Shows
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondFrom Panic to Purrs: Getting Unstuck with Canopy Cat RescueSend us a textSean 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 climbing expertise into a specialized rescue organization that's saved nearly 8,000 feline lives.The conversation unpacks the fascinating intersection of technical climbing and feline behavior—how expert rescuers interpret a cat's meows, ear positions, and tail movements to predict whether a terrified feline will accept help or climb higher to escape. Sean explains the...2025-04-0950 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondCat Minds Decoded with Dr. Kristyn VitaleSend us a textEver 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 pioneering researcher in feline social cognition.Dr. Vitale dismantles the persistent myth that cats are solitary creatures, revealing compelling evidence of their complex social lives. She explains how domestic cats have evolved far beyond their wildcat ancestors, developing remarkable flexibility to thrive in diverse social environments. From free-ranging colonies to multi-cat households, cats form sophisticated social networks...2025-03-2753 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondLeaf It Alone: A Cat Owner's Survival Guide to HouseplantsSend us a textEver 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 parents struggle with.Hiss and Tell welcomes plant and pet specialist Anastasia from Leaf & Paw to explore this crucial intersection of plant parenthood and cat guardianship. With over 200 houseplants coexisting with her pets, Anastasia shares practical wisdom gained from both personal experience and professional expertise.Our conversation dives deep...2025-03-1249 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondBird Flu & Your Cat : What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know With Dr. Ann HohenhausSend us a textThis 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 pet owners can take to protect their feline companions.• Overview of avian influenza and its two strains • Understanding the risks for cats and other mammals • Transmission methods, including respiratory and fecal routes • Symptoms of avian influenza in felines • Importance of keeping cats indoors as a precaution • Recommendations for reducing exposure to infected wildlife...2025-02-1935 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondFrom Chaos to Calm: Using Pattern Games for a Happier CatSend us a textUnlock 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 your feline friend’s life. From providing predictability for shy cats to reducing stress for high-energy felines, Beth shares insights that could revolutionize your approach to cat care. We dive deep into her journey from shelter work to private consulting and explore why pattern games are a game-changer.Learn how to make your ca...2025-02-1248 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondUnraveling Cat Genetics with Dr. Leslie LyonsSend us a textWhat 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 parallels to humans, serve as invaluable models in biomedical research and how their genetic diversity enriches our understanding of their origins and health.The mysteries of cat coat colors and curious phenotypes are unraveled as we explore phenomena like curled ears and taillessness. Dr. Lyons explains the X-chromosome inactivation that r...2025-01-2241 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondFeline Feelings: Love, Loss, and the Science of Attachment with Dr. Jennifer VonkSend us a textEver 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 transitioning from human cognition research to studying a variety of species like orangutans and domestic cats, Dr. Vonk offers enlightening insights. We tackle the misconceptions of cats as aloof creatures and highlight their surprising ability to form deep social bonds with humans, despite their non-social evolutionary origins.Our conversation takes...2025-01-0856 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEmergency & Disaster Preparedness for Cats!Send us a textEnsure 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 preparedness plan, ranging from assembling a foolproof emergency kit to mastering the art of pet anxiety management. With the rising threats of wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, our conversation is a critical guide for any cat owner eager to safeguard their pets amidst unexpected crises.Dr. Rendon and I uncover the unique challenges of nurturing resilience in our feline...2024-12-2655 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondUnderstanding Community Cats: A Deep Dive with Stacy LeBaronSend us a textDiscover 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, revealing insights on the transformative impact of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. She explains the crucial distinctions between community, stray, and feral cats and shines a light on regional differences in ear-tipping practices. Through heartwarming anecdotes and practical advice, Stacy demonstrates how small actions, like using paper collars, can lead to sustainable initiatives.Uncover the importance...2024-12-1157 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondAMA: Your Cat Behavior Questions Answered!Send us a textEver 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 episode. From handling intercat aggression to counter-surfing deterrents, we tackle questions sourced from David's vibrant Webworm community, sharing our expertise alongside anecdotes from David's documentary adventures, including a playful detour into the world of cat shows with his family's Birman cat.Our conversation dives into practical solutions for common...2024-11-2738 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEnriching Indoor Cat Lives with Dr. Lynn BahrSend us a textExplore 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 indoor cat's physical and emotional well-being, revealing simple yet effective strategies to combat the stress and boredom that can arise from confined living spaces.Ever wondered how to keep your lazy or mobility-challenged cat engaged? We've got you covered. Dive into our enlightening discussion on innovative cat toys, like the Hide and Sneak and the...2024-11-1355 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondExploring Veterinary Chaplaincy: Supporting Pet Loss with Dr. Rob Gierka & Karen DukeSend us a textImagine a world where the loss of a beloved pet is met with the same compassion and understanding as the loss of a human companion. This episode introduces you to the heartfelt field of veterinary chaplaincy, a realm dedicated to offering spiritual and emotional support during these challenging times. Joining me are Dr. Rob Gierka, the visionary founder of PetChaplain.com, and Karen Duke, the compassionate senior vice president. Together, they share their personal tales of how they were drawn into this meaningful work, highlighting the deep emotional impact of pet loss and...2024-10-301h 00
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondUnlocking Feline Communication: Exploring Cat Facial Expressions with Dr Brittany FlorkiewiczSend us a textUnlock the mysteries of the feline world as we host Dr Brittany Florkiewicz, a renowned comparative and evolutionary psychologist who dares to challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding cat communication. Ever wondered if your cat can express more than just hunger or disdain? Our latest episode promises to shift your perception by uncovering the rich tapestry of cat facial expressions, revealing over 200 distinct types that go unnoticed by most of us. Brittany's groundbreaking research, initially sparked by a collaboration with her student Lauren Scott, delves into the subtleties of cat expressions, inviting us to...2024-10-231h 01
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondNavigating Cat Stress & Depression with Dr. Gina RendonSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a stress-free life for your feline companions with expert insights from Dr. Gina Rendon of Williamsburg Vets. Discover how to identify the subtle signs of stress and anxiety in cats, and learn how to differentiate these behaviors from underlying medical conditions through comprehensive exams and lab work. Dr. Rendon shares her knowledge on how environmental changes can impact your cat's health, leading to issues like urinary and gastrointestinal problems, and emphasizes the importance of a nurturing environment built on the American Association of Feline Practitioners' five pillars....2024-10-1654 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondFear-Free Pet Care: Understanding Our Feline Friends with Mikkel BeckerSend us a textDiscover how to transform your pet care approach with insights from Mikkel Becker, the lead trainer for Fear Free. Join us as Mikkel shares her inspiring journey from broadcast journalism to becoming a beacon of compassion in animal training, highlighting the profound impact the Fear Free method has had on her rescue dog, Mr. Otis. Learn how gentle handling and calming environments are more than just techniques—they're revolutionizing how we care for our pets, especially in veterinary settings.Dive into the world of feline behavior as we reveal strategies to un...2024-10-0859 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEp 18: Hospice Care & Euthanasia with Dr. Sheilah Robertson of Lap of LoveSend us a textWhat are the critical elements of providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets? Join us as we explore this profound topic with Dr. Sheila Robertson, the Senior Medical Director for Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. With her extensive background in anesthesia and pain management, Dr. Robertson offers invaluable insights into proper sedation procedures before euthanasia, the emotional impact of these practices on pet owners, and the need for more compassionate approaches in veterinary medicine. Discover how alternatives to traditional sedation shots, such as gabapentin and the innovative pre-gabalin liquid Bonquat, can ease t...2024-06-111h 06
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 17: Inside ASPCA's Animal Behavior ResearchSend us a textWhat if understanding the intricate dance between human psychology and animal behavior could transform how we care for our pets? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Maya Gupta and Dr. Miranda K. Workman from the ASPCA's Applied Behavior Research and Animal Welfare Team. Dr. Gupta shares her compelling journey from clinical psychology to animal welfare, sparked by a poignant encounter with domestic violence and animal cruelty. Meanwhile, Dr. Workman delves into her extensive background in sheltering and applied animal behavior, anthrozoology, and her critical research on multi-species families.Ever...2024-06-031h 02
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 16: Q & A: Veterinarian's Behavior Questions Answered!Send us a textEver wondered how to create harmony in a multi-cat household or why your feline friends sometimes clash? Discover the secrets to preventing intercat aggression in our latest episode of Hiss and Tell. Kristiina Wilson shares expert insights with Dr. Gina Rendon and Dr. Lee Nancarrow on keeping your cats intellectually stimulated. Learn about the importance of species-appropriate activities like catios, window perches, and bird feeders that mimic natural hunting behaviors. From engaging toys to puzzle feeders and even harness walking, Kristiina reveals how to channel your cats' natural instincts to keep them content...2024-05-2830 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 15: Raw Food Diets and More with Dr Gina Rendon & Dr Lee NancarrowSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a purr-fectly healthy cat on today's Hiss and Tell, with special guests Dr. Gina Rendon and Dr. Lee Nancarrow. We sink our claws into the hotly debated topic of raw food diets, weighing the benefits against the risks such as bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance. For pet owners and feline aficionados alike, this episode is a treasure trove of insights into keeping both your four-legged companion and your household safe. We cover practical tips for impeccable kitchen hygiene and tackle myths about dental health, ensuring you're armed with knowledge...2024-05-2038 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 14: Decoding Cat Diets & Nutrition with Dr Gina Rendon and Dr Lee NancarrowSend us a textUnlock the secrets of your feline's dietary needs with myself, Kristiina Wilson, alongside veterinarians Dr. Gina Rendon and Dr. Lee Nancarrow. We journey through the labyrinth of cat nutrition, debunking the myth of vegetarian kitties and emphasizing the vital role of proteins and specific nutrients like taurine for these obligate carnivores. Our conversation promises insights into how these needs shift through various life stages, and offers a stark comparison to the dietary requirements of other household pets.Prepare to challenge every belief you've held about what makes your cat's diet purrfect. We're...2024-05-1138 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 13: Journeying Beyond the Loss of a Beloved Pet with Beth Bigler, Part 2Send us a textEvery one of us who has loved and lost a pet knows the profound ache that follows. As host, I joined hands with pet loss and grief counselor Beth Bigler to traverse the tender paths of mourning our cherished animal companions. Our conversation spans the emotional spectrum, offering solace in shared experiences and practical advice for those dark times. From the therapeutic release found in art and movement to the comfort of community and rituals, we provide a heartfelt guide to navigating this deeply personal journey.When Steve's cat friends faced...2024-05-0748 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 12: Navigating the Emotional Journey of Pet Loss and Grief with Beth Bigler, Part 1Send us a textWhen the heart-wrenching moment arrives to say goodbye to our furry friends, the heavy shroud of grief can feel isolating. It's a journey I've walked myself, and one that Beth Bigler, a compassionate pet loss and grief counselor, has dedicated her life to easing for others. Together, we navigate the tender, often unspoken realms of pet loss, providing a sanctuary for those grappling with the aching void left behind.Beth, with her intimate understanding of the pet-human bond, guides us through the poignant process of anticipatory grief and the realization that...2024-04-2957 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 11: Clicker Training & Harness Walking with CatSchool!Send us a textIn this episode of Hiss and Tell, host Kristiina Wilson interviews Julie Posluns, founder of Cat School and an applied animal behaviorist. They discuss clicker training for cats and its effectiveness in training various behaviors. Julie shares her background in dog training and how she discovered clicker training for cats. They explain the concept of clicker training and how it differs from other training methods. They also discuss the importance of consistency and timing in clicker training, as well as the use of food rewards. Julie provides examples of behaviors that can be...2024-04-2256 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 10: Dr Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation FundSend us a textDr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, discusses the basics of cheetah conservation and her journey into studying and protecting cheetahs. She explains that cheetahs have a short lifespan and low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. Dr. Marker also talks about the challenges of conserving cheetahs living outside protected areas and the importance of working with farmers to reduce human-wildlife conflict. She highlights the role of livestock guarding dogs in protecting livestock and preventing cheetah killings. Additionally, Dr. Marker explains the physiological adaptations of cheetahs that enable them to...2024-04-1556 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 9: Lilly Ludwig, Animal Intuitive / CommunicatorSend us a textLilly Ludwig, an animal intuitive and communicator, explains that animal communication is the telepathic communication between species through mental images, sensations, and sometimes words. She shares that animal communication is more common than we realize and that we can all enhance our intuitive connection with our pets by talking to them and practicing mindfulness or meditation with them. Lilly also discusses her experiences with pets that have passed away, emphasizing that they are at peace and often provide messages of healing and reassurance. She mentions that signs from departed pets can come in...2024-04-091h 08
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 8: Secrets of Koneko Cat CafeSend us a textIn this episode of His and Tell, host Kristiina Wilson interviews Amelia and Veronica, two of the cattery guides at Koneko Cat Cafe in New York City. They discuss the origins of Koneko, the challenges of being one of the first cat cafes in the city, and the impact they have had through cat adoptions. They also talk about the measures taken to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of diseases, the litter box setup, and the environmental stimulation provided for the cats. The interview covers topics such as integrating new cats, feeding...2024-04-0346 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 7: Ranting about FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Gina Rendon discusses feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a mutation of the feline coronavirus. She explains that FIP is a systemic illness that can affect any part of a cat's body. The transmission of FIP occurs through the fecal-oral route, making it more common in multi-cat households and shelters. Diagnosing FIP can be challenging, as there is no single test for it. However, recent advances in treatment have improved the prognosis for cats with FIP. Dr. Rendon also addresses the limitations of PCR testing and the possibility of FIP in...2024-03-2751 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 6: Your Cat Behavior Questions Answered!Send us a textIn this episode your host, Kristiina Wilson, a cat behaviorist, answers various cat behavior-related questions submitted by listeners. Some of the topics discussed include why cats scratch around their food bowl, the use of CBD for stress and anxiety in cats, transitioning cats from dry to wet food, bathing cats, correcting mistakes in cat boundaries, introducing cats to each other, dealing with inappropriate defecation, shifting cats from a treat-only diet, and addressing 3 a.m. howling. Additionally, Kristiina explains how cats use their tails to communicate and whether it's okay for cats to watch...2024-03-1849 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 5: Pet Loss & Grief Part 1Send us a textIn this episode, the Kristiina, Joelle Andres of Bastian&Brews and Morgan Krug of Pawsitive Behaviors discuss the grief and loss of their beloved pets. The conversation also touches on anticipatory grief and the challenges of staying present during the grieving process. They discuss the sudden illness and decline of their pets, the emotional journey of saying goodbye, and the grief experienced by their other pets in the household. They also talk about the importance of community support during the grieving process and the physical manifestations of grief. The chapter concludes with a d...2024-03-1259 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 4: Rescue, TNR & Community Cats - Don't Talk About It, BE About It!Send us a textIn this episode, we meet the guests, Suse Goricke and Stacy Attenberg, who are independent rescuers and advocates for trap-neuter-return (TNR) and community cats. They discuss the importance of TNR in managing community cat populations and debunk the misconception that relocating cats is a viable solution. The guests also emphasize the need to give cats sufficient time to decompress after trapping and the importance of proper assessment. Additionally, they discuss the additional steps involved in TNR, such as vaccinations and other treatments. The conversation explores the challenges of snap testing and accessing services...2024-03-0657 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 2: Hannah, the human behind Russell of @CatManJohnSend us a textIn this episode, Hannah, the owner of the CatmanJohn social media account, talks about her journey to becoming a full-time social media influencer and the impact of her famous cat, Russell. She shares insights into managing a multi-cat household and providing enrichment for her cats. Hannah also discusses her content creation process and the challenges and rewards of being a social media superstar. In this part of the conversation, Hannah and Kristiina discuss the drama associated with pets using speech buttons and the negative comments they receive. They also talk about the unexpected...2024-02-2756 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 3: BriAnne Wills, photographer of Girls & Their CatsSend us a textIn this episode, host Kristiina interviews BriAnne Wills, the creator of Girls and Their Cats. They discuss how the project started and the work that BriAnne does as a photographer. They also talk about BriAnne's history with cats and the importance of photographing rescue/adopted cats. The conversation also delves into the crazy cat lady stereotype and the societal perceptions surrounding it. In this conversation, BriAnne discusses her experiences photographing girls and their cats, the process of creating her book, and the challenges of photographing cats. She shares tips for cat owners who...2024-02-2736 min
Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and BeyondEpisode 1: Dr. Gina Rendon, DVMSend us a textIn this podcast episode, Kristiina interviews Dr. Gina Rendon, a veterinarian, about her journey to becoming a vet and the challenges and burnout in the veterinary profession. They discuss the importance of balancing the emotional demands of working with sick animals and how Dr. Rendon unwinds and de-stresses from work. They also talk about breed-specific personalities in cats and common misconceptions about cats and veterinary medicine. The episode concludes with a discussion on medical conditions that can affect a cat's behavior and the importance of regular check-ups and insurance for cats. This part...2024-02-2756 min
Probable CausationEpisode 96: Andreas Kotsadam on jobs and intimate partner violenceAndreas Kotsadam talks about how giving women jobs affects intimate partner violence in Ethiopia.
“Jobs and Intimate Partner Violence - Evidence from a Field Experiment in Ethiopia” by Andreas Kotsada and Espen Villanger.
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Probable Causation is part of Doleac Initiatives, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. If you enjoy the show, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you for supporting our work!
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OTHER RESEARCH WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE:
“The Gender Wage Gap and Domestic Violence” by Anna Aizer.
“Unemployment and Domestic Violence: Theory and Evidence” by Dan Anderberg, Helmut Raine...2023-06-2051 min
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) seminarsMigrants, Thinkers, Storytellers - Book launchMigrants, Thinkers, Storytellers develops an argument about how individual migrants, coming from four continents and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, are in many ways affected by a violent categorisation that is often nihilistic, insistently racial, and continuously significant in the organisation of South African society. The book also examines how relative privilege and storytelling function as instruments for migrants to negotiate meanings and shape their lives. It employs narrative lifestory research as its guiding methodology and applies various disciplinary analytical perspectives, with an overall focus on social categorisation and its consequences. The featured stories stress how unsettled, mutable and in flux...2021-07-061h 33