cat looking out the window
Jan 23

The Urban Kitty: Living Large (Even in a Small Apartment)

Enter to win a Catit Vesper Castle for Your Urban Kitty → Living in a city apartment doesn’t mean your cat has to live a small, boring life. On a recent episode of Cat Chat, I talked with cat behavior expert Steven Quandt about how to help indoor cats — especially apartment cats — thrive... Read more »

Dec 1

A Growl Is a Wonderful Noise

Why “aggressive” dogs are usually just dogs we haven’t listened to yet You can listen to the full Dog Talk® (and kitties, too!) episode with Mark Bridger-Prescott here: 👉 A Growl Is a Wonderful Noise When British dog trainer and canine behaviorist Mark Bridger-Prescott said to me, “A growl is a wonderful noise,” I practically... Read more »

cat sitting in airport security bin
Oct 31

Are We There Yet? Expert Tips for Traveling With Cats

If you’ve ever tried to take your cat farther than the vet’s office, you already know—it’s not always a joy ride. Between the meowing, the hiding, and the occasional “accident,” it can be stressful for everyone involved. But with a little preparation, traveling with your cat doesn’t have to be a nightmare. I recently spoke... Read more »

cat with it's tongue out trying to reach water
Sep 9

Paws and Refresh: Helping Your Cat Stay Hydrated

Simple strategies to boost water intake and prevent dehydration One of the most important things you can do for your cat’s health is also one of the simplest: make sure she’s drinking enough water. Easier said than done! Cats are not exactly famous for lapping up their daily quota. Because they evolved in the desert,... Read more »

a puppy and an older dog snuggling
Sep 2

Is a Puppy the Right Choice for Your Senior Dog?

Bringing a new dog into a home with a senior can be healing and even magical. But don’t kid yourself—it’s not always, or even entirely, about the older dog. It’s also about you. Before you make that leap, ask the hard question: “Am I doing this for my senior dog—or for me?” If You Decide... Read more »

Puppy Laying down
May 28

11 Things to Know Why Your Dog or Cat Threw Up

What is the Brain’s “Vomiting Center?” Vomiting is defined as the forceful emptying of the stomach’s contents, which is caused by a signal from the brain to the stomach. The signal originates in a part of the brain (unsurprisingly!) called the vomiting center. Originally, vomiting developed as a way to save wild animals from poisoning... Read more »

border collieand tabby cat sitting next to each other Tracie Hotchner the Radio Pet Lady
May 11

Is Your Dog a Really Really Picky Eater?

My brother Tim’s little “step dog,” Shelby, is definitely in the top ten of “wicked cute” little canines. She is a delightful mix of who-knows-what-breeds. But boy oh boy, was that little dog from a rescue the world’s pickiest eater! She had her Mom Sarena (my brother’s partner) turned into a pretzel, trying to find... Read more »

border collieand tabby cat sitting next to each other Tracie Hotchner the Radio Pet Lady
May 1

Why the “Dog & Cat Lady” is Embracing Snakes and Axolotls

I’m proud and excited to announce the launch of my new podcast EXOTIC PETS, alongside my co-host Dr. Doug Mader. I figured a word of explanation was in order about why I am sitting myself across a microphone from a world-renowned and beloved exotic animal veterinarian to create this show - about creatures I know... Read more »

Feb 27

Why Your Cat is a Fussy Eater

Why Your Cat is a Fussy Eater Cats are commonly thought to be fussy eaters, which should not be true if you're feeding your cat a nice wet meal twice a day. Which is how you should be feeding an obligate carnivore. (Please do not even get me started on the topic of feeding dry... Read more »