Welcome to Felinésse!
Felinésse is a science-forward podcast featuring conversations with women pioneers in feline health, behavior, advocacy, and ethical innovation created for curious, thoughtful cat parents seeking deeper understanding of their cats’ wellbeing.
Watch the Latest Episode
In this episode, Melissa Mezzalira speaks with Jackie Ott Jaakola, President & CEO of the EveryCat Health Foundation, about the importance of feline research and how scientific discoveries have transformed the lives of cats.
Together, they discuss why cats need research of their own, the breakthroughs that have advanced feline medicine, how research strengthens the human-animal bond, and why investing in feline health today creates a better future for generations of cats.
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Previous Episodes
Bringing Home a New Cat? What Every Cat Parent Should Know
With Rachel Geller, Ed.D
Recognizing Mobility Changes in Cats
With Dr. Wendy Simpson, DVM
Cats Help Us Heal And Support Us During Serious Illness
With Dr. Lori Kogan, PhD and Dr. Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, PhD
Do Cats Really Love Us? The Science Behind the Human-Cat Bond
With Dr. Kristyn Vitale, CAAB
Cat Parent Guilt: The Feelings No One Talks About
With Dr. Lori Kogan, PhD
Are Cats the New Children? The Rise of Pet Parenting
With Dr. Shelly Volsche, PhD, CPDT-KA, FFCP
The Feline Microbiome: Why It Changes Everything
With Dr. Holly Ganz, PhD
Leaky Gut in Cats Explained
With Dr. Odette Suter, DVM
Declawing: What Cat Parents Need to Know
With Dr. Jennifer Conrad, DVM
From Hidden Toxins to Holistic Healing for Cats
With Julie Anne Lee, DCH RCSHom
Why Felinésse?
The name Felinésse is inspired by Italian words ending in “-esse,” such as dottoresse or professoresse, signifying women with knowledge, expertise and leadership.
The sound of the word also recalls lioness, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and community. Just as a lioness protects and guides her pride, Felinésse honors women making a difference in the lives of cats and the people who care for them.
About Your Host
Melissa Mezzalira is the founder of CatsEssentials, a brand dedicated to creating toxin-free, organic cat beds that improve feline comfort and well-being. Born and raised in Italy, she brings a passion for design, craftsmanship, and healthy living into everything she creates, with cats always at the heart of her mission.
Through Felinésse, Melissa combines her love for cats with her passion for amplifying women’s voices, opening the mic to leaders and innovators who are shaping a healthier future for cats, people, and the planet.
“Cats are not just pets, they’re family, teachers, and healers. Felinésse is about giving them, and the women making a difference in their world, the spotlight they deserve.”