In this week’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Katie Woodley — The Natural Pet Doctor. She’s a holistic veterinarian specializing in gut and skin health through nutrition and root-cause healing.
Together we dive into one of the most overlooked but essential aspects of feline health: the gut. We talk about why cat parents need to focus on foundations rather than quick fixes, the emotional health connection, easy at-home adjustments that make a difference, and the types of testing that can give you peace of mind.
Katie also shares personal stories about her three black “panthers” — Kiwi, Moki, and Tico — and offers simple, practical steps you can take today to set your cats up for healthier, happier years.
👉 If you’ve ever wondered whether vomiting or hairballs are really “normal” (spoiler: they’re not), or how to know if your cat’s gut is truly healthy, this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧠 Why Gut Health Matters (for everything)
About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. We cover why the gut is an ecosystem — and how stress, water quality, diet, and your home environment shape it.
🚫 Quick Fixes vs. Foundations
Why band-aids (from certain meds to “one magic supplement”) may calm symptoms short-term, but don’t repair the terrain. Foundations first: emotional regulation, cleaner inputs, and appropriate nutrition.
🌿 Easy Wins You Can Do at Home
Simple swaps that move the needle: filtered water, gentler laundry detergents for bedding, and a gradual shift toward minimally processed, species-appropriate food (without overwhelm).
😺 Herb Gardens & Emotional Health
How dried, organic chamomile and catnip can help soothe the nervous system, support appetite, and let cats self-select what their bodies need — while you sip your own chamomile tea.
🍽️ Real-World Food Transitions
Why patience is everything (think weeks or months). Toppers, varied textures, and “slow & steady” strategies for kibble-addicted cats — even if you never reach 100%.
🧪 Smart Testing: “Test, don’t guess.”
From routine labs to stool and mineral tests: what each one shows, how it guides targeted support, and why retesting helps you see what’s actually working.
🩺 Kidney Notes You Should Know
Why lowering protein too early can backfire, the importance of phosphorus management and moisture, and how to support detox pathways alongside the kidneys.
📘 Dr. Katie’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
Think ecosystem, not just microbes. The terrain (stress, water, food, chemicals) determines which microbes can thrive.
Foundations before fixes. Prioritize emotional health, cleaner inputs, and appropriate nutrition before chasing supplements.
Filter the water. Reduce chlorine, fluoride, and contaminants that disrupt the microbiome.
Make one clean swap at a time. Laundry detergent for pet bedding is a great start.
Transition food patiently. Use toppers, textures, and small, consistent steps — progress beats perfection.
Use testing to target support. It saves money and stress long-term by showing you where to focus.
🧪 Resources & Tests Mentioned
Water Quality Checker – Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database:
Microbiome Stool Test – AnimalBiome
Gut Function Biomarkers (calprotectin, sIgA, leaky-gut indicators) – Innovative Pet Lab
Kidney Disease Staging Guidelines – IRIS (International Renal Interest Society)
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) – Offered via The Natural Pet Doctor (and other holistic providers)
Note: Talk with your vet (or a holistic/integrative vet) about which tests make sense for your cat and how to interpret results.
🌍 Where to Find Dr. Katie
Website: The Natural Pet Doctor
Instagram: @thenaturalpetdoctor
Facebook: The Natural Pet Doctor
✨ Final Thought
Gut health isn’t a hack — it’s a rhythm. Small, consistent upgrades to water, environment, and food create the terrain where good health takes root. Be patient, look back to see how far you’ve come, and let the foundations do the heavy lifting.
💌 Never miss an episode
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