CatCog is the podcast for people who don’t just love their cats—they want to understand them. Hosted by Adam, a psychologist who treats feline behavior with the seriousness it deserves, we decode the "why" behind the meow. We skip the fluff and generic tips to dig into the actual science: How does their vision work? Why do they really zoom at 3 AM? And how can we use biology to give them a longer, happier life? Join Adam and his cat, Moon, as they translate complex research into a user’s manual for your favorite predator.
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for Cats (The Ultimate Care Guide) (00:10:31)
Most behavioral issues (like scratching or aggression) stem from unmet psychological needs. In this episode, we adapt Maslow's Hierarchy for felines, identifying the missing layers in your cat's life—specifically Self-Esteem (Territorial Control) and Self-Actualization (The Predatory Sequence). We cover:The 5 Pillars: The veterinary standard for a healthy feline environment.Safety vs. Security: Why a "safe" home can still feel insecure to a cat without high vantage points.Whisker Fatigue: How the wrong food bowl causes low-level chronic stress.The Hunt: Why "play" isn't optional; it's a biological requirement.Stop focusing on "discipline" and start focusing on "fulfillment."https://blog.catcognition.com/what-do-cats-need-to-be-happy/ Key Topics: Maslow's Hierarchy, 5 Pillars of Feline Care, Cat Behavior, Environmental Enrichment, Cat Psychology, Animal Welfare.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Does My Cat Stare at Nothing? (The Science of "Greebles") (00:06:53)
When a cat stares at a blank wall, they aren't seeing ghosts—they are detecting stimuli invisible to the human senses. In this episode, we explain Biological Hypersensitivity, detailing how cats can perceive Ultraviolet (UV) light patterns and hear Ultrasonic frequencies up to 64kHz. We cover:The UV Spectrum: Why your cat can see markings on flowers (and urine trails) that you can't.Wall Noise: How they hear electricity buzzing or mice heartbeats inside your drywall.Vibrissae (Whiskers): Detecting air currents from a moving object before it's seen.The "Greeble" Phenomenon: Why they attack "invisible" enemies (redirected predatory energy). It’s not paranormal; it’s a superpower.https://blog.catcognition.com/what-do-cats-see/ Key Topics: Cat Vision, Greebles, Ultrasonic Hearing, Ultraviolet Light, Feline Senses, Cat Behavior.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Cat Sounds Translated: What Does My Cat Mean? (Meow, Purr, Trill) (00:14:15)
Cats evolved the Meow specifically to communicate with humans, as adult cats rarely use it with each other. In this episode, we decode the 7 primary vocalizations, explaining the biological function of the Purr (which vibrates at 25-150Hz to promote bone density) and the Chatter (a jaw reflex). We cover:The Healing Purr: How the frequency of a purr aids in tissue regeneration.The Trill: The "Hello" sound mothers use with kittens (and you).The "Kill Bite": Why cats chatter at birds through the window.The Yowl: When vocalization signals cognitive dysfunction or pain in senior cats.Your cat is talking. Are you listening?https://blog.catcognition.com/every-level-cat-sound-explained/ Key Topics: Cat Sounds, Meow Meaning, Purr Science, Cat Communication, Bioacoustics, Feline Behavior.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Did you know that all cat colors come from just two base pigments: Eumelanin (Black) and Pheomelanin (Red)? In this episode, we decode the genetics behind every coat pattern, explaining how modifier genes like "Dilute" turn Black into Blue (Grey) and Red into Cream. We cover:The Calico Mystery: Why the Orange/Black gene is on the X chromosome, making almost all Calicos female.The "Agouti" Gene: Why every cat is secretly a Tabby (even solid black ones). Siamese Science: How temperature-sensitive albinism makes their points dark (because their ears are colder).White Cats: The genetic link between white fur, blue eyes, and deafness. DNA is art. Here is how to read it.https://blog.catcognition.com/how-cat-coat-color-genetics-work/ Key Topics: Cat Genetics, Calico Cats, Tabby Patterns, Siamese Cats, Coat Colors, Feline Biology, Zoology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Are Cats Afraid of Cucumbers? (The "Snake" Instinct) (00:05:27)
The "Cats vs. Cucumbers" viral trend works because of the Startle Reflex. In this episode, we explain that to a cat's peripheral vision, a green, elongated object placed silently behind them mimics a Snake—their evolutionary predator. We cover:The "Snake Avoidance" Instinct: Why their brain triggers a vertical leap before they even identify the object.The "Safe Zone" Violation: Why doing this while they eat causes long-term food anxiety.The Stress Cost: How repeated pranks damage the human-animal bond.Better Play: How to trigger their hunting instinct without traumatizing them. It's not funny; it's a fight-or-flight response.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-cats-afraid-of-cucumbers/ Key Topics: Cat Cucumbers, Startle Reflex, Snake Instinct, Feline Stress, Cat Pranks, Animal Welfare.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Thigmotaxis: The Real Reason Cats Love Boxes (00:05:47)
Cats are drawn to boxes due to Thigmotaxis—an evolutionary instinct to seek physical contact with enclosed spaces for protection. In this episode, we break down a landmark study by the University of Utrecht, which proved that providing hiding boxes to shelter cats significantly reduces their Cortisol (stress) levels. We cover:The "Safety" Signal: How feeling walls against their fur tells the brain "nothing can sneak up on me."Thermoregulation: Why cardboard is the perfect insulator for their high body temperature.Enrichment: How to use boxes to help a new cat adapt to your home faster.The Big Cat Test: Why even Lions and Tigers do the same thing. Don't buy an expensive bed; just keep the box.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-cats-love-boxes-science/ Key Topics: Thigmotaxis, Cat Boxes, Feline Stress, Environmental Enrichment, Cat Psychology, Animal Behavior.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Do Cats Loaf? (The Science of Tucked Paws) (00:04:43)
The "Cat Loaf" position serves two specific biological functions: Thermoregulation (conserving body heat by reducing surface area) and Relaxed Readiness. In this episode, we explain why this pose is usually a sign of contentment but can sometimes signal abdominal pain. We cover:Heat Conservation: How tucking the "radiators" (nose and paws) maintains that optimal 100-102°F body temp.The Trust Signal: Why they wouldn't tuck their paws if they felt threatened.The Warning Sign: How to tell a "Pain Loaf" (hunched, tense face) from a "Happy Loaf."The Variations: The Partial Loaf, The Face Plant, and The Sphinx.Decoding the most viral pose on the internet.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-do-cats-loaf/ Key Topics: Cat Loaf, Cat Sleeping Positions, Thermoregulation, Feline Pain Scale, Cat Behavior, Veterinary Advice.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Cat Life Stages Explained: Kitten to Senior (Timeline) (00:08:32)
A cat's life cycle is divided into 6 distinct biological stages, each with its own nutritional and behavioral needs. In this episode, we map the timeline from Kitten (Growth) to Geriatric (15+), explaining the critical "Socialization Window" (2-7 weeks) that shapes their personality forever. We cover:The "Junior" Phase: Why 6-month-old cats are like human teenagers (rebellious and testing boundaries).The Prime Years: When physical and cognitive abilities peak (3-6 years).The "Invisible" Shift: Identifying the subtle signs of the Mature stage (7-10 years).Senior Care: Managing cognitive dysfunction and mobility in the final years.Stop treating them like kittens forever; start treating them for their age.https://blog.catcognition.com/cat-life-stages-explained/ Key Topics: Cat Age Chart, Feline Development, Kitten Care, Senior Cat Health, Cat Behavior, Veterinary Advice.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Walter Chandoha: The Man Who Invented Cat Photography (00:08:59)
Before the internet had "Cat Memes," the world had Walter Chandoha. With a career spanning 70 years and an archive of over 90,000 images, Chandoha established the visual language of the modern cat portrait—using backlighting and eye-level angles to capture their personality. In this episode, we explore how his work for Life Magazine paved the way for today's viral cat culture.We cover:The "Loco" Story: How a stray kitten in 1949 started a multi-million dollar industry.The Technique: Why he used 6 medium-format cameras and massive flash rigs to freeze feline motion.The Legacy: From Mad Men era ads to the visual style of Instagram.The "Clockwork Orange" Connection: How his art influenced Stanley Kubrick.The biography of the Godfather of Cat Content.https://blog.catcognition.com/who-invented-cat-photography/ Key Topics: Walter Chandoha, Cat Photography, Art History, Pop Culture, Photography Techniques, Viral History.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Cat Psychology Explained: Dr. Jon Bowen (Royal Veterinary College) (01:53:24)
Cat psychology differs from dog psychology because cats are "self-domesticated" solitary hunters. In this special episode featuring a lecture from Dr. Jon Bowen (Royal Veterinary College), we explain that feline behavior—like scent marking and aggression—is driven by the need to control territory, not to manipulate humans.We cover:Territorial Insecurity: The root cause of most behavioral issues (spraying/fighting).The "Solitary" Myth: How cats can be social, but only on their own terms.Stress Signals: Why "zoomies" and over-grooming are actually coping mechanisms.The Human Factor: How our behavior accidentally triggers their survival instincts. A masterclass in understanding the "wild" animal in your home.https://blog.catcognition.com/psychology-of-cats/ Key Topics: Cat Psychology, Dr. Jon Bowen, Royal Veterinary College, Animal Behavior, Territoriality, Feline Stress, Ethology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Operation Acoustic Kitty: The CIA's $20 Million Mistake (00:07:17)
"Operation Acoustic Kitty" was a classified CIA project in the 1960s designed to use domestic cats as mobile surveillance devices. In this episode, we audit the Directorate of Science & Technology's attempt to surgically implant microphones into a cat's ear canal—and why the project was scrapped in 1967 after field tests proved cats are functionally untrainable for espionage.We cover:The Tech: Turning a tail into an antenna and the spine into a transmitter.The Cost: How they spent $20 million (inflation-adjusted) on one cat.The Failure: The tragic (and brief) first mission in a park.The Declassified Report: The official conclusion that "cats have no desire to please."The weirdest chapter in Cold War history.https://blog.catcognition.com/operation-acoustic-kitty-cia-spy-cat/ Key Topics: Operation Acoustic Kitty, CIA History, Cold War Espionage, Animal Spies, Declassified Files, Weird History.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Does My Cat Eat My Hair? (Pica vs. Grooming) (00:05:09)
When a cat licks your hair, they are usually engaging in Allogrooming—a social bonding ritual that treats you as part of their colony. However, if they chew or swallow it, it could be a sign of Pica, a compulsive disorder linked to nutritional deficiency or anxiety.We cover:The "Big Cat" Theory: Why they groom you (cleaning the "dirty" member of the group).Scent Triggers: How mint or fruit shampoos mimic pheromones.The Pica Warning: When to see a vet (blockage risks).Stress Relief: Why repetitive chewing acts as a self-soothing mechanism. Is it love, or is it a disorder? We explain the difference.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-cats-eat-hair-pica-vs-grooming/ Key Topics: Allogrooming, Pica in Cats, Cat Grooming, Feline Behavior, Cat Anxiety, Compulsive Disorders.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Félicette: The True Story of the First Cat in Space (00:06:41)
Félicette is the first and only cat to survive a suborbital spaceflight. Launched by the French space program (CNES) on October 18, 1963, she reached an altitude of 157 km aboard a Véronique AG1 rocket. This episode documents her selection from 14 Parisian strays and explains why her legacy was overshadowed by Laika (the dog) and Ham (the chimp).We cover:The Mission Profile: How scientists monitored her brain waves via implanted electrodes.The Selection Process: Why "calmness" was the #1 criteria for a space cat.The Outcome: Her safe recovery and the tragic end of the program.The Memorial: The recent campaign to finally build her a statue.The history of the "Astrocat" who went where no feline had gone before.https://blog.catcognition.com/felicette-first-cat-in-space/ Key Topics: Félicette, Space History, CNES, Animal Astronauts, Space Race, Cold War History, Rocket Science.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Do Cats Sleep More When It Rains? (The Science) (00:02:24)
The "Rainy Day Effect" in cats is driven by three biological factors: Evolutionary Efficiency (hunting in wet fur is calorie-negative), Circadian Rhythms (low light triggers Melatonin), and Barometric Pressure. In this episode, we explain why your cat isn't just lazy—they are biologically programmed to "power down" during a storm to conserve energy.We cover:The Physics of Hunting: Why rain ruins stealth and makes hunting inefficient.Melatonin Spikes: How grey skies trick the feline brain into sleep mode.The Pressure Drop: How changes in the atmosphere signal animals to seek shelter.Perfect napping weather, explained by science. https://blog.catcognition.com/why-cats-sleep-more-rain/Key Topics: Barometric Pressure, Circadian Rhythms, Cat Sleep, Feline Behavior, Weather Effects, Evolutionary Biology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
How We "Broke" Cats: The Truth About Extreme Breeding (00:06:46)
"Extreme breeding" prioritizes aesthetic traits—like the short legs of Munchkins or the hairlessness of XL Bullies—over biological function. In this episode, we audit the genetic defects caused by these "designer" choices, specifically Osteochondrodysplasia (painful joint malformation) and skin vulnerability.We cover:The "Cute" Trap: Why humans are psychologically drawn to "neoteny" (baby-like features) even when it hurts the animal.The XL Bully Phenomenon: The rise of "status" cats and the health cost.Genetics 101: How the "Munchkin" gene is actually a lethal dominant gene.The Ethical Stance: Why veterinary associations condemn breeding for deformity.A critical look at when "love" becomes "harm."https://blog.catcognition.com/extreme-cat-breeding-health-problems/Key Topics: Extreme Breeding, Munchkin Cats, XL Bully Cats, Animal Ethics, Feline Genetics, Osteochondrodysplasia, Animal Welfare.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Does My Cat Stare at Me? (It's Not Dominance) (00:06:59)
When a cat stares at you, they are engaging in Social Monitoring. Contrary to the myth of "dominance," this behavior is usually a sign of Secure Attachment (checking in on their caregiver) or Territorial Patrol (tracking movement in their environment). We cover:The Dominance Myth: Why staring isn't a "power move" in the feline world.The "Big Cat" Theory: Why they track you as the source of all resources (food/doors).Reading the Eyes: The difference between a "Slow Blink" (Love) and Dilated Pupils (Hunt).Sleep Watching: The evolutionary reason they watch you while you sleep.It’s not creepy; it’s a sign of high attachment.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-does-my-cat-stare-at-me/ Key Topics: Cat Staring, Social Monitoring, Feline Psychology, Cat Body Language, Attachment Theory, Ethology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Do Full Moons Make Cats Crazy? (The "Lunar Effect" Myth) (00:07:23)
Veterinary studies of over 12,000 emergency cases show zero statistical link between full moons and feline trauma, debunking the "Lunar Effect." However, owners aren't imagining things. In this episode, we explain how Circadian Rhythms and increased ambient light at night trigger the "Zoomies" in crepuscular hunters—not the moon's gravity.We cover:The Data: What the stats actually say about "Moon Madness."The Light Factor: How a full moon acts as a "hunting lamp" for predators.Crepuscular Instincts: Why cats are wired to be active at twilight.Managing the Energy: Tips for handling midnight activity spikes.It’s not magic; it’s biology interacting with the environment.https://blog.catcognition.com/do-full-moons-affect-cats/Key Topics: Lunar Effect, Cat Behavior, Circadian Rhythms, Zoomies, Crepuscular Animals, Feline Biology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Does My Cat Love Me? 10 Scientific Signs of Affection (00:14:21)
A study by Oregon State University confirmed that cats form "Secure Attachments" to their caregivers, similar to human infants. In this episode, we decode the biological signals of feline love, explaining why a "slow blink" is chemically equivalent to a human smile (releasing Oxytocin).We cover:Social Referencing: Why your cat looks at your face when they are scared (checking for safety cues).Head Bunting: The scent-marking ritual that claims you as "family."The Preference Test: Research proving most cats prefer human interaction over food.The Top 10 Signs: From tail position to grooming, the checklist of true bonding.Yes, they love you. Here is the proof.https://blog.catcognition.com/does-my-cat-love-me-science/Key Topics: Cat Affection, Secure Attachment, Oxytocin, Slow Blink, Human-Animal Bond, Feline Psychology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Did you know your cat shares 95.6% of its DNA with a tiger? Or that they have a "free-floating" collarbone that allows them to fit through any gap their head can pass? In this episode, we compile 100 scientifically verified facts about domestic cats, moving beyond the myths to the hard biology. We cover:The Righting Reflex: The physics of how they land on their feet.Sensory Superpowers: Why their ears rotate 180 degrees and they can't taste sugar.The Purr Mechanism: How they generate sound without vocal cords.Evolutionary Quirks: Why they sleep 70% of their lives.The ultimate cheat sheet for understanding the biological machine in your living room. Key Topics: Cat Facts, Feline Anatomy, Cat Biology, Evolutionary History, Cat Trivia, Zoology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Does My Cat Sleep With Me? (9 Scientific Reasons) (00:07:00)
When a cat sleeps with you, it is the ultimate sign of trust, as sleep is their most vulnerable state. In this episode, we break down the Social Defense theory—explaining that your cat isn't just seeking warmth (though their 102°F body temp requires it); they are using you as a "lookout" for the colony. We cover:Pillowing: The evolutionary root of "stacking" behavior seen in kittens.Territorial Marking: Why sleeping on your head or chest is a biological way of "claiming" you.The Anxiety Cure: How co-sleeping lowers cortisol levels for both species.The 9 Drivers: From security to affection, the full hierarchy of bedtime needs. Your bed isn't just furniture; it's the safest spot in their territory.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-does-my-cat-sleep-with-me/ Key Topics: Cat Sleeping Positions, Social Defense, Feline Behavior, Cat Bonding, Co-Sleeping, Cat Psychology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Clinical Lycanthropy: The Man Who Lived as a Cat for 13 Years (00:07:09)
Clinical Lycanthropy is a rare psychiatric syndrome where a patient holds a delusional belief that they are transforming into a non-human animal. In this episode, we analyze the case of a man who lived as a cat for thirteen years, exploring the neuroscience of "self-identity" and "body schema."We cover:The Diagnosis: Differentiating between schizophrenia, dissociation, and genuine identity delusion.Neuroplasticity Gone Wrong: How the brain can rewrite its own map of the body.Historical Context: Comparing this modern case to the "Werewolf of Bedburg" and Japanese Kitsune legends.Cultural Influence: How folklore shapes the specific animal a patient "becomes."A deep dive into the fragility of the human mind.https://blog.catcognition.com/clinical-lycanthropy-cat-man/ Key Topics: Clinical Lycanthropy, Psychiatry, Delusional Disorders, Neuroscience, Psychology, Mental Health, Folklore.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
How Galena the Cat Survived 6 Days in an Amazon Box (00:05:29)
Galena is a house cat from Utah who was accidentally taped inside an Amazon return box and shipped 650 miles to a warehouse in Riverside, California. This episode explains the biology of her survival, detailing how the evolutionary resilience of feline kidneys allowed her to withstand six days without food or water.We cover:Desert Adaptations: How cats are biologically engineered to retain water in extreme confinement.The Microchip Factor: The critical scan that identified her hours before she would have been lost in the shelter system.The "Box" Instinct: Why cats climb into shipping boxes in the first place (Thigmotaxis).The Rescue: The chain of events that reunited her with her owners.The science behind the "miracle" of the Amazon cat.https://blog.catcognition.com/cat-survived-amazon-box/Key Topics: Galena, Cat Survival, Feline Kidneys, Microchipping, Pet Safety, Amazon Returns, Dehydration.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Does Owning a Cat Cause Schizophrenia? (The Science Explained) (00:07:05)
A major Australian meta-analysis reviewing 17 studies found that childhood cat ownership is associated with double the odds of developing schizophrenia-related disorders. In this episode, we audit the data across 44 years of research to separate the biological risk from the statistical noise. We cover:The "Toxoplasma" Hypothesis: How the parasite Toxoplasma gondii targets the central nervous system and alters dopamine levels.The Data: What the study of 11 countries actually proved (and what it didn't).Cat Scratch Disease: The potential role of Bartonella henselae bacteria in psychosis.Correlation vs. Causation: Why specific hygiene factors (like the litter box), not the animal itself, are the likely transmission vectors.Don't panic—understand the biology to keep your family safe.Key Topics: Schizophrenia Risk, Toxoplasma Gondii, Mental Health, Zoonosis, Bartonella, Cat Scratch Disease, Epidemiology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Why Cats Hate Pop Music (The Science of "Species-Specific" Sound) (00:08:24)
Cats are largely indifferent to human music because the tempos—based on the human heart rate—do not align with their biology. In this episode, we explore the concept of Species-Specific Music, explaining why your cat prefers compositions that mimic the frequency of a purr or the rhythm of suckling over Taylor Swift.We cover:The Frequency Gap: How your cat's ultrasonic hearing (up to 64kHz) makes standard pop music sound "muddy" or stressful.The "David Teie" Study: The cellist who proved cats do like music, if it is written for them.The Biology of Comfort: Why high-pitched, sliding notes trigger a relaxation response in felines.The Playlist: How to use music to calm a stressed cat (e.g., during vet visits).Your playlist isn't bad; it's just the wrong species.https://blog.catcognition.com/why-cats-hate-music/Key Topics: Species-Specific Music, Feline Hearing, David Teie, Cat Enrichment, Animal Psychology, Bioacoustics.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
Can You Get "Superbugs" from Your Pet? (The Antibiotic Crisis) (00:12:31)
New research suggests that pets act as reservoirs for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs), potentially passing them to owners through licking and close contact. In this episode, we explore the "One Health" crisis, explaining how veterinary antibiotic misuse contributes to the rise of bacteria that no medicine can kill.We cover:The Transmission Route: How likely are you to catch a resistant infection from your dog or cat?The "Antibiotic Apocalypse": Why we are running out of effective drugs.Zoonosis: The biology of cross-species bacterial transfer.Prevention: Why you might want to rethink letting your pet lick your face (if you are immunocompromised).It’s not about fear; it’s about hygiene and the future of medicine.Key Topics: Antibiotic Resistance, Superbugs, One Health, Zoonosis, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Microbiology.✅ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatCog
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