6 Degrees of Cats

Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat, Part 1: Research and Righting Reflexes

This episode of 6 Degress of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast is part one of a two-episode series on cats and science!
In part 1, we take a cue from cats and let our curiosity lead us through an exploration of how science and cats go hand in hand - er, paw in paw.
Join your host as she welcomes a stellar lineup of scientists - and comes to a slightly scientific conclusion of her own about cats! Materials scientist Titilayo Shodiya, Ph.D., host of hit pop science podcast Dope Labs and Vienna-based biophysicist Kareem Elsayad, Ph.D., share their insights on the invaluable role curiosity plays in hypothesis-driven research and break down the basics of scientific methodology. And writer and physicist Greg Gbur, Ph.D., of hit pop science book, “Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics” provides a fun survey of cats’ partnerships with scientists across time. Get ready to - once again - see cats in a whole new light. 
Check out part 2 here!
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and more here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
Reference image:
Nicola Tesla’s letter about Macek the cat
About the experts:
Kareem Elsayad, Ph.D., heads the Advanced Microscopy team at the Vienna Biocenter Core Facilities (VBCF) in Vienna, Austria. His research has broadly contributed to the fields of microscopy, high-resolution optical spectroscopy, and nanophotonics. Dr. Elsayad can be followed @kelsa909 on Twitter.
Greg Gbur, Ph.D., is an American author and physicist who specializes in the study of classical coherence theory in optical physics. He is a full professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Department of Physics and Optical Science. He writes the popular science blog, Skulls in the Stars and has published several hit pop science books, including Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics and Invisibility: The History and Science of How Not to Be Seen (both Yale University Press). Dr. Gbur can be followed @drskyskull on Twitter and Mastodon.
Titilayo Shodiya, M.S., Ph.D., is the host of hit pop culture and science podcast, Dope Labs with co-host Zakiya Watson, Ph.D. Dr. Shodiya received her B.S. in Materials Science from Penn State University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University. She currently works at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Dr. Shodiya can be followed @dr_tsho on Instagram and Twitter.
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research used:
Felton, J. (2022, September 22). The cat flap is surprisingly ancient, and not the work of Isaac Newton. IFLScience. Retrieved from  https://www.iflscience.com/the-cat-flap-is-surprisingly-ancient-and-not-the-work-of-isaac-newton-65443 
Gbur, G. (2019). Falling felines and fundamental physics. Yale University Press. 
Gbur, G. (2022, July 22). The oldest falling cat explanation. Retrieved from https://skullsinthestars.com/2022/07/02/the-oldest-falling-cat-explanation/. 
George, S. C. (2022, September 23). 5 cats who owned famous scientists. Discover Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/5-cats-who-owned-famous-scientists 
Tearle, O. (2023, March 16). The interesting meaning and history of the phrase “curiosity killed the cat.” Interesting Literature. https://interestingliterature.com/2019/12/meaning-and-history-phrase-curiosity-killed-the-cat/

A Mother’s Tail: Introducing St. Gertrude, the Patron Saint of Cats (and Her Mom)

It's Mother's Day and we are here for it on 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. In this episode, get ready for the motherload - in which we delve into the topic of motherhood through the captivating story of St. Gertrude of Nivelles, the Belgian abbess and (alleged) patron saint of cats.
Joining our host is Catholic culture researcher René Ostberg, M.A., who guides us through the life of St. Gertrude, her relationship with cats, and the pivotal role of motherhood in her story. Alongside René, we have returning guest and doula Jade Hillery, M.P.H., and media professional and working mom, Alem Tedeneke, M.A., who share their unique perspectives on motherhood, from the physical to the spiritual and emotional dimensions of mothering.
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and more here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
Reference image:
Cat meme on St. Gertrude (source: unknown)
About the experts:
Jade F. Hillery, MPH, CD (DTI), is a reproductive and sexual health trainer and educator, full spectrum doula, and sensual movement instructor. She works to support other trainers and educators in creating intentional learning spaces; promote healing through sensual movement; and help people tap into their own power. She is also a board member for Aaliyah in Action and a co-host of The Good Black Podcast.
Rene Ostberg is a Chicago-based writer and researcher who specializes in Catholic culture whose writing has appeared in many publications such as National Catholic Reporter and Encyclopaedia Britannica. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in library and information science. 
Alem Tedeneke, M.A. holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University and works for a large international organization in the social impact space. She can be followed on Twitter via @eyealem.
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research used:
Drife, J. (2002, May 1). The start of life: A history of obstetrics. Postgraduate Medical Journal. Retrieved from https://pmj.bmj.com/content/78/919/311 
Fried, J. P. (2001, March 4). Following up. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/04/nyregion/following-up.html 
Garner, G. (2021, July 20). Mother cat in recovery after heroically saving her kitten from Barn Fire. People.com. Retrieved from https://people.com/pets/mother-cat-recovery-after-saving-kitten-barn-fire/ 
Green, R. (2011, August 28). Scarlett the fire cat stray cat's devotion to kittens she carried one-by-one from fire an uplifting story of Motherly love. Spokesman.com. Retrieved from https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/dec/09/scarlett-the-fire-cat-stray-cats-devotion-to/ 
Kybele. CYBELE (Kybele) - Phrygian Goddess, Mother of the Gods. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.theoi.com/Phrygios/Kybele.html 
Leeson, J. (2022, September 27). Is your cat ready to give birth? here's what to expect on the Big Day. How to Tell When a Cat Is Ready to Give Birth, So You Can Support Your Little Mama on the Big Day. Retrieved from https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/health-care/cat-neutering-spaying/how-to-tell-when-a-cat-is-ready-to-give-birth 
Ostberg, R. M. (2021, March 17). Meet St. Gertrude, cat lady of the Catholic Church. U.S. Catholic. Retrieved from https://uscatholic.org/articles/202003/how-st-gertrude-of-nivelles-became-the-cat-lady-of-the-catholic-church/ 
Small, M. F. (2023, April 12). The biology of . . . morning sickness. Discover Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/the-biology-of-morning-sickness 
University of Edinburgh The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. (2019). Understanding feline social structure - ed.ac.uk. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/1._understanding_feline_social_structure.pdf 
Youens, R. (2021, February 17). 11 facts you should know about mommy cats. Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos. Retrieved from https://petcube.com/blog/11-fact-about-mommy-cats/ 

Did You Know the Vikings had Cats? Magic, Freya and Norse Folklore

All aboard 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. In this episode, we'll be delving into the relationship between Vikings and cats, with insights from leading experts in archaeology, folklore, and historical research.
The team welcome archaeologist Brenda Prehal, Ph.D., who shares her knowledge of Viking settlements and the discovery of cat remains in their homes. Norse folklore leading expert Terry Gunnell, Ph.D., also provides insights into the role of cats in Viking mythology and culture. And historical research and writer Molly Dowdeswell sheds light on the everyday lives of Vikings and their furry companions.
Join us as we uncover the softer side of the Vikings and their love for cats, in this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats.
Special thanks to Laurie Friedriksen of Scandinavia House.
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and more here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
About the experts:
Molly Dowdeswell, M.A., received her master's degree in early modern history from the University of Birmingham. Her research and writing has appeared in publications such as The Collector, Rural Historia and Ancient Origins.  
Terry Gunnell, Ph.D., is a professor of folkloristics at the University of Iceland. Gunnell is a leading published expert on Norse folklore and history and has served as a consultant for films such as The Northman.
Brenda Prehal, Ph.D., M.A., M.Phil, is the Head of Archaeology at Skagafjörður Heritage Museum in Iceland. She received her doctorate degree in anthropology and archaeology at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, NY.
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research used:
Dowdeswell, M. (2023, January 7). The story, symbols and powers of Freya, the Norse Goddess of Love. Ancient Origins Reconstructing the story of humanity's past. Retrieved from https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/freya-norse-goddess-0017280 
Edda to English: Translations of the prose edda. Mimisbrunnr.info: Developments in Ancient Germanic Studies. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/edda-to-english 
Grundy, Stephan (1998). "Freyja and Frigg". In Billington, Sandra; Green, Miranda (eds.). The Concept of the Goddess. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-19789-9.
Hilson, M. (2019, February 25). The Nordic region. Aarhus University. Retrieved from https://nordics.info/show/artikel/the-nordic-region. 
Mark, J. J. (2023, April 23). Norse pets in the Viking Age. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1313/norse-pets-in-the-viking-age. 
Richards, James (1999). ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing and Caring for Your Pet. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. pp. 128–129. ISBN 978-0-8118-1929-9.
Universal pictures. (2022). The Northman. Roma
 Wikimedia Foundation. (2023). Friday. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday 

Community CATalysts: Kosovans Caring for Their Animal Survivors

In this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast, the team heads to Eastern Europe to understand ways young nations are building inclusive communities that value not only humans, but also felines, canines, and other animals.
Listen in as Ares Shporta, a cultural leader in Prizren, describes the history of Kosovo and why efforts to restore the Lumbardhi Theatre to its post-war condition has fostered a community where all neighbors – human and animal – are welcome. Filmmaker Kaltrina Krasniqi shares how her passion for caring for stray and abandoned animals led to the creation of Pristina’s most popular bookstore-café, Dit’ e Nat’, and its most beloved feline resident. Meanwhile, animal rights legal activist Elza Ramadani discusses the strides she and her colleagues at Animal Rights Foundation Kosovo (ARF) have made to ensure that animals are recognized as valuable members of the community in Kosovo, Europe's youngest nation.
Learn a bit more about the history of this young nation through an inspiring exploration of how feline advocacy and animal welfare are making a positive impact on communities in Kosovo and beyond.
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
Featured voices:
Kaltrina Krasniqi is a Kosovan storyteller and director whose film, Vera Dreams of the Sea, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021 has since received international acclaim. She co-owns Pristina’s Dit’ e Nat’ bookstore-cafe (Instagram: @ditenatcafebookshop) and founded Oral History Kosovo and Vera Films, her film production company.
Elza Ramadani is the founder of Kosovo’s Fondacioni për të Drejtat e Kafshëve në Kosovë / Fondacija za prava životinja Kosovo / Animal Rights Foundation Kosovo - ARF), which was founded in 2018 to  improve animal welfare, focusing on the legislative aspects of protecting and promoting animal rights. 
Ares Shporta is the executive director of Prizren, Kosovo’s Lumbardhi Foundation, which oversees the historic Lumbardhi Theatre. Through its programs, it aims to create civic spaces for research, experimentation and collective learning. 
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research cited:
BBC. (2023, January 23). Kosovo profile. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18328859 
History of the ASPCA. ASPCA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/about-us/history-of-the-aspca 
Pet ownership statistics in 2023 | the zebra. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/pet-ownership-statistics/ 

5 Ways to Say ”I Love Mew”: Using the 5 Love Languages…With Your Cat?

Do our cats really love being held and loved and squeezed and kissed? Find out in this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast.  With the help of two certified cat behaviorists and a reproduction and sexuality educator, we apply a popular contemporary human psychology construct to investigate how cats experience, and express, affection and love.
Feline training and behavior pro Jennifer van de Kieft offers insights into how cats communicate their feelings and preferences, while reproductive and sexual health educator Jade F. Hillery, M.P.H., provides context for the five love languages. To round out the conversation, cat cognition researcher Kristyn Vitale, Ph.D., weighs in on what the media gets right - and wrong - about cats' affection for humans. 
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
About the experts:
Jade F. Hillery, MPH, CD (DTI), is a reproductive and sexual health trainer and educator, full spectrum doula, and sensual movement instructor. She works to support other trainers and educators in creating intentional learning spaces; promote healing through sensual movement; and help people tap into their own power. She is also a board member for Aaliyah in Action and a co-host of The Good Black Podcast.
Jennifer van de Kieft is a Certified Advanced Feline Training and Behavior Professional and Pet Nutrition Coach. She is experienced in science driven strategies and solutions to address problem behavior and is the owner of Cat Advocate LLC.
Kristyn Vitale, Ph.D., is the founder of Maueyes and star of Netflix’s hit feature film, “The Mind of a Cat”. Her innovative research on cat behavior and human-animal interaction has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and been covered by such international publications as Science, National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Times of London. 
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research cited:
Chapman, G. D. (2010). The five love languages. Walker Large Print.
Gupta, A. H., & Mazón, L. (2022, August 27). The Sixth Love Language does not exist. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/27/well/family/love-languages-author.html 
Peterson, E. (2013, March 29). Why do cats bring home dead animals? LiveScience. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/34471-cats-dead-animals.html 

Cats vs Cupid: Why Cats are the Better Valentine’s Day Mascot

Be our Valentine! In this episode of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast - well - we’ve always known that cats are cuter than babies, wings or not. But! Did you know that cats are actually symbols of love for many ancient cultures? Well, some call it love. Listen on!
In this episode, host Amanda B. interviews Sterling “Trapking” Davis of Trapking Humane Cat Solutions, Amy No of Brooklyn's The 5 Kittens Rescues, and Danielle Mackay, a classics lecturer and writer at Rhodes University.
Join us as we explore the question of just how fertile cats are, and take a journey back in time to ancient Egypt and Greece to discover why cats have a stronger claim to being Valentine's Day mascots than the traditional figure of Cupid - and how felis catus deserves a bigger place in our hearts and minds.
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and learn about way$ to help keep this ship afloat for our next season here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
About the experts:
Sterling "TrapKing" Davis is an Atlanta, GA-based trap hip hop musician, community organizer and educator on feline trap-neuter-rescue. Davis and his team consult across the continental U.S. to provide sustainable, humane solutions for feral cat population control from a positive, collaborative and community-centered approach (trapkinghumane.org).
Danielle Mackay, M.A., of Rhodes University (South Africa) is a classics lecturer, researcher and writer.
Amy No is the founder of The 5 Kittens Rescues, a trap-neuter-return activist and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. Learn more about her organization and their work at https://the5kittensrescues.com.
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research cited:

Felton, D. (2023, February 8). Don't underestimate Cupid – he's not the chubby cherub you associate with Valentine's day. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/dont-underestimate-cupid-hes-not-the-chubby-cherub-you-associate-with-valentines-day-197735 
Krznaric, R. (2023, February 13). Love like a greek: The six types of Love. GreekReporter.com. Retrieved from https://greekreporter.com/2022/10/10/six-types-love-ancient-greece/ 
Mackay, D. (2022, September 2). Vengeful, virgin, huntress: The Greek goddess Artemis. TheCollector. Retrieved from http://www.thecollector.com/artemis-greek-goddess/
Mackay, D. (2021, February 15). The ancient festivals of dionysus in athens: 'euhoi bacchoi'. TheCollector. Retrieved from https://www.thecollector.com/festival-of-dionysus/ 
Ovid, 43 B.C.-17 A.D. or 18 A.D. (1914). Ovid's Metamorphoses. Translated by Evelyn-White, H G. Loeb Classical Library Volume 57. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd.

Cats Are the Consummate Domesticate: Origins and Evolution of Our Feline Friends [Pilot]

Welcome to 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 (and only) cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. From a playful yet rigorously researched angle, join host Amanda B. and her team as we explore the fascinating world of felines and their connections to history, culture, and more. Starting with the question: ARE CATS ACTUALLY DOMESTICATED?
In our first episode, renowned anthro archaeologist Melinda Zeder, Ph.D., and Netflix star animal cognition expert Kristyn Vitale, Ph.D. educate and correct understandings of our little haus panthers.
With their help, discover the true definition of domestication and the possible regions where domestic cats may have originated. And correct common misconceptions about cat behavior and intelligence, helping us understand domestication behaviors and their implications on (cat)titude!
Join us as we journey across time and regions to appreciate how cats are THE consummate domesticate.
Special thanks to Christina Choi, Graham Griffith, Rekha Murthy, Natalie Tulloch and Jane Zumwalt.
Support the podcast, sign up for The Captain’s Log, the companion podcast newsletter and more here: linktr.ee/6degreesofcats.
About the experts:
Kristyn Vitale, Ph.D. is the founder of Maueyes and star of Netflix’s hit feature film, “The Mind of a Cat”. Her innovative research on cat behavior and human-animal interaction has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and been covered by such international publications as Science, National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Times of London. 
Melinda A. Zeder, Ph.D. is an American archaeologist and Curator Emeritus in the Department of Anthropology of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Her zooarchaeological research has revolutionized understandings of animal domestication.
Producer, writer, editor, sound designer, host, basically everything*
Captain Kitty (Amanda B.)
* with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles
Animal voices include:
Binky & Snuggles _^..^_
Opening and closing credits:
Leathered: "Look Alive" (c) 2022
Samples licensed via Loopcloud
Additional sound effects from Pixabay.com
Logo design:
Edward Anthony © 2024 (Instagram: @itsmyunzii)
Research used:
Nilson, S.M., Gandolfi, B., Grahn, R.A. et al. Genetics of randomly bred cats support the cradle of cat domestication being in the Near East. Heredity 129, 346–355 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-022-00568-4
Zeder, M.A. (1982). The Domestication of Animals. Journal of Anthropological Research 9(4):321-327. DOI:10.1080/00988157.1982.9977605

[Trailer] Introducing 6 Degrees of Cats - a podcast about how cats have influenced humankind

6 Degrees of Cats is a new podcast exploring the surprising intersections between feline and humankind across cultures and history hosted by lifelong cat custodian Captain Kitty, aka Amanda B.
Please follow @6DegreesofCats on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, sign up for the mailing list at linktr.ee/6degreesofcats and encourage any folks in your communities who would be into this kind of podcast to do the same!
謝謝, gracias, 감사합니다. धन्यवाद, merci beaucoup, ありがとう, dziękuję, asante, شكرا لكم, danke schön, thank you so much...
_^..^_
Credits -Host / Writer / Audio / Production / Editor: Amanda B. (with co-executive producers Binky & Snuggles)
Featured guests:Kristyn Vitale, PhD (cat behaviorist; www.maueyes.com)Sterling "Trap King" Davis (community activist and TNR professional; www.trapkinghumane.org)Keisuke Yamada, PhD (ethnomusicologist; www.researchgate.net/project/Ecolog…hamisen-Making)
Featured voices:Josephine (Kiswahili)Edward (Tagalog)Neslie (Korean)Sina (Persian)Yours truly (Japanese)Rita (Spanish/Portuguese)Conor (baby English)Snuggles (meow)Binky (purring)
Featured tracks:Break it Down - Leathered Look Alive - Leathered Spring Song - Mendelssohn