Cattitude - The #1 Cat Podcast

In Part 2 of Cattitude’s special two-part series on the Cats of New York City, host Michelle Fern welcomes Peggy Gavan and Daniel Rimada, co-founders of Cats About Town Tours—the city’s first walking tours dedicated to feline history, lore, and legendary local kitties. Discover how their tours weave “mini history lessons” with unforgettable cat stories across Brooklyn Heights, the Lower East Side, and the Financial District—featuring iconic felines like Jerry Fox (the blind cat who helped save Brooklyn Borough Hall), Nicodemus (a star of the first national cat show at Madison Square Garden), and Mutilator (the famous newspaper cat of The New York Sun). Then the conversation turns to the beloved—and sometimes controversial—bodega cats: what they are, why they matter, the myths people get wrong, and how a community-driven movement may help improve standards of care (and even influence legislation). If you love cats, city history, or both, this episode is a purr-fect NYC adventure—no subway fare required.

EPISODE NOTES: Cats About Town: NYC’s Secret Feline History

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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 York

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes two remarkable heroes of animal disaster relief: Amy Houston, Founder/Director of Rancher Navy, and Ric Browde, CEO & Co-President of Wings of Rescue. Fresh off being honored by NAVC Gives, these dedicated organizations share how they leapt into action during the devastating central Texas floods — delivering feed and supplies, rescuing displaced pets, and supporting ranchers and shelters when hope was running thin. Hear how Rancher Navy’s 24/7 volunteer force mobilizes aid for livestock communities, and how Wings of Rescue’s “boots in the sky” airlifts save animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster zones. It’s an inspiring look at courage, compassion, and the lifesaving impact of teamwork when animals need it most.

EPISODE NOTES: Heroes in the Hardest Hours: Rancher Navy & Wings of Rescue Step Up

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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 Cats

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This week on Cattitude, Michelle Fern dives into a fascinating new frontier in pet wellness with guest Todd Shipman, Educational Manager for Leela Quantum Tech. Cat lovers are always searching for safe and innovative ways to support their feline family, and this episode explores a breakthrough unlike anything you’ve heard before — the use of natural quantum energy frequencies to promote balance, comfort, and overall well-being in pets. Todd explains how Leela Quantum Tech blends cutting-edge research with holistic healing principles, offering a fresh and science-rooted approach for supporting the health of cats, humans and even the environment. Whether you're skeptical or curious, this eye-opening conversation uncovers a brand-new angle on feline wellness that may just change the way you think about supporting your cat’s mind and body.

EPISODE NOTES: Quantum Cats: The New Frontier in Feline Wellness

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