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 your only clue. From hesitation to jump to changes in grooming, litter box habits, or even mood—these small shifts may signal something much bigger.Dr. Simpson shares what most cat parents miss, how veterinarians diagnose arthritis, and the most effective ways to help your cat live a more comfortable, pain-free life.If you love your cat, this episode could change everything.

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 humans, how they see us as caregivers, and why your cat may prefer you over food.If you’ve ever wondered:• Does my cat love me?• Do cats recognize their names?• Why do my cats act differently after the vet?• Can cats be trained?• Why doesn’t my cat use their bed or scratcher?This episode will completely change how you understand your cat.Discover CatsEssentials' collection for calmer vet visits and travel. https://www.catsessentials.com/collections/felineaseDr. Kristyn Vitale🌐 Website (Maueyes Cat Science & Education):https://www.maueyes.com/📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/maueyescatscience/🎬 Featured in Inside the Mind of a Cat (Netflix):https://www.netflix.com/title/81447086

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, they explore:• The difference between “pet owner” and “pet parent”• How language shapes relationships• Research comparing biological parents and child-free pet parents• Post-pandemic shifts in how cats are perceived• Legal recognition of pets in custody and divorce cases• Whether society is redefining what family truly meansThis conversation validates something many cat parents already feel: our cats are not “just pets.” They are deeply integrated members of our family.—Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ11tILOZy0Explore CatsEssentials:https://www.catsessentials.comLearn more about Dr. Shelly Volsche’s research:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8JxdDd8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=aoPerfect for:Cat parents • Child-free by choice individuals • Human-animal bond researchers • Feline wellness advocates • Anyone exploring modern family identity🔔 Don’t forget to hit the Bell Icon so you never miss our next video!Subscribe now and turn on ALL notifications — the next episode is coming soon! 🚨✨➡️ Subscribe + 🔔 = Stay UpdatedStay connected:Website: www.catsessentials.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/MyCatsEssentialsInstagram: www.instagram.com/mycatsessentials

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 compassionately, how damage to the gut lining can quietly trigger allergies, arthritis, urinary issues, behavioral changes, immune dysfunction, and long-term disease, even when cats show no obvious digestive symptoms.Dr. Suter also breaks down how environmental toxins, household chemicals, EMF and Wi-Fi exposure, chronic stress, and emotional imbalance impact a cat’s immune and nervous systems. You’ll learn the key differences between conventional and true holistic veterinary care, why symptom-based treatments often fall short, and how proactive, preventive wellness can dramatically improve quality of life — especially for indoor and senior cats.This empowering conversation gives cat parents practical, actionable steps to reduce inflammation, support gut healing, create a cleaner home environment, and advocate more confidently for their cat’s long-term health.Perfect for: Cat parents • Holistic pet wellness seekers • Preventive health advocates • Anyone looking to understand feline health beyond symptoms==================================🔔 Don’t forget to hit the Bell Icon so you never miss our next video!Subscribe now and turn on ALL notifications — the next episode is coming soon! 🚨✨➡️ Subscribe + 🔔 = Stay Updated=================================Stay connected:Website: www.catsessentials.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/MyCatsEssentialsInstagram: www.instagram.com/mycatsessentials=================================Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Odette Suter, DVM – Holistic Veterinarian🌐 Website:👉 https://www.odettesuterdvm.com🔗 LinkedIn:👉 / odette-suter-dvm-555943ba Masterclass & Educational ResourcesLearn more about leaky gut, chronic inflammation, and whole-body healing for cats:👉 https://www.odettesuterdvm.com (navigate to resources/masterclass section)Environmental Working Group (EWG)Check the safety of household cleaners, personal care products, and environmental toxins:👉 https://www.ewg.org

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 toxins, we protect ourselves and the planet, too. If you’re a cat parent who wants to create a safer, healthier home for your feline companion, this discussion is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.