Guests:
- Dr. Annie Valuska, Principal Scientist, Pet Behavior, Nestlé Purina
- Dr. Miles Bensky, Scientist, Pet Behavior, Nestlé Purina
- Lacey Wiles, Animal Pathway Manager, Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch
Understanding Your Cat Starts with Understanding Their Behavior
Cats have a reputation for being mysterious, independent, and sometimes downright puzzling. Why do some cats refuse to eat? Why do they suddenly stop using their litter box? And what can pet parents do to create an environment where their feline companions truly thrive?
In the premiere episode of Fur Mama, host Sarah Alter welcomes three leading experts in feline behavior, welfare, and rescue to answer the questions cat owners ask most often—and many they may not have thought to ask.
Joining Sarah are Dr. Annie Valuska and Dr. Miles Bensky of Nestlé Purina, along with Lacey Wiles of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch. Together, they share practical, science-based guidance on everything from picky eating and litter box success to environmental enrichment, stress reduction, and creating a home where cats feel safe, confident, and happy.
Whether you've shared your home with cats for decades or recently welcomed your first kitten, this episode is packed with practical advice you can begin using today.
Why This Conversation Matters
Cats often communicate in subtle ways, and behaviors that may seem frustrating to us are frequently their way of telling us something important.
A cat refusing food, avoiding the litter box, or hiding from family members isn't being difficult—they may be responding to stress, discomfort, environmental changes, or unmet behavioral needs.
Understanding the "why" behind these behaviors helps pet parents respond with empathy instead of frustration. Throughout this conversation, our guests explain how thoughtful nutrition, proper litter box management, environmental enrichment, and routine veterinary care can dramatically improve a cat's quality of life while strengthening the human-animal bond.
What You'll Learn
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why cats become picky eaters—and how to encourage healthy eating habits
- The role instinct plays in feline feeding behavior
- How to choose the right litter box and litter for your cat
- Why litter box location matters more than many pet parents realize
- The "N + 1" rule for multi-cat households
- Common reasons cats eliminate outside the litter box
- How stress affects feline behavior
- Why enrichment, play, and mental stimulation are essential for indoor cats
- Practical ways to create a happier home for cats of every age
- How supporting local shelters helps improve the lives of homeless pets
Episode Roadmap00:00 - Welcome to Fur Mama
Sarah introduces the episode and welcomes experts from Nestlé Purina and Furry Friends for a comprehensive discussion focused on helping pet parents better understand their feline companions.
05:04 - Picky Eating & Nutrition
Dr. Annie Valuska explains why cats can be selective eaters and shares practical strategies for encouraging healthy eating habits while respecting natural feline instincts.
20:06 - Creating the Ideal Litter Box Environment
Dr. Miles Bensky discusses how litter type, box size, placement, accessibility, and cleanliness all influence litter box success and why there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
21:34 - The N + 1 Rule
Learn why behavior experts recommend one litter box for every cat, plus one additional box, and why placing boxes in different locations throughout the home improves success.
21:34 - Keeping Your Home Fresh
Dr. Bensky explains what contributes to litter box odor and discusses features pet parents should consider when selecting cat litter.
29:07 - Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box
Medical issues, stress, environmental changes, and communication all play a role. The experts explain why identifying the underlying cause is essential before attempting behavioral solutions.
34:44 - Reducing Stress Through Environmental Enrichment
Lacey Wiles shares practical ways to create enriching indoor environments through vertical spaces, cat trees, shelves, hiding places, puzzle feeders, calming pheromones, music, and interactive activities.
38:07 - Completing the Hunting Sequence
Dr. Annie explains how play sessions followed by treats or meals satisfy natural hunting instincts and may even encourage picky cats to eat.
39:18 - Shelter Spotlight: Furry Friends
Lacey introduces Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch and discusses adoption, fostering, volunteer opportunities, transportation programs, community outreach, and simple ways listeners can help homeless pets.
Fur Mama's Key Takeaway
Cats aren't trying to be difficult—they're trying to communicate.
When pet parents understand feline instincts, create supportive environments, and respond to behavioral changes with curiosity instead of frustration, they strengthen trust and improve their cat's overall well-being. Small changes in the home can make an extraordinary difference in a cat's quality of life.
About Our GuestsDr. Annie Valuska
Dr. Annie Valuska is Principal Scientist of Pet Behavior at Nestlé Purina. Her work focuses on canine and feline behavior, cognition, and strengthening the bond between pets and the people who love them through science-based research and education.
Dr. Miles Bensky
Dr. Miles Bensky is a Scientist specializing in pet behavior at Nestlé Purina. His expertise includes feline behavior, litter box management, environmental enrichment, and helping pet parents better understand the behavioral needs of their cats.
Lacey Wiles
Lacey Wiles serves as Animal Pathway Manager at Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch in Jupiter, Florida. She oversees animal care pathways while educating adopters, volunteers, and the community about feline welfare, enrichment, fostering, and rescue.
Resources Mentioned
- Nestlé Purina
- Tidy Cats® Performance Plus Active Clean
- Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System
- Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch
- Furry Friends 24/7 Cat Cam
- Puzzle feeders and environmental enrichment tools for cats
Organizations & Resources
- Nestlé Purina – Science-based nutrition, behavior research, and educational resources for pet parents.
- Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch (Jupiter, Florida) – Learn more about pet adoption, fostering, volunteer opportunities, community programs, and the live 24/7 Cat Cam.
Note: Product recommendations discussed in this episode are intended to provide educational information and may not be appropriate for every cat. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet's diet or healthcare routine.
About Fur Mama
Fur Mama is dedicated to helping dogs, cats, and the people who love them live happier, healthier lives. Through conversations with trusted experts in veterinary medicine, behavior, nutrition, training, and pet wellness, each episode delivers practical, science-based advice that empowers pet parents to make informed decisions for every stage of their pets' lives.
