In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, Dr Carra gets to talk about her favourite topic: cats! Mikel Delgado, author of Play With Your Cat joins an exploration into the mysterious world of cat behaviour.

Are cats truly aloof, or are we just misunderstanding them? Discover why cats can be so perplexing, how their subtle body language differs from dogs', and the emotions they really feel, including love, grief, and anxiety.

The conversation explores what makes cats happy, signs of stress owners often miss, and how to foster a genuine bond with your feline companion, on your cat’s terms.

Learn why play is crucial for cats of all ages, how to enrich your indoor cat’s life, and get expert advice for managing tricky issues like multi-cat households, fighting, and boredom.

Perfect for cat lovers, pet owners, and anyone wanting to understand the secret lives of their feline friends!

Connect with Mikel Delgado:

LinkedIn: /mikel-delgado
Instagram: @mikel.delgado

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Ever wondered why your cat scratches the furniture, ignores expensive toys, or overgrooms? Are you struggling with a cat that seems bored, stressed, or even aggressive, despite your best intentions?

In this informative episode of the Paws and Effect Podcast, Dr Carra sits down with Stephanie Merlin, certified cat behaviour specialist and the creator behind The Fulfilled Feline, to debunk common cat myths and offer real, science-backed solutions for happier, healthier felines.

Stephanie, drawing on years of hands-on experience in shelters and private homes, shares:

• ⁠ ⁠The hidden reasons behind so-called “problem behaviours” like biting, house soiling, and furniture scratching
• ⁠ ⁠Why enrichment isn’t a luxury, but a basic feline need (and how to deliver it on any budget!)
• ⁠ ⁠Easy, low-cost ideas for keeping indoor and outdoor cats stimulated and engaged
• ⁠ ⁠Pro tips for multi-cat households, managing introductions, and deciphering subtle signs of feline stress
• ⁠ ⁠How to use play, vertical space, scent, and routine to build trust and a stronger bond with your cat

Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover or a new guardian, this episode is packed with actionable advice that’ll change how you see your cat.

Connect with Stephanie Merlin:

LinkTree: /thefulfilledfeline
Instagram: @thefulfilledfeline

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast, Dr Carra chats to Sister Zoe from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital, home of the Hillcrest Luxury Cattery. With her years of experience making feline holiday stays as comfortable and stress-free as possible, Sister Zoe spills the secrets every pet parent needs to know.

They discuss:

• How to spot a truly meow-nificent cattery for your kitty over Christmas and New Year.
• Signs your chosen cattery is more than just a comfy nap spot, it’s a second home.
• The importance of professional, loving care and enrichment while you’re away.
• Tips to ensure your cat is pampered, safe, and happy throughout the holidays.
• Why Hillcrest Luxury Cattery is the cat’s whiskers for superior boarding, with vet-trained staff and daily pet parent updates.

This episode is filled with expert advice and is great listening for every caring cat owner.

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast, Dr Carra welcomes Dr Dawn Robbie, a small animal practitioner from Scotland, to chat about cat flu and chronic snuffles. Not only is Dr Dawn a seasoned vet with years of experience in small animal practice, but she also brings infectious enthusiasm and a genuine love for feline medicine to the podcast.

Dr Dawn unpacks everything you need to know about cat flu, including:

• The tell-tale signs and symptoms of cat flu all owners should watch for.
• Why vaccination is *absolutely vital*, even for indoor cats.
• How cat flu can become a lifelong problem and potentially lead to chronic sniffles or even pneumonia.
• Proven tips for preventing the spread of cat flu at home and in catteries.
• What you should do if your cat stops eating or becomes lethargic.
• How vets manage snuffly cats — from home-care hacks to hospital treatments.

Plus, hear some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Dr Dawn’s veterinary journey, and learn why good communication and understanding your cat’s needs can make all the difference.

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of The Paws and Effect podcast, Dr Carra welcomes the brilliant Dr Courtney Deer, a veterinary surgeon with a passion for emergency and critical care to discuss sterilisation in pets.

Her sharp insights and dynamic energy create a captivating episode where the two delve into the complexities of pyometra and why it’s a life-threatening risk for intact female dogs.

They explores the diverse perspectives on castration, discussing it from medical necessity to aesthetic preferences. You could say these two have got the ‘balls’ to tackle this controversial topic!

Dr Deer uncovers how scientific data impacts the timing of spaying and castration procedures, carefully squeezing out the myths versus reality when addressing behavioural and health concerns in both male and female pets.

Listen to the facts and feelings behind one of veterinary medicine’s most debated topics. Whether you’re a pet owner or a veterinary professional, you’ll find this episode wonderfully engaging and informative.

Connect with Dr Courtney Deer:
Website: www.maggiedogtraining.com
Instagram: @er.dvm
Facebook: /erdvm

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast we look into the unique world of cat behaviour. Dr Carra welcomes Dr Anuschka Smith, a renowned Behavioural Veterinarian, to demystify the complexities of feline behaviour. The two discuss expert cat behaviour tips:

• Diagnosis and Treatment Tips: Learn how to tackle excessive licking, inappropriate urination, and other common cat stress signals.
• Elderly Cat Care: Discover ways to make your ageing cat comfortable, including easy home adjustments for arthritis and cognitive decline.
• Multi-Cat Household Management: Get practical advice on managing resources and reducing territorial tensions among your cats.
• Heartfelt Pet Care: Understand the emotional journey of caring for ageing pets and preparing for a loving goodbye.

Join us as we have a peek into your cat's psyche and uncover tips and tricks to help them thrive. Whether you're a pet enthusiast or a professional in the pet care industry, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Connect with Dr Anuschka Smith:
Facbook: /anuschka.smith

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Elevate your senior cat's well-being with Ultra Pet's Optimal Balance Senior Cat Food. Specially crafted for ages 11 to 14, this complete formula, rich in fresh meat, ensures vibrancy and health. Join us in the episode for an exclusive look at the key to your cat's golden years! This Episode is made possible by Ultra Pet, South Africa's very own Ultra Pet premium pet food.

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast Dr Carra welcomes Dr Simon Dommett, a Veterinary Partner at Midlands Veterinary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This Veterinary practice holds the distinction of being the first in Africa to achieve Gold Certification as a Cat Friendly Clinic from the International Society of Feline Medicine. They explore how to make vet visits easy for your cat.

In this enlightening episode, Dr Dommett shares:

• Insights into creating a cat-friendly clinic environment
• Practical tips for cat owners to ease veterinary visits
• His groundbreaking work in 3D printing wheelchairs for cats.

Discover how these innovative approaches are revolutionizing feline healthcare and improving the veterinary experience for cats and their owners alike.

See What Dr Simon Is doing:
Website: Midlands Veterinary Hospital
Midlands Veterinary Hospital Facebook: /midlandsvethospital
Dr Simons 3D wheelchair project: Dommodore Components

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Elevate your senior cat's well-being with Ultra Pet's Optimal Balance Senior Cat Food. Specially crafted for ages 11 to 14, this complete formula, rich in fresh meat, ensures vibrancy and health. Join us in the episode for an exclusive look at the key to your cat's golden years! This Episode is made possible by Ultra Pet, South Africa's very own Ultra Pet premium pet food.

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, Dr Carra is joined by expert guest Dr Derisha Reddy. They explore crucial aspects of pregnancy in pets and give valuable insights for pet owners and enthusiasts.

Highlights of the discussion include:

• Understanding post-birth behaviours in mother dogs, such as umbilical cord care and placenta consumption.
• The importance of minimal interference during the birthing process to reduce stress and trauma.
• Recognising and managing pyometra in older female dogs, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Safe spaying practices, including the ideal time to spay and the benefits of early spaying in reducing mammary tumours.
• Effective deworming strategies for pregnant and lactating pets to ensure the health of both mother and offspring.
• Nutritional needs during pregnancy to prevent complications like milk fever and calcium deficiency.
• Handling common birthing complications, such as umbilical hernias and excessive bleeding, and ensuring smooth weaning for puppies and kittens.

Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or a new pet parent, this episode is filled with practical tips and expert advice to help you navigate pregnancy, delivery, and lactation in cats and dogs.

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet's Special Diet Metabo-Lite: Is your cat overweight? Extra weight can harm your cat's health, increasing the risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Ultra Pets Special Diet Metabo-lite diet food is expertly formulated for weight management while maintaining lean muscle mass. It contains lean fresh meat for protein. Ideally, it should be used with a weight-reduction plan that includes exercise. Learn more about UltraPet’s Metabo-Lite here:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect Podcast, Dr Carra sets out to demystify one of the most pressing issues in the veterinary profession: the cost of veterinary care: financial challenges and fees.

Joining here is Dr Megan Wassung, the passionate and insightful owner of Vet on Main in Kloof, South Africa. Together, the two delve into the realities of running a veterinary clinic, from small profit margins and high operational costs to the seasonal unpredictability that makes financial planning so complex.

Dr Megan and Dr Carra also discuss the emotional and mental strain that vets endure, including "compassion fatigue" and the heart-wrenching moments when budget constraints prevent the vets from providing the necessary care. Communication is key, and this episode explores how better dialogue between vets and clients can enhance understanding and manage expectations.

They touch on common misconceptions about veterinary fees, comparing them to human healthcare costs, and the importance of considering these factors before choosing a pet breed, as well as the role of pet insurance in alleviating some financial burdens.

Whether you're a pet owner or a veterinary professional, this episode offers invaluable insights into the financial and emotional burdens shouldered by those in the veterinary field. So, dive into this candid conversation and uncover the true cost of veterinary care.

Find Dr Megan Wassung:

Website: www.vetonmain.co.za
Facebook: vetonmain
Instagram: @vetonmain  

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: www.hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, Dr Carra is thrilled to be joined again by her friend, Dr Nic Stirk from (Watercrest Vets), as they explore the many facts of pet raw food diets.

A common question for pet owners is if raw food diets are truly beneficial for your pets? Or maybe you are concerned about issues like nutritional balance, pathogen risks, and those alarming stories about bacteria contamination? Dr Carra and Dr Nic give you expert insights and real science to help you make informed decisions for your pets.

What you'll Discover:

• Safety Protocols: Learn how reputable pet food companies ensure the safety and quality of their products through stringent controls and protocols.
• Nutritional Balance: Understand the importance of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in a well-rounded pet diet, especially for those with specific health needs.
• Raw Food Risks: The potential dangers of raw food diets, from bacteria to the lack of regulatory oversight in homemade diets.
• Cost Concerns: The significant cost differences between raw food and commercial kibble diets.
• Protein Digestibility: Cooking can increase protein digestibility and absorption, contrary to the raw food trend.
• Environmental Contamination: Learn about the risks of bacteria shedding and environmental contamination associated with handling raw pet food.
• Antibiotic Resistance: There is growing concern over antibiotic resistance and how it impacts both pet and human health.
• Healthy Alternatives: Tips for cooking fresh food safely at home and consulting with animal nutritionists to create balanced, tailored diets for your pets.

Find Dr Nic Stirk here:

Facebook: watercrestvet
Instagram: @WatercrestVet
Website: www.watercrestvet.co.za

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: www.hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.