The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Researchers in Maryland have discovered that outdoor cats are responsible for spreading a parasite that is possibly linked to brain infections and loss of cognitive function. We hear details of the new study from its co-author, Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, executive director of the Stanley Medical Research Institute in Chevy Chase, Md. We also speak with Allison Cardona of the ASPCA about the organization’s new animal hoarder and intervention program. Music: “Kari” by Bob James and Earl Klugh

Dr. Gary Weitzman counsels a Delaware man whose cat has become inexplicably underweight. A woman in the nation’s capital has just moved her feline’s feeding station and litter box to a new location and wants advice on helping the animal adjust to the venue change. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Mack the Knife” by Louis Armstrong

Honey bees are dying by the billions, and some say they are on the brink of extinction. Scientists aren’t sure why. And because the insect is responsible for pollinating the plants that make up nearly a third of our diet, severe economic and environmental implications are looming. The global effort to address the problem includes a plan to repopulate the species. To learn more about this, we speak with Brandon Hopkins, a Washington State University researcher who is working on the revolutionary project. German filmmaker Markus Imhoof unveils his new documentary "More Than Honey," which gives viewers an unprecedented look into the lives of honey bees in their natural habitat and as they interact with humans around the world. Music: “Flight of the Bumblebee” by Wynton Marsalis and the Eastman Wind Ensemble

Dr. Gary Weitzman of The San Diego Humane Society has a solution Washington, D.C., dog’s fabric obsession. A Maryland woman discovered her pit bull has a heart condition and is seeking ways to keep the dog safe and healthy. We also hear BirdNote, our weekly journal of avian species. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit

A rash of encounters with alligators in public areas of New York State - 20 in the past 5 months - has wildlife officials concerned and looking for explanations. We speak with Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County SPCA for his assessment. We also find out how author and animal behavior expert Mieshelle Nagelschneider earned her nickname “The Cat Whisperer", which is also the title of the new book she co-wrote with Cameron Powell. Music: “Kari” by Bob James and Earl Klugh; "Paru River" by Uakti; "Half Life" by Imogen Heap read more

A Virginia woman asks Dr. Weitzman for his view on the question of indoor cats and rabies vaccination. A California man needs help convincing his dog to use a “potty patch." And a Maryland cat is creating a carpet crisis, and its human companions are desperate for a solution. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Will You Be There” (from “Free Willy: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”) by Michael Jackson

Documentarian Gabriela Cowperthwaite discusses her new film, "Blackfish," which concerns the story of Tilikum, a 12,000 pound, 22 foot orca living in captivity at Sea World in Orlando, Fla. The marine mammal has been involved in the deaths of three people, including Dawn Brancheau (pictured), a trainer who was drowned while working with Tilikum in 2010. The Magnolia Pictures/CNN Films release will be in theaters this summer. Also, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, offers thoughts on the recent proposal to add chimpanzees to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Music: “Snowbird Fantasy” by Bob James

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society advises a Virginia woman who is planning to fly with her pooch. A Maryland family returned from vacation to find their Cockatiel had developed strange feeding habits. Exotic animal vet Dr. Scott Stahl assists Weitzman in the search for an explanation. And a San Diego woman is concerned about her dog’s exposure to pesticide. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit

The San Antonio Zoo was the site of a rare wildlife event recently when a two-headed Texas river cooter turtle hatched on June 18. We hear the details from the zoo’s reptile curator Craig Pelke. We also spend a few minutes discussing new trends in animal rescue, with the man widely regarded as the "father of the no-kill animal shelter movement” Rich Avanzino. Music: “Kari” by Bob James and Earl Klugh; “Happy Together” by The Turtles

Dr. Gary Weitzman offers advice to a Virginia woman who wants to take the matter of neighborhood cat overpopulation into her own hands -- literally. Meanwhile, a Maryland woman seeks help redirecting a cat that likes to bring its live prey home for supper. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Glory Days” by Mark Isham

Robbie Harris of Radio IQ in Virginia has a story about the increased use of alternative treatments for pets. We speak with Dr. Ashley Morgan of the American Veterinary Medicine Association about pending legislation that could significantly affect the practices of mobile veterinarians. We also hear The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Tsing-Loh. Music: “Home” by Pat Metheny

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society is joined by Dr. Nicholas Dodman (pictured), director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University, in the counseling of a Virginia woman who wants to send her 15-year-old dog overseas with a friend. Also, a Mississippi woman wants to know the best course of treatment for a 9-year-old rescue cat that is showing signs of serious illness. We also feature BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit

Recently, the cat advocacy organization Alley Cat Allies collected 55,000 signatures to protest the release of a Smithsonian-commissioned study that blames feral and free roaming cats for the deaths of tens of billions of birds and mammals. We joined ACA president Becky Robinson as she and members of her staff delivered the petition to Smithsonian headquarters in Washington, D.C. There is a strong possibility that chimpanzees will be added to the U.S. Endangered Species List, thanks to a new proposal by The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department. Sam Litzinger discusses the implications with chimp expert Stacy Lopresti-Goodman, an assistant professor of psychology at Marymount University in Virginia. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman offers a possible diagnosis for a Washington, D.C., canine’s troubling condition. A San Diego man wants to cut back on the amount of cat litter he’s uses but he’s worried about adverse effects. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Fireflies” by Owl City

Any entomologist will tell you that there is more to an insect than meets the eyes. And there’s no better place to get a complete view of the arthropod world than the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Zoo. We take a tour of both with manager Dan Babbit. We also hear of new scientific developments concerning ants from Sandra Tsing-Loh and The Loh Down on Science.