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This was a truly beautiful episode that I recorded when I had the opportunity to chat to Tamara Schenk the author of the most wonderful book Soul Cats. Tamara lives in Germany with her husband and she has an incredible story to tell, so much that she wrote a book about her life experience. The incredible Soul Cats was born through a deep a meaningful bond with her soul cat Max but it is also so much more than a book. Having adopted Max and Flix from a shelter it was through this act of kindness that Tamara's life changed in many ways and adopting them was only the start of her journey. I do not want to give too much away about the book but the story is of their relationship and the bond they shared which started as one thing but with the help of animal communication it became something more. Tamara learned more about the previous life of Max and Flix which helped her understand them to a much deeper level but most importantly when facing numerous health issues it made the difference to both Tamara, Max and Flix when transitioning from this life to the next. Tamara is now an animal communicator and offers this to many others who seek answers, reassurance and guidance from their feline friends. Through this deep communication pet owners can learn so much. They can communicate with their pets in this life and the next and surely there cannot be anything more reassuring than that. The book is one that when you start reading you cannot put it down for a second and it takes you through a wonderful and at times magical journey alongside Tamara. There are ups and downs, laughter and tears but at the centre a deep and never ending love which you can feel through every word. It is not just a spiritual book, its a book for anyone who loves a story of friendship, trust, building a family, patience, kindness and love, the thing I took most from this book was the never ending love. At the time of recording Tamara advised me that her beloved cat Joey had suddenly passed away only a few days ago and I personally would like to express my condolences to Tamara, Michael and Hubertus. It took strength to still record the interview and courage too. I appreciate her doing so and am so sorry for this incredible loss of sweet Joey. Please read this book and you can pick it up at Amazon plus other places, you will adore it I am certain! Soul Cats: How Our Feline Friends Teach Us to Live from the Heart: Amazon.co.uk: Schenk, Tamara: 9781641466837: Books You can learn more about Tamara and her work and journey on her beautiful website Home - Soul Cats (soul-cats.com) and perhaps you would like a special soul reading for yourself or feline friend. Facebook  Soul Cats - Tamara Schenk | Facebook Support the show

Introducing the incredible Nancy from Feral Care Sanctuary in this episode. Nancy started her work many years ago and has never looked back since. Understanding the great need to help feral cats who are misunderstood and who were the most likely to be euthanised in shelters with the number as high as 25 a week in the US Nancy knew that help could only be a positive change and so the Sanctuary was born. The Sanctuary is a real oasis for these cats who need to feel safe and loved but on their own terms, the environment is set out to replicate the perfect world for a feral cat. With many places to stay hidden when they wish, high cat trees or beds and spaces where they can bask in the sun or watch the pesky crows who sit outside and tease them the space is created from the cats perspective to make it natural and pleasant. Not every cat wants a home or to sit on a lap and all they want or need is to be safe, this is exactly how they can live here. They are respected for being who they are and that is truly special. Caring for 100 cats at any time is not easy and especially when  they are often not able to be handled for medical care and the worst thing anyone can do is add extra stress to these cats when such changes can be hard to adapt to anyway. However, this is a second chance for them to spend many happy days in a place which is a world away from the only one many of them have ever known. Nancy shared insight into the feral cat, their behaviours, what it is like caring for them, the highs and lows and most importantly why relocating a feral should only ever be as a last resort. You will find this episode very informative and moving too for those who follow my page will know a special cat called Marley was relocated here after being rescued by Karen PDX Trapper and Nancy updated me on him. Please follow them on Instagram here Feral Care Sanctuary (@feralcare) • Instagram photos and videos And their beautiful website here Feral Care Sanctuary - Cat, Feral Cat Care, Foster Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

In this episode I chatted with the lovely Caitlin from Meow As Fluff and she shared her incredible story of how she came to do what she does now! Caitlin has a really inspiring story and demonstrates how something of chance can lead you on one path and that it can grow into something bigger through time. Working on showcasing special cat stories from all around the world Caitlin is a creative genius and really puts her heart and soul into everything that she does. Her videos have even been so powerful that they have encouraged adoptions - the most famous being the sweetest Snapple who was spotted by his new parents and they wanted to adopt him. Caitlin has experience in special needs cats after her own experience with one who passed prematurely and it touched her so much that she wanted to have a lasting legacy which is something she has now created. Continuing to foster and open her home she does much more than her online work and she really puts her heart and soul into her daily life and works hard to make a difference. You can check out Caitlin's website here Meow As Fluff – Adorably Different & Perfectly Imperfect Special Needs Cats & Kittens You will get lost in a world of special kitty stories and on Instagram Meow As Fluff (@meowasfluff) • Instagram photos and videos you can see the amazing videos created by Caitlin. Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

In this episode of the podcast I spoke to Mia and Julie who were representing Itty Bitty Kitty Tails in the Middle East. They explained to me more about the lack of legislation in the Middle East and how it is so hard to try and stop the ongoing abuse and neglect that is happening there each and every day.  With no animal protection laws or proper sentencing for crimes committed against animals it is very difficult to find ways to stop the suffering or at least deter it. Many animals are suffering badly because of this and Itty Bitty Kitty Tails are working to reduce suffering and give these animals a chance to recover and start a new life away from the harsh one they face now. Taking cats from the streets the Itty Bitty Kitty Tails are finding homes for them and relocating them to other countries to give them the best chance in life. Learn more about them here Our Story | Itty Bitty Kitty Tails and how you can support their mission to make a difference by reading their story, making a donation or offering to foster or adopt and much more! Happy Listening! Fiona X Support the show

On this episode of the podcast I had a chance to virtually meet with Ashley and Logan Ryan who are the founders of RARF - Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation. Many of you will know that Lets Chat About Cats Podcast and Sterling "Trapking" Davis have teamed together and dedicated the official 2023 calendar to RARF and they will be the beneficiary of the proceeds raised from sales of this one off fundraiser. The monies will assist RARF and their ongoing collaboration with Sterling. This includes funding for grants within the community assisting people with gaining non-profit status which in turn helps them continue important work in the community caring for animals as well as TNR. Ashley and Logan speak a little bit more about themselves in depth, sharing their background and the wonderful story of how they ended up creating their own non profit. It was not planned but was something they felt they could use as a wonderful tool to help so many after a chance photo almost broke the internet overnight. RARF does so much that it is almost hard to summarise but Ashley and Logan strongly emphasise that their organisation is always organic and is open to adaptation. They refuse to remain stagnant in a world that is ever changing with challenges and trials to overcome, especially within the rescue field. Having had to adapt how they did things during covid they know first hand that to continue to be successful means being open minded and learning from those who have something to share with you. Some of the work RARF do is helping communities and the people behind the animals as well as the animals. Providing financial aid to assist those who need it, educational programmes which enhance animals lives and behavioural training which supports the reduction in owner surrender and keeps pets out of shelters. Logan also is proud of his monthly campaign which takes long serving shelter residents who have been passed by time and time again and raises their profile with the hope of them being adopted finally into a loving home which they are craving and which they deserve. Ashley and Logan were introduced to the cat world through their daughter who adores kittens and is so involved with the fostering of the many kittens who come through their door. Avery is young but already understands the importance of litter tray maintenance and that its not just about cuddly and playful kittens. She does the hard work too. The Ryan's are a humble and kind family with animals at the forefront of their daily life and its kudos to them that they have taken Logan's profile as an NFL player and used it for something truly positive and really make a difference in the world. As Logan explains it is important to break down barriers and show that even in the most macho sport you can still love animals. Please enjoy this episode and if you haven't yet purchased your calendar to support RARF please consider doing so. It is a wonderful production with some of the most beautiful and special cats who had a sad or bad start in life and each represent a special rescue. As Sterling would say we are all #SAMETEAM in this together and after all sharing is caring! Shop | LetsChatAboutCats (letschataboutcatspodcast.com) Today please consider being #TEAMRARF RARF | Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation is dedicated to supporting the animal community with financial and educational resources. Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

If you are looking for some inspiration then this podcast is for you for I was honoured to be able to chat to the incredible duo who make up Catastical Meows! Mom Erin and Lil Chris are experts in fostering and have gained experience and knowledge over the past 3 years. Everything seems normal with this right.... not really when you consider that Lil Chris is only 13 years old! Already at his young age he is leading the way for becoming one of the greats of the cat world and an advocate for foster and kitten care! Lil Chris has loved cats all through his childhood but when his mom Erin realised he had a deeper passion and wanted to learn more she totally supported it. Allowing Chris to attend numerous seminars in preparation for what was ahead really paved the way. A foster seminar ignited his drive and he was ready. The pair teamed with local rescues and the rest they say is history. Lil Chris is always looking to expand and grow his knowledge with everything cat related and shared stories about his own personal journey which include his cat Mouse who is an FIP survivor. Mouse inspired Chris to write a book and who knows what other books are planned for the future! It is testament to Erin that Chris conducts himself in such a humble, respectful, kind and caring way and her support and encouragement has opened so many doors already for Chris in his young life. She really is a mom in a million!! It will be interesting to watch this young man over the next 5+ years and see how his cat journey develops. Follow them here on Instagram Cat Meow (@catasticalmeows) • Instagram photos and videos It was such a pleasure to chat to both of them! Happy Listening! Fiona X Support the show

This episode is all about fostering and how it can save lives and change lives! Introducing the wonderful Katie from Foster The Cat People based in Tucson, Arizona. Katie was introduced to the world of fostering through Courtney from Poets Square Cats when she found her profile on social media after moving to the local area and asked if there was anything she could do to help. Katie never meant to foster a cat and simply thought it was going to be a 2-3 day short stay to help out, but things grew quickly from that "short stay" and so a new purpose for Katie begun. Katie soon discovered that she was a natural at fostering and had a way of working with even the most feral of cats so that they mellowed just enough to  find their own forever homes and by doing so were given a new chance of life in a wonderful family. Katie explained what it is like bringing home a new foster, how it can be daunting and what you can perhaps expect, how a room should be set up, some tips on routines and getting those shy or skittish ones settled and helping them gain trust.  Katie also shared some stories of her fosters and some of you may even know them from Instagram, Mr Business, Alien, Feral Fawcett and of course her new foster Francois who is settling in just fine and of course her most recent foster fail Severus Snape AKA Butthead! Fostering also comes with its share of sadness when you see the ones you have grown to love leave for their new lives but also when something goes wrong with health and decisions have to be made. Katie was kind enough to share the raw reality of this journey with the highs as well as the lows. If you want to know what life is like for a foster mom then this is the episode for you! Katie is a warm and compassionate young woman with a heart of gold and is so passionate about what she does but also knows that self care is also important.  You can find her page on Instagram @fosterthecatpeople so please go check her out! Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

It was such an honour to chat to Adrienne and Jae who make up the incredible duo of Two Crazy Cat Ladies. These women are flying the flag high for the proper healthcare that your cats need and deserve. Their passion is really evident through their valuable social media work but when speaking to them then you can really see how much they love what they are doing. With smiles as wide as the ocean and beaming from ear to ear it is impossible not to feel a sense of their infectious happiness and radiance. Adrienne and Jae are warm, friendly and fun and you can feel immediately they really care about their mission. With their social media and own brand Feline Essential they are helping cat owners by educating them on ways they can prolong their cats life in the best possible way with a strong focus on acting sooner rather than later with simple supplements which can be added into daily diets and can ensure the best healthcare for your cat. For them proactiveness is key to giving your cat a rich and healthy life. Their brand is something which was lacking in the feline world and with Jae already having a family history in animal care products the foundation was already in place for her to really make this a dream come true and with Adrienne beside her each step of the way a fabulous team was born. Sharing a wealth of knowledge with their loyal followers the ladies are advocates for always learning, gaining more information and most importantly passing it on. Between them I am sure there isn't anything they do not already know but if so then you can be sure they are "on it" and already researching, reading, listening or watching so that they are armed with everything they need to pass their findings on. I think they may be the most positive people I have had the opportunity to chat to and it was really wonderful to listen to everything they wanted to share. You can join the lovely ladies live on their Instagram account Two Crazy Cat Ladies (@thetwocrazycatladies) • Instagram photos and videos don't forget to bring some wine for viewing as they are wine lovers and will appreciate the gesture I am sure. Their Facebook page is The Two Crazy Cat Ladies | Facebook Their website Home - Two Crazy Cat Ladies where you can read all about them, check out their amazing cat care products and super cool merchandise! They also run their own podcast which you can listen to at Back In The Closet - Two Crazy Cat Ladies on Apple Podcasts Hope you enjoy & as always thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

This episode of the podcast was really refreshing for me and filled with belly laughs! What else can you expect when you are blessed with the opportunity to chat to 2 stand up comedians at the same time! Welcome Brian Vermeire "The BriGuy" and Kristina Hughes "Fancy Comedy" to the show to talk about their love of cats from a young age... or for Kristina it was a love from a young age ... Brian on the other hand had to be convinced and introduced slowly to the world of cats but once he was through that door the rest they say is history and there was no going back!!!   Over the years this wonderful couple have rescued over 10 cats and currently still have a few indoors that they care for! This number of cats came with a problem of smelly cat trees which were hard to clean and which take up a lot of space in an apartment or home being so big or bulky. The only thing to do was to come up with some functional product which could not only work well for the cats but be fun and unique to the owners and their home. Introducing "Frame Your Feline" which is a product unlike any other, your cat quite simply becomes a work of art. With interchangeable frames and backgrounds this is something which is fun and can suit any taste. Research confirmed that people were curious to try this and when they did they really enjoyed it. Plus there was and is nothing else out there the same! Brian and Kristina have had fun creating this product with the help from Brian's dad who is a master in his woodworking skills! Shout out to Brian's dad!!!! You can find out more about this product Frame Your Feline see which one may take your fancy!! and how it can change your life as well as your cats. You can find them on Instagram FrameYourFeline (@frameyourfeline) • Instagram photos and videos where you can see the product in real life and how special it is.  The one thing which came through was the passion when this couple speak about their product, its fun like they are and really when the world is as it is now we need smiles and light-heartedness, thanks for brightening my weekend!  Shout out to Brian and Kristina's son Jackson who was a real treasure and it was a pleasure to "meet" you! Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

In this episode I enjoyed spending time with not one but 2 lovely ladies! Emily the founder of Whiskers N Wishes Rescue in Arizona and her sidekick Jadon! These ladies are really inspiring as individual people and together make a real life dream team! Working together they specialise in rescue and rehoming of senior cats... you know the ones who are less adoptable and find it harder to find a home and not to mention they are the ones most likely to be euthanised in shelters. Emily and Jadon work so hard and have accomplished so much in such a short time. Starting with a dream from Emily that she could take on this new venture and make it happen she really is a warrior! Beside this she also  brings up twins as a single mom and Jadon is only 17 years old! Recently Jadon worked as part of a TNR mission and the number of cats she was able to trap was outstanding!  Giving senior cats a second or last chance in life is very rewarding but along with it comes heartache too sometimes, these ladies take this side of their work seriously too and are often the guiding light as many of these seniors cross the rainbow and they feel blessed to have been that person for that one cat who needed someone in their last moments. Its not an easy job but Emily and Jadon step up and just get it done! Compassionate and kind as well as full of love you need to check out their work and give them some praise or thanks! Please check out their website where you can find cats waiting for adoption Cat Rescue | Whiskers N Wishes Cat Rescue | United States (whiskerssanctuary.com) Instagram Whiskers N Wishes Sanctuary (@wishesrescue) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook Whiskers N Wishes Sanctuary | Facebook Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/letschataboutcatspodcast)

This may have been one of the most emotional podcasts I have ever recorded and when you know the story you will understand why! Meet Diane, a wonderful woman who lives with her gorgeous cat Josephine... sounds normal doesn't it? But Diane has had her own issues as she suffers from MS and had to give up her whole career because of it. She found solace in her one true soulmate Pooh who is sadly no longer with her. After passing the rainbow bridge Pooh left Diane lost and most of all alone. Pooh was her everything, so much so that it took her almost 5 years to consider adopting another cat. Enter Josephine to the scene... a beautiful cat with white fur, a little black moustache and thumbs.... yes she has thumbs... what more could anyone ask for in mending a broken heart but Josephine is no normal cat by any standard. From the very start she violently attacked Diane over and over... several times per day! Causing serious pain, fear and infection. Diane could not figure out what was wrong but with the choice of never giving up and surrendering Josephine for the fear of her being euthanised it was finally discovered that Josephine suffers from FHS which is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome and anyone who touches her back area will surely suffer from the awful reaction it causes. Now that Josephine has a diagnosis life is much easier for Diane but still outbursts of this violence occur but Diane knows what to look for and how to cope. Diane shares wonderful insight into this condition which there are currently no tests for and explains how she weaved through many sleepless nights of worry, anxiety and also the impact it had on Josephine who herself suffers from anxiety. It is pretty hard to put this whole podcast into summary so I suggest you listen to this complex but at time beautiful and raw heart wrenching story of life, love, loss and the joy of being grateful for what you have each day. Please check out Josephine on Facebook here (1) Josephine the Quirky Cat | Facebook and on Instagram Josephine Johnson (@josephinequirkycat) • Instagram photos and videos and the most wonderful blog here Life With Josephine the Quirky Cat...and More - Pet Blankets Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show

In this episode I had a wonderful time chatting with Shannon Jackson who is mom to the one and only Smush! It was such a fun interview and Shannon was so warm and friendly that the time passed so quickly and we both had fun. I also got to "meet" Smush on camera so that was also a highlight! Shannon told me about her early days and how she became a photographer. Some of her work can be found on shannon jax productions, photography by Shannon Jackson Shannon shared much about little Smush including her bad start in life when she was found very sick and needed round the clock care to when she was lucky enough to adopt her and bring her home. Smush has such a great personality and is quite feisty too. Shannon explains how there are sometimes 2 versions of Smush, the internet one where everyone things she is so sweet and adorable (which by the way she is) but also her attitude and wild spirit which she expresses freely with Shannon. Smush is Shannon's soul cat and you can see it when she talks about her and her face is positively beaming like the proud mom she is! Shannon shared news of her upcoming projects where she will use her amazing photography skills to help shelters find homes for the animals and raise awareness. She also will soon go to Vietnam where she will help in an ongoing programme which helps raise awareness of the cat and dog meat trade industry in the Far East. Working with Animal Charity - Animal Welfare Organisation - FOUR PAWS UK (four-paws.org.uk) #FIGHTFORCATS is a work in progress to try and end this awful trade indefinitely. With around 30 million animals killed every year in Asia with many stolen or trafficked - many of whom are pets! this has to stop so Shannon is using Smush as a platform to reach more people and try and make a difference. Shannon also started her own podcast recently with Sterling Trapking Davis called Same Team and they are enjoying "smushing the beef" about serious issues within the rescue field! Please find them on Spotify and give them a listen too : https://open.spotify.com/show/6lf0thqBGIBo7tam3O3KLS?si=6d5693e766c24fd0 Smush also has her own book called Smush for President and Shannon told me all about how the concept came up and a little of the story, which included Smush's love of bread!! You can find the book on Amazon! This is just a heart-warming episode which felt like 2 friends catching up on old times. Please follow Smush if you don't already and see what a courageous girl she is online here smush official and Facebook Smush | Facebook  and Instagram Smush 🐈🍞 (@smushofficial) • Instagram photos and videos where she is a Warrior Queen! For some Smush goodies please feel free to shop online at https://shop.smushofficial.com Smush is an inspiration after her bad start in life but shows everyone that true love can be found with your special someone and the rest the say is history!! Thanks for listening! Fiona X Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/letschataboutcatspodcast)