The Natural Animal

Could keeping a simple diary help you understand your pet’s symptoms? In this Field Notes episode, I share an update on my senior cat Max and how tracking his vomiting, meals and appetite is helping me notice patterns. There’s also a story about Elvy’s changing interest in dinner, and why the small things you observe at home can be so useful in guiding your animal’s care. We explore how a pet heal...

Welcome to the first Field Notes episode — a new, more informal format inspired by what’s coming up in my work with animals, with my own animals and in everyday life. And lately, vomiting has been following me around. My almost 18-year-old cat Max has developed a new pattern of vomiting, while at the same time I’ve been supporting a client whose cat has been experiencing recurrent vomiting of her...

We all want our animals to live for as long as possible. But when we talk about longevity, are we focusing too much on how long they live, rather than how well they live? In this episode of The Natural Animal Podcast, I’m exploring the concept of healthspan and what it means for the way we care for our animals throughout their lives — not just when they reach their senior years. I look at some of...

The words “complete and balanced” are often treated as the final word on whether a pet food is suitable - but do they really tell us everything we need to know? In this episode, I examine five recent papers exploring fresh food, kibble, processing, nutrient adequacy and contaminants in pet food. We look at what this research genuinely tells us, what it cannot prove and why short-term biological di...

When an animal becomes seriously unwell, it's easy to believe that healing depends on finding the next answer. The next test. The next supplement. The next medication. The next veterinary appointment. After my beautiful cat Elvy's recent medical emergency, I found myself caught in that cycle. I was doing everything I could to support his body, yet there was another lesson quietly unfolding...

What if one of the biggest divides in animal healthcare isn't between natural healing and veterinary medicine... ...but in the belief that we have to choose between them? In this deeply personal episode, I share the experience of caring for my beloved cat, Elvy, after he recently needed emergency, life-saving veterinary care. As a natural animal health practitioner, it was a week that challeng...

What if we’ve been looking at animal health through too narrow a lens? Welcome back to Season 4 of The Natural Animal Podcast. In this opening episode, I share a realisation that’s emerged through years of working with animals and their guardians. Not because my approach has changed, but because I’ve found new language to describe what has always connected my work. Nutrition, herbs, emotional well...

We’re closing out the season with something truly special. In this final episode of The Natural Animal for 2025, I’m joined by bestselling illustrator, author and gardener Jessica Roux — the creative force behind the Woodland Wardens oracle deck, Floriography , and a whole world of nature-inspired art that celebrates the wisdom of animals and plants. Jessica’s work feels like a love letter to the...

What actually creates real change for animals — outrage or strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst to unpack the journey from animal activism to animal welfare reform . We explore how the psychology of behaviour change plays a critical role in advocacy, the three levers that drive reform ( individual, corporate, political ), and why strategy — not outrage — is...

Community isn’t just a social buzzword — it’s essential for life on Earth. In this episode of The Natural Animal podcast, I explore why we humans need to belong as much as we need oxygen and how animals — from wolves and elephants to dolphins, birds, and honeybees — form complex societies of their own. I share stories of the deep relationships I’ve built with clients, the science behind our drive...

What does it really take to rescue cats and kittens, and why does it matter? In this episode of The Natural Animal podcast, I sit down with Bethany Swiggs , founder of Big Dollan’s Fur-Rescue , to explore the heart, challenges, and triumphs of cat rescue. Bethany shares her personal journey into animal rescue, why she’s so devoted to giving cats a second chance, and the realities she sees in the r...

Caring for your pet’s health can feel overwhelming — itchy skin, gut upsets, sensitivities, anxiety, even more serious conditions. Where do you start, and how do you know what to focus on first? In this episode, I share why healing doesn’t happen by trying to “fix it all” at once. Instead, lasting results come from creating a clear, step-by-step plan that works with your animal’s body at the right...

In this episode of The Natural Animal Podcast , I explore a topic that stirs up a lot of debate in the herbal and animal wellness world: Should we be using alcohol in herbal remedies for animals? As an animal naturopath and herbalist, I’ve made the choice to avoid ethanol in my herbal preparations for pets. In this episode, I’ll share why - from both a physiological and energetic perspective - and...

In this inspiring episode of The Natural Animal Podcast , I’m joined by Dr Susan Recker , an integrative veterinarian and nutrition consultant at Animal Diet Formulator. With over two decades of clinical experience and a deep passion for education, Dr Recker brings a grounded, compassionate approach to healing animals through the power of real food. We explore what food as medicine really means in...

Are you exploring holistic healing for your animal’s chronic or complex health issues? In this episode, I’m joined by Elsa, a devoted pet parent who shares her powerful story of working with me to support her dogs through natural, holistic care. We explore how her dogs’ health challenges led her to holistic support, the emotional and energetic transformations that followed, and how this path deepe...

In this special Q&A episode of the Natural Animal Podcast , Ruth answers your most asked questions about holistic pet health and conscious pet parenting. From natural tick prevention and endocrine support for desexed pets to calming trauma in cats and finding a truly low tox cat tower—this episode dives deep into what it means to care for your animals in a mindful, informed way. You’ll also he...

Is your pet anxious, withdrawn, or struggling with chronic issues, yet nothing seems to help? In this episode, we explore  nervous system dysregulation  in dogs and cats: what it is, how it shows up, and how to support your pet naturally. From subtle stress signals to deep emotional shutdown, many animals live with nervous system strain that goes unrecognised. You’ll learn how to spot the signs of...

Your pet’s nervous system is foundational to their overall health — influencing everything from digestion and immunity to behaviour, emotional balance, and their ability to cope with stress. But despite its importance, it’s often overlooked in everyday animal care. In this episode, I touch on a recent personal experience — the arrival of a new kitten into our home — and how it impacted one of our...

Your pet is exposed to more toxins than you might realise—from flea treatments and processed food to plastics, cleaning products, and even their bedding. In this episode, we explore what toxic load really means, why it builds in our animals over time, and how it can silently affect their health. You'll learn: What toxic load is (in simple, clear terms) The everyday sources of toxins in your pe...

🌀 Did you know your animal has an energy system just like you do? From chakras to meridians, auras to energy fields—your pet’s energetic blueprint plays a huge role in their health, emotions, and behaviour. But what does that actually mean, and how can you support it? In this special bonus episode , we’re diving into the fascinating world of animal energy . You’ll learn: ✨ What an energetic blue...

As we wrap up the final episode of the season (and the year), we’re diving into a thought-provoking question that has shaped so many of our conversations: “If there was one thing you could change about the human-animal relationship, what would it be?” Over seasons 1 and 2, our incredible guests—animal experts, advocates, and visionaries—have shared their heartfelt answers to this question. In this...

Ever wonder if your animal is trying to tell you something in a way you can’t quite explain? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of clair senses - intuitive abilities like clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), and clairsentience (feeling) - and how they shape the way animals communicate with us. Joined by intuitive animal communicator Clare Deale, we uncover: 🐾 What clair...

In this episode, Ruth Hatten, animal naturopath, dives deep into the world of  pet allergies and intolerances . If your pet suffers from food sensitivities or environmental reactions, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Ruth explains the difference between  intolerances  and  allergies , the most common triggers, and how these conditions affect your pet's overall health. Ruth dives into the...

Heading out of town and wondering how to care for your pets while traveling? In this episode, Ruth shares expert tips and reflections from my recent overseas trip on ensuring stress-free pet care while you’re away. From choosing between a cattery, kennel or pet sitter, to preparing meals and maintaining your pet’s routine, Ruth has got everything covered to help your beautiful animal kin stay happ...

🐾 The Fight for Better Animal Welfare in Australia 🐾 In this compelling episode of The Natural Animal Podcast , I sit down with Jed Goodfellow , a passionate animal advocate with over 20 years of experience in protecting animals. From his early days volunteering with the RSPCA—where he faced heartbreaking cases of cruelty—to co-founding the Australian Alliance for Animals , Jed has dedicated his...