Ep. 87 - Does Petting Your Cat Reduce Stress in You Both? ❤️🐱

Ep. 99 - How Can I Train My Cat to Listen to Me? 😂 🐱 Surprise, Surprise...

Can you actually train a cat to listen? As a cat mom, I've often wished my cats would come when I called them, stop fighting, or respond quickly during emergencies. While cats aren't dogs, I discovered that calm communication, consistency, and positive reinforcement made a surprising difference with my own cats. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/] episode, I share the simple approach I developed over time, how I introduced short verbal cues, and why building trust mattered far more than trying to control them. This is simply what worked in my multi-cat household—and every cat is different. You'll Hear in this Cat Podcast Episode * Why I wanted my cats to listen during emergencies * The simple one-word commands I started usin * How staying calm changed my cats' response * Why timing and rewards made the biggest difference * How long it took before I noticed results * The unexpected peace of mind this created for both me and my cats Timestamps & Chapters (3:26) 00:00 – Can you train a cat to listen? 00:34 – Why I wanted my cats to respond 01:08 – The simple commands I started using 01:41 – Staying calm instead of emotional 02:05 – Rewarding positive responses 02:34 – Why consistency mattered 02:54 – What changed after a few months 03:09 – Every cat is different This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ [https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/] About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom [https://diaryofacatmom.com/] is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about-the-host/], sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about/]. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

Ep. 98 - Manifesting a Catio: Live TV for My Cats & Freedom For Me 🐾❤️

What started as another afternoon outside with my indoor cats turned into something much bigger. Watching them chase squirrels, freeze in harnesses, and explore a world beyond the windows made me realize something: maybe what we're all missing isn't just more outdoor time—it's a space where everyone can enjoy it. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/], I share why I'm dreaming of building a portable catio, what my cats have taught me about curiosity and enrichment, and why creating a better environment isn't just about improving their lives—it can improve ours too. You'll Hear in this Cat Podcast Episode * Why bird feeders became "live TV" for my cats * My experience trying cat harnesses * The adventures of my fearless cat Hope * The challenges of creating a hurricane-friendly catio * How changing a cat's environment can spark curiosity * Why giving our cats freedom can also give us freedom Timestamps & Chapters (7:07) 00:00 Manifesting a Catio 00:40 Why My Indoor Cats Love Being Outside 01:42 The Harness Experiment That Failed 02:42 Meet Hope, My Little Escape Artist 04:02 Designing My Dream Portable Catio 05:34 How a Catio Would Give Us Both More Freedom 06:29 Change Brings Curiosity Back This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ [https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/] About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom [https://diaryofacatmom.com/] is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about-the-host/], sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about/]. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

Ep. 97 - Can I Hold My Cat By the Scruff? Seeing It From My Cat's Perspective 🐾💕

Can you pick up an adult cat by the scruff? Many cat parents learned that scruffing was a normal way to gain control during difficult situations like carrier trips, medication, or handling a frightened cat. I learned it too when I adopted my first rescue cat, Sheiba. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/], I share why I used scruffing in the past, what I later learned about how adult cats experience it, and how seeing the situation from my cat's perspective changed the way I handle my cats today. This episode isn't about guilt. It's about learning, growing, and strengthening the trust we share with our cats. What You'll Hear in this Cat Podcast Episode * Why many cat parents were taught to use scruffing * The difference between carrying kittens and handling adult cats * What feline experts say about lifting cats by the scruff * Why a cat becoming limp may not always mean they are relaxed * How I safely pick up and support my cats today * Why trust and emotional safety matter during handling Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Can I Hold My Cat By the Scruff? 00:38 How I Learned About Scruffing 01:21 Seeing the Situation From My Cat's Perspective 02:03 Why Adult Cats Are Different From Kittens 02:41 What Experts Say About Scruffing 03:22 How I Pick Up My Cats Today 04:14 Trust Matters More Than Control 04:49 Learning To Be A Better Cat Mom This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ [https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/] About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom [https://diaryofacatmom.com/] is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about-the-host/], sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about/]. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

Ep. 96 - How to Save on Cat Food Without Switching to Cheaper Food 🐱🐟

As cat parents, we all want to give our cats the best food we can afford. But when we have multiple cats, the monthly cost of cat food and litter can add up quickly. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/], Dagmar shares a few simple ways she's reduced her cat food expenses over the years without sacrificing quality. From subscription discounts and loyalty programs to reward points and buying strategies, these small changes helped her save money while still feeding her cats the food she trusts. If you're looking for practical ways to stretch your cat budget, this episode may give you a few ideas worth exploring. You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode * How Dagmar's perspective on cat food costs changed after adopting multiple cats * Why learning about cat nutrition influenced her purchasing decisions * The simple subscription strategy that helped lower her monthly expenses * How loyalty programs and rewards can offset cat care costs * Why small savings add up over time * Practical ways to reduce cat food expenses without changing brands Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 — How Cat Food Became a Major Expense 00:52 — Learning About Cat Food Quality 01:34 — Subscription Discounts That Added Up 02:20 — Reward Programs and Credit Card Benefits 03:00 — Farm Stores, Loyalty Programs, and Bulk Buying 03:42 — Small Changes That Save Money Over Time 04:18 — Every Dollar Saved Helps Our Cats 04:54 — The End This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ [https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/] About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom [https://diaryofacatmom.com/] is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about-the-host/], sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about/]. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

Ep. 95 - Why Do I Want So Badly That My Cats Love Me? 🐾❤️

Have you ever wished your cat would choose your lap, seek more affection, or show love in the way you hoped? In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/], I reflect on my first cat, Sheiba, a confident Russian Blue who taught me one of the most important lessons I've learned as a cat mom. For years, I wanted proof that she loved me. I wanted cuddles, attention, and reassurance. But Sheiba had her own way of showing love. Looking back, I realize that love isn't always expressed the way we expect—especially when it comes to cats. Sometimes love looks like trust. Sometimes love looks like safety. And sometimes love simply looks like feeling at home. What You'll Learn in This Cat Podcast Episode * Why many cat parents seek reassurance from their cats * How cats often express love differently than humans do * What Sheiba taught me about trust and emotional security * Why independence doesn't mean a cat loves you less * How our expectations can affect the way we interpret feline behavior * The deeper meaning behind the bond we share with our cats Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Why Do I Want So Badly That My Cats Love Me? 00:40 My Expectations After Adopting Sheiba 01:40 The Russian Blue Diva 02:28 The Lesson She Taught Me Before She Passed 03:20 How Cats Show Love Differently 04:03 Love, Trust, Safety, and Home 04:37 Final Thoughts This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ [https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/] About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom [https://diaryofacatmom.com/] is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about-the-host/], sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats [https://diaryofacatmom.com/about/]. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.