More Than ‘Just a Cat’: Love, Loss & Living Better with Cats Part 2
On Part 2 of this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, feline behaviorist Rita Reimers welcomes cat welfare scientist Katia Colitti for an eye-opening and emotional conversation about what cats truly need to thrive. From enrichment, boredom, litter box mistakes, and respecting every cat’s unique personality, to the deep bond we share with our feline companions, this episode explores the science and soul of living with cats. Rita and Katia also dive into the often-overlooked topic of cat loss grief, senior cat care, and why adopting older cats can be one of the most meaningful acts of love. A must-listen for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or learned from a cat.
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BIO:
Katia Colitti is a lawyer and writer whose work has been published in Animal Welfare (Cambridge University Press) and Global Journal of Animal Law. Katia grew up in Ukraine, lived in the U.S. for over a decade, and, since 2012, has been based in Belgium. She has shared her home with three cats for nearly two decades. Her sole remaining feline family member is Margo, a playful and communicative 19-year-old, who brings joy to every day.
A lifelong ailurophile with an MSc in International Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Law from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at The University of Edinburgh, Katia has a special interest and extensive experience in geriatric and diabetic cat care. Katia writes on Substack about cat health and welfare, the human-cat relationship, cats in the arts, and cat loss grief.
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