Moggie:

Hi Dr. Mansum! Thanks for chatting with us today. To start, can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to become a vet and where your passion for cats comes from?

Dr. Mansum:

Sure! My passion for animals really began with dogs. My uncle rescued two dogs when I was a teenager, and I just fell in love with them. I thought, "I want to work with animals every day!" After vet school, I planned to get a dog, but then Boo, my cat, showed up at work, and it was love at first sight. He really showed me how lovable cats can be!

Moggie:

That’s such a sweet story! Now that Boo’s in your life, what drew you to test Moggie with him?

Dr. Mansum:

Well, I believe technology should help us live healthier lives—so why not use it to help our pets too? I’m busy like everyone else, and sometimes it's easy to overlook things, like if Boo’s not getting enough playtime. But with Moggie, I can actually see the data, like minutes of activity, and it’s a wake-up call.

Moggie:

Absolutely. Technology really does make it easier to keep track of those details. Speaking of details, you’re also releasing a book! What inspired The Ins and Outs of Cat Carriers?

Dr. Mansum:

Yes! Since I graduated vet school in 2010, I’ve seen so many cat owners and even vet staff struggle with cat carriers. Sometimes sick or injured cats miss appointments just because they can’t be transported safely. I wanted to provide guidance on making carriers a less stressful experience for both cats and their owners.

Moggie:

That’s such a valuable resource! Do you have a key takeaway for cat owners from your book?

Dr. Mansum:

Definitely. I always tell people to leave the carrier out at home, so the cat can get used to it. If it’s only ever brought out right before a vet visit, the cat will associate it with stress. But if it’s a familiar sight, they’ll be much more relaxed about going into it.

Moggie:

That makes so much sense. What about choosing a carrier—any tips?

Dr. Mansum:

Size is crucial. Your cat needs enough space to turn around comfortably. And don’t forget to check the carrier after each use! I’ve seen so many cats sitting in old pee from previous trips. A quick check can make a world of difference.

Moggie:

That’s a great point. Are there any other common mistakes you see people make with carriers?

Dr. Mansum:

Yes, rusty screws and broken parts! I’ve seen some carriers where the screws have rusted so badly that it’s impossible to take them apart. Missing or broken pieces can also create safety risks, so it’s best to inspect carriers regularly.

Moggie:

So true! Switching gears a bit, what advice would you give to new cat owners about carrier training and travel?

Dr. Mansum:

Use a high-value treat or favorite toy that’s exclusive to travel and carrier time. You want the experience to be as positive as possible, so offering a reward your cat loves can help make them feel more comfortable.

Moggie:

That’s great advice. Looking ahead, how do you see Moggie evolving to support cat owners?

Dr. Mansum:

I’d love to see Moggie track more health parameters and provide global data on cat metrics. It could become a really comprehensive tool for monitoring feline health over time.

Moggie:

We’re excited to see where things go! Before we wrap up, do you have a memorable moment with Boo that highlights the importance of a good carrier?

Dr. Mansum:

I do! Once, I couldn’t find him and got a bit worried, but then I found him grooming himself inside his backpack carrier. It’s his safe space, and that moment reminded me of the peace a good carrier can bring.