In this week’s episode I’m joined by Jae and Adrienne — The Two Crazy Cat Ladies. They’re cat advocates, content creators, and longtime leaders in the natural feline wellness space, and they’ve spent the last 10 years helping cat parents raise healthier, happier cats.
Together we dive into a topic that’s way more important than most of us realize: the hidden toxicity inside our homes — especially fragrance — and how it can quietly impact our cats over time. We also talk about budget-friendly cleaning swaps, easy ventilation upgrades, safer outdoor enrichment (even if you live in an apartment like me), and rapid-fire solutions for common cat-parent struggles like chewing, dental care, and the “right” food bowls.
👉 If you’ve ever thought “I’m feeding good food… what else could I be missing?” — this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧪 The Hidden Indoor Toxicity Problem
Jae and Adrienne share why indoor cats can carry far higher levels of household chemicals than the humans in the same home — and why this matters for long-term health.
🌬️ Fragrance = The Sneaky Culprit
We talk about how plug-ins, candles, sprays, and “fresh” smelling cleaners can become a daily exposure issue — especially because cats groom so much and absorb residues through paws, fur, and airways.
🧼 Clean Home, Cleaner Ingredients (On a Budget)
You don’t need fancy products to start improving your home environment. They share simple DIY swaps like:
vinegar + water as a base cleaner
infusing vinegar with citrus peels / herbs for a better scent
DIY home “freshness” ideas like simmer pots (instead of chemical fragrance)
🪟 Ventilation + Fresh Air Wins
Simple but powerful: open windows (when possible), add airflow, and consider air cleaning tools — even if you don’t want to spend a fortune.
🧰 The $35 DIY Air Purifier Setup
They share an affordable hack: a box fan + a fitted air filter taped to the back (a DIY purifier option for targeted rooms).
🛋️ The Furniture / Flame Retardant Conversation
We discuss how household materials (like certain flame retardants) may be part of the bigger picture — and what you can do without tossing your couch (think: barriers like cleaner blankets where cats lounge).
🌿 Safe Outdoor Time (Even for Apartment Cats)
If you’ve never taken your cats outside, Jae and Adrienne suggest starting with:
a stroller (low-stress, easy entry point)
practice inside first (carrier closed, hallway, breezeway)
consistency matters — cats will learn the routine fast 😅
⚠️ Don’t Forget Yard Treatments
If you live in an apartment complex (or anywhere with managed landscaping), they recommend being mindful about pesticides/herbicides and wiping down after outside time if needed.
😼 Rapid Fire: Chewing, Teeth, Bowls, Coughing
We cover a bunch of real-life questions inspired by Niko and Milo, including:
why cats chew and how to redirect it
dental support options if brushing isn’t realistic
why no plastic bowls (and how to reduce “whisker stress”)
coughing that isn’t a hairball and when to ask your vet about asthma + x-rays
🧗 The “Big 3” For Thriving Indoor Cats
Their top focus areas:
Vertical space / environment enrichment
Moisture-rich, minimally processed food (when possible)
key supplements they use consistently: digestive enzymes, probiotics, omega-3s
📘 Two Crazy Cat Ladies Recommendations for Cat Owners
Here are the key takeaways Jae and Adrienne want more cat parents to put into practice:
Start with fragrance. Plug-ins, sprays, candles, and scented cleaners are a major “hidden input” many cat parents overlook.
Make small swaps you can stick to. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight — one change at a time adds up.
Use budget-friendly DIY cleaners. Vinegar + water is a strong base; infuse it with citrus peels/herbs if the smell bothers you.
Ventilation is a wellness tool. Open windows (when possible) and increase airflow to reduce indoor chemical load.
Consider an affordable air-cleaning option. A DIY box fan + filter setup can be a good stepping stone if full purifiers feel too expensive.
Think “environment,” not just food. Bedding, detergent, floor cleaner, furniture materials — it all matters because cats are close to the ground and groom constantly.
Outdoor enrichment is powerful — when it’s safe. Start with a stroller, move slowly, and build a consistent routine.
Be mindful of pesticides outdoors. Especially in apartment complexes or treated lawns — ask questions and wipe down afterward.
Skip plastic bowls. Use stainless steel or ceramic (and watch for cracks). Choose wide/shallow dishes to reduce whisker stress.
Support dental health realistically. If brushing is a no-go, explore other vet-approved tools and oral support options that target gum health and the mouth microbiome.
🌍 Resources Mentioned
📚 Book: The Forever Dog Life (Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney Habib) — shared as a resource with DIY home + cleaner recipes (and cat-relevant sections).
🌍 Where to Find Two Crazy Cat Ladies
Website + Newsletter: TwoCrazyCatLadies.com
Social: Search “Two Crazy Cat Ladies” on:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Threads
(They really are everywhere.)
✨ Final Thought
A healthier cat isn’t just about what goes in the bowl — it’s also what’s in the air, on the floors, in the laundry, and on the surfaces they live on every day. If this episode lit a little “uh-oh” bulb for you, don’t panic — just pick one small swap and start there. Because as Jae and Adrienne basically reminded us: once we know better, we can do better.
💌 Never miss an episode
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