Cattitude - The #1 Cat Podcast

What happens when a glamorous Maine Coon cat from paradise teams up with a street-smart feline detective from Las Vegas? On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes author Ellen Laura to discuss her delightful new cozy mystery, Bella and Django: A Vegas Velvet Caper. Inspired by her real-life Maine Coon, Bella, Ellen shares the heartwarming story behind the book, how a Christmas miracle brought Bella into her life, and why cats make such irresistible literary stars. From the famous Lanai Cat Sanctuary to the colorful world of Las Vegas, discover how imagination, mystery, friendship, and feline charm come together in a purr-fectly entertaining adventure. Whether you're a cat lover, mystery fan, or aspiring writer, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and plenty of cattitude!EPISODE NOTES: Bella, Django & a Vegas Cat MysteryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

Cat lovers, get ready—this Cattitude episode is basically your all-access pass to the world of cat conventions (and one you’ll actually want to put on your calendar). Host Michelle Fern chats with Katy Cohen, the organizer of WhiskerCon coming to beautiful Savannah, Georgia on Valentine’s weekend 2026, plus Dr. Lisa Rodosta, a veterinary behaviorist, on how to enjoy cat events in a way that keeps feline welfare front and center. You’ll hear what makes WhiskerCon different—its nonprofit mission, community rescue support, and a major emphasis on education, including the adorable Little Whiskers Cat Academy for kids and a neonatal kitten class with Hannah Shaw. They also dig into the real-world issues WhiskerCon aims to impact: TNR, shelter intake, better behavior education, enrichment, and why even lifelong cat people still have more to learn. If you’ve ever thought “Are cat conventions really for me?”—this episode will convince you: yes!EPISODE NOTES: WhiskerCon Savannah 2026: The Ultimate Valentine’s Weekend for Cat Lovers!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes author Tamar Arslanian and award-winning pet photographer Andrew Marttila to explore the revised and expanded edition of Shop Cats of New York. These beloved feline residents may not appear on leases or in travel guides, but they are just as essential to New York City as yellow taxis and corner delis. Nestled inside bookstores, record shops, breweries, hotels, and neighborhood businesses, shop cats bring warmth, personality, and magic to the city streets. Tamar and Andrew share heartfelt stories and vivid photography featuring unforgettable cats like Ratty of the East Village stamp shop, bonded duo Patience and Fortitude, and the legendary Jack Daniels Bagley. Beyond celebrating these pampered shop mascots, the book highlights the positive role shop cats play in communities, encourages businesses to embrace feline companions, and inspires rescuers to consider non-traditional, loving homes for cats in need. Equal parts travel guide, tribute, and photo essay, Shop Cats of New York is a love letter to the city—and the cats who make it purr.EPISODE NOTES: Bodega Bosses & Bookstore Cats: Inside Shop Cats of New YorkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes Sherrie Hines, professor at the University of Georgia School of Law and the new director of the groundbreaking PAWS (Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills) program. With over a decade of experience shaping animal-welfare policy, open-records law, and shelter operations—plus years as a public defender and a hands-on rescue volunteer—Sherrie brings rare insight into the legal and ethical challenges facing pets, shelters, and adopters today. From holiday adoption surges and what every pet parent should know, to the hidden legal risks behind “No-Kill” branding, to the First Amendment issues affecting public comments and online advocacy, Sherrie offers expert, actionable guidance for anyone who loves animals and wants to protect them. It’s an eye-opening, empowering conversation you won’t want to miss.EPISODE NOTES: PAWS, Laws & Claws: The Legal Side of Saving CatsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern sits down with author G. David Stirling, creator of the wildly imaginative Cat Detective Series, including The Cat That Chased Cadillacs and The Cat That Followed Phantoms. His feline hero, Buck, is a black-cat detective with a secret agency beneath a backyard shed, solving crimes right under the nose of his human — the town’s only detective — who has no idea his cat is the real brains on the case! David shares how his real-life black cat, Panther, inspired the character, the surprising depth of feline intelligence and behavior woven into his mysteries, and why these books celebrate black cats instead of stereotyping them. If you love crime novels, fantasy, cozy mysteries, or simply adore cats with big personalities, this episode is a must-listen.EPISODE NOTES: Phantoms, Cadillacs & Claws — Crime Solving Through a Cat’s EyesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

It’s a magical, moonlit edition of Cattitude! Host Michelle Fern chats with author Samantha Mattocks about her spellbinding new book, The Magic of Mister Mishkins — the latest in her whimsical middle-grade series. Meet Mister Mishkins, a ginger cat with a heart full of courage and curiosity who dreams of helping his human friend, Celene, dance with mice on the moon. With no spaceship and only a chorus of cats to help, can he make the impossible possible? Samantha shares how her real-life feline muse inspired this touching tale of friendship, healing, and believing in magic. Perfect for children, cat lovers, and anyone who still dares to dream among the stars!EPISODE NOTES: The Magic of Mister Mishkins: Cats, Courage & Moonlight DreamsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.