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

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.

Ep. 94 - The Days I Don't Feel Like a Good Cat Mom 🐾🐱

Some days, being a cat mom feels easy. Other days, migraines, stress, overwhelm, anxiety, or frustration can make even simple tasks feel difficult. On those days, I sometimes catch myself wondering if I'm doing enough for my cats. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/], I share what my cats have taught me during my hardest days, how they become my mirror when I'm stressed, and why they remind me that being present matters more than being perfect. Sometimes the lessons our cats teach us aren't about them at all. They're about learning to be kinder to ourselves. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode * Why difficult days can make us question ourselves as cat parents * How cats notice changes in our emotions and behavior * Why cats often stay close when we're not feeling well * How our cats can become a mirror for our own stress * Why being a present cat parent matters more than being a perfect one * The lesson of self-compassion my cats continue to teach me Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:15 The Days I Question Myself as a Cat Mom 00:53 When My Cats Know Something Is Wrong 01:43 My Cats Become My Mirror 02:27 Why My Cats Don't Need a Perfect Mom 03:01 The Lesson of Self-Compassion 03:28 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.

Ep. 93 - Pet Blood Work for Cats – Can Blood Tests Be Made More Affordable? 🐱❤️

When my cat Snow White started losing weight and having urinary issues, I expected a simple vet visit. Instead, I was faced with hundreds of dollars in senior blood work and thyroid testing. At the time, all I saw was the additional expense. Looking back, that blood work changed Snow White's life. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast [https://diaryofacatmom.com/], I share Snow White's hyperthyroidism diagnosis, how her ear thyroid medication transformed her quality of life, and explore options that may help make blood testing more affordable for cat parents. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode * Why blood work helped identify Snow White's hyperthyroidism * Typical costs of senior cat blood tests * How cat insurance works * The pros and cons of pet insurance * Alternative ways to manage veterinary costs * Why diagnostic testing can be life-changing for cats Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Snow White's Blood Work Journey 02:16 The Cost of Pet Blood Tests 03:15 Understanding Cat Insurance 04:52 Alternative Ways to Afford Blood Work 06:06 Looking Back at Snow White's Diagnosis 06:43 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.