Episode 1: Dr. Gina Rendon, DVM

Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

In this podcast episode, Kristiina interviews Dr. Gina Rendon, a veterinarian, about her journey to becoming a vet and the challenges and burnout in the veterinary profession. They discuss the importance of balancing the emotional demands of working with sick animals and how Dr. Rendon unwinds and de-stresses from work. They also talk about breed-specific personalities in cats and common misconceptions about cats and veterinary medicine. The episode concludes with a discussion on medical conditions that can affect a cat's behavior and the importance of regular check-ups and insurance for cats. This part of the conversation covers topics such as monitoring cat behavior, recognizing pain and discomfort, advancements in treatment for pain and arthritis, behavioral issues and medication, recent advancements in veterinary behavior, the importance of cat care and socialization, tips for getting cats into carriers, treating cat travel anxiety and car sickness, homeopathic and herbal care for cats, clipping indoor cat's nails, coping with nightmares in blind cats, and a grieving cat's obsession with brushing. In this conversation, Kristiina and Gina discuss various topics related to pet care and veterinary medicine. They explore the importance of bonding activities and stimulation for pets, such as brushing and environmental enrichment. They also delve into the topic of grief and how veterinarians cope with it. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of providing love and care to pets and the emotional challenges that come with it.