Golden Whiskers with Scott Colby

• Why Anxious Cats Stop Eating — And How to Help With Julie-Anne Heart and Melissa Sherman

  This week’s episode is a little different — and a very special one.Instead of a one-on-one interview, I hosted our first-ever live roundtable on Substack with two beloved feline wellness experts: Julie-Anne Heart of Naturally Cats and Melissa Sherman of Calming Creek.Together, we dug into a topic so many cat parents quietly struggle with:👉 Why anxious cats stop eating👉 How our own worry can make things worse👉 Energetic + practical steps that help cats feel safe enough to eat againIf your cat has ever skipped a meal, seemed “off,” or reacted to the stress in your home… this conversation is for you.✨ Episode SummaryIn this heartfelt roundtable, holistic cat therapist Julie-Anne Heart and animal communicator Melissa Sherman break down the emotional, behavioral, and energetic reasons cats stop eating — especially during stressful seasons of life.We talk about the worry spiral (the cat doesn’t eat → we panic → they feel our panic → appetite drops even more) and how to interrupt it with grounding practices, awareness, and subtle shifts in energy.Melissa and Julie-Anne share real experiences with their own pets, practical steps to calm your home and mealtime environment, and emotional guidance for guardians navigating the challenges of senior cats, chronic illness, and holiday stress.This is one of our most compassionate and relatable conversations yet.📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode* Why anxious cats often stop eating (and what they’re trying to tell us)* How your emotional state directly affects your cat’s appetite* The subtle behavioral cues that signal nausea, stress, or discomfort* What the energy spiral looks like — and how to break it* How to center yourself before preparing your cat’s food* Practical ways to give medication without causing food aversion* Tools for calming household energy during the holidays* Emotional support for guardians of senior or declining cats* A one-minute grounding exercise you can use anytime🐾 Recommendations for Cat Parents* Slow down before mealtime. Your cat feels your energy — calm yourself before preparing food.* Look for small cues. Lip-licking, sniffing and walking away, pacing, or hiding can signal stress or nausea.* Avoid rapid food changes. Some cats love variety, but many get overwhelmed. Keep things familiar when anxious.* Separate meds from meals. Hide pills in lickable treats or soft cheese, not in their main food bowl.* Shift your energy. Try brushing techniques, deep breathing, or Julie-Anne’s “Calm Connection” exercise.* Create emotional balance. Especially with senior cats, focus on presence, joy, and shared memories — not just symptoms.🔗 Links & Resources MentionedFollow Julie-Anne Heart — Naturally Cats🌐 Website: https://www.naturallycats.co.uk📸 Instagram / Facebook / YouTube🌀 Free community: The Soul Space (via her website)Follow Melissa Sherman — Calming Creek🌐 Website: https://www.calmingcreek.com📸 Instagram / Facebook: ✉️ Substack: Calming Creek Healing — metaphysical pet stories & animal astrology💛 Final ThoughtsAnxiety around eating isn’t just a “cat problem.”It’s a relationship moment — a reflection of how deeply our cats feel us, and how we can meet them in that space with calm, presence, and compassion.Whether you’re navigating the stress of the holidays, supporting a senior cat, or simply trying to understand your feline better, this episode is a reminder:Your energy matters. Your awareness matters. And your bond is stronger than you think.Thank you for being part of the Whisker Crew — and for being the kind of guardian who wants to truly understand and support your cat.💛🐾— Scott Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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• Herbs That Help Cats With Kidney Disease (What Every Cat Parent Should Know) With Rita Hogan

  🐾 Episode SummaryThis week I’m doing something different. Instead of a brand-new interview, I’m sharing the full, uncut conversation from the Thrive Feline Wellness Summit with clinical herbalist Rita Hogan.Rita is best known as a canine herbalist, but she’s also a devoted cat mom who’s spent over 20 years using herbs to support animals—especially around kidney disease, urinary tract issues, and stress.In this episode, we talk about:* Why kidney disease is so common in modern indoor cats* The role of kibble and low-moisture diets* Early warning signs that your cat’s kidneys and urinary tract might need help* How herbs like parsley, nettle seed, marshmallow root, catnip, and cat grass can support your cat* How to use herbs safely, without guessing on dosage or relying on sketchy Google advice* Real-world tips for actually getting your cat to take herbs (without turning it into a wrestling match)This conversation hit home for me after going through kidney disease with Mia. My hope is that it gives you a clearer roadmap and a little more confidence to support your own cat—especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or brand new to herbs.Important note: This episode is for education, not medical advice. Always work with your veterinarian (and, ideally, a qualified herbalist) before adding herbs or supplements to your cat’s routine.🐱 What You’ll Learn In This Episode* Why kidney disease is so prevalent in cats* The impact of dry food and low moisture* How stress and the emotional “vibe” in your home can affect your cat’s kidneys* Early red flags for kidney trouble* Vomiting and loss of appetite* Weak teeth, low immune function, ear infections* Constipation, groaning when they lie down* Jumpy, noise-sensitive, or howling at night* UTIs, bladder infections, stones, incontinence* Herbs that support your cat’s kidneys* Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – gentle diuretic, rich in minerals, helps sodium balance* Nettle seed (stinging nettle) – a powerhouse herb that can support kidney function, reduce inflammation, and help with protein in the urine* Why trace minerals are such a big deal for kidney health* Herbal help for urinary tract issues* Marshmallow root to soothe irritated urinary tissues* Other supportive herbs: ginger, couch grass, uva ursi, juniper berry (when used properly)* Why your cat’s pooping habits are part of the equation* The difference between “weird but still peeing” and a true emergency (especially in male cats)* Everyday herbs you probably already know* Catnip as a daily nervous system support herb, not just “kitty party dust”* Cat grass/wheatgrass for urinary and kidney support and chlorophyll* Using herbs safely (without guessing)* Why more is NOT better* The importance of correct dosing and Latin names* Why Google (and yes, even ChatGPT for dosing) isn’t where you want to be making medical decisions for your cat* How to slowly build your own “herb library” by learning one herb per month* Getting herbs into picky cats* Using glycerite extracts (less smell, less drama)* Hiding drops in high-value foods (tiny bit of tuna, churro sticks, etc.)* Staying calm and confident so you don’t stress your cat out further📘 Recommendations for Cat OwnersHere are some practical, doable steps inspired by Rita’s wisdom in this episode:* Rethink the bowl.* Work with your vet to move away from an all-dry diet toward more moisture-rich, species-appropriate food (wet, gently cooked, or raw where appropriate and safe).* Get yearly kidney data before there’s a crisis.* Ask your vet about a yearly urine protein check and bloodwork so you have a baseline and can spot changes early.* Start with one safe, simple herb.* Examples to explore (with proper guidance and dosing):* Parsley tea (Petroselinum crispum) as a gentle tonic* Nettle seed tincture for kidney support* Marshmallow root for urinary tract soothing* Catnip and cat grass for everyday nervous system and urinary support* Learn one herb a month instead of trying to master everything at once.* Use trusted products—not random Amazon bottles.* Some brands Rita mentioned in the interview to research and discuss with your vet/herbalist:* Pet Wellbeing – especially Urinary Gold* Adored Beast – silver hydrosol* Two Crazy Cat Ladies / Feline Essentials – urinary support with vitamin C and PEA* Dr. Judy Morgan’s store – PEA formulas* Invest in a good reference.* Book: Herbs for Pets by Greg Tilford (covers cats and dogs, safety, and dosing).* Book: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan (includes info on which herbs are safe for cats and how to dose them).* Don’t over-dose.* With herbs like nettle seed, “one to two drops” really means one to two drops.* If you’re ever unsure, pause and ask a pro instead of guessing.* Watch the whole cat, not just one symptom.* Mood, sleep, appetite, energy, litter box habits, and vocalizations all give clues.* If something feels off, check in with your vet—especially if your cat is straining to pee, not peeing, or seems in pain. Those are emergencies.🔗 Links & Resources MentionedLearn from and connect with Rita Hogan:* 🌿 Website & Store: [canineherbalist.com]* 🎓 Teaching Platform: [canineherbalism.com]* 🎙 Podcast: Dogs Are Individuals (search wherever you listen to podcasts)* 📗 Book: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan (includes cat-safe herb notes and dosing)🐾 Final ThoughtsGoing through kidney disease with Mia was one of the hardest stretches of my life as a cat dad. A lot of what Rita shared in this conversation—especially around nettle seed, parsley, and early subtle signs—are things I wish I had known back then.If your cat is already dealing with kidney issues or urinary problems, or if you just want to be more proactive, my hope is that this episode gives you:* A few concrete places to start* Language you can bring into conversations with your vet* And a reminder that you don’t have to learn everything at onceJust like Rita said: one herb a month is more than enough.If this episode helped you, it would mean a lot if you:* Share it with another cat parent who’s navigating kidney disease or UTIs* Follow/subscribe to the Golden Whiskers Podcast* Leave a quick rating or review so we can help more people help their cats live longer, healthier, happier lives into their golden years.Thanks for being here and for loving your cat as much as you do. 💛🐾 Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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• Cat Nutrition Roundup: 3 Experts on Feeding Your Cat Better With Dr. Ruth Roberts, Elizabeth Casas and Penny Wood

  🎙️ Episode SummaryThis week, we’re doing something different.No new guest, no full solo episode — just a simple, practical nutrition roundup pulled from three of my favorite conversations from the Feline Wellness Summit.You’ll hear from Dr. Ruth Roberts, Elizabeth Casas, and Penny Wood as they break down some of the biggest questions cat parents have about food:* Why kibble isn’t great for long-term health* How to transition picky cats without a hunger strike* What pet food labels really mean* The differences between kibble, canned, freeze-dried, lightly cooked, and raw* Affordable ways to cook for your cat* Simple whole-food upgrades* And why hydration is one of the most underrated longevity tools for catsMy goal with this episode isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to give you a handful of small, realistic changes that can make a big difference over the long run.📘 Recommendations for Cat OwnersHere are a few simple, doable ideas inspired by Dr. Ruth, Elizabeth, and Penny — things you can start trying this week:1. Add One Small Upgrade to the BowlDon’t overhaul everything.Just try one “better than yesterday” idea:* a bite of wet food* a teaspoon of cooked meat* a sprinkle of sardines* or a little bone broth mixed into the mealEven tiny changes move your cat in the right direction.2. If Your Cat Eats Kibble, Start By Adding Moisture SafelyInstead of pouring water directly onto kibble (which Penny explains can reactivate fungal toxins), try:* a water fountain* diluted bone broth* or a splash of goat milkAnything that encourages “free drinking” is a win.3. Try the “⅛ Teaspoon Method”From Dr. Ruth:When transitioning from kibble → wet → cooked → raw, start with an eighth of a teaspoon of the new food placed next to the main bowl.No pressure. No tricks.Just familiarity.Slow is often fast with cats.4. Watch Out for Ingredient SplittingElizabeth shared how companies disguise high-carb formulas by listing “corn,” “corn gluten,” and “corn flour” separately.If the ingredients look like a grocery store scavenger hunt… that’s a red flag.5. Consider Cooking in a Crock PotElizabeth’s tip:Cats don’t eat much volume, so one overnight batch of cooked food can often last weeks.It’s more affordable than most people expect — and you control every ingredient.6. Hydration = Kidney SupportPenny made this point clear:Cats are terrible free drinkers.If they’re eating dry food and not drinking, the kidneys work overtime for years.Moisture in food is one of the easiest longevity “hacks” for cats.🎧 Guest Links* Dr. Ruth Roberts — https://drruthroberts.com/* Elizabeth Casas — On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecasascpcn* Penny Wood — https://drzoolittle.co/✨ Final ThoughtI always listen to these episodes through the lens of my own journey with my cats — especially Mia and Nomar, and now Niko and Milo who are 2 years old now.When you know better, you do better.And sometimes “doing better” is simply moving one inch in a healthier direction.Don’t worry about getting it perfect.Just pick one upgrade and test it this week.Your cat will tell you what works.Give your cat some extra love from me, Niko, and Milo, and I’ll see you next time. Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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• The $40,000 Nickel: How One Rescue Is Saving Cats and Empowering Adults With Disabilities

  ✨ Episode SnapshotIn today’s episode, I’m joined by Marge Goldin, a clinical social worker, lifelong animal lover, and the powerhouse behind Tender Loving Cats — a foster-based rescue making a huge impact across Long Island.This conversation shines a light on:🐾 How a small rescue is saving lives without a shelter building🐾 A brilliant fundraiser: Recycling for Rescue — a partnership with adults with disabilities that’s raised $40,000… in nickels!🐾 Why TNR matters more than most people realize🐾 The emotional (and often overlooked) realities of outdoor cats🐾 How everyday cat parents can spot when a community cat needs help🐾 Ways YOU can start similar community projects in your area🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn🐱 Marge’s Own Cat Family– Two senior siblings, Leo & Roxy (14.5 years!)– Bootsy, a “single kitten syndrome” foster fail– And the seven former colony cats living safely in the family’s custom-built catio + basement room🏡 What Makes Tender Loving Cats Unique– Fully foster-based — no building– A strong foster/foster-finder model– The Kitten Companion Project (kittens visiting nursing homes, schools, and assisted living facilities)– Community connection at the heart of every program♻️ Recycling for Rescue: The Program Everyone Should Know About– Adults with disabilities volunteer to collect and redeem bottles/cans– A program that gives purpose, community, and joy– Over $40,000 raised to support spay/neuter– Expanded to cover all of Long Island🐈 Why TNR Saves Lives– Outdoor females can have 2–3 litters per season– High kitten mortality outdoors– Males travel far distances and often end up injured, sick, or killed– Ear-tipping = essential identification– Failing to TNR always leads to more suffering down the road📣 The Biggest Gap: TNR Resources– Many towns do not support TNR– Voucher programs run out of money– Rescues try to pick up the slack, but funds disappear fast🙌 One Simple Step Listeners Can Take“If you see something, say something.”A single community member speaking up is often the difference between one stray cat… and three litters the following spring.📘 Marge’s Recommendations for Cat OwnersEven though Marge’s work focuses on community cats, she shared several powerful insights every cat parent should know:1️⃣ Learn to spot an ear-tipA missing left ear tip = the cat is already spayed/neutered.A pointed left ear = they likely need TNR.2️⃣ Don’t ignore the “mystery cat” in your yardIf a new cat appears:→ Take a picture→ Ask local groups→ Reach out for helpSmall actions prevent big problems later.3️⃣ Support your local TNR organizationsThey’re almost always underfunded, overwhelmed, and filling gaps that towns should cover.4️⃣ Donate cans/bottles if you’re on Long IslandRecycling for Rescue is an incredibly easy way to support spay/neuter.5️⃣ Remember: outdoor cats have hard livesHigh kitten mortality, dangerous territory fights, and nonstop reproduction cycles.TNR is kindness.🔗 Where to Learn MoreTender Loving Cats Website:🌐 https://tenderlovingcats.orgKey links on the site:– Recycling for Rescue (Fundraising tab)– Prevent a Litter (Programs tab)– Kitten Companion Project– Events & Fundraisers (including their 2026 calendar + holiday gift baskets)Social Media:📸 Instagram: @tenderlovingcatsny📘 Facebook: Tender Loving Cats🐾 Final ThoughtThis episode reminded me of something I see again and again in the cat world:Cat welfare isn’t just about cats. It’s about people, community, kindness, and creativity.Marge took something as simple as redeeming bottles and turned it into:✨ Purpose for adults with disabilities✨ A community movement✨ Cleaner neighborhoods✨ Tens of thousands of dollars for lifesaving spay/neuterNone of it required celebrity funders, giant facilities, or massive teams.Just heart… consistency… and one person willing to say, “I can do something.”And that’s really the message here:You don’t have to do everything — but you can always do something.And when you do, cats (and communities) thrive. Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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• The Wild Path: Ancient Feline Wisdom for the Modern Cat Parent

  What if our cats have been trying to teach us something all along — not just about their health, but ours too?In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing something brand new I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes — a philosophy I call The Wild Path. It’s ancient feline wisdom for the modern cat parent. You don’t need a forest or a mountain trail to start following it. You can begin right at home, by reconnecting to what’s natural and instinctual for both you and your cats.I’ll share three simple Wild Path lessons I’ve been learning through Niko and Milo — around food, behavior, and environment — and how these small shifts have made a big difference in their happiness (and mine too).🎙️ Episode SnapshotIn this short, heartfelt episode, I open up about what inspired The Wild Path and share three lessons that can help your cats live closer to their natural rhythm:🥩 Food — Rewild the BowlOur cats are built for meat, not starch. I’ve started adding small fresh toppers to Niko and Milo’s meals — lightly cooked chicken or salmon or even sardines — and it’s made a real difference. I even tried it with my friend Lori’s 17-year-old cat, Remi, and she started eating again with real enthusiasm. Just one spoonful of real food can help your cat thrive.🧠 Behavior — The Hunt ZonePlay isn’t just play — it’s instinct. I’ve been creating a “hunt zone” in my home by hiding treats at night. Watching Niko and Milo’s focus kick in — their eyes sharpen, tails twitch — it’s like watching them wake up their wild side. It only takes five minutes, and they always calm right down afterward.☀️ Environment — Bringing Nature InsideEven indoor cats crave sunlight, air, and sensory stimulation. Every morning, I open the blinds and crack the windows so Niko and Milo can soak up the sun and listen to the birds. Their window hammock gives them the best view in the house. These small rituals bring nature to them, and they calm me too.💛 Final ThoughtFood, instinct, and environment — these are the heart of The Wild Path. It’s about helping our cats live closer to their natural rhythms while reminding us to do the same.When I see Niko and Milo basking in the sunlight after a good play session and a real meal, I’m reminded that nature isn’t something out there — it’s right here, in how we live, care, and connect every day.📬 Join the CommunityYou can follow along as The Wild Path unfolds and get new podcast episodes and stories straight to your inbox every Friday at goldenwhiskerslove.com Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe

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