Today is Sunday, February 16th, and I have an audio clip for you for The Golden Whiskers newsletter. My first one!
I want to share some tips that I learned from Dr. Ruth Roberts, a holistic pet health expert with decades of experience. She was a guest for my recent Feline Wellness Summit, and during our interview, she shared an easy, practical way to help our cats detox every single day—without complicated supplements or overwhelming regimens.
The audio below includes a short clip from my interview with her, where she breaks down the four simple steps to help our cats live healthier lives. After that clip, I then share how I’ve started implementing these tips with my own cats, Niko and Milo, and what I’m doing different from when I had Nomar and Mia.
Check out the audio clip below and keep reading for a summary of that clip.
🐾 The Simple, Daily Detox Plan for Your Cat
With Dr. Ruth Roberts
When we think of detoxing, it often sounds complicated—like a major health overhaul. But Dr. Ruth Roberts simplifies the process, showing us how daily detox can be easy, natural, and built into your cat’s routine.
Here are four simple ways you can support your cat’s natural detox process:
1️⃣ Calm Yourself = A Calmer, Healthier Cat
Did you know that your stress levels directly affect your cat? If you’re in a constant state of stress (fight-or-flight mode), your cat picks up on it, keeping them in a heightened, anxious state. But when you slow down, breathe, and relax—your cat does too.
✅ Try This: Unplug from technology, put your phone on airplane mode, and simply sit with your cat. Pet them, breathe deeply, and enjoy the moment together. This helps shift both of you into a rest-and-digest state, where natural detoxification happens.
2️⃣ Get Moving – Even for Cats!
Exercise isn’t just for us—it’s essential for our cats too. Movement helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a huge role in detoxifying the body.
✅ Try This: Play with your cat every day! Use a feather wand, toss treats for them to chase, or encourage climbing and jumping. Movement helps flush toxins through their system and keeps their bodies in top shape.
3️⃣ Upgrade Their Diet
What you put into your cat’s body is just as important as what you remove. The less processed, carbohydrate-heavy food they eat, the lower their inflammation and toxin buildup will be.
✅ Try This: Gradually transition to higher-quality, species-appropriate food, whether it’s fresh-cooked, raw, or minimally processed wet food. A healthy gut microbiome leads to better digestion, stronger immunity, and natural detoxification.
4️⃣ Clean Water is Everything
Hydration is key to flushing toxins, but tap water often contains chlorine, plastics, and harmful chemicals. Clean water helps every organ, from the liver to the kidneys, function at its best.
✅ Try This: Even a simple Brita filter makes a huge difference! If you want to go further, reverse osmosis filters remove even more contaminants.
🐾 My Take: How I’m Applying This with Niko & Milo
After talking with Dr. Ruth Roberts and several other experts during the Feline Wellness Summit, I had a big realization: there were things I wasn’t yet doing for Niko and Milo that could significantly improve their health. Some of these were simple adjustments, but they’ve already made a noticeable difference.
Here’s what I’ve changed so far:
💧 Clean, Filtered Water
For years, I gave my previous cats, Mia and Nomar, tap water. Toward the end of Mia’s life, I tried a water fountain, but she didn’t take to it, so we went back to tap water.
Now, after learning about the potential chemicals lurking in tap water, I’ve switched Niko and Milo to a pet water fountain with a built-in filtration system. Not only does it keep their water cleaner, but I’ve also noticed that they’re drinking more water—a huge win for their health.
🥩 Better Food Choices
With Mia and Nomar, I fed them dry kibble for 12 years before realizing it wasn’t the best option for them. After Mia developed pancreatitis, my vet recommended adding wet food, but I still didn’t fully understand how important a proper diet was.
Now, after listening to multiple experts at the summit, I know there are far better options—whether that’s raw, home-cooked, or high-quality wet food. Right now, I’m feeding Niko and Milo Open Farm wet food, a brand recommended by Penny Wood. They source high-quality, animal welfare-certified meats and sustainably sourced seafood, so I feel confident knowing my cats are getting the best nutrition possible.
🎾 Daily Playtime Matters
I used to assume that since I had two cats, they’d entertain each other enough on their own. But I’ve learned that intentional playtime with me is crucial for their mental and physical health.
Their favorite toy is a wand toy from Dezi & Roo, a brand created by one of our summit guests, Dr. Lynn Bahr. I keep it in the closet, and Niko and Milo will actually sit by the door and let me know when they want to play! Now, I set aside 5-10 minutes a day to engage them in a proper prey sequence—stalking, chasing, pouncing, and catching—just like Dr. Rachel Geller recommended.
This daily movement supports detoxification, stress relief, and overall well-being.
📵 Unplugging for Connection
I live alone, and in the past, I didn’t realize how much my own stress and emotions impacted my cats. When I had Mia and Nomar, I wasn’t aware that my bad days, frustration, or stress could actually affect their health.
Now, I make an effort to be more mindful of my mood around Niko and Milo. I do daily meditation, and when I sit quietly, they curl up beside me. I’ve also started unplugging from my phone, turning off distractions, and simply petting them—which helps all of us relax and bond.
These small, daily changes are already making a difference in their energy levels and overall well-being.
🐾 What About You?
Have you tried any of these detox tips for your cat? Are you thinking about making a small change to their routine?
Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear what’s working for you and your cats!
💛 Scott | Golden Whiskers
Thank you so much for putting the FWS together for the cat community! The variety of speakers and topics were great! I had already taken some of the steps to being a mindful cat parent but still learned a lot! My three cats and I are very grateful for the information!
Thank you for the great, and practical, information you're providing!