinarian Dr. Wendy Simpson to uncover the hidden signs of arthritis in cats—a condition that affects up to 90% of cats over age 12, yet often goes undiagnosed.

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which means subtle behavior changes could be yo...

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira is joined by Dr. Lori Kogan and Dr. Jennifer Currin-McCulloch from Colorado State University to explore how the human–animal bond supports people during serious illness.

The conversation looks at what it means to navigate cancer and other health challenges, and where cats and pets fit into that experience: whether as part of a broader support system or, in some cases, the primary source of comf...

Do cats really love us… or are they just using us for food?In this fascinating episode, Melissa Mezzalira explores the science of the human–cat bond with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, a leading expert in cat behavior and the human-animal bond, to uncover the truth about how cats actually see us.You’ll discover groundbreaking insights from research featured in Inside the Mind of a Cat, including why cats form deep emotional attachments to hum...

Why do so many cat parents feel guilty when they leave their cats home alone?

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, speaks with psychologist and human-animal interaction researcher Dr. Lori Kogan about the emotional bond between humans and cats.

They explore the science behind the calming effects cats have on people, the psychological connection many cat parents experience, and why guilt around cats i...

Are cats the new children?
Pet parenting is more visible than ever, but why?

In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, speaks with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Shelly Volsche about the cultural rise of pet parenting and what science reveals about loving cats like family.
Is this simply a trend, or does it reflect deeper shifts in identity, caregiving, and how society defines “family”?

Together, t...

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials and host of Felinésse, for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Holly Ganz, PhD — microbial ecologist and Chief Science Officer of Animal Biome, a pioneering company translating microbiome science into practical solutions for feline health.
Dr. Holly Ganz is a microbial ecologist and the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Animal Biome, a company dedicated to translating cut...

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials and host of Felinésse, for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Odette Suter, DVM — holistic veterinarian, bestselling author, and educator with over 30 years of experience helping cats heal chronic illness at the root level.

In this episode, we explore one of the most misunderstood drivers of feline health problems: leaky gut and chronic inflammation. Dr. Suter explains, clearly and...

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, as she speaks with Dr. Jennifer Conrad of The Paw Project about the truth behind cat declawing. Discover what the procedure really involves, the lifelong physical and behavioral impacts on cats, and why many declawed cats end up in shelters. You’ll also learn humane alternatives, how to support cats already declawed, and the recent California law banning non-therapeutic declawing.

A...

Join Melissa Mezzalira, founder of CatsEssentials, as she sits down with Julie Anne Lee, founder of Adored Beast Apothecary. Julie Anne is a pioneering voice in holistic pet health, with decades of experience in integrative veterinary practice. In this conversation, we explore the unique health needs of cats, the hidden toxins in their environment, and the natural solutions that can help them thrive.

When we protect our cats from to...