The Community Cats Podcast
The Community Cats Podcast
Our mission is to provide education, information and dialogue that will create a supportive environment empowering people to help cats in their community. *For transcripts of most shows, visit https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/podcast/.
Innovating TNR Support with the Trapper Aid Initiative Featuring Alexa Kyler, Software Developer & Cat Advocate.
"We all want to help, but without the right tools and resources, TNR can feel impossible. That’s why we need technology to bridge the gaps." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Trapping and caring for community cats comes with numerous logistical challenges—finding vet appointments, securing transportation, and funding medical care. Alexa Kyler, software developer and TNR advocate, is tackling these obstacles with the Trapper Aid Initiative, an app designed to connect trappers wi
Apr 22, • 29:21
Tackling Global Animal Welfare Challenges Featuring John Peaveler of Humane Innovations, LLC
"If you’re struggling to catch the last cat in your colony, you just haven’t figured out the right approach yet. Every cat is catchable with the right technique." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. From building Kuwait’s first progressive animal shelter to developing global disaster response programs, John Peaveler has seen it all. In this episode, John shares his journey from military veteran to animal welfare expert, discussing the challenges of handling feral dogs and cats, t
Apr 15, • 33:20
Changing Lives for Cats Around the World Featuring Karen Menczer, Founder of Animal Kind International
"You have to feel good about what you can do, even if you can’t help them all. Every small effort makes a difference.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Karen Menczer, founder of Animal Kind International, an organization that supports animal welfare groups in under-resourced communities worldwide. Karen shares her journey from passionate dog lover to global cat advocate and details the challenges and triumphs of supporting local ani
Apr 8, • 33:02
Turning the Tide for TNR: Sioux Falls’ Game-Changing Ordinance, Featuring Matt Tougas, Founder and President of Sioux Empire TNR
"We want to be the example that proves you should never give up. No matter where you are, if you keep pushing, you can make change happen." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Matt Tougas of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition back for an exciting update on the fight for trap-neuter-return (TNR) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Since his last appearance on the podcast, Matt and his coalition have made major strides—convincing city officials to
Apr 1, • 25:49
Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care
"Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that's when real change happens.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care, joins host Stacy LeBaron for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in managing unowned cat populations worldwide. With over 25 years in animal welfare, Harry has worked on everything
Mar 25, • 31:38
Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging, Featuring Hanna Lentz, the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change)
"We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. How can storytelling and messaging shape the future of animal welfare? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Hanna Lentz, executive director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change). With two decades in animal w
Mar 18, • 32:21
Fixing Feline Futures: Featuring Robin Post, RVT, of Animal Fix Clinic
"We have to stop the endless cycle. Everyone loves kittens, but the goal should be to make sure they were never born into suffering in the first place." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Robin Post, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and the 2023 recipient of the Linda Markland Outstanding RVT of the Year Award. With a career spanning shelter medicine, spay/neuter clinics, and fieldwor
Mar 11, • 44:45
Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care, Featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
"Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you're going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. How can we ensure the next generation of veterinarians is equipped to handle the unique challenges of community cats? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Vete
Mar 4, • 26:17
Tag! You’re Home! Simplifying Successful Reunification, Featuring Nina Stively, Director of Loudon County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, DVM
"Over 80% of the tagged cats didn’t need to come into the shelter at all. This simple tool is keeping cats in their communities where they belong." – Dr. Amy Dalrymple This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. What if a simple collar could help keep community cats out of shelters and reunite them with their families? In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Nina Stively, Director of Loudoun County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, veterinarian a
Feb 25, • 23:57
Fixing the Future: The Movement to Increase Spay/Neuter Access, Featuring Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance
“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. For our 600th episode, we’re looking ahead to the future of feline welfare with Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance. Spay/neuter is the most effective way to reduce cat overpopulation, yet many communit
Feb 18, • 42:48
The Science Behind FIP: Every Cat Health Foundation’s Mission to Save Lives featuring Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM, Veterinary Science Program Manager at Every Cat Health Foundation, and Vicki Fisher, Immediate Past President
“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacey LeBaron sits down with Dr. Maggie Placer and Vickie Fisher from the Every Cat Health Foundation to explore groundbreaking research aimed at improving feline health. Dr. Placer, a dedicated veteri
Feb 11, • 33:44
Creating Community Connections with TNR Advocacy and Cat-Friendly Business Models, featuring Jenna Carr from Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith from Tipped Ears.
“Fixing a colony is more than just spaying and neutering; it’s about creating healthier, happier lives for cats and fostering trust within the community.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Jenna Carr of Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith of Tipped Ears about innovative approaches to helping community cats. Jenna shares how Cool Cat Collective, a unique cat-themed boutique and art gallery in Long Beach
Feb 4, • 32:11
Declawing: The Cruel Practice Hiding in Plain Sight featuring Dr. Jennifer Conrad, Founder, The Paw Project
“Empathy must guide us—if we truly feel for our feline friends, declawing wouldn’t exist.” Declawing might sound harmless, but what if it’s one of the most misunderstood and harmful practices affecting cats today? In this powerful conversation, Stacy LeBaron chats with Dr. Jennifer Conrad, the trailblazing veterinarian behind The Paw Project, an organization on a mission to stop declawing for good. Dr. Conrad unravels the dark history of declawing, explaining why it’s less about trimming claws a
Jan 28, • 28:03
The Future of Non-Surgical Sterilization and Its Path to Ending Pet Homelessness, Featuring Gary Evans, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D)
"The fatality rate for kittens is appalling, and the goal is to reduce their suffering while ensuring healthier, happier lives for the cats that remain.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Join us this week for an enlightening conversation as Stacy LeBaron sits down with Gary Evans, the visionary President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D). Together, they explore groundbreaking advancements in non-surgical sterilization and their potential to transform h
Jan 21, • 30:02
Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 2, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats
"Every challenge in colony care has a solution. Whether it's predators, pests, or even harsh winters, the key is preparation and creativity." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Get ready to take your colony caretaking skills to the next level in part two of our action-packed webinar series! Bryan Kortis tackles the biggest challenges faced by community cat caretakers, from crafting winter shelters to battling pests and promoting feline health. Discover creative solutions to comm
Jan 14, • 28:59
Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 1, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats
"Community cats are creatures of habit. By feeding them on a routine schedule, you're not just meeting their needs—you’re building trust and making caretaking easier for everyone." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Welcome to part one of our two-part series on colony caretaking, where we uncover the secrets to thriving community cat colonies! Join Susan Richmond and Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats as they share game-changing strategies to create strong bonds with community
Jan 7, • 57:38
Strategic Planning for Community Cats and Their Caregivers in 2025, Featuring Stacy LeBaron, Founder & Host of The Community Cats Podcast, with Mike Phillips, of Urban Cat League
"My job is to figure out ways to get cats fixed. It's about strategy, collaboration, and making humane care accessible to every community." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this reflective and forward-thinking episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron takes center stage, offering listeners an intimate look at her mission and the exciting plans for 2025. Joined by Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League, Stacy discusses her journey of nearly three decades in animal
Dec 31, 2024 • 44:08
From Dairy Farms to DIY: A Look Back at 2024 and a Sneak Peek into 2025 with Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby at The Community Cats Podcast
"Pick that project you've been dreaming of and dive in—you'll be amazed by what you can accomplish for your community's cats!" This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the Community Cats Podcast with Kristen Petrie, our behind-the-scenes "Technical Tabby." Join host Stacy LeBaron as they dive into the highlights of a year filled with innovative ideas, cross-country adventures, and practical solutions for cat advocacy. From groundbreaking tr
Dec 24, 2024 • 33:34
Piecing Together the Cat Overpopulation Puzzle, with Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats, International Cat Care
“Trap-neuter-return is one piece of the puzzle. When it’s part of a strategic cat population management program, TNR becomes a powerful tool for addressing feline overpopulation.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. How do we piece together the puzzle of cat overpopulation? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron chats with Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats at International Cat Care, about innovative strategies to address this global challenge. Drawing on dec
Dec 17, 2024 • 32:44
How Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Programs Protect Cats and Communities: With Dr. Bob Weedon, Medical Director and Surgeon, Animal Rescue Coalition
“By creating this barrier to rabies between wildlife, pets, and people, it’s not just about the well-being of the cats—it’s about the well-being of the community.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Dr. Bob Weedon, an expert in veterinary public health and a leading advocate for Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs. Dr. Weedon shares ins
Dec 10, 2024 • 35:43
How Meals on Wheels is Keeping People and Their Pets Together with Morgan Hultquist, Senior Manager of Strategy & Impact, Meals on Wheels, and Dan Capone, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels South Texas
“97 percent of Meals on Wheels clients say that this type of programming does help them keep their pets. So it is really impactful and we’re so grateful for that.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode, Stacy LeBaron dives into the inspiring intersection of pet welfare and human services with Morgan Hulquist of Meals on Wheels America and Dan Capone of Meals on Wheels South Texas. They discuss the groundbreaking Meals on Wheels Loves Pets
Dec 3, 2024 • 31:58
Building a Safe Haven for Working Cats with Mary Scott, Director of the Working Cats Program, ASAP Cats
"Working cat programs historically have been programs of last resort... I like to think of the working cats program as really going beyond that, where every cat has the possibility of a live outcome…” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode filled with insight and inspiration, Stacy LeBaron, host of The Community Cats Podcast, sits down with Mary Scott, a dedicated animal advocate with over 15 years in the field o
Nov 19, 2024 • 34:03
Trap, Neuter, Write? Unraveling the Mystery of TNVR with Sharon Marchisello, Board Member, Fayette Humane Society
“Trap-Neuter-Return isn’t just a method; it’s a mission to bring community, compassion, and a little mystery into the world of cats.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with animal advocate and mystery author Sharon Marchisello. Sharon’s lifelong passion for cats began early, sparking a journey that would lead her to volunteer work, board membership at the Fayette Humane Society
Nov 19, 2024 • 25:13
Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. If you missed Part 1 of this episode click here to listen now! In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent live webinar, we'll Explore Return-to-Field (RTF) programs for community cats with Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats. With years of experience ma
Nov 12, 2024 • 50:36
Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent live webinar, we'll Explore Return-to-Field (RTF) programs for community cats with Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats. With years of experience managing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, Kortis and his wife,
Nov 5, 2024 • 44:40
Matt the Cat Guy Took Up a TNR Torch in South Dakota and He’s Not Stopping with Matt Tougas Founder and President, Sioux Empire TNR
"I didn’t want to start another rescue that was going to fill up." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Matt Tougas, also known as "Matt the Cat Guy," founder of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition in southeastern South Dakota. Matt shares his unexpected journey from fostering wiener dogs to becoming a fierce advocate for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, despite ongoing legal hurd
Oct 29, 2024 • 26:01
From Fearful to Fearless and the Push to Protect Canada’s Cats with Natalia Hanson, Marketing & Communications Consultant Humane Canada
"Shelters across the country are in crisis… sometimes keeping a pet at home where they're loved and safe is as simple as providing them with a bowl of food.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund. In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Natalia Hansen, Marketing Coordinator for the Humane Canada Summit for Animals. Natalia shares her journey from being unsure of cats to becoming a self-professed "cat lady," all while playing a pivotal
Oct 22, 2024 • 25:15
Taking Rescue to New Heights with Michael Schneider, Founder of Pilots to the Rescue
"Giving back is way more powerful than receiving. The benefits are tenfold, and they come back to you in ways you can’t explain." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this inspiring episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue, a pioneering nonprofit that merges his love for aviation with his dedication to saving animals. Michael shares the remarkable journey that led him
Oct 15, 2024 • 29:36
A Reproductive Revolution: Reframing TNR in Urban Landscapes with Katja M. Guenther, Professor at the University of California, Riverside
"The reproductive justice framework is really useful for thinking about community cats and TNR because it opens us up to engaging with the lives of the cats both personally and before sterilization, but also afterwards." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps. In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Katja Gunther, a professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside, and an avid animal rights advocate. Katyja’s research delves into
Oct 8, 2024 • 33:04
3500 Cats and Counting: A Two-Woman TNR Success Story with Dr. Christine Monroe, Owner/Veterinarian & Rhonda Shaffer, Assistant/Trapper, Spay + Neuter Northwest
"We will not spay and neuter ourselves out of the problem...the education is the lasting part of it, and that will go from person to person." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy interviews Dr. Christine Monroe, a seasoned veterinarian, and Rhonda Shaffer, a dedicated trapper from Spay Neuter Northwest. Together, this two-woman team has enormously impacted feral cat populations in Whatcom County, pioneering in
Oct 1, 2024 • 36:45
Mastering the Drop Trap: Essential Skills for Feline Trapping - Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
“When you’re down to the last few cats and time is running out, the drop trap can be your saving grace.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker app. In the second part of this special webinar series, Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats dives deeper into the complexities of drop trap techniques. Exploring the advanced applications of drop traps, including the innovative auto drop trap system developed by Neighborhood Cats, you will get all the insights of their
Sep 24, 2024 • 40:44
Mastering the Drop Trap: Essential Skills for Feline Trapping - Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
"The drop trap is the most humane and effective way to trap those hard-to-catch cats, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Acatemy, and Tomahawk Traps. Join Bryan Kortis and Suzi Richmond from Neighborhood Cats for a special broadcast of two-part webinar on the drop trap. Bryan and Suzi, a dynamic duo known for their deep expertise in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and community cat management, share their
Sep 17, 2024 • 38:00
Mastering Feline Behavior and Enrichment, with Ingrid Johnson, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Fundamentally Feline
“Don’t underestimate your cats. Elevate your expectations of them, and you’ll be amazed at what they can achieve.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and The Acatemy . What if your cat’s behavior problems could be solved with just a few simple changes to their environment? Today, we're speaking with Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior consultant and the innovative mind behind Fundamentally Feline. Ingrid's expertise in feline behavior and environmental enrichment has helped
Sep 10, 2024 • 29:44
Are Cats the Underdogs in Municipal Politics with Stuart Kroll, Animal Rights Advocate, Port Washington, Long Island
"Our goal is to put as much public pressure on the town representatives as possible and to spread as much awareness as we can, because the more people that are aware of the problem, the more people are going to ask the town to do something about it." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps. Are you ready to be inspired by a relentless advocate for feline welfare? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Stuart Kroll, a passionate
Sep 3, 2024 • 26:25
Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
"Collaboration between animal welfare groups and local governments is the key to creating sustainable, humane community cat programs that work for everyone.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Keeping People and Pets Together Pet Food Pantry, and Tomahawk Traps. In the second half of this enlightening two-part webinar series, Stacy LeBaron is once again joined by TNR experts Susie Richmond and Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats. In this episode, Brian details the complexiti
Aug 27, 2024 • 39:33
Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
"Understanding the environment and how we approach the ecosystem with community cats is essential, not just for the cats but for the overall health of the communities they inhabit." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, Humane Canada, and The Keeping People and Pets Together Pet Food Pantry. In this first installment of a special two-part webinar series, Stacy LeBaron dives deep into the world of Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) with Bryan Kortis, the TNR dynamo from Neighborhood
Aug 20, 2024 • 48:43
Improving the Lives of Cats Through Logistics and Legislation with Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst for Cat Protection and Policy, HSUS
“Think about all the things that cats go through…they’re smart, they’re clever and we can learn from them.” Are you curious about the evolving landscape of community cat welfare in the United States? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron sits down with Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst for Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States. With more than 20 years of experience, Danielle shares her view on the current state of community cat programs, the chal
Aug 13, 2024 • 26:41
Creative Solutions for Rural Cats in Canada with Dr. Savannah Howse, Veterinarian and RJ Bailot, Executive Director, Canadian Animal Task Force
“The community building aspect of this is so key…that interconnectedness is really what allows us to have the impact that we do.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, the Keeping People and Pets Together Pet Food Pantry, and Tomahawk Traps. Rural areas present pronounced challenges in community cat welfare, especially in times of veterinary and resource shortages. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Savannah Howes, a dedicated veterinarian from Alberta, a
Aug 6, 2024 • 26:32
Connecting with Cats to Bridge the Communication Gap with Nancy Mello, Animal Communicator and Evidential Medium
"Animals were my friends, and even before I had words for it, they understood me and gave me comfort and love in a way that I didn't feel in my life, in my family.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Tomahawk Traps. Have you ever wondered if you could understand what your cat is thinking or feeling? In this moving episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Nancy Mello, an animal communicator and psychic from Mystic, Con
Jul 30, 2024 • 27:31
Enhancing Feline Welfare in the Community and Shelters through Behavior Insights and Socialization Techniques with Dot Baisly, Executive Director, IAABC
"Understanding a cat's socialization history can be the key to determining the best outcome for community cats in shelters." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Tomahawk Traps. Join us for an insightful conversation with Dot Baisly, a certified behavior consultant with a rich background in animal welfare. Dot shares her story of growing up with cats and how her experiences led her to a career in feline behavior. With roles at IAABC and various shelte
Jul 23, 2024 • 28:07
Collaboration is Curbing the Cat Population in Fresno with Brandi Sherman, Co-Founder, Fresno TNR
“We were trying to rescue our way out, which is never going to happen.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Tomahawk Traps. Step into the world of Brandi Sherman as she shares her remarkable journey from a rural upbringing surrounded by vulnerable cats to leading Fresno TNR— an initiative dedicated to controlling and caring for community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return. In this episode, Brandy reveals how her childhood observations of animal hardshi
Jul 16, 2024 • 29:05
Catalyzing Change in Community Cat Care with Dawn Benefiel, Executive Director, Indy Neighborhood Cats
“Without dreaming big and showing people what we think is needed, we’ll never get that dial changed and we need that to change mightily.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Tomahawk Traps. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dawn Benefiel, founder of Indy Neighborhood Cats, as she shares her journey from encountering stray kittens to orchestrating an essential shift in community cat management. This episode delves into how Dawn's initial a
Jul 9, 2024 • 23:56
From Advertising to Advocacy with Tracy Dean, Director of Community Cats of Reno
“Everybody that I speak with, I just emphasize that we are the answer. We are the solution and they need to be part of the solution.” Episode #567 When Tracy Dean left her advertising career to dedicate herself to the welfare of community cats in Reno, she embarked on an unexpected and redefining journey. This episode is not merely a conversation; it is a vivid narrative about Tracy's profound engagement with the world of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and her leadership at Community Cats of Reno. He
Jul 2, 2024 • 23:51
Welcome to The Community Cats Podcast
Our mission is to provide education, information and dialogue that will create a supportive environment empowering people to help cats in their community.
Jun 28, 2024 • 1:23
566: Trappers' Tips and Tricks, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
How can you outsmart even the wariest of community cats? Join us for the second part of our conversation with expert trapper Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats, where he unveils advanced strategies for trapping elusive felines. Learn the art of camouflaging traps with natural materials like burlap, and discover innovative baiting techniques using food boats and duct tape. Bryan shares his wisdom on the dowel trick for cats that step over trip plates and the value of experimenting with various b
Jun 25, 2024 • 27:09
565: Trappers Tips and Tricks, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
What if you could turn the most elusive feral cat into a successfully trapped and cared-for community member? Join Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats as he brings extensive experience to the forefront in this special two-part audio presentation. Learn effective cat trapping techniques, established feeding patterns, and the use of various traps such as roundhouse and drop traps. Get ready to explore the nuts and bolts of using the uniquely designed roundhouse trap to catch feral cats. We'll dis
Jun 18, 2024 • 45:33
564: Blending the Head and Heart to Help Animals, with Stephanie Mathers, Founder of Grants 4 Animals
Ever wondered how treating a nonprofit like a business can unlock millions in funding? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Mathers, a passionate animal welfare advocate and skilled grant writer, who has transitioned from the world of education to founding Grants for Animals. Stephanie’s journey began with the adoption of her first cat, Shakespeare, and led her to significant involvement in TNR programs in Michigan. Overcoming numerous challenges, she has since secured over $2 m
Jun 11, 2024 • 35:11
563: Nuggets of Hope, with Kim Lengling, Author and Host of the Let Fear Bounce Podcast
When Muffin, a little ball of fur with mischievous eyes, first claimed a corner of my heart, I never imagined where that love would lead. Now I'm joined by Kim Lengling, whose story mirrors the transformative power of companionship, not just with our four-legged friends but with those who share our human journey. Kim, a vocal supporter of veterans and advocate for cats, delves into her life's narrative that wove together the threads of animal love and the resolve to aid those battling PTSD. Her
Jun 4, 2024 • 24:16
562: From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
Join us as we continue our exploration of the transformative power of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs in the second part of our series with Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats. He shares invaluable insights on adapting TNR initiatives to various community sizes, the balance between grassroots efforts and expert approaches, and the essential steps for involving community members. Listen in as we discuss the journey from awareness to action for local caretakers and the strategic expansion of TN
May 28, 2024 • 50:45
561: From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
Unlock the secrets behind the transformative Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) movement with Neighborhood Cats' Bryan Kortis as we take you on a riveting two-part adventure. Dive into the grassroots story of New York City's cat population control, discovering how targeted TNR projects and collaborative community efforts led to a dramatic reduction in euthanasia rates. Be inspired by the model colony's success, where cat numbers plummeted through strategic interventions and the passionate involvement of l
May 21, 2024 • 44:52
560: Earning Ferals' Faith and Trust, with Caitlin Porter, Executive Director of From Feral to Family
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a feral cat and wondered what it would take to transform that wary creature into a contented purring pet in your lap? Our guest, Caitlin Porter from From Feral to Family, joins us to weave an inspiring tale of how she navigates the delicate path from mistrust to affection with adult feral cats. With her at the helm, we journey through the intricate socialization process, revealing not just the dedication and patience required, but the immeasurable rewards of
May 14, 2024 • 27:28
559: Dr. Kimberly Mann, Medical Director & Surgeon of the York County SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic, and Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
When compassion meets innovation, extraordinary things happen. That's the story we're telling today, with Dr. Kimberly Mann and Steven Martinez, who are changing the lives of thousands of community cats through the York County SPCA spay/neuter clinic. Kimberly, a veterinarian with surgical prowess and a big heart, alongside Steven’s business acumen, has led their clinic to an astounding 11,000 surgeries in a single year. Their shared dedication not only speaks volumes about their love for animal
May 7, 2024 • 31:50
558: Fine Tuning TNR Clinics with Cameron Greig, Community Cat Coordinator at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
Get a glimpse of what it's like on the front lines of feline welfare. Cameron Greig joins us from the Humane Society of Huron Valley to discuss the trials and triumphs of their TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. It's a revealing chat about the ingenuity required to navigate staffing shortages, the shift towards online systems to streamline TNR efforts, and the crucial weekend spay-neuter events that help keep their mission afloat. Cameron's dedication to the care of community cats shines through
Apr 30, 2024 • 22:33
557: Keeping an Open Mind to Reduce Stress and Pain in Cats with Stacy McVicker, DVM, CVA, CCRT, Veterinarian & Crazy Cat Lady
Have you ever watched your cat move with less of its usual grace or hesitate before leaping onto its favorite perch? In this episode, understand the complex world of feline pain with Dr. Stacy McVicker. These whiskered companions are masters at masking discomfort, but Dr. McVicker's expertise, inspired by the stories of James Herriot, equips us with the tools to uncover what our cats cannot voice. We chart the journey from the veiled signs of pain in our feline friends to actionable steps that c
Apr 23, 2024 • 38:39
556: Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
Brace your whiskers for a deep dive into the heartwarming world of community cat care as we reveal secrets to crafting the perfect winter shelters and share non-invasive tricks for keeping our feline friends safe and neighbors happy. Our guide through this chilly chapter is Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats. His expertise is just what we need to navigate the wintry challenges that face community cats. Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice on constru
Apr 16, 2024 • 47:37
555: Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks Part 1 with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
Unlock the secrets to managing a thriving community cat colony as we team up with experts Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats shares essential tips on maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and crafting secure feeding locations that benefit our feline companions. Prepare to enhance your caretaking skills. Learn how to keep mealtime peaceful and food safe from wildlife intruders. Join us for a deep dive into cat nutrition as we dissect pet food labels, revealing the necessity of meat-based in
Apr 9, 2024 • 45:11
A Special "Because We Love It" Episode! Check Out the United We Spay Podcast with Stacy LeBaron and Dr. Philip Bushby
Today we wanted to share an episode of The United We Spay Podcast. It's a new monthly show from the United Spay Alliance and it's hosted by the one and only Stacy LeBaron. In each episode, they delve into the heart of a movement that’s changing the lives of animals and communities for the better with the mission to build awareness, educate, and empower. Their episodes are always interesting and there's a lot of crossover with Community Cats Podcast's favorite topics so we thought you'd enjoy the
Apr 6, 2024 • 27:50
554: Just Getting Started with Bonney Brown, President of Humane Network and Options Veterinary Care
It’s the passion of people like Bonney Brown that fuels today's conversation on the vital role spay and neuter programs play in controlling cat overpopulation. We reminisce about the early days of trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and explore how her journey, from being inspired by her parents’ rescue endeavors to leading impactful animal welfare initiatives, underscores the importance of accessible veterinary care and community collaboration. Navigate the complex landscape of non-profit veteri
Apr 2, 2024 • 28:54
553: Return-to-Field: How Shelters Save Community Cats Part 2 with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
Ever wondered how a stray feline's journey through a Return to Field (RTF) program can lead it back home? This week, we continue our deep dive into the world of community cats, focusing on the pivotal steps from shelter intake to safe return, and the intricate assessments that ensure these whiskered wanderers thrive. Join in as we examine the critical information that shelters must gather and the art of interpreting feline behavior – a true detective story of piecing together each cat's past. E
Mar 26, 2024 • 54:37
552: Return-to-Field: How Shelters Save Community Cats, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats
"I think it’s important to acknowledge that there’s a reason we’re trying to solve community cat over population because this is, ya know, not always a great situation for the cats. When it comes to return to field, we’re looking at animals coming into the shelter…they have good body condition scores, they appear quite healthy, and that lets you know that they’re figuring it out. That they’re surviving in their territory. And when you return them, they’re not facing any more or fewer risks than
Mar 19, 2024 • 45:43
551: Picking Up Pizza and Saving Cats with Nadia Oseguera, Program Manager for the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and Chris Ramon, Chief Program Officer for Pasadena Humane
Sometimes life surprises you with a mission when you least expect it, like during a routine pizza run that suddenly catapults you into the world of community cat care. That's exactly what happened to Nadia Oseguera and Chris Ramon, who found themselves drawn into the compassionate web of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and fostering initiatives. Filled with both unexpected challenges and profound fulfillment, their stories showcase the emotional investment required to effect positive change for feline
Mar 12, 2024 • 30:54
550: Rethinking the Shelter with Erin-Claire (EC) Michaels, Executive Director of the Cat Care Society
Unlock the heart and soul of feline welfare with EC Michaels from the Cat Care Society, as we share an intimate conversation about a lifetime spent in the company of cats. This episode isn't just another talk – it's a journey through the passion-fueled world of cat care, punctuated by the society's groundbreaking work with special needs felines. EC divulges the intricacies of a cage-free haven for those whiskered friends battling FELV and FIV, painting a vivid picture of an organization that ha
Mar 5, 2024 • 21:21
549: Tech That Can Play Fetch with Chris Roy, Founder of Doobert.com
Take a peek into a future where technology and animal welfare walk paw-in-paw. Chris Roy is here to unpack the leaps Doobert has made in feline welfare technology. He’s bringing along their case management module that's reshaping how animal organizations handle the gamut of operations from colony management to those heartwarming adoption stories. Imagine a world where automated workflows and two-way text messaging make life a breeze for those tirelessly reporting grants and tackling the day-to-
Feb 27, 2024 • 28:06
548: The Surprising Language of Community Cats with Sarah Brown, Cat Behavior Consultant and Author of “The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow”
Unravel the mysteries of feline behavior with the extraordinary Sarah Brown, a cat behavior expert with three decades of experience. Sarah shares her captivating journey from zoology student to PhD researcher, exploring the complex social dynamics within feral cat colonies. Listen in as she recounts her in-depth study of two cat colonies, one nestled in a hospital and the other successfully relocated to a farm, and breaks down the intricate communication methods of these often misunderstood crea
Feb 20, 2024 • 26:01
547: The Free Feral Fix in Texas with Tiffany Ditto, Director of Marketing and Communication at Texas Coalition for Animal Protection
Have you ever wondered about the heroes behind the scenes, tirelessly working to ensure a better future for our feline companions? In a heartening discussion with Tiffany Ditto from the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, we journey into the frontlines of animal advocacy. We reveal the transformative impact TCAP's low-cost veterinary services, including an astounding number of spay-neuter procedures, have on the lives of cats – both pet and feral – across Texas. Tiffany shares her passionate
Feb 13, 2024 • 29:58
Facing Feline Leukemia with Facts, Not Fear with Margaret Tompkins, Founder of the Tompkins Foundation
When Margaret Tompkins opened her home to a sickly kitten, little did she know that this act of kindness would catapult her into a lifelong mission to advocate for feline leukemia positive cats. Her story is at the heart of our latest episode, where she recounts her transformative journey and how it's led to her role as president of the Tompkins Foundation for Feline Leukemia Advocacy. She offers a deep dive into the often-misunderstood world of FeLV, sharing how fostering kittens led to defying
Feb 6, 2024 • 26:21
Less Price, More Purr with Rick DuCharme, Owner of RLD Consulting and Managing Partner of The Community Cat Clinic
Join the transformational journey with Rick DuCharme, a former heavy equipment industry professional turned no-kill movement leader, as we unpack the meaningful strides made in animal welfare. Our enlightening conversation delves into Rick's leap into the world of cats and dogs, where he has championed spay-neuter initiatives and pioneered the first return-to-field program for feral cats in Jacksonville, leading the city to a praiseworthy no-kill status. His passion for the cause is undeniable a
Jan 30, 2024 • 30:19
A Special "Because We Love It" Episode! Check Out the Kindred Podcast with Kate Coffin, Jenn Asplundh, and Dr. Kristyn Vitale
“I feel like so much of why cat’s get a bad rap is because they seem to be juxtaposed to dogs and dog behavior.” Today we wanted to share an episode of Kindred, a podcast hosted by sisters Kate Coffin and Jenn Asplundh. It explores the intricate and interdependent relationship that humans have with animals and nature. Their episodes are always intriguing and we thought you'd enjoy their show as much as we do. In this episode, Kate and Jenn speak with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, whose work focuses on co
Jan 27, 2024 • 47:12
Sharing Adoption Secrets for Hard to Adopt Cats with Halle Hamilton, Cat Adoption Manager, Austin Pets Alive
Every cat has its tale, and this week's chat with Halle Hamilton of Austin Pets Alive brings a new narrative to the forefront of feline rescue. As we weave through Halle's own transformation from a dancer to a pioneer in cat adoptions, we uncover the heartwarming stories of special needs kitties who have found their stride thanks to innovative strategies and heartfelt community involvement. Celebrate with us the triumphs of our cat adoption and foster programs, which see incontinent and diabetic
Jan 23, 2024 • 24:04
With Enthusiasm We Work Together with Donna Brown, Founder of Garden City Community Cats Project
When Donna Brown first noticed the shadowy figures of cats darting through the alleys of Garden City, little did she know she'd become the champion of a thousand feline lives. This heartfelt conversation peels back the layers of Donna's transformation from an everyday citizen to the founder of the Garden City Community Cats Project, a beacon of hope in the world of TNR (trap-neuter-return). Turning empathy into action, Donna shares her transformation from unawareness to advocacy and how she has
Jan 16, 2024 • 26:38
Eliminating Economic Euthanasia with Steven Mornelli, Waggle.org
Have you ever been stopped dead in your tracks by a story that not only breaks your heart but also fuels a fire within you to create change? That's exactly the experience Steven Mornelli from Waggle.org had, and it led him to tackle the gut-wrenching issue of economic euthanasia head-on. Steven unveils the narrative of his leap from the financial and data sciences sectors to the birth of a platform giving pets a fighting chance. With Waggle's unique model, your donations reach directly into the
Jan 9, 2024 • 22:20
Spurring Change for Cats from the Top Down with Jonlyn Freeman, Founder of NYC Cat Rescuer Alliance and Meagan Licari, President of Puppy Kitty NY City
Ever wondered about the hurdles faced by animal rescuers in bustling metropolitan areas? Packed with first-hand accounts from these inspiring guests, Jonlyn Freeman and Meagan Licari, this episode takes a deep look into the complex realm of feline welfare in New York City. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, these dedicated cat-lovers remained undeterred, courageously navigating the challenges of an overwhelmed animal healthcare system, and the tragic issue of animal abandonment in lower-income neig
Jan 2, 2024 • 32:00
It's a special episode! Part Two of The Drop Trap: A Trapper’s Best Friend Presented by Neighborhood Cats
"Another specialized use of the drop trap is when you're trying to catch a mom and her kittens..." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund. This is part two of a special audio presentation of a free webinar offered to trappers earlier in 2023. If you’d like to watch this presentation, you can hop on over to our YouTube channel to check it out. To download handouts mentioned in the show, you can visit our Community Cat Care Training and Education page to find these, and a treasure tro
Dec 26, 2023 • 31:48
It's a special episode! Part One of The Drop Trap: A Trapper’s Best Friend Presented by Neighborhood Cats
"It's great to have the cat you're after, see another cat come in, have a bite to eat, and then leave. Nothing happens. Nothing dramatic. That can help persuade them that it's just fine to go in; nothing to worry about here." This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. This is part one of a special audio presentation of a free webinar offered to trappers earlier in 2023. If you’d like to watch this presentation, you can hop on over to our YouTube channel
Dec 19, 2023 • 33:05
It's a special episode! Mike Phillips, LVT and President of Urban Cat League, interviews Stacy LeBaron.
"The cats are a vehicle for us to all get our act together and take responsibility for every part of the community." This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this special episode, Mike Phillips of UrbanCatLeague.org sits down to interview Stacy and take a closer look at Stacy's work with Community Cats and her goal of showcasing positive influencers in the feline community. Stacy's diverse background, including achievements in sports and urban plan
Dec 12, 2023 • 39:37
Calming Your Anxious Cat with Joan Ranquet, Animal Communicator, Energy Healer, Author, Speaker and Educator
“Anybody could sit down and get quiet for a moment…then just get a sense. Like, is my household stressful? Is my cat living her best life? What have we got going on here that I could do that could make it easier for the cat?” This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacey chats with Joan Ronquette, a seasoned animal communicator. With over 30 years of experience, Joan emphasizes the importance of addressing animals' emotional well-be
Dec 5, 2023 • 24:36
Cats and Eternity with Allia Zobel Nolan, Best-Selling Author
“Little things like that…If everybody does some little thing, it will work to our benefit with the cats.” This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Allia Zobel Nolan, an international best-selling author of over 150 titles, whose body of work reflects her main passions: God and cats. Stacy and Allia talk about their love for cats and the unique relationships that can develop between cats and their people. Allia shares
Nov 28, 2023 • 29:52
Oops! We Need to Fix the Veterinary Shortage with Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC), Owner of Veterinary Team Training
“We’ve got to use veterinary technicians. And here’s what happens – I feel so good getting to help a pet owner and increase that pet owner-animal bond, and my veterinarian can go do doctor things! If you utilize your technicians more, you get to be a doctor more.” This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today’s show, Stacy chats with Amy Newfiled, Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency & Critical
Nov 21, 2023 • 33:53
Paying for it All Because the Cats Can't with Sandy Rees, Founder of Fundraising TV, Chief Encouragement Officer at Get Fully Funded
"Everybody has what it takes to go raise the money they need, to fully fund their organization, to grow, to help more cats, to save more lives, to do what their mission is all about. It’s all doable.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy sits down once again with a long-time friend of the show and fundraiser extraordinaire, Sandy Rees, who is the founder of Fundraising TV and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Get Fully Fun
Nov 14, 2023 • 37:41
Starting at Grassroots and Sharing Our Spay/Neuter Skills with Becky Morrow, DVM, MS, CAWA, Asst. Teaching Prof., PSU; Adjunct Faculty, UF College of Veterinary Medicine; President & Medical Dir., Frankie's Friends Cat Rescue; Medical Dir., Vetenari
“It’s a matter of starting from the ground up; not having the resources, but still getting it done." This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Dr. Becky Morrow, a shelter veterinarian and professor who is very active in the small animal community. As a veterinarian, Dr. Morrow shines a light on what vets are typically exposed to during vet school – and just how limited their knowledge may be when it comes to community cats and the
Nov 7, 2023 • 27:32
Wine, Dine, and Rescue with Nicole Smith, Co-Owner of Whiskers and Wine Bar
“If we can make a small dent in helping save kitties’ lives and making people happy, . . . to us, that’s so meaningful.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Nicole Smith, the co-owner of Whiskers and Wine Bar. Based in San Diego, California, Whiskers and Wine Bar has adoptable cats, amazing food, and a full bar. In its first year of operation, it helped over 150 cats find homes. In her conversation with Stacy, N
Oct 31, 2023 • 27:30
The New Breed of Animal Control Pros with Daniel Ettinger, Animal Control Supervisor in Colorado, and Host of the Animal Control Report Podcast
“We help protect people from animals, and animals from people.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy sits down with Daniel Etitnger, host of The Animal Control Report podcast for an interesting conversation about the animal control profession. Stacy and Daniel talk about the shifting role of animal control, including the historic (and negative) view of animal control officers as little more than dog-catchers. Daniel talks a
Oct 24, 2023 • 33:16
Boosting Your Cat-Centered Organization's Board with Sonia Saleh, Founder of Uplifting Nonprofits
“It’s really important to show that the Board is invested in the organization.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Sonia Saleh, the founder of Uplifting Nonprofits and creator of the program Unleash Your Inner Fundraiser. The primary focus of Uplifting Nonprofits is to bring fundraising mastery to nonprofits. In her conversation with Stacy, Sonia talks all about Boards and organizational governance. She explain
Oct 17, 2023 • 0:39
Cat Pawsitive 360 with Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell and Founder of The Jackson Galaxy Project, and Steve Kaufman, Vice President of Operations for the GOODS Program at Greater Good Charities
“It’s just the willingness to go where it takes you. And it will always take you somewhere.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this special episode, the Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy, returns to the show (CCP Episode 175). Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, renowned cat behavior and wellness expert, and longtime host of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell, is also the founder of the Jackson Galaxy Project, a program of Greater G
Oct 10, 2023 • 30:21
Your Path to the Perfect Multi Cat Lifestyle with Melody Kwan, MeloCat
“[There is] nothing that love, patience, time, and effort cannot fix.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy is joined by Melody Kwan, aka MeloCat, a cat rescuer, foster, and volunteer-based in Hong Kong. Melody, a former guest of the show (CCP Episode 476) and presenter at the Annual Online Cat Conference lives with her 10 cats in her 555 sq foot apartment. In talking with Stacy, Melody discusses her side business of helpin
Oct 3, 2023 • 34:52
In Case of Emergency with Janice Cobb, Creator of the Save My Pet ID Tag
“Pets make us human.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy is joined by Janice Cobb, creator of the Save My Pet ID Tag and former guest of the show (CCP Episode 478). In her conversation with Stacy, Janice discusses our special bond with pets. She describes how they teach us invaluable lessons about unconditional love and how she firmly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a pet. Janice discusses her expe
Sep 26, 2023 • 29:18
Finding Cat-Loving People with Audrey Stratton, Clinic Supervisor at Feral Cat Coalition
“We need more people that are eager and willing to help see a problem and want to be a part of the solution.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy talks to Audrey Stratton, Clinic Supervisor at the Feral Cat Coalition, an organization based in San Diego that is dedicated to reducing overpopulation and improving the lives of cats through TNR services. Founded in 1992, the Feral Cat Coalition has spayed and neutered more than
Sep 19, 2023 • 31:32
A Friend for Life with Julie Totten, Founder of Cat Companions
“Animals are wonderful in helping comfort you and provide an opportunity for you to take care of someone rather than just worrying about yourself.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Julie Totten, the founder of Cat Companions, an organization whose mission is to comfort people with disabilities with emotional support cats while providing the cats with a loving home. The organization is based in Newton Highland
Sep 12, 2023 • 26:13
Strategies for Reducing Cat Populations, with Stacy LeBaron, Host of The Community Cats Podcast
“First and foremost, before me telling them [why they should neuter their indoor/outdoor cat], I want to find out what will move the needle for them.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today's special podcast, we are proud to bring you the audio version of "Strategies for Reducing Cat Populations". In this episode, Stacy LeBaron, host of The Community Cats Podcast, long-time TNR advocate/practitioner, and non-profit administrator, shares he
Sep 5, 2023 • 47:17
Fostering Relationships with Niki Cudsworth, Board Member of the Visalia Feral Cat Coalition
“One cat at a time, we can make a difference.” This episode is sponsored in part by The Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Niki Cudsworth, a board member of the Visalia Feral Cat Coalition (VFCC), an organization that seeks to reduce cat overpopulation by practicing, teaching, and raising awareness of TNR. In its efforts to curb overpopulation, the organization offers TNR Vouchers for getting community cats spayed/neutered with a $30 copay. In her
Aug 29, 2023 • 26:16
Reporting on Resources with Daniel Spehar, Co-Founder of the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats
“We really need to explore the unique needs and challenges that exist in the different parts of the state . . . so that when potential remedies are offered or additional resources are created, they can be targeted.” This episode is sponsored in part by The Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy is joined by Dan Spehar, co-founder of the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats and a former guest of the show (CCP Episode 240). Dan is also an independent rese
Aug 22, 2023 • 38:47
Shifting the Mindset in Municipal Sheltering with Heidi Williams, Director of the Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter
“Have integrity, do the right thing, and the rest of it falls into place.” This episode is sponsored in part by The Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. This week, Stacy sits down with Heidi Williams, director of the Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter in Mason, Michigan. Ingham County is a municipal shelter that takes in approximately 3,000 animals per year. The county launched a TNR program in 2023 to provide support to the estimated 50,000 community cats that call Ingham Count
Aug 15, 2023 • 31:38
Targeted TNR & Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
“You also want to know your community so your outreach is effective.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today's podcast, we are proud to bring you part two of the audio version of "Targeted TNR & Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck Presented by Neighborhood Cats". (If you haven’t listened to part one, you can check it out here.) The more cats you fix, the more impact your TNR program will have, right? Wrong! Spay/neuter volume alone is rare
Aug 8, 2023 • 34:12
Targeted TNR & Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
“...if you do it in this concentrated way, where you're focused on one part of the community...by in larger you'll have defeated the vacuum effect.” This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today's podcast, we are proud to bring you part one of the audio version of "Targeted TNR & Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck Presented by Neighborhood Cats". The more cats you fix, the more impact your TNR program will have, right? Wrong! Spay/neuter volume
Aug 1, 2023 • 38:42
Felines, Forensics and Affordable Care with Dr. Michelle Gonzalez (aka Dr. G), Owner of the Rascal Unit
“As veterinarians, we have to educate people.” This episode is sponsored in part by The Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Dr. G, owner of the Rascal Unit, which consists of two mobile veterinary hospitals that provide high-volume pet sterilization and routine veterinary care throughout Ohio. In her discussion with Stacy, Dr. G describes the array of services that the Rascal Unit provides. She also details encounters with cat hoarding situations a
Jul 25, 2023 • 25:16
Tracking the Stats for Cats with Stephanie Filer, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count
“There’s a lot of tools that we offer to make really understanding the data easier and start to identify where the need still exists.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Stephanie Flier, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count, an organization that maintains a centralized, standardized database for animal shelter statistics. The organization's database, established in 2012, tracks shelter intakes an
Jul 18, 2023 • 27:49
Mobilizing the Community to Make TNR Happen, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
“We're not going to the with a sense of entitlement...that's not going to get you very far...you have to let organizations move at a pace they're comfortable with and realize things can accelerate once they get involved.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today's podcast, we are proud to bring you part two of the audio version of "Mobilizing the Community to Make TNR Happen Presented by Neighborhood Cats". (If you haven't listened t
Jul 11, 2023 • 52:02
Mobilizing the Community to Make TNR Happen, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
“How do you manage TNR on a much larger scale...as more of a program manager?” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today's podcast, we are proud to bring you part one of the audio version of "Mobilizing the Community to Make TNR Happen Presented by Neighborhood Cats". So many cats, so few trappers… and veterinarians… and holding space… and transporters. If you live in a well-populated urban or suburban area and you’re trying to use TN
Jul 4, 2023 • 29:11
Picking, Protecting, and Pampering Cats with Justin Donne, Founder of The Kitty Boss
“There’s a lot of people that really need a cat and they don’t realize they do. So if I can marry up those two, I think that’d be a really great thing.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Justin Donne, founder of The Kitty Boss. This company provides the tools to pick, pamper, and protect your practically perfect pussycat for a lifetime of unconditional love. In his conversation with Stacy, Justin descr
Jun 27, 2023 • 35:28
A Mass Trapping Powerhouse with Dawn Benefiel, Executive Director of Indy Neighborhood Cats
“You don’t have to be a cat person to support TNR.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Dawn Benefiel, the executive director of Indy Neighborhood Cats (“INC”), a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for free roaming cats through TNR. INC also provides colony care,spay/neuter resources, and medical care to community cats. In her conversation with S
Jun 20, 2023 • 29:54
Return-to-Field and Targeting Part 2 with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
“This brings us to one of the hot-button issues happening right now in return-to-field...what about friendly cats?” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In today's podcast, we are proud to bring you the audio version of "Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program Presented by Neighborhood Cats". In part two of this special episode, your host, Bryan Kortis, will help you learn what return-to-field and targeting are and how can
Jun 13, 2023 • 41:13
Return-to-Field and Targeting Part 1 with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
“How do you organize a TNR program on a very large scale and get the best results...” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, we are proud to bring you the audio version of "Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program Presented by Neighborhood Cats". In part one of this special episode, your host, Bryan Kortis, will help you learn what return-to-field and targeting are and how can we use them to save lives and red
Jun 6, 2023 • 33:29
Saving Kittens with Nancy Peterson, Board Member of the National Kitten Coalition
“The National Kitten Coalition believes that every kitten deserves a chance to survive and thrive.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Nancy Peterson, Board Member of the National Kitten Coalition and Neighborhood Cats and former Community Cats Program Manager at the Humane Society of the United States. In her conversation with Stacy, Nancy describes the advocacy efforts of the National Kitten Coalition
May 30, 2023 • 27:55
Increasing Spay-Neuter Access for Cats with Robert Murtaugh, DVM, and Robert Weedon, DVM.
“I firmly believe that spay-neuter is an essential element of access to care.” – Dr. Weedon This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with veterinarians Dr. Robert Murtaugh and Dr. Robert Weedon. Dr. Murtaugh is a veterinary specialist based in Austin, Texas and a candidate for the next president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (“AVMA”). Dr. Weedon, a frequent conference guest and former guest of the
May 23, 2023 • 34:50
Dispelling Myths About Black Cats with Linda Malik, Author of Willow’s Tale
“Willow’s mission is to show that black cats are adorable, fun, and magical and they need to be loved just as much as any other cat.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy speaks with Linda Malik, author of Willow’s Tale, a children’s picture book about the adventures of a black cat named Willow. In her discussion with Stacy, Linda describes the inspiration behind this story and why she chose to publish a children’s
May 16, 2023 • 24:12
Cats and Common Ground with Ashley Byrne, Associate Director of Campaigns, PETA
“It’s empowering to realize that you can actually make a difference just by making different choices in the things that you do every day.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Ashley Byrne, Associate Director of Campaigns for PETA. PETA, short for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is the largest animal rights organization in the world with more than 9 million members and supporters globally. In
May 9, 2023 • 37:31
Inspiring Compassion for Animals with Nancy Robinson, Author and Animal Advocate
“Don’t say, I wish somebody would help them. Go out and do it.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with individual animal rescuer and advocate, Nancy Robison. After receiving help to TNR the cats outside her home in Long Island, NY, Nancy made it her personal mission to gather all the information she could on low-cost or free services for animals, including spay/neuter and TNR resources. She shares those re
May 2, 2023 • 42:54
Partnering For-Profit Business and Nonprofit Causes with Yvethe Tyszka, Vice President Marketing for H&H Group and Zesty Paws
“We are passionate about cats. That’s what we live for. If we can help other companies, other nonprofits that are helping pet parents do things that we don’t do directly, I think that’s a great way to support pet parenting overall, especially for cats.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy interviews Yvethe Tyska, Vice President of Marketing for H&H Group, whose mission is to make millions of people and their pets h
Apr 25, 2023 • 22:46
Women Helping Cats in West Michigan with Janet Vormittag, Author and Founder of Cats and Dogs, a Magazine
“That’s the cool thing. Some of these older groups are closing, but we have a whole new crop of young women who are starting rescues and taking over.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy sits down with Janet Vormittag, founder and publisher of Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals, and author of multiple books about animals, including You Might Be a Crazy Cat Lady If…(volumes 1 & 2) and Cat Women of West Michigan: The Secre
Apr 18, 2023 • 26:37
Building Understanding and Compassion for Cats with KJ McGlinn, Author and Kitty Correspondent for Pet Pals TV
“We have to honor the cat’s wishes…we have to honor the community cat who wants to be outside and have a safe, happy life there.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with KJ McGill, Kitty Correspondent for the nationally syndicated show, Pet Pals TV, and author of the book, Raised by Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows. Stacy and KJ talk about her work with cat-focused groups in Indianapolis, and how she has used her platform as a radi
Apr 11, 2023 • 29:59
Campaigns for Community Cat Education with Louise Holton, Founder of Alley Cat Rescue and Co-Founder of Alley Cat Allies, and Deborah Holzer, Development Assistant at Alley Cat Rescue
“Our whole lives are really to get the word out that this is the solution.” – Louise on TNR This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Louise Holton, Founder of Alley Cat Rescue, and Deborah Holzer, Development Assistant at Alley Cat Rescue. Louise founded National Cat Protection Association in 1997 as the nation’s first national cat protection association and an organization that advocates for all cats. In their conversation with Stacy
Apr 4, 2023 • 34:46
The Animated, Illustrated Cat with Marlene Sharp, TV and Film Writer and Executive and Proprietor of Pink Poodle Productions
“I’m glad that there are organizations that . . . dispel the myth [about black cats].” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Marlene Sharp, a TV and film writer and executive and proprietor of Pink Poodle Productions. In her discussion with Stacy, Marlene talks all about her work in the animation industry and details some of her cat-related projects. She describes her recent experience at CatCon, as well as her collaboration with L
Mar 28, 2023 • 28:28
A Mountain of Veterinary Conversation with Dr. Jeff Young, Founder of Planned Pethood and star of Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet
“I’ve always tried to make a difference. . . I want to make a difference in the long run.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this special 500th episode of Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is joined by Dr. Jeff Young, star of Animal Planet’s Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet. Dr. Young is also the founder of Planned Pethood Plus, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic known for its mobile neutering clinics. In their conversation, Stacy and The Rocky Mountain Vet elaborate on
Mar 21, 2023 • 37:13
Cats Generating Awareness on Social Media with Harris Baker, Founder of Catfluence
"There’s definitely a lot of good . . . that I’ve seen from the cat community on social media.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Harris Baker, founder of Catfluence, a social media platform that promotes everything feline related. In their discussion, Stacy and Harris talk all about social media. Harris describes how rescue organizations and individuals can use social media to generate awareness about their efforts, and he str
Mar 14, 2023 • 27:01
Banishing Stress and Fear in Cats with Tabitha Kucera, Owner of Chirrups & Chatter
“If anything, we should be doing more to address the anxiety, fear, and stress [of community cats]” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy follows up with Tabitha Kucera, a registered veterinary technician, certified cat behavior training consultant, and former guest of the show (CCP Episode 319). Stacy and Tabitha discuss numerous cat health and behavioral issues. She provides tips on identifying whether a cat is in pain (which she created a
Mar 7, 2023 • 35:00
Saving the World One Cat at a Time with Rachel Geller, President of All Cats All the Time
“Often times, providing people with the necessary items, the support, the kindness, [and] the caring – that can be the very important difference between a person keeping the cat and surrendering the cat.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Dr. Rachel Geller, a cat behaviorist and prior guest of the show (CCP Episodes 18, 146, and 310), to discuss her new project, All Cats All the Time. This nonprofit is dedicated to promoting th
Feb 28, 2023 • 31:21
Your More Efficient Future with Dara Sklar, Founder of Synced with Dara
“You save yourself a lot of administrative time by being organized up front by setting up a system and a space to be organized.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Dara Sklar, the founder of Synced with Dara and producer of the Get Productive with G-Suite program. Dara’s work focuses on helping people streamline their work processes, which allows them to become as efficient and productive as possible. In chatting with Stacy, Dar
Feb 21, 2023 • 33:05
Racing for Rescues with Laurren Darr, Author
“I thought about it from a small business . . . [or] nonprofit standpoint of here are some of the basics to help you at least upstart and continue marketing, especially if you’re on a shoestring budget.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Laurren Darr, founder of Left Paw Press and the Pet Fashion Guild and author of the Pet Business Marketing Almanac. In her discussion with Stacy, Laurren talks about her involvement in managin
Feb 14, 2023 • 21:28
The Purrfect Job for Cats with Sheila Massey, President and Founder of Hard Hat Cats
“The presence of cats is really beneficial to humans and that especially holds true in an urban setting where you have a lot of rats.” This episode is sponsored in part by TervaPet, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Sheila Massey, president and founder of Hard Hat Cats and former guest of the show (CCP Episode 98). Hard Hat Cats, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, places working cats with organizations seeking non-toxic rodent control. In her discussion with St
Feb 7, 2023 • 51:21
Teaching, Inspiration, and Black Cats with Anne Montgomery, Author and Former Television Sportscaster and Teacher
“I think we need to teach young people more that animals need to be treated with the same respect you treat a person." This episode is sponsored in part by TervaPet, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. Meet Anne Montgomery, former sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur sports official. Anne currently works as an author and has published several fiction novels in various genres, including historical fiction and mystery/suspense. In her discussion with Stacy, Anne ta
Jan 31, 2023 • 31:55
Amplifying Your Fundraising Efforts with Sally Williams, Founder and President of Mission Meow
“There are so many possibilities for organizations where this money could go." This episode is sponsored in part by TervaPet, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Sally Williams, the founder, and president of Mission Meow and former guest of the show (CCP Episodes 104 and 324). Sally was also the founder and executive director of the now-retired Brodie Fund, an organization that raised money to provide financial assistance to families with pets fighting cancer. Sally
Jan 24, 2023 • 32:12
Working Cats with Molly DeVoss, Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions
“Because they’re so territorial, it’s hard to introduce a new cat regardless of where they came from into a new cat household.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. In this special episode, Stacy chats and co-hosts with Molly DeVoss, a Certified Feline Training and Behavior specialist, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Fear Free Certified Trainer. Molly is also the founder of Cat Behavior Solutions and host of Cat Talk Radio, where she addresses cat behavioral
Jan 17, 2023 • 39:04
Cats at Play with Dr. Mikel Delgado, Co-Owner of Feline Minds
“I’m hoping by changing people’s perspective on what play looks like and giving them really concrete suggestions on how they can improve their play technique that more cats will get the play they deserve.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. On today’s episode, Stacy talks with Dr. Mikel Delgado, an Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Dr. Delgado is the co-owner of Feline Minds, a cat behavior consulting group, co-author with Jackson
Jan 10, 2023 • 29:03
Anger Drives Change with Anne Levin, Executive Director of Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition and Founder of the Brooklyn Cat Cafe
“Shar[ing] our skills and work[ing] in the best way that we individually can with our skills has been really helpful in allowing us to help more animals.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy connects with Anne Levin, Executive Director of Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition and founder of the Brooklyn Cat Cafe, a non-profit cat cafe that serves as an adoption center and community space working to reduce animal homelessness through educa
Jan 3, 2023 • 28:34
Honoring Our Best Friends with Cheryl Richardson, Author of How to Survive the Loss of a Pet
“There were so many ways that this little being helped to bring us closer together, to teach us about love, to teach us about unconditional love.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Cheryl Richardson, the author of several books and audio programs, including her recent audiobook How to Survive the Loss of a Pet, which helps listeners navigate the journey of grief, acceptance, and renewal after a pet passes. In her conversation wi
Dec 27, 2022 • 26:39
Training Tomorrow's Trappers with Bryan Kortis, Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats
“There’s still a disconnect between the grassroots groups (that are primarily doing trap-neuter-return) and the larger shelters (that are involved in return-to-field) and we need to get to a point where those two parts of the system are working together.” This episode is sponsored in part by TevraPet and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Bryan Kortis, Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats, who frequently collaborates with the CCP in running the Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification
Dec 20, 2022 • 30:31
Open to the Possibilities with Dr. Kelly Deihl, Senior Director of Science and Communication at Morris Animal Foundation
“I would tell people: stay open, learn, [and] keep learning.” This episode is sponsored in part by TevraPet and Maddie's Fund. On today’s episode, Stacy chats with Dr. Kelly Deihl, the Senior Director of Science and Communication at Morris Animal Foundation and a prior guest of the show (CCP Episode 425). In her conversation with Stacy, Dr. Deihl discusses the foundation’s Happy Healthy Cat Campaign. She explores the initiatives and research campaigns that the foundation has undertaken, includin
Dec 14, 2022 • 31:14
Justice, TNR, and Not-So-Crazy Cat Ladies with Esmerelda Alvarez, TNR Advocate
“I think the best way to rescue the most cats is through TNR.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie's Fund. Meet Esmeralda Alvarez, a TNR advocate and cat foster who performs TNR on a weekly basis. Her efforts began back in 2015, and she strongly believes that TNR is a social justice issue. In her conversation with Stacy, she discusses the importance of TNR and explains how its performance saves future generations of cats. Esmerelda also discusses the many difficult choices th
Dec 6, 2022 • 31:22
How to Reunite Pets and Owners with Corinne Bourgoin, Operations Coordinator, MSPCA Boston Adoption Center
“Nothing feels better than helping a pet get back to their family that loves them.” his episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Corinne Bourgoin, who serves as the Operations Coordinator at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center. Her efforts have resulted in a program that has a feline reclaim rate that is eight times the national average of these programs. In her discussion with Stacy, Corinne explains how the MSPCA reunites lost pets with their ow
Nov 29, 2022 • 37:12
Your Picture Perfect Cats with Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, Frame Your Feline Founders
“Once you get one cat, you can’t stop getting cats. It’s an addiction like none other." This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie's Fund. Meet Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, stand-up comedians and entrepreneurs based in Los Angeles. The pair grew weary of the sight of cat trees and decided to take action to create more aesthetically pleasing cat furniture. Together, they developed the Feline Frame Ensemble, which combines a cat shelf with a portrait frame. In their conversatio
Nov 22, 2022 • 37:38
Help When Animal-Loving Humans Have It Ruff with Marisa Hernandez, Director of Operations & Co-Founder Ruff Haven
“We really believe in collaboration, not just in animal welfare but in human welfare.” This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie's Fund. On today’s episode, Stacy chats with Marisa Hernandez, one of the co-founders of Ruff Haven, an organization that helps people encountering crisis situations remain united with their beloved pets. Marisa recognized the growing need for temporary crisis sheltering services in the community, which compelled her to take action. In her discussion with
Nov 15, 2022 • 24:12
Part 2 of Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats
“I'd prefer to have cats in my yard instead of vegetables but other people might, justifiably, feel differently and that's perfectly fine...” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. This is a special audio presentation of our free webinar Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks presented by Neighborhood Cats. Join Bryan Kortis for part two of this unique webinar and find out how to deal with folks who don't like cats and keep your cats out of their yard, get
Nov 8, 2022 • 41:17
Part 1 of Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats
“It starts off as you're their feeder but overtime they form a special relationship with you...” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. This is a special audio presentation of our free webinar Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks presented by Neighborhood Cats. Join Bryan Kortis for part one of this unique webinar and find out how to keep your colony cats healthy with good nutrition and hydration, establish feeding patterns, keep water from freezing or ev
Nov 1, 2022 • 37:24
Letting Gato Be Gato with Winter Miller, Author of Not a Cat
“And, so I wrote a book that is for all of those people out there who just want to be who they are.” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Winter Miller, an award-winning playwright living in Brooklyn. She recently published Not a Cat, a children’s picture book, inspired by the life of her extraordinary cat Gato. In her conversation with Stacy, Winter provides an overview of Not a Cat and explains what inspired her to
Oct 25, 2022 • 33:17
One Less Thing To Worry About with Janice Cobb, Founder of ZInzie Pie
“They are love engendering machines. They are love giving machines of an unconditional nature. That’s all they want to do, is love you.” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Janice Cobb, the creator of Zinzie Pie’s Save My Pet ID Tag, which is an identification tag for pet owners customized with information about the owner, their pets, and trusted contact. The Save My Pet ID Tag can be made as a necklace, bracelet, o
Oct 18, 2022 • 26:44
Special Episode! Forward-Thinking Fundraising with Chris Roy, Doobert Forward - Better than Amazon Smile For Fundraising
“How do we give tools to organizations so that they have revenue coming in on a regular basis?” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Doobert.com’s Chris Roy returns to the show to share some of the projects he has been working on since the pandemic. Chris is a tech guy who loves solving problems for folks in animal welfare. It has been several years since Chris was on the show and he is eager to share what is new at Doobert.com. Doo
Oct 15, 2022 • 30:37
Contraception for Cats with Valerie Benka and John Boone from Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs
“We do, in those two worlds, share some goals. We can recognize that there might be suspicion or assumptions or disagreements about how well TNR works to manage populations but by working together, those two worlds can certainly make it better.” – John Boone This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Valerie Benka the Director of Programs for Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (“ACC&D”), and John Boone, who serve
Oct 11, 2022 • 41:49
Thinking Vertically with Melody Kwan of MeloCat
“I always tell everyone, ‘Even if you don’t like animals, you can still help. If you don’t have what it takes, you can still help.’” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Melody Kwan, aka Melocat, a cat rescuer and re-homing volunteer based in Hong Kong. Through her network of volunteers, Melody is able to get cats to their ideal homes. She also lives with her 9 rescued and adopted cats in her 555 sq ft apartment. In
Oct 4, 2022 • 30:04
Reducing Cats' Distress with Mikkel Becker, Leader Trainer for Fear Free Pets and Fear Free Happy Homes
“Fear free is all about educating people to understand their cat’s emotional needs, which are deep and complex.” This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Mikkel Becker, a certified trainer and behavior consultant, that serves as the lead trainer for Fear Free Pets and Fear Free Happy Homes. She is also the co-author of From Fearful to Fear Free In her conversation with Stacy, Mikkel talks about her experience training c
Sep 27, 2022 • 23:13
Pedaling and Paws with Caleb Curtis and Marilyn Monroad, Founder(s) of Calico Cycles
“Keep following your dreams. Keep following your heart. Keep going to where you’re led to go because it’s a life worth living when you’re following your heart.” This episode is sponsored in part by Dr. Pussum's Cat Nip, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. After dropping out of film school and being kicked out of his aunt’s house, Caleb Curtis found himself without a home. Rather than staying at a homeless shelter, he opted to get a bicycle and learn how to tour. Along the way, he found two-month-old Mar
Sep 20, 2022 • 20:44
Romance, Suspense, and Trapping with Angela Campbell, Best-Selling Author, The Psychic Detective
“It’s very important to try to be diplomatic and to try to understand their point of view. . . . You have to be understanding.” This episode is sponsored in part by Dr. Pussum's Cat Nip, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Angela Campbell, a USA Today best-selling author in the romantic suspense genre. Her book series, The Psychic Detective, heavily features rescue pets as supporting characters. In addition to writing professionally, she serves on the board of directors
Sep 13, 2022 • 26:04
Community Communication with Caitlin Quinn, Director of Operations at HeARTs Speak
“Let’s ensure that we’re starting the conversation from that place of all of the things we have in common and real compassion and understanding for why community members might be confused around these issues.” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy converses with Caitlin Quinn, who has been the Director of Operations for HeARTs Speak since 2015. HeARTs Speak develops resources that help shelter animals to be seen and find homes, ultimately t
Sep 6, 2022 • 34:44
Emotional Support Animals with Daniel Maigler, LCSW, Mental Health Advisor for Paws for Patrick
“[Pets] are empathy machines, and they can sense how we’re doing without us having to say anything. Often our pets will know how we’re doing before we do, and they’ll connect in that way.” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Daniel Maigler, a licensed clinical social worker, who also serves as the Mental Health Advisor for Paws for Patrick, which is a nonprofit organization that connects young people with mental health issues t
Aug 30, 2022 • 32:50
Pack Up Your Cat and Travel with Emily Miethner, Co-founder Travel Cat
“I think it’s great to bring that lens of diversity and inclusion to anything you’re working on.” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy speaks with Emily Miethner, who is the co-founder of Travel Cat, which produces products used to travel safely with your cat, including backpacks and harnesses. The company, founded in 2017, has become a global 7-figure e-commerce brand with 60,000 customers in 75 countries. In her conversation with Stacy, Emily shares info
Aug 23, 2022 • 28:55
Habitats for Cats with Mario Arbore, Founder and Owner of Square Paws
So if you’re doing something where they’re feeling engaged with that fun, I think it’s a better experience for people to bond with a cat.” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Mario Abore returns to the show (he previously appeared on CCP Episode 338). Since 2014, Mario, through his company, Square Paws, has been creating stunning and unique creations and habitats for cats and people to enjoy. His work spans a range from making single cat towers
Aug 16, 2022 • 31:46
Part 2 - A Drop Trap Master Class with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats
On trapping in tight locations...“We put a spotter up on the slope who could watch the whole thing and give us a signal when to drop the traps.” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. This week, The Community Cats Podcast is excited to bring you part two of a special audio version of Drop Trap: A Trapper’s Best Friend Presented by The Neighborhood Cats. If you want to watch this presentation's recording - complete with videos, visuals, and great examples of many o
Aug 9, 2022 • 21:30
A Drop Trap Master Class with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats
“Because they (cats) are less afraid of drop traps, you don't need them to be as hungry to trap them... ” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. This week, The Community Cats Podcast is excited to bring you a special audio version of Drop Trap: A Trapper’s Best Friend Presented by The Neighborhood Cats. If you would like to watch the recording of this presentation - complete with videos, visuals, and great examples of many of the scenarios and equipment discussed
Aug 2, 2022 • 38:09
Same Team with Sterling Davis, Atlanta’s “Trap King”
“It’s important that we learn to work together or learn not to work against one another.” This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, “Trap King” Sterling Davis returns to the show to share some of the projects he has been working on since the pandemic. Sterling, a former rapper turned trapper and TNR advocate was previously on the show on CCP Episode 243 and Episode 360. One of the new projects that he and Stacy discuss is his new podcast, Same Team P
Jul 26, 2022 • 40:42
Together We Trap with Angéline Fahey, Community Cat Program Manager at Humane Society of Southern Arizona
“I think it all comes from being compassionate and coming to them from a place of empathy [and] understanding.” [on dealing with community members] This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy speaks with Angéline Fahey, who is the Community Cat Program (“CCP”) Manager at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. The CCP provides trapping assistance, guidance, resources, and education for several counties in Southern Arizona. It also hosts weekly trapping events and
Jul 19, 2022 • 21:41
Just Give TNR a Try with Joe Federico, Co-Founder & Director of Stray Paws Animal Haven
“We’re trying . . . [to] demonstrate that this can be done, done effectively with great results, and . . . exemplify this to every town, because my ultimate belief is that there should be TNR in every town.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Joe Federico, co-founder, and director of Stray Paws Animal Haven. After over two decades as a restaurant owner, Joe decided to leave the industry to embark on a journey driven
Jul 12, 2022 • 29:35
Pump Up the Volume with Dr. June Long, Happy Pets Housecall
“These techniques are successful because they focus on what’s essential in the procedure . . . and [this] allows the surgeon to work more effortlessly and therefore more efficiently.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy chats with Dr. June Long, who has been a high-volume spay/neuter surgeon for over six years. She was formally trained at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance in 2016. Dr. Long routinely performs 30-40 surgeries daily and has performed
Jul 5, 2022 • 27:02
Strategy and Collaboration with Cameron Greig, Community Cat Coordinator for the Humane Society of Huron Valley
“Really my big thing in TNR is education and awareness; I want as many people to know about TNR as possible so that they can help save the cats.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy chats with Cameron Greig, the Community Cat Coordinator for the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Cameron shares information about the specifics of HSHV’s Community Cat Program. To date, this program has served over 18,000 cats, averaging
Jun 28, 2022 • 24:25
Handling Costly Surprises with Edwin Plotts, Director of Marketing at Pawlicy Advisor
“Just to make people aware: pet insurance is a very helpful tool; veterinary financing is a very helpful tool. When they’re combined, it creates a unique situation where they really piggyback and help each other.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Edwin Plotts is the Director of Marketing at Pawlicy Advisor. He is also involved with fostering and TNR in Chatham County, Georgia. Prior to moving to Georgia, he was a volunteer and foster with Flatbush
Jun 21, 2022 • 26:07
Stress in Pets with Kristen Levine, Nationally Acclaimed Pet Expert and Influencer
“I think we probably overthink it sometimes. And sometimes it’s just a matter of trying different things to see what the cat seems to prefer or what eliminates the behavior that we’re trying to eliminate.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Kristen Levine is a nationally acclaimed pet expert and influencer with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Her early work with the SPCA led her to a lifelong career in the pet industry, advocating for pe
Jun 14, 2022 • 27:20
Special Episode! Trappers’ Tips & Tricks Part 2 with Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats
“This is for when you’re really desperate to get the tomcat.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Drawing from over 20 years of experience working with feral cats, the folks at Neighborhood Cats have gathered together their favorite ways of catching the wiliest of felines. Join Neighborhood Cats' director of national programs, Bryan Kortis, as he offers a collection of helpful, problem-solving tips! Whether it's putting in a clear rear door, using Spa
Jun 7, 2022 • 27:36
Special Episode! Trappers’ Tips & Tricks Part 1 with Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats
“What about the ones where you do all the basics - you do the feeding pattern, you withhold the food, you use the good traps, and all that - but they just won't go in?” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Drawing from over 20 years of experience working with feral cats, the folks at Neighborhood Cats have gathered together their favorite ways of catching the wiliest of felines. Join Neighborhood Cats' director of national programs, Bryan Kortis, as he
May 31, 2022 • 46:17
A Small Organization Making a Big Impact with Linda Chitwood, Volunteer Director, Homeless Animals Relief Project
“The good thing about spay/neuter is one cat fixed: thousands saved. So you get one done, you can feel really good that night about what you’ve done. You don’t have to have these big huge numbers to make a difference in your community, in your neighborhood.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Linda Chitwood is the volunteer director for the nonprofit charity Homeless Animals Relief Project (“HARP”), located in Senatobia, Mississippi. HARP’s mission i
May 24, 2022 • 24:14
When Pets Fly with Marta Negro, Founder of Help the Dog Fly
“So I think it’s really important when you start something that you really feel part of it and you have the feeling that you really want to talk about it all of the time.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Marta Negro, a lifelong pet lover and avid traveler, faced a difficult task when the COVID pandemic forced her to return home to Spain without her dog. Fortunately, she was able to find a flight volunteer who could reunite her with her dog. Follow
May 17, 2022 • 26:18
Doing Our Best Work for Animals with Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM
“There’s so much noise in the world that really holds us back from doing our best work. We should just be kind to each other and work together.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Dr. Sara Pizano returns to the show (a previous CCP guest on episodes 56, 171, 246, 247, 306, and 335) to provide updates on her work, including her involvement with municipal shelters. She recently provided her 117th consult in 22 states. These shelters were able to decrea
May 10, 2022 • 34:14
Supporting Animals and Their People with Joe Elmore, Charleston Animal Society
“There’s a person behind every animal and we’re trying to translate that person’s care and concern for the animal into action.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund. Joe Elmore has served as the President and CEO of Charleston Animal Society since 2012. When he joined, he brought 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to an organization in turmoil. Since his time at Charleston Animal Society, the organization has become the state’s top-rated non
May 3, 2022 • 33:10
Taking Care of Both Ends of the Leash with Jon Geller, The Street Dog Coalition
"They have cats for companionship to give them company because they’re so isolated. There are so many stigmas attached to people who are homeless.” This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy chats with Dr. Jon Geller, DVM, who worked as an emergency veterinarian for nearly 25 years. He is also the national founder and director of The Street Dog Coalition, which provides free veterinary care to pets of those experiencing homelessness. T
Apr 26, 2022 • 28:59
Extra Credit with Carla Betlem, Instructor and Senior Staff Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology & Founder of the Student Club Caring Hearts for RIT Cats
“If people know what you’re doing, they will come out of the woodwork. If the commitment’s there and you really want to do it, it’s definitely possible.” This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy speaks with Carla Betlem, a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology where she has been performing TNR for nearly 15 years. Carla along with several RIT students came together to establish a campus club, Caring Hearts For RIT Cats, whic
Apr 19, 2022 • 28:12
Documenting the TNR Experience with Photographer Erica Danger
“By being able to document [TNR] with photo and video . . . you can get those conversations started and start educating people why TNR is great, why it’s so helpful for everybody.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy chats with Erica Danger, a pet photographer, designer, and cat rescuer located in the San Francisco Bay area. She fosters kittens, practices TNR, and volunteers with a number of rescue-focused organizations. With her bus
Apr 12, 2022 • 27:47
Lost and Found Pets with Kat Albrecht-Thiessen, Pet Detective and Founder/Director of The Missing Animal Response Network
“It’s important for TNR groups who trap cats to realize the same “feral” behavior you see in [true] ferals, may be a sign of a scared cat and not necessarily a feral cat.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy talks to Kat Albrecht-Thiessen, a police detective turned pet detective and the founder/director of The Missing Animal Response Network. Since 1997, Kat has worked with search dogs trained to find lost pets and is widely known as
Apr 5, 2022 • 30:05
Discussing Cat Behavior with the CCP Behavior Day Dream Team
“We’ve advanced so much in terms of understanding cat behavior but yet, we still have so far to go. We need more days like this.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy interviews her “Dream Team” of cat behavior experts, who are presenting at the 2022 Community Cats Podcast Online Behavior Day, which takes place on April 09, 2022. The panel features Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant and author; Dr.
Mar 29, 2022 • 19:50
Fixing Programs and Cats with Jonathan Howe, Public Defender and New York’s 14th Congressional District Candidate
“Seeing the way that people make this [TNR] their priority, make doing something good for their community a priority, was really inspiring.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy speaks to Jonathan Howe, who is a public defender in Bronx County Family Court and has declared his candidacy for Congress in New York’s 14th Congressional District. Jonathan and his wife were trained and certified in TNR during the COVID lockdown and now mana
Mar 22, 2022 • 35:26
Cat Cinema and Speech with Tracie Hotchner, Author, Animal Wellness Advocate, and Founder of The Radio Pet Lady Network
“When people use negative words, we need to help correct them. People might speak ill of cats because they don’t understand them.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy talks to Tracie Hotchner, author, podcaster, animal wellness advocate and founder of The Radio Pet Lady Network, a network of informative radio programs, co-hosted by Tracie with top veterinarians and other pet experts. Tracie is also the founder and director of the ann
Mar 15, 2022 • 31:57
Fill Your Toolkit with Amy Davila Sanchez, Marketing Manager for Strategic Initiatives at Best Friends Animal Society
“It’s really about expanding the amount of resources that we can give to these caretakers, to these volunteers that day in and day out go out to the field to help these cats.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Amy Davila Sanchez, Marketing Manager for strategic initiatives for Best Friends Animal Society. Raised in a family that loves cats and dogs, Amy has grown up with a special connection to animals,
Mar 8, 2022 • 27:56
Talking to Cats with Jessica Evans, Cat Communicator and Founder of Feline Ascension
“It’s really important for us to be aware of our energy. Because the imbalance that we’re currently experiencing as a collective is now translating into our cats.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund. Jessica Evans is a certified cat communicator and founder of Feline Ascension, which offers on-demand energy healing for cats and their owners. Jessica has been a cat lover all of her life and now dedicates her life to helping kitties be welco
Mar 1, 2022 • 37:14
Building a Community with Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Jae Kennedy & Adrienne Lefebvre
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Jane Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre of Two Crazy Cat Ladies, an all-natural feline product line designed to help kitties live longer and healthier lives. In addition to their products, they also host a blog and podcast called “Back In The Closet,” to help bring cat parents together and raise awareness for the health and well-being of all kitties. They also host regular Facebook a
Feb 22, 2022 • 29:10
Feline Behavior with New Zealand's The Cat Counsellor, Molly Kelsey
“I wanted to focus on keeping not just cats happy but owners happy with their cats and reducing owner surrender and things like euthanasia due to problem behaviors.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. Meet Molly Kelsey, a former vet nurse who worked with in-patient care and clinic administration, and now runs The Cat Counsellor as a feline behavior consultant, offering 1-on-1 support for cats and their owners. She’s based in New Zealand where it’s
Feb 15, 2022 • 22:41
Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program, Part 2
“The door is always open to work together.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In part two of the Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program webinar Bryan Kortis explores what fears people have prior to starting a return-to-field and targeting program and some of the studies and statistics that will put those fears to rest. Bryan also touches on how to discuss RTF programs with public officials and how to find common ground with bird
Feb 8, 2022 • 55:36
Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program, Part 1
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Feb 1, 2022 • 35:57
Michael Bricker, Chief Strategy Officer of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity™ (CARE)
“For anything—as far as animals are related—to be completely sustainable, it has to happen in the community, it has to happen by the community.” This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. Mike Bricker has spent years in animal welfare improving live outcome percentages, innovating new programming, rewriting policies, and modernizing medical operations as director of operations at Camden County Animal Shelter. He then transitioned to Best Friends Animal So
Jan 25, 2022 • 30:05
Beverly Means, LMSW, Founder and Executive Director of Transitions Pet Care
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. Turning her perspective around on being a single pet caretaker inspired Beverly Means to think about what kinds of help she would want if she could no longer care for her pets due to terminal illness or an end-of-life event. After looking for options in her community, Beverly saw the need for supportive services around this common problem, and Transitions Pet Care was created. Offering services from estate planni
Jan 18, 2022 • 29:02
Blending Holistic and Traditional Veterinary Care for Cats with Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie's Fund. This week, Stacy checks in with the very accomplished Dr. Gray Richter. Dr. Richter is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and certified veterinary chiropractor. In 2007 and 2008, Dr. Richter and his Montclair Veterinary Hospital team received awards from the community, including Best Veterinarian in the East Bay from Oakland Magazine, East Bay Express, and KRON 4 TV. Dr. Richter’s professional interests are in
Jan 11, 2022 • 27:15
Aaron Hancox, Documentary Filmmaker of Running Wild: the Cats of Cornwall
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. Stacy connects with documentary Filmmaker Aaron Hancox to discuss how he came to find inspiration from his early documentary Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit that lead him to his latest documentary, Running Wild: The Cats of Cornwall. Aaron confides that he initially expected the plight of cats in Cornwall to be a unique occurrence. Through his filmmaking, he has since learned that it is a story playing
Jan 4, 2022 • 24:38
Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Colony Care Taking Tips and Tricks Part 2
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. In Part 2 of 2021 Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Presented by Neighborhood Cats, Bryan Kortis offers insight into constructing and maintaining winter shelters for community cats. From purchasing a kit to building your own, to making excellent use of a styrofoam cooler, Bryan covers several options. Caretaker and neighbor relations can be tricky, but Bryan offers several solutions to minimize complaints. Changing colony traffi
Dec 28, 2021 • 34:35
Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Colony Care Taking Tips and Tricks Part 1
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. In part one of the Colony Caretaking webinar Bryan Kortis explores the bond between the cat and caretaker. He covers best practices such as feeding patterns, types of food, and nutritional content for the value of the food offered. He talks about what caretakers can do so as not to disturb neighbors or create a neighborhood nuisance at the feeding site. Bryan explains the variables like weather and wildlife (feral chickens? Yep
Dec 21, 2021 • 39:20
Jon Dunn, Senior Specialist of Communications of Best Friends Animal Society
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. As Kristen Bell is to sloths, so Jon Dunn is to cats. Senior Specialist of Communications and Host of the Best Friends Podcast by Best Friends Animal Society, Jon just really loves cats. He joins Stacy for his first-ever podcast sitting in the guest chair and answers questions instead of asking them. Jon and Stacy talk about TNR and how the mindsets around community cats have evolved. They touch on reunification challenges face
Dec 14, 2021 • 31:48
Chris Roy, Creator of Doobert.com & Host of The Animal Innovation Show Podcast
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. What started out as one man’s system to record and coordinate his own animal transport work has since transformed into an online software platform, custom-built for animal rescuers. Chris Roy and Stacy talk about the creation of Doobert.com and the recent re-build which added new modules and optimized it for mobile use. Chris and Stacy discuss his podcast, The Animal Innovations Show, which explores innovations that are helpin
Dec 7, 2021 • 29:49
Dr. Jacquie Rand, Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Australian Pet Welfare Foundation
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. Dr. Jaquie Rand is currently using research to tackle issues around community cats and the criminalization of Trap, Neuter, Release practices in Australia. After navigating significant resistance for over a year and a half, she was able to launch a research project to negate arguments about disease spread by cats, the impact of cat predation on native wildlife, and the benefits of sterilization. In the midst of COVID, data coll
Nov 30, 2021 • 38:19
Steve Dale, Radio Host and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. A few notes played on a toy piano by his showstopping cat Ricky, changed Steve Dale’s understanding of cat behaviour, forever. Steve Dale began to “clicker train” Ricky the Devon Rex and the two became an inseparable duo. They continued to work together and began dispelling myths about what cats can be through public appearances and media spots. Steve discusses Ricky’s diagnosis of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and s
Nov 23, 2021 • 31:19
Emily Hall, Founder & Owner of kittycatgo.com
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. Emily discovered the joy that adventuring brought to cats—and their people—when she and her husband took their own cat with Cerebellar Hypoplasia outside for enrichment. From catio to stroller, to harness training, Emily and Stacy chat about the best steps to take when preparing your cat to go adventuring outside. Emily talks about pet tracking devices and which features she recommends especially for cats. For the holiday seaso
Nov 16, 2021 • 22:35
Sarah Swanty, CAWA, Executive Director and Co-founder, Animal Friends Alliance
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. Seven years into her work in veterinary clinics and with animal welfare organizations, Sarah Swanty learned a fact that devastated her. Of any 10 cats that were admitted to the local shelter, only four would make it out. A 60% euthanasia rate for cats drove Sarah to co-found Fort Collins Cat Rescue in 2006 which merged with Animal House Rescue in 2020 to become Animal Friends Alliance. Stacy and Sarah discuss the highs and lows
Nov 9, 2021 • 28:52
Special Episode! Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant & Author
In this special episode, Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and best-selling author, joins Stacy to discuss how Covid has changed cat behavioral concerns and her participation in the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program. This year, the program will host the ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards which will recognize the most inspiring staff and volunteers at cat welfare organizations; those who have gone above and beyond to help “purrfectly impurrfect” shelter cats. Pam discusses how winner
Nov 7, 2021 • 18:55
Dr. David Birse, HomeHeart Vets
This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. Home Heart Vets was founded in 2017 by two cat-loving Veterinarians passionate about improving end-of-life care for cats in New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Stacy and Dr. Birse discuss the emotional toll of practicing Veterinary medicine as well as the rewarding aspects of the profession, counseling owners in making end-of-life decisions for their pets, and advocacy around humane euthanasia. Dr. Birse outlines some
Nov 2, 2021 • 22:16
Alison Hunter Frederick, Cat Behavior Consultant and Trainer
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Beginning her life as a dog person, Allison talks about the value of using dog training methods to benefit cat behavior modification, and vice-versa. After losing her first companion cat in 2014, Allison focused on making cats lives better through behavior as a labor of love. Volunteering with Husker Cats changed Allison’s idea of a “feral” cat and inspired her passion for working with community and companion cats. Allis
Oct 26, 2021 • 29:04
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, DVA, DACVAA, DACVB, Professor Emeritus—Tufts University, Author, and Co-founder of the Center for Canine Behaviour Studies
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. If dogs and cats could choose a psychiatrist it would be Dr. Nicholas Dodman. With a drive for advocacy, a gift for research, and a never-say-quit treatment philosophy, it is no surprise that he is one of the world’s most noted veterinary behaviorists. Co-founder of the Center for Canine Behaviour Studies, Dr. Dodman describes himself as a “secret cat person,” as well. In this episode, Dr. Dodman and Stacy chat about enr
Oct 19, 2021 • 32:44
Dr. Kelly Diehl, D.V.M., Senior Director of Science and Communication of Morris Animal Foundation, Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist and Veterinary Journalist
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Dr. Kelly Diehl left private practice as a Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist to join the Morris Animal Foundation which funds research that benefits animals directly. Dr. Diehl and Stacy discuss the Happy, Healthy Cat campaign which continues to shape protocol around low-stress housing in shelters today. Dr. Diehl relates some surprising common ground uncovered in a study about bird people v. cat people and gives
Oct 12, 2021 • 29:40
Kristen Hassen, Maddie’s® American Pets Alive! Director overseeing Human Animal Support Services (HASS)
Kristen Hassen is the Maddie’s American Pets Alive! Director overseeing Human Animal Support Services (HASS) and serves as a board member of the National Animal Care & Control Association. Kristen describes HASS as the result of almost 1,000 animal welfare professionals coming together to recognize that the current animal services system is broken. Focusing on community-driven services as opposed to traditional shelter-driven services, HASS defines itself as a collaborative project to reimagine
Oct 5, 2021 • 28:39
Suzi Langer, Advocate for Specially Abled Animals
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Suzi Langer is a vet tech with a soft spot for specially-abled cats. Just a few hours into fostering her first cat with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination, she was hooked. Now Suzi and her kitty, Bifford, are on a mission to educate people and advocate for cats with this non-progressive condition. Stacy and Suzi discuss muscle memory, busting stigmas around speciall
Sep 28, 2021 • 25:27
Mandy Evans, Better Together Animal Alliance
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Mandy Evans has spent over a decade as the executive director of Better Together Animal Alliance—formerly Panhandle Animal Shelter—in Ponderay, Idaho, and hosts the podcast People are animals too, Darnit! When Better Together experienced an increase in owner surrenders, the Home to Home program was born. As a result the shelter saw an astounding 33% decrease in owner surrenders and Mandy knew it was something that needed
Sep 21, 2021 • 32:55
Hannah Senser, Ruff Start Rescue
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Hannah Senser is the cat foster manager for Ruff Start Rescue. RSR is a foster-based rescue with a network of 1,000 active foster homes instead of a brick-and-mortar shelter. Overseeing up to 300 cats/kittens and their foster families across the state of Minnesota, Hannah tells us it is vital that she can “manage a mean spreadsheet.” Stacy and Hannah discuss empowering fosters, removing barriers faced by adopters, the ch
Sep 14, 2021 • 29:36
Caron Tuttle, Atascosa Animal Allies
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. In 2017, Caron Tuttle answered a call for fostering help from a local rescue group in Pleasanton, Texas. Intending to foster one kitten, Caron left the shelter that day with five very sick kittens and one mama cat. Shortly thereafter, she and four friends founded Atascosa Animal Allies. Atascosa Animal Allies has since grown to provide a robust TNR program and a subsidized monthly spay and neuter clinic for community-own
Sep 7, 2021 • 22:50
Michelle Major, Author
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Michelle Major is a USA Today best-selling author of romance novels. She is passionate about animals and fosters kittens and promotes her local shelter in her free time. Her newest book, The Last Carolina Sister, the third book in the Magnolia Sisters trilogy, has a focus on animal sheltering as the protagonist, Meredith, runs an animal shelter. Stacy and Michelle talk about bringing the challenges of working in animal
Aug 31, 2021 • 24:09
Sanja Massey, Sylvester AI
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. We all know cats are great at hiding pain, but what if there was a way to monitor your cat’s pain just by taking a photo of her face? That is the goal of Sylvester AI’s new app Tably. Today Stacy is talking with Sanja Massey of Sylvester AI about the app and the implications for cat health as it continues developing. The Tably app uses the Feline Grimace Scale, a medical study that identified 5 facial cues that indicate
Aug 24, 2021 • 22:18
Basel Nassar, Creator of Boss Nation Brands
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Basel Nassar is an entrepreneur with many years of experience creating products designed to boost human digestive health. He has recently made the switch to pet digestive health with his company Boss Nation Brands. Boss Nation creates raw pet foods that act as full nutritional meals, as well as treats full of healthy supplements. Boss Nation also has a charity platform called Boss Cares which partners with local charitie
Aug 17, 2021 • 24:40
Rick DuCharme, Founder of RLD Consulting LLC
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Rick DuCharme has worked for many years as a no-kill advocate, working on the Mayor’s Task Force for Animal Control, founding First Coast No More Homeless Pets, and now founding RLD Consulting LLC, which works to help organizations working to save animals. Rick specializes in access to veterinary care, spay/neuter clinics, nonprofit startups, and more. Stacy and Rick discuss his journey from the business space to the non
Aug 10, 2021 • 29:30
Lisa Wysocki, Co-director Fido Fixers
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Lisa got involved in animal welfare through volunteering at shelters. She first began transporting animals from high-kill areas in the south, but then shifted her focus to the root of the problem: access to spay and neuter services. From that was born Fido Fixers, a nonprofit providing low-cost spay/neuter for dogs and cats with mobile clinics in underserved areas. With their seven mobile clinics, they partner with local
Aug 3, 2021 • 26:10
Christi Metropole, Founder of Stray Cat Alliance
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Christi Metropole, founder of the Stray Cat Alliance shares with Stacy how she got started with TNR in the 90s and how trapping her first cat at her apartment complex gradually blossomed into a movement. They chat about how cats have historically been left out of the animal movement, The Stray Cat Alliance provides trapping education, trap depots, help for spay/neuter surgeries, advocacy, help and education around unwean
Jul 27, 2021 • 29:53
Becky Mossor, Registered Vet Tech, Executive Director Human Animal Bond Association
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Becky Mossor is a registered veterinary technician and the executive director of the Human Animal Bond Association. She and Stacy talk about the differences between certified vet techs, on the job trained veterinary assistants, the challenges veterinarians have been facing during COVID, and ideas to better address the shortage of vets. Stacy and Becky also talk about the importance of the human-animal bond, which is at t
Jul 20, 2021 • 25:09
Michelle Fern, Host of Podcast Cattitude
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. This week the script is flipped and Stacy is the one being interviewed by Michelle Fern, who hosts the podcast Cattitude on Pet Life Radio. They chat about how Stacy got her start in animal welfare and the origins of the Community Cats Podcast, what they’ve both seen in animal welfare during COVID-19, how TNR is a grassroots movement, the veterinary shortage in the US, and more. Michelle also shares a little about her ba
Jul 13, 2021 • 40:17
Chloe DiVita and Jessica Shipman, Co-founders of All Pet Voices
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. This week Stacy interviews Chloe DiVita and Jessica Shipman, co-founders of All Pet Voices, a pet-focused media company that creates content for pet lovers in partnership with pet experts and brands. Their mission is to collaborate with other pet industry experts and bring people together to inspire, innovate, and take ideas to the next level. Stacy, Chloe, and Jessica discuss how they help small businesses and nonprofit
Jul 6, 2021 • 32:31
Juli Cialone and Marla Valentine, Rock N’ Rescue
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Juli Cialone and Marla Valentine of Rock N’ Rescue chat with Stacy this week about their unique approach to cat rescue. Juli is the co-founder and executive director of Rock N’ Rescue with a background in professional photography. Marla is a social worker in long term care with over 25 years of experience. Rock N’ Rescue, located in South Salem, NY, partners with shelters to match cats’ temperaments to their adopters wit
Jun 29, 2021 • 25:27
Andee Bingham, Founder of Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. This week’s guest is Andee Bingham, founder of Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance in North Carolina. Andee noticed a need for a more specialized organization that could focus on neonates and support shelters that weren’t equipped to care for them. Then she realized she was someone who could start that organization and Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance was born. Her program has a team of highly trained fosters and they work to
Jun 22, 2021 • 23:16
Rita Reimers, Feline Behavior Consultant and Podcast Host
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. In this episode, Stacy talks to Rita Reimers, a cat behavior consultant, writer, and podcast host. Rita writes a column for Catster Magazine and the Litter Genie website, and hosts the Pet Life Radio show 19 Cats and Counting with Linda Hall. She is also a cat rescue volunteer and cat owner (sharing her home with 19 cats!). Stacy and Rita discuss common behavior issues such as litter box problems and how to introduce new
Jun 15, 2021 • 24:03
Special Rebroadcast - Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and Author
Originally broadcast as a special episode for National Cat Day, in this episode, we celebrate by talking with Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and best-selling author. Pam and Stacy discuss how Pam started her career and why we need to "think like a cat," as well as her latest project with ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter's "Purrfectly Impurrfect" campaign. The campaign is kicking off on National Cat Day to shed light on cats who may be passed by for adoption because of their age, a
Jun 8, 2021 • 20:38
Daralyn Kelleher, YouTuber and Amateur Woodworker
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Daralyn Kelleher is an LA-based YouTuber who turned to furniture making during quarantine, documenting the process on her YouTube Channel. Stacy and Daralyn chat about Daralyn’s cat-themed, mid-century modern furniture, the possibility of venturing into making tiny furniture for cats, and making shelters for feral cats. Daralyn is also a trapper and cat colony caretaker. She shares about the difficulties of getting used
Jun 1, 2021 • 21:40
Anita Kelsey, Cat Behaviorist
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. Anita Kelsey is London’s only accredited cat behaviourist (BA Hons, MCFBA, CIDBT) after studying feline psychology and behaviour with renowned cat expert and biologist Roger Tabor and achieving a first class honours degree at Middlesex University based on her work practice. Anita is also qualified as a master cat groomer has a long list of regular mobile cat grooming clients in and around London. Anita is the author of t
May 25, 2021 • 25:05
Reagan Pasternak, Author of Griffin’s Heart: Mourning Your Pet with No Apologies
This episode is sponsored in part by Smalls Fresh Cat Food and Doobert.com. This week’s guest is Canadian actress, singer, and writer Reagan Pasternak. Reagan is the author of Griffin’s Heart: Mourning Your Pet with No Apologies. An avid animal lover, Reagan works with several rescue groups based in L. A. The book Griffin’s Heart came about when Reagan was mourning the loss of her cat Griffin. The loss of a pet is often not treated the same way as the loss of a human in your life, but the grief
May 18, 2021 • 21:35
Carol Novello, Founder of Mutual Rescue
This episode is sponsored in part by CDE Cages and Doobert.com. This week Stacy talks to Carol Novello, founder of Mutual Rescue, a national initiative that highlights the power of human-animal relationships. She is also the author of Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too. Carol worked in corporate America before transitioning to the nonprofit space, where she spent a decade as the president of the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. She is a recipient of the Maddie Hero
May 11, 2021 • 26:57
Special Episode! Care Dare
Find out all the details about Care Dare, taking place this May, in this special episode! CARE will be sponsoring the first ever CARE DARE Community Cat Challenge. Sterling the TrapKing will set a record for the most cats trapped in 24 hours by a single person! Our Goal is to set a record, help spay and neuter as many community cats in Atlanta during Kitten Season, and educate more people on the benefits or TNR while having diverse representation. To learn more visit https://careawo.org/care-dar
May 7, 2021 • 23:25
Deborah Cribbs, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Joanie Bernard Foundation & The Ten movement
This episode is sponsored in part by Kitty Sift and Doobert.com. Deborah Cribbs, a banker by trade, is the chair of the board of trustees for Joanie Bernard Foundation and the Ten movement, which works in the greater Cincinnati area to help achieve a no-kill community for cats. The foundation’s ad campaigns featuring Scooter the Neutered Cat have helped increase awareness and engagement in the community about spay and neuter and community cats. The work of the foundation has helped improve the l
May 4, 2021 • 26:40
Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director, PAWS (NY)
This episode is sponsored in part by CDE Cages and Doobert.com. This week Stacy talks to Rachel Herman, founder and executive director of PAWS (NY). Rachel has worked in development with the ASPCA before she transitioned to working with PAWS (NY) full time. PAWS (NY), or Pets Are Wonderful Support New York was founded in 2009 to meet the need for support for people who have physical and financial barriers to caring for their pets in New York City. Their goal is to provide services that help keep
Apr 27, 2021 • 26:02
Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst for Cat Protection & Policy, HSUS
This episode is sponsored in part by CDE Cages and Doobert.com. Can you believe it’s our 400th episode? This week we have a very special episode with Danielle Bays. You might remember Danielle from previous episodes or from her presentation at the 2021 Online Cat Conference. Danielle is a senior analyst for cat protection and policy at the Humane Society of the United States. She has more than 20 years experience in animal advocacy and she uses this expertise to advocate for community cat progra
Apr 20, 2021 • 24:56
Dawn White, author of Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat
This episode is sponsored in part by TICA and Doobert.com. Dawn White works as a behavioral psychologist and a massage therapist, but you might be more familiar with her work with Lola the Rescued Cat. Dawn runs the Lola the Rescued Cat Blog and is the author of Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat. Dawn is also a contributing writer for The Jackson Galaxy Project’s Cat Pawsitive program, Chewy.com, Pet Radio Magazine, the Contemporary Pet, and more. Dawn shares with us Lola’s rescue story and how it ga
Apr 13, 2021 • 19:59
Michelle Adams, Founder of Chatty Cats Care
This episode is sponsored in part by TICA and Doobert.com. Today’s guest comes to us all the way from the United Kingdom. Stacy chats with Michelle Adams, founder of Chatty Cats Care, a cat sitting company based in London. Michelle specialises in caring for disabled pets, is passionate about rescuing cats, and shares her home with senior cat, Jerry. Michelle shares with Stacy how during the pandemic lockdowns, her cat sitting business has adapted by adding a podcast, Catmaste Chronicles, and ho
Apr 6, 2021 • 24:05
Gary Evans, Clinic Director for the Humane Society of Huron Valley
This episode is sponsored in part by CDE Cages and Doobert.com. Stacy’s guest this week, Gary Evans, works as the Clinic Director for the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), where he previously worked as a “cat wrangler” or Community Cat Coordinator. Before coming to the world of animal welfare, Gary worked in the entrepreneurial space with tech startups. HSHV is a high volume spay/neuter and full-service vet clinic, and adoption shelter. They have been working as the leading provider of TNR
Mar 30, 2021 • 25:29
Peter Elueze, Founder of Paw Salvation
This episode is sponsored in part by TICA and Doobert.com. This week, an inspiring chat with Peter Elueze, founder of Paw Salvation, a Chicago-based nonprofit that helps homeless people, veterans, and seniors care for their pets. Paw Salvation was founded 3 years ago and has been growing steadily, supporting those who need it by providing pet food. Stacy and Peter talk about the human-animal bond, the need for including pets when providing housing and writing policy for homeless people, how COVI
Mar 23, 2021 • 24:00
Mariah McCulley - Director of Operations at Animal Friends Alliance
This episode is sponsored in part by TICA and Doobert.com. Stacy chats with Mariah McCulley, Director of Operations at Animal Friends Alliance, a limited admission, adoption guarantee shelter for cats and dogs in Fort Collins, CO. Mariah has experience with TNR, high volume spay and neuter clinics, adoption, and, her passion, fostering feral kittens. Animal Friends Alliance has a strong focus on providing community resources to keep animals in their homes. They provide subsidized cost spay/neut
Mar 16, 2021 • 28:38
Bridget Bowhay - Director of Content and Social Media at Cuddly
This episode is sponsored in part by TICA and Doobert.com. This week’s guest is Bridget Bowhay, Director of Content and Social Media for Cuddly, a fundraising platform that supports animal rescues. Bridget is also an avid cat lover and kitten foster. Founded in 2014, Cuddly is a crowdfunding platform dedicated to helping nonprofit shelters and rescues achieve their fundraising goals. Their specific approach matches donors to specific animals, helping to provide medicine or supplies. Cuddly does
Mar 9, 2021 • 21:15
Dr. Aysha Akhtar – Author & Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
This episode is sponsored in part by KittySift and Doobert.com. Aysha Akhtar, M.D., M.P.H., is a double-board certified neurologist and preventive medicine specialist, with a background in public health, and is a U.S veteran. For a decade, Dr. Akhtar was a Medical Officer at the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Akhtar is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. She is the author of the two books, Our Symphony With Animals. On Health, Empathy and Our Shared Destinies and Animals and Publ
Mar 2, 2021 • 25:42
Steve Appelbaum, Creator of Animal Behavior College
This episode is sponsored in part by Tamadori and Doobert.com. Steve Appelbaum has more than 40 years of dog training and pet industry experience. He is the creator of Animal Behavior College (ABC) which provides many different pet industry certifications. ABC started off with only programs for dog training but Steve noticed a big problem with cats being surrendered or euthanized for treatable behavioral problems, so he set out to fix this problem. Steve and Stacy debunk the myth that cats can’t
Feb 23, 2021 • 29:54
Maura Thomas - Empowered Productivity™ System
This episode is sponsored in part by Tamadori and Doobert.com. Maura Nevel Thomas is an award-winning international speaker, trainer, and author on individual and corporate productivity and work-life balance, and the most widely-cited authority on attention management. Maura has trained thousands of individuals at hundreds of organizations on her proprietary Empowered Productivity™ System, a process for achieving significant results and living a life of choice. She is a TEDx speaker, successful
Feb 16, 2021 • 32:22
Sam Wilson - Program Director, Iowa Humane Alliance
This episode is sponsored in part by TICA and Doobert.com. You might remember Sam Wilson, who spoke at our Online Cat Conference in January. Sam is the Program Director at Iowa Humane Alliance, a high volume spay/neuter clinic, where she manages and develops outreach programs like the Iowa Trap-Neuter-Return Resource and Assistance Program (I-TRAP). Stacy and Sam discuss how a passion for community cats and affordable spay/neuter services led Sam to Iowa Humane Alliance, how COVID has shifted th
Feb 9, 2021 • 29:01
James Evans - President, CARE
This episode is sponsored in part by KittySift and Doobert.com. This week Stacy talks to James Evans, president of CARE and multi-award winning creative strategist and leader with 25+ years of experience connecting organizations with their constituents. He has worked on numerous animal welfare projects including Gulf Spay/Neuter Campaign and HSUS’ Pets for Life, Outdoor Cats Research, Stop Puppy Mills and Spayathon, as well as Best Friends Animal Society’s Outreach Action Team, Maddie’s Fund, a
Feb 2, 2021 • 26:43
Nathan the Cat Lady, Tabby Dates
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com. You might already know Nathan Khen from Instagram or Tik Tok, where he is known as @nathanthecatlady. Today Stacy talks to Nathan about cats (of course), building a following on social media platforms, reaching younger audience, balancing social media and mental health, the effects of COVID-19 on the world of cat rescuing, and dating as a cat person. Nathan is an actor, cat lover, volunteer with Milo’s Sanctuary and the Cat Cafe Lounge, and a spo
Jan 26, 2021 • 23:58
Allen Kamrava, Eusoh
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com. Our guest this week, Allen Kamrava, has an impressive and widely varied resume focused on both business and medicine. Dr. Kamrava is a colorectal and general surgeon and the founder and CEO of Eusoh, a powerful platform working to change the insurance industry by helping pet owners afford their vet bills. Eusoh is an online community of pet lovers committed to helping each other with unexpected vet bills. It is an alternative to pet insurance, wh
Jan 19, 2021 • 25:58
Mikaela Fleisher, PennyFix
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com. Mikaela Fleisher is the secretary for a nonprofit spay and neuter organization called PennyFix. She has been involved in animal rescue since 2009, volunteering with various organizations as well as working as a receptionist at a busy animal hospital. Stacy and Mikaela discuss PennyFix, an organization founded in 2017 whose goal is to partner with pet food companies to add one penny to the cost of each can or bag of pet food sold to fund spay and
Jan 12, 2021 • 22:09
Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity, University of Tennessee
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and KittySift. Our guest this week has a very impressive bio. Dr. Michael Blackwell had a doctorate of veterinary science as well as a masters in public health. He directs the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, chairs the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, and serves as a member of the HSVMA Board of Directors. In the past he has served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, the
Jan 5, 2021 • 25:15
Best of 2020 - Holly Ganz, Animal Biome
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com's FosterSpace. In this episode, Stacy chats with Holly Ganz, Ph.D., a micro-ecologist who studies how microbes and mammals interact, with a specific interest in the role that the gut microbiome plays in gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in cats and dogs. In 2015, Holly founded Animal Biome to create better diagnostics and therapeutics for cats and dogs with GI conditions. She and Stacy discuss how she became interested in this field, and the Kitty
Dec 29, 2020 • 21:06
Best of 2020 - Dr. Bob Weedon, TLC PetSnip & Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs
In this information-packed episode, Stacy sits down with Dr. Bob Weedon, a retired veterinarian who is still going strong as a volunteer at the TLC PetSnip low-cost clinic in Lakeland, FL, a board member of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), and in other volunteer posts. Bob worked in private practice and also spent many years teaching in the shelter medicine program at the University of Illinois, including teaching high-quality high-volume spay/neuter techniques to veterinar
Dec 22, 2020 • 38:18
Best of 2020 - Julie Posluns, Cat School
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Julie Posluns, the founder and owner of Cat School, an online training school for cats that uses clicker training to teach fun and practical behaviors and strengthen the bond between cats and their human in the process. Julie, who is a trained animal behaviorist, worked entirely with dogs until a small black kitten showed up at her back door. The cat, now called Jones, convinced the humans and the dogs in the family that he should stay—and he soon showed an
Dec 15, 2020 • 26:30
Best of 2020 - Camille Labchuk, Animal Justice
In this episode, Stacy is joined by Camille Labchuk, an animal rights lawyer and the executive director of Animal Justice, Canada’s only animal law advocacy organization. Camille also hosts the Animal Justice’s Paw & Order podcast, which was reviewed in the CCP blog back in February. Stacy and Camille discuss what’s going on in Canada with regard to cats, including the fact that, as Camille puts it, “People are really waking up to the idea that cat declawing shouldn’t be a practice that we allo
Dec 8, 2020 • 22:08
Best of 2020 – Dr. Jennifer Conrad, The Paw Project
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and KittySift. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Conrad, who founded The Paw Project in 1999, joins Stacy to discuss the organization’s mission to end declawing in the U.S. & Canada, using education, research, and legislation. The Paw Project is made up completely of veterinarians and the group compiled the evidence, drafted the legislation, composed the language of the legislation, built the coalition of support, and obtained the representatives for
Dec 1, 2020 • 23:22
Brad Kriser, Founder of Kriser's Natural Pet
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com. This week’s guest is Brad Kriser, founder of Kriser’s Natural Pet and Chief Education Officer of Independent Pet Partners. Brad lives in LA with his family and a menagerie of rescued animals. Stacy and Brad chat about Brad’s role with Independent Pet Partners and how he promotes education around natural pet food both within the company and out in the community. They talk about the 5 Pillars of Wellness, developed with the University of Denver, wh
Nov 24, 2020 • 28:04
Susan Russell, Writer, Attorney, Animal Advocate
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com. Founding member of Archimedes’ Printing Shoppe and Sundry Goodes, Susan Russell has had diverse experience as a writer, attorney, and animal advocate. She has led municipal animal shelters in Chicago and Philadelphia, worked as a litigator, and published an array of books including A Ruff Road Home: The Court Case Dogs of Chicago, several children’s books, and the new series Gata Unbound. Susan and Stacy discuss Susan’s newest book series (co wri
Nov 17, 2020 • 25:15
Sarah Archer, Writer, Curator, Design & Material Culture Historian
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com. Writer, curator, and design and material culture historian Sarah Archer speaks with Stacy about how her love of her rescue cats led her to her newest project. Sarah is a senior curator at Philadelphia Art Alliance, a contributor to Hyperallergic and many other publications, and has worked with organizations such as Project Meow and Morris Animal Refuge in Philadelphia, PA. After a cameo by Sarah’s kitten Toast, Stacy and Sarah discuss Sarah’s mos
Nov 10, 2020 • 21:03
Kevin Coolidge, Author and Independent Bookstore Owner
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and KittySift. Author of Hobo Finds a Home and Huck and Finn, Bookstore Cats and independent bookstore owner Kevin Coolidge is featured in this episode. The tradition of library and bookstore cats goes back to the Library of Alexandria and Kevin is keeping up the tradition with his two bookstore cats Huck and Finn, who have been featured in Cole and Marmalade’s blog and in Bookstore Catsby Brandon Schultz. Stacy and Kevin talk about how Huck and
Nov 3, 2020 • 17:31
Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and Author
In this special episode, we celebrate National Cat Day by talking with Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and best-selling author. Pam and Stacy discuss how Pam started her career and why we need to "think like a cat," as well as her latest project with ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter's "Purrfectly Impurrfect" campaign. The campaign is kicking off on National Cat Day to shed light on cats who may be passed by for adoption because of their age, appearance, or misunderstood personality
Oct 29, 2020 • 20:38
Kathleen O’Malley, TNR Educator
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Heaven Can Wait. Kathleen O’Malley is a longtime practitioner and educator of TNR. She has worked for the Hudson County Animal League, the ASPCA, the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City Animals, and Bideawee Feral Cat Initiative (FCI). In this episode Stacy and Kathleen discuss what to do if you see a stray cat, the many ways you can help with TNR, and the challenges facing those assisting community cats. Kathleen shares more about programs pr
Oct 27, 2020 • 23:25
Meagan King, Volunteer & Advocate
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, Heaven Can Wait, and C5. This week Stacy talks to Meagan King, who has worked in pit bull rescues, animal shelters, and the pet service industry for more than eight years. She is interested in animal fear, aggression, and behavior and has worked with the SPCA of Texas as the Dallas behavior coordinator. She is a champion of fear-free cat-handling techniques. She currently works in Houston helping to identify community cat candidates in the shelte
Oct 20, 2020 • 28:41
Kathy Black, Cat Fanciers’ Association Judge
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, Boulder Holistic Vet, and C5. Kathy Black, an all-breed judge from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for the past 19 years, joins Stacy in this episode. Kathy has bred and shown cats for 30 years, and she also chairs the CFA’s Companion Cat World (CCW), a program that celebrates rescued and non-pedigreed cats around the world. Kathy shares a bit of the CFA’s history with Stacy, and explains that even though the CFA is “mostly a registry of pedi
Oct 13, 2020 • 26:48
Sarah Moore & Dr. Teri Kidd, Animal Protective League
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, Boulder Holistic Vet, and Kitty Sift. In this episode, Stacy chats with Sarah Moore, the clinic manager for the Animal Protective League (APL) of Springfield Illinois’s spay/neuter clinic, and with Dr. Teri Kidd, the clinic’s veterinarian. They discuss how Dr. Kidd got into high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and TNR, and how things have changed in the city, numbers-wise, since the clinic opened in 2006. Stacy, Sarah, and Dr. Kidd also discu
Oct 6, 2020 • 29:26
Jennifer Barnes, Trapper & Animal Welfare Advocate
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com's FosterSpace, Boulder Holistic Vet, and Community Cat Coalition of Clark County. In this episode, Stacy chats with Jennifer Barnes, a US Marine Corps veteran who has been colony feeding and trapping cats for TNR for over five years in New Jersey. Known online as “The Trap Queen,” Jennifer largely uses her own money to fund her TNR, and she doesn’t drive—but she still gets the job done. She and Stacy discuss how she became involved in rescue and,
Sep 29, 2020 • 26:12
Sarah Dunsmore, CDE Animal Cages
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com’s FosterSpace, Boulder Holistic Vet, and Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. Sarah Dunsmore of CDE Animal Cages, previously featured on CCP Episode 302, joins Stacy to talk about catios, which CDE (a 2020 Online Kitten Conference sponsor) produces in all shapes and sizes for all different applications. Stacy and Sarah discuss the benefits of catios, and why a catio is preferable to letting a cat outdoors. CDE works with each individual to design a cus
Sep 22, 2020 • 24:01
Holly Ganz, Animal Biome
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com’s FosterSpace, C5, and The American Association of Feline Practitioners. In this episode, Stacy chats with Holly Ganz, Ph.D., a micro-ecologist who studies how microbes and mammals interact, with a specific interest in the role that the gut microbiome plays in gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in cats and dogs. In 2015, Holly founded Animal Biome to create better diagnostics and therapeutics for cats and dogs with GI conditions. She and Stacy discu
Sep 15, 2020 • 23:18
Keith Williams, C5 Las Vegas
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com's FosterSpace, Heaven Can Wait, and The American Association of Feline Practitioners. In this episode, Stacy catches up with Keith Williams of the Community Cat Coalition of Clark County (C5), based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Keith was featured previously on CCP Episode 297, ad in a CCP Trapper Tips & Trips blog post. Stacy and Keith review C5’s mission and background, and they discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their work. They talk ab
Sep 8, 2020 • 26:27
Anna Raines, Best Friends Animal Society
Anna Raines, currently a community cat program manager at Best Friends Animal Society, has been involved in animal welfare for about 10 years. She started her career as a wildlife rehabilitator, where she learned about complaint mitigation and the importance of spreading the message of coexistence. From there, she became an ACO, a role in which she learned about TNR and community cats. After taking over the Best Friends community cat program in Cobb County, Georgia, Anna helped bring the county’
Sep 1, 2020 • 22:37
Dr. Anne Beall, Market Researcher, Animal Advocate, Author
Anne Beall, CEO and founder of Beall Research, a strategic market research firm in Chicago, IL, is also an animal advocate who has written extensively about the human-animal bond. In this episode, she chats with Stacy about her most recent book, Heroic, Helpful and Caring Cats: Felines Who Make a Difference, and about how she came to be so passionate about cats after becoming the caretaker for several community cats. Anne and Stacy discuss why Anne decided to write her first book about cats, Com
Aug 25, 2020 • 26:42
Julie Jacobson, Spay Tennessee and CCP Community Cats Grants Program
Stacy chats with Julie Jacobson of Spay Tennessee, who is also the grants coordinator for CCP’s Community Cats Grants program. Julie, a frequent CCP guest (check out Episodes 2, 92, and 268, talks about how great this year’s grant program had been going—until the coronavirus hit. Julie and Stacy explain how the Community Cats Grants work: They are strictly for spay/neuter of community cats, and they are matching $1,000 grants that a group can earn by raising money through a new fundraising idea
Aug 18, 2020 • 27:39
Bonney Brown and Diane Blankenburg, Humane Network
Bonney Brown (CCP Episode 30 and Episode 181) and Diane Blankenburg, the president, and the CEO, respectively, of Humane Network, join Stacy to talk about the process of leadership recruitment in animal welfare. Humane Network assists organizations with this process and Bonney and Diane talk a bit about their process for going about a search and ways they can help throughout the process, depending on what their client needs. Stacy goes on to discuss with Bonney and Diane the best kind of inter
Aug 11, 2020 • 28:33
Pastor Larry Vandever, Coalition for Feral Cats of Lehigh Valley, PA
Pastor Larry Vandever, a former police officer turned pastor, joins Stacy to talk about his nonprofit, the Coalition for Feral Cats of Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania). His group practices what Larry calls “TNMM-plus,” which means trap-neuter-maintain-monitor—plus they provide other services to their community. Larry feels that TNR is just the basics and that more is required to ensure a good quality of life for the cats being spayed/neutered. Colonies that are part of the Coalition’s program are fe
Aug 4, 2020 • 20:27
Carrie Lippert Gillaspie, Television & Podcast Host
In this episode, Stacy chats with Carrie Gillaspie, a television and podcast host from rural central Wisconsin with a huge passion for helping animals. Last year, Carrie began noticing larger than normal numbers of barn and community cats in her area, and hearing complaints from the farms around her, that the cat numbers were out of control. Taking matters into her own hands, Carrie convinced a local group, The Fix Is In, to bring their mobile clinic to her neighborhood—and she raised the funds
Jul 28, 2020 • 22:20
Dr. Bob Weedon, TLC PetSnip & Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs
In this information-packed episode, Stacy sits down with Dr. Bob Weedon, a retired veterinarian who is still going strong as a volunteer at the TLC PetSnip low-cost clinic in Lakeland, FL, a board member of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), and in other volunteer posts. Bob worked in private practice and also spent many years teaching in the shelter medicine program at the University of Illinois, including teaching high-quality high-volume spay/neuter techniques to veterinar
Jul 21, 2020 • 37:14
Sterling Davis, Atlanta’s “Trap King”
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Sterling Davis again (she talked with him before in CCP Episode 243) to catch up on what he’s been doing for the last couple of years. Sterling is still living up to his nickname of Trap King, doing lots of TNR in Atlanta—but he has also been busy doing educational events and shows. He has been working with scout troops—and hoping to get a TNR badge in place—and he has been touching on the issue of diversity in rescue. He shares some tips with Stacy on deali
Jul 14, 2020 • 25:47
Ashley Shoults, Animal Arts
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Ashley Shoults, a principal w/ Animal Arts, an architecture firm in Boulder, Colorado that specializes exclusively in the design of animal care facilities, including animal shelters, veterinary facilities, and pet boarding facilities. Ashley is currently working on the design of a new facility for PAWS Seattle and she recently co-authored a book covering all aspects of animal care design, Practical Guide to Veterinary Hospital Design. Stacy and Ashley talk a
Jul 7, 2020 • 24:01
Steven Mornelli, Waggle
In this episode, Stacy chats with Steven Morelli, CEO and founder of Waggle, a new—and very different—crowdfunding platform to help pet owners and shelters/rescues raise money for animals in need of urgent veterinary care. Steven, who has a background in finance and data analytics, found himself increasingly angry over the way various crowdfunding platforms operate. Frustrated, he decided to start Waggle to connect people who find themselves considering surrendering or euthanizing their beloved
Jun 30, 2020 • 26:14
Elizabeth Finch, Good Mews Animal Foundation
Stacy talks with Elizabeth Finch, a member of the board of directors and full-time marketing and communications volunteer at Good Mews Animal Foundation in Marietta, Georgia. Elizabeth comes from a varied professional background and began donating her time to Good Mews after early retirement. “It’s my full-time gig,” she tells Stacy, “and I love it more than anything I’ve ever done.” Stacy and Elizabeth discuss Good Mews’s five-year-old shelter, which is focused on cage-less space, as well as an
Jun 23, 2020 • 22:33
Mary Howard, Community Cat Coordinator at McKamey Animal Center
In this episode, Stacy talks with Mary Howard, the community cat coordinator at McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, TN. The program started in 2018 with a grant from Best Friends Animal Society and since inception, the organization’s return to habitat releases has gone up by 145%. Stacy and Mary discuss the many programs McKamey offers, including a barn cat program, kitten nursery, trapping services, a pet food bank, low-cost vaccine clinics, and an on-site feral colony for cats that cannot sa
Jun 16, 2020 • 24:05
Mary Tan, Whisker Media
Stacy sits down with Mary Tan, owner and chief storyteller at Whisker Media, a boutique strategic communications agency that focuses on marketing and public relations for pet-related businesses and animal welfare nonprofits. Mary, who previously worked as a news reporter and in government communications, is also the public relations manager for Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, Minnesota, which is one of the country’s largest open-admission shelters. Mary and Stacy talk about why it’s impo
Jun 9, 2020 • 31:30
Karen Little, Alley Cat Advocates
Karen Little, featured previously on CCP Episode 17 and Episode 112, joins Stacy to discuss the new things going on with the organization she and her husband founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1999, Alley Cat Advocates. In the 21 years since its inception, ACA has altered over 50,000 community cats and has worked to transform the culture of care provided to community cats in the region. Stacy and Karen talk a bit about how Karen and her husband came to the idea of TNR and starting ACA, and abou
Jun 2, 2020 • 25:14
Marian Pekar, My Nine Lives Video Game
In this episode, Marian Pekar, a software developer based in the Czech Republic, joins Stacy to talk about My Nine Lives, a game he is developing to raise money for cat-related charities. Marian became involved in cat charities after adopting Max, a stray kitten, and earlier this year, he decided to use his skills and passion to find a way to help support those charities. Marian and Stacy discuss My Nine Lives, in which the player takes on the role of a cat trying to survive by hunting prey and
May 26, 2020 • 17:27
Lora O’Connor, The National Kitten Coalition
Stacy sits down with Lora O’Connor, Executive Director of The National Kitten Coalition (NKC), in this episode to talk about the organization, and about its partnership with Community Cats Podcast on the Online Kitten Conference. Lora has been working in animal welfare for 20 years and is an animal behaviorist. She talks about how things were for cats 20 years ago, and how she felt cats just weren’t getting the same resources dogs were. “We needed to elevate their status,” Lora says. Lora and St
May 19, 2020 • 22:07
Dean Killingbeck, Pets Strong CBD
In this episode, Dean Killingbeck of Pets Strong CBD joins Stacy to discuss CBD and Pet Strong’s products. Born and raised on a farm, Dean developed a deep appreciation of nature and herbal medicine, and when his senior dog began to develop mobility issues, Dean decided to try CBD. The results were positive, but Dean was dismayed by the quality of products available for pets, and by the misinformation, he found online. So he decided to start his own company and write a book to help educate pet o
May 12, 2020 • 21:38
Arden Moore, Pet Health and Safety Coach
The multi-talented Arden Moore joins Stacy in this episode to discuss all things C-A-T. Arden is a radio show host, author, professional speaker, editor, media consultant, dog/cat behavior consultant, and a master pet first aid instructor. She and Stacy discuss the details of her podcast, Oh Behave, hosted by PetLifeRadio and selected by Oprah as one of her top three favorite pet podcasts for the past two years. Arden was a reporter and editor at a major newspaper for 20 years before she got int
May 5, 2020 • 22:01
Julie Posluns, Cat School
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Julie Posluns, the founder and owner of Cat School, an online training school for cats that uses clicker training to teach fun and practical behaviors and strengthen the bond between cats and their human in the process. Julie, who is a trained animal behaviorist, worked entirely with dogs until a small black kitten showed up at her back door. The cat, now called Jones, convinced the humans and the dogs in the family that he should stay—and he soon showed an
Apr 28, 2020 • 25:35
Tina Traster, Catnip Nation
Award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker Tina Traster, previously featured on CCP Episode 186, joins Stacy again to update us on her documentary, Catnip Nation. The film advocates for TNR through the stories of four Good Samaritans caring for community cats around the country. Since being on CCP a couple of years ago, Tina has taken Catnip Nation on the film festival circuit, where it won several awards and has successfully landed a distributor. The documentary is available on DVD, and Ti
Apr 21, 2020 • 20:02
Danielle Bays, Humane Society of the United States
In this episode, HSUS Senior Analyst for Cat Protection & Policy Danielle Bays joins Stacy to talk about what’s going on in the world of cat policy issues. Danielle, who has chatted with Stacy in CCP Episode 55, Episode 261, and Episode 293, also shares details about the upcoming HSUS Expo conference. The conference will be held in San Antonio May 6–9 and will feature a whole track devoted specifically to cats. Stacy & Danielle goes on to talk about the major focus lately in the U.S. on concern
Apr 14, 2020 • 21:53
Camille Labchuk, Animal Justice
In this episode, Stacy is joined by Camille Labchuk, an animal rights lawyer and the executive director of Animal Justice, Canada’s only animal law advocacy organization. Camille also hosts the Animal Justice’s Paw & Order podcast, which was reviewed in the CCP blog back in February. Stacy and Camille discuss what’s going on in Canada with regard to cats, including the fact that, as Camille puts it, “People are really waking up to the idea that cat declawing shouldn’t be a practice that we allo
Apr 7, 2020 • 21:11
Elaine Spencer and Melanie Gardner, T-Town TNR
In this episode, Stacy chats with Elaine Spencer and Melanie Gardner from T-Town TNR, an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to resolving the feline overpopulation crisis in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since 2015, the organization has spay/neutered over 3,700 cats. Elaine is the group’s lead support for grant writing, and together, she and Melanie serves as the group’s IT consultants. Elaine and Melanie talk with Stacy about how they became involved with TNR, and with T-Town in particular, and they discuss t
Mar 31, 2020 • 26:53
Alisse Russell, Puff Cat Rescue, Inc.
In this episode, Stacy speaks with Alisse Russell, founder and executive director of Puff (Paws Up for Felines) Cat Rescue, Inc., a recently launched grassroots group with an ambition to grow into a nationwide rescue network. Puff Cat is dedicated to helping solve community cat overpopulation, and Alisse, who currently works in the human mental health field, is working toward becoming a humane education specialist. Alisse and Stacy discuss what Puff Cat hopes to do, which is to reach smaller, in
Mar 24, 2020 • 19:49
Lori Behrman, The Toby Project
In this episode, Stacy talks with Lori Behrman, who runs the day-to-day operations of the Toby Project, including the mobile spay/neuter clinic. Lori has been with the Toby Project since Day One, and she considers her work not just a job, but a mission. She tells Stacy about how Dr. Andy Kaplan, founder of the Toby Project (CCP Episode 339) inspired her to get involved eleven years ago, and about how much she has learned since then about the concepts of spay/neuter, no-kill, and pet overpopulati
Mar 17, 2020 • 25:16
Debbie Chatenever, community cat caretaker
In this episode, Stacy chats with community cat caretaker Debbie Chatenever, who walks several miles each day to feed the community cats in her area. Debbie gets the cats the medical care they need at her own expense, and she shares with Stacy the story of how she got involved with caring for her local community cats. Stacy and Debbie also discuss how beneficial a support network could be for Debbie and others like her, and they talk about Debbie’s strong belief that there needs to be accountabi
Mar 10, 2020 • 18:31
Jill Tucker, California Animal Welfare Association
Jill Tucker, CAWA and CEO of the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), joins Stacy in this episode to talk about her career in animal welfare, which stretches back to 2002. They talk about how Jill ended up in animal welfare after being in the software industry for many years. Jill & Stacy also discuss CalAnimals—how it came to be, the role it plays in the state, and how Jill came to be in a leadership role there. They talk about the diversity of resources in California and the cha
Mar 3, 2020 • 26:08
Britney Fox Hover, Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Britney Fox Hover, the shelter director at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) in Salisbury, Massachusetts, began at MRFRS as a volunteer in 2009. In addition to now running the group’s shelter and medical programs, Brit also oversees the adoption program, including a very successful Feline Leukemia (FeLV+) adoption program. Brit and Stacy talk a bit about how Brit came to love cats and get involved at MRFRS, and about MRFRS’s history and programs and what makes the organization un
Feb 25, 2020 • 23:13
Dr. Andy Kaplan, The Toby Project
In this episode, Stacy speaks with Dr. Andrew Kaplan, the veterinarian behind New York City’s The Toby Project. Andrew has been an animal advocate since he was a child. Stacy & Andrew discuss Andrew’s journey to becoming a vet and how he came to learn about and become involved in pet overpopulation—including the touching story of Toby, the dog who put a face on the overpopulation issue for Andrew. The Toby Project has a mobile spay/neuter clinic that splits its time between doing surgeries for l
Feb 18, 2020 • 32:15
Mario Arbore, Square Paws
Mario Abore, the founder and owner of Square Paws, a cat furniture design company, sits down with Stacy to talk about how Square Paws came to be. Mario, an architect by trade, designs all the furniture as art that your cat can inhabit, and it is all hand-crafted in the United States. Square Paws donates 10% of their proceeds to animal welfare. Stacy and Mario discuss the free-roaming cat rooms that Square Paws designed for the North Shore Animal League America in partnership with Beth Stern, in
Feb 11, 2020 • 21:12
Jeff Parks, Author of "You Know Your Cat Loves You Because..."
Jeff Parks, a comedy writer by trade, wasn’t introduced to the world of cats until he was in his 30s, but once he was, there was no going back. He quickly turned into a “cat person,” and became intrigued by the ways in which cats show their affection. Finding mostly scientific answers, he began using his comedy background to come up with funny ways cats show their love that wouldn’t be found in any official studies. Soon, he decided to pursue the idea as an illustrated book and began working wit
Feb 4, 2020 • 20:36
A Best of CCP Episode! Will Zweigart, Flatbush Cats
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Will Zweigart, founder of Flatbush Cats, a nonprofit focused on reducing the outdoor cat population in central Brooklyn, New York through TNR and rescue work. Flatbush Cats teaches TNR classes and offers support and resources for trappers. They are also launching a mobile spay/neuter clinic pilot program to support low-income residents, a project done in partnership with the Toby Project. Stacy & Will talk about the work Flatbush Cats does and the organizati
Jan 28, 2020 • 25:43
A Best of CCP Episode! Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM, Team Shelter USA
Stacy sits down with Dr. Sara Pizano (a previous CCP guest on Episode 56, Episode 171, and Episodes 246 and 247) to discuss Dr. Pizano’s new book, The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters. The book is a result of the more than 100 assessments Dr. Pizano has done at shelters around the country as a Team Shelter USA consultant. She realized that the shelters she was working with were all struggling with the same issues. More importantly, she realized that the solutions needed to decrease eut
Jan 21, 2020 • 24:06
Hasara Lay, Catexplorer
In this episode, Stacy speaks with Hasara Lay, founder of Catexplorer, a community, movement, and lifestyle brand for people who explore the world with their cats. Hasara, who is located in Australia, began exploring with her cat as a child and never stopped. When she and her husband adopted two rescue cats, she started Catexplorer as a repository for information on training cats to be explorers, but it has since expanded into more of an online community for those who like to explore with their
Jan 14, 2020 • 21:23
Dr. Jennifer Conrad, The Paw Project
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Conrad, who founded The Paw Project in 1999, joins Stacy to discuss the organization’s mission to end declawing in the U.S. & Canada, using education, research, and legislation. The Paw Project is made up completely of veterinarians and the group compiled the evidence, drafted the legislation, composed the language of the legislation, built the coalition of support, and obtained the representatives for every law prohibiting declawing in the U.S. Stacy and Dr. Conrad
Jan 7, 2020 • 23:14
Julia Grosz, Cat Hustler
Julia Grosz earned the nickname “Cat Hustler” due to her ability to match cats and adopters through strategic copywriting and social media use. So it was only natural that when she developed her skills into a teachable set of cat marketing practices, she would name her organization Cat Hustler. The nonprofit specializes in creative marketing for shelter cats and also hosts community-building events like The Acatemy, a cat conference “for rescuers, by rescuers.” The next Acatemy will be held Janu
Dec 31, 2019 • 20:18
John Boone, Wildlife Biologist at Great Bay Bird Observatory
John Boone, a wildlife biologist previously interviewed on CCP, joins Stacy to discuss new research on how we can use the tools we have to manage cat populations more efficiently and more effectively. This particular study was conducted by a group of people connected with the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) and used computer modeling and simulation tools to predict the outcomes of various community cat management scenarios. John and Stacy discuss the methodology of the study
Dec 24, 2019 • 22:18
Lizz Whitacre, Pawlytics
In this episode, Stacy is joined by Lizz Whitacre, founder and CEO of Pawlytics, a technology solution to help rescues manage their paperwork and gain insights from their data. Pawlytics is also expanding into the TNR/community cats space in an effort to use technology, data, and innovation to drive lifesaving efforts for community cats. Stacy and Lizz discuss how Pawlytics came to be, and how its affordable fee structure operates. When Lizz got started working on this project, it seemed to her
Dec 17, 2019 • 27:30
Valerie Sheppard, Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
Valerie Sheppard, Director of Professional Development & Credentialing at the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA), joins Stacy to discuss what the AAWA is all about these days, including details on their Learning Center. Valerie created the Learning Center when she joined the AAWA in 2018, and it offers a variety of webinars (live and recorded) and online classes, most of which are free. Valerie wanted to make sure people from anywhere could access learning opportunities anytime in
Dec 10, 2019 • 20:12
Meagan Larrea, Joy 4 Cats
Meagan Larrea is a cat mom and cat lover who works as a civil engineer by day. The rest of the time, she runs Joy 4 Cats, a growing project that puts together toy and treat baskets for shelters to give away to new adopters. The program began in the fall of 2018 when Meagan heard about a local shelter with an overflow of adult cats looking for homes. As a creative way to help, Meagan created adopter baskets to bring joy to cats and to give people an incentive to adopt—and it worked! Since then, M
Dec 3, 2019 • 21:04
Ashley Morrison, Foster Caregiver & Cat Advocate
fostering, which she initially began doing through local shelters, she has discovered a deep passion for TNR and advocacy and now works independently to take in, care for, spay/neuter, vaccinate, and adopt out cats and kittens. Ashley got involved in fostering kittens after she lost her father to suicide, and she talks with Stacy about how much fostering helped her and her mom through the grieving process. Ashley is a big believer in the fact that fostering can be great for your mental health an
Nov 26, 2019 • 24:00
Isa Peraza-Martinez, ASPCA Community Cats Outreach Manager
Isa Peraza Martinez began her career at the APSCA as an animal caregiver at the organization’s adoption center. Today, she serves as Community Cats Outreach Manager. In this role, she delivers monthly TNRM (trap-neuter-return-monitor) workshops, held in conjunction with several other organizations in New York City, and she serves as the primary point person for feral cat concerns from the NYPD. Isa and Stacy discuss what the TNRM workshops consist of, and how things have changed in New York City
Nov 19, 2019 • 21:45
Dr. Kimberley Khodakhah, Veterinarian, Mentor, Wellness & Success Coach
Dr. Kimberley Khodakhah (better known as “Dr. K.”) runs Vetopia, a mentoring, wellness, and coaching business serving veterinarians. With 23 years of experience as a veterinarian herself, Dr. K. knows the business inside and out—including the fact that the animal medical field can come with incredible stresses and challenges. She mentors new and recent veterinary school graduates to help them develop skills and to facilitate success during their first few years of practice, and she also coaches
Nov 12, 2019 • 20:59
Sally Williams, Brodie Fund and Feline Fine Project
Sally Williams, who previously chatted with Stacy on CCP Episode 104, is a cat behaviorist and the founder and director of the Brodie Fund. She joins Stacy to talk about her newest effort, the Feline Fine Project, which aims to educate cat guardians and offer solutions in order to get more cats in for annual veterinary exams each year. Sally shares with Stacy that 55% of owned cats don’t see a vet annually and 9% will never see a vet in their lifetime. The Feline Fine Project aims to change thes
Nov 5, 2019 • 25:59
Colleen Bray, Director, Boone County (KY) Animal Shelter
Colleen Bray, Director of the Boone County Kentucky Animal Shelter, has seen a lot of change with regards to cats in her time in animal welfare. She has worked in many roles in the field, and she joins Stacy to share not only her own shelter’s success stories but also the cumulative success of the northern Kentucky region. In 2011, Boone County Animal Shelter had a cat live release rate of 26.5%. In the fall of 2012, they began an animal control-administered TNR program, and by 2013, their cat l
Oct 29, 2019 • 19:03
Anna Skaya, Basepaws
Anna Skaya, the CEO of Basepaws, joined Stacy last year on CCP Episode 213, and now she’s back to update Stacy on everything that has happened in the past year—including a successful appearance on Shark Tank! Basepaws is a simple, at-home DNA test for your cat that can give you an idea of the breeds your cat has in its DNA, and if your cat is a carrier for certain genetic diseases. According to Anna, Basepaws is laser-focused on cats, and the Basepaws test represents the first time that so many
Oct 22, 2019 • 21:04
Chelsea White, Comedian and Host of “Show Me Your Kitty”
Chelsea White is a host, writer, producer, comedian, and cat enthusiast. She currently hosts the Bravo digital series “Adulting by Bravo,” a weekly Facebook live talk show called “What a Delight with Chelsea White,” and the dating podcast “Ghosted Stories.” She is also the creator and host of the “cat-pawsitive” web series “Show Me Your Kitty.” In this CCP episode, Stacy talks with Chelsea about how she came up with the concept for “Show Me Your Kitty,” and Chelsea describes some of her favorite
Oct 15, 2019 • 19:20
Shelly Simmons, CAWA, Division Manager, Greenville (SC) County Animal Care
Shelly Simmons has worked for Greenville County Animal Care, the largest open-admission shelter in South Carolina, for twelve years now. She sits down with Stacy to talk about how, in the last four years, through the implementation of a variety of community cat programs, the shelter’s cat intake has decreased from 9,000 cats annually to under 3,000 a year. Most of this was accomplished by offering free spay/neuter for all community cats in Greenville County. A county resolution supporting commun
Oct 8, 2019 • 29:35
Tabitha Kucera, Chirrups & Chatter Cat Behavior Consulting and Education
Tabitha Kucera, a presenter at this past January’s CCP Online Cat Conference, joins Stacy to discuss low-stress cat handling, clicker training, and more. Tabitha is a registered veterinary technician and a certified cat behavior training consultant. She is also certified in feline-friendly handling by both Fear Free and the Low-Stress Handling University. Tabitha has her own company, Chirrups & Chatter Cat Behavior Consulting and Education, along with a dog-related company, Positively Pawsitive
Oct 1, 2019 • 25:13
Jenny Hart, Travel Writer & Cat Mom
Jenny Hart, a Brooklyn-based travel writer and mom to cat Rajah, is quickly becoming a cat travel expert. Soon after adopting Rajah as a kitten, it became clear to Jenny that he needed more stimulation than life in a New York City apartment could provide. Jenny began training Rajah to walk on a harness and leash shortly thereafter. Since then, the pair has traveled together on planes, trains, and in cars to nine U.S. states and Washington, D.C., with more travel ahead in their future. In this ep
Sep 24, 2019 • 22:31
Will Zweigart, Flatbush Cats
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Will Zweigart, founder of Flatbush Cats, a nonprofit focused on reducing the outdoor cat population in central Brooklyn, New York through TNR and rescue work. Flatbush Cats teaches TNR classes and offers support and resources for trappers. They are also launching a mobile spay/neuter clinic pilot program to support low-income residents, a project done in partnership with the Toby Project. Stacy & Will talk about the work Flatbush Cats does and the organizati
Sep 17, 2019 • 24:52
Preston Tobery, Adaptive Tech and Consulting
Preston Tobery, an expert at “maker technologies” like 3D printing, is the founder of Adaptive Tech and Consulting, a small business that makes adaptive technologies for special needs animals. Preston came to this specific work through several remarkable interactions with the Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw) and two of her foster kittens, Chloe and Badger. The success of the technology Preston designed to help Badger with his megaesophagus, the Mega Feeder 3000, convinced Preston that he should start a
Sep 10, 2019 • 20:01
Siri Zwemke, Author, Executive Director of Siamese Cat Rescue Center
In this episode, Stacy talks with Siri Zwemke, author and founder/executive director of the Siamese Cat Rescue Center. The organization has been in operation for over twenty years, utilizing over 900 volunteers to save over 13,000 cats in that time. Siri has also just published a book, Rescue Meez, about her experiences running the nonprofit and rescuing cats over the years. Siri and Stacy discuss how Siri came to start Siamese Cat Rescue Center, how decreasing shelter populations have affected
Sep 3, 2019 • 20:11
Jayne Sage, Founder & Executive Director, Street Cat Hub
Jayne Sage began doing TNR when she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico around 2002. After TNRing over 70 cats in her own neighborhood, she began looking for ways to help in other areas of the city and before long, she was a major advocate for TNR citywide. In this episode, Jayne and Stacy discuss how TNR advocates, working in conjunction with the city of Albuquerque, were able to decrease the city’s feline euthanasia rate by 99% between 2009 and 2017. Some of this was accomplished through Best Fri
Aug 27, 2019 • 23:23
I Am Moshow the Cat Rapper and “Double Duty”
In this special episode, Stacy talks with Moshow the Cat Rapper about teaming up with Arm and Hammer’s “Double Duty” campaign. Moshow wrote and created a song and video for the campaign, and if it gets two million views on YouTube by October 31, 2019, Arm and Hammer will donate $10,000 to ACCT Philly and to the Cat Adoption Team in Oregon. In addition to chatting about the Double Duty campaign, Moshow talks very personally with Stacy about the loss of his beloved cat Tali and how he is handling
Aug 17, 2019 • 13:11
Betsy Banks Saul, Founder of Petfinder and Heal House Call Veterinarian (Part 2)
In the second part of this two-part episode, Stacy talks more with Betsy Banks Saul, this time about her new business venture, a franchise of house-call veterinary practices called Heal House Call Veterinarian. Betsy began thinking about this idea around 2013, and her top priority was to increase the quality of life for animals and for their people—including their veterinarians. Around this time, Betsy found herself frustrated and saddened by the fact that her own pets’ veterinarians seemed less
Aug 13, 2019 • 15:07
Betsy Banks Saul, Founder of Petfinder and Heal House Call Veterinarian (Part 1)
Betsy Banks Saul, a co-founder of Petfinder, and founder of a new business venture, Heal House Call Veterinarian, has been working with animals since she was a teen. She has a background as a park ranger, with an interest in forestry. In the first part of this two-part episode, she talks with Stacy about the path that lead her from that world into developing the Petfnder.comsoftware with her ex-husband in 1996. Since that time, Betsy estimates that Petfinder.comhas had over two million adoptions
Aug 6, 2019 • 32:43
A Brief Programing Note
Some of the content you enjoy will be releasing at on a different day of the week. Starting in August, the podcast will be released on Tuesdays instead of Saturdays. (However, being available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Sticher or wherever you listen to podcasts, means that you can listen whenever you'd like!) Meanwhile, the blog will be posted on Thursdays instead of Mondays. We hope this change makes it more convenient for everyone to learn how to turn their passion for cats into
Aug 3, 2019 • 1:08
Dr. Rachel Geller, Certified Cat Behavior & Retention Specialist
Stacy is once again joined by Dr. Rachel Geller, who has previously appeared on CCP Episode 18 and Episode 146. A certified Humane Education Specialist and Cat Behavior & Retention Specialist, Rachel is celebrating the launch of her new book, Saving the World One Cat at a Time. Rachel tells Stacy that she hadn’t really entertained the idea of writing a book until the Boston Globe featured an article about her work. Shortly afterward, Nancy West, a Globe columnist, contacted Rachel to ask if she
Jul 27, 2019 • 19:43
Amanda Jones, Founder and CEO of Sunshine Kitty Catfe
Amanda Jones, a lifelong cat lover and self-described “totally sane cat lady,” talks with Stacy about opening the Sunshine Kitty Catfe in St. Petersburg, Florida this fall. They get into the details of how the café will operate, as well as how Amanda came to be interested in cat cafes. At the age of 8, Amanda had her first experience as a “cat whisperer,” in which she charmed a stray kitten at her father’s office into coming to her. That kitten became Amanda’s first pet cat of her own, and a lif
Jul 20, 2019 • 17:36
Mary Chromek, Neonatal Kitten Foster
Stacy chats with Mary Chromek, who has been fostering neonatal (bottle baby) kittens for over 10 years now. A cat person since she was a child, Mary found that cats really helped with her depression and anxiety, and as she got older, she decided to give back by fostering for local organizations. She soon realized there was a real need for bottle baby fosters, and learned everything she could about this specialized area of foster care. Mary and Stacy discuss some specifics around bottle baby care
Jul 13, 2019 • 18:55
Steve Lawrence, Director of “The Cat Rescuers”
Steve Lawrence, an award-winning filmmaker previously interviewed by Stacy on CCP Episode 178, returns to CCP to discuss the documentary film he co-directed, The Cat Rescuers. The film premiered in October 2018 at the Hamptons International Film Festival, where it won an award for “giving voice to the voiceless.” Since then, Steve and his production company have set about making the film available for community screenings that can be used as fundraisers for rescue and TNR groups. This can be don
Jul 6, 2019 • 22:14
Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM, Team Shelter USA
Stacy sits down with Dr. Sara Pizano (a previous CCP guest on Episode 56, Episode 171, and Episodes 246and 247) to discuss Dr. Pizano’s new book, The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters. The book is a result of the more than 100 assessments Dr. Pizano has done at shelters around the country as a Team Shelter USA consultant. She realized that the shelters she was working with were all struggling with the same issues. More importantly, she realized that the solutions needed to decrease euth
Jun 29, 2019 • 24:45
Peter Wolf, Research & Policy Analyst for Best Friends Animal Society
Peter Wolf, previously featured on CCP Episode 74, joins Stacy again, this time to discuss a newly released research paper that he and Dan Spehar (CCP Episode 240) have co-authored. The paper, titled “Integrated Return-To-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Programs Result in Reductions of Feline Intake and Euthanasia at Six Municipal Animal Shelters,” has been published inFrontiers in Veterinary Science, an online, peer-reviewed journal. For this paper, Peter and Dan pulled a very l
Jun 22, 2019 • 24:18
Scott Giacoppo, Director of National Shelter Outreach, Best Friends Animal Society
Scott Giacoppo (previously interviewed by Stacy on CCP Episode 25) has been involved in animal welfare since 1989. Among other roles, he has worked as an animal control officer and a special state police officer for cruelty investigations. He currently serves as the Director of National Shelter Outreach for Best Friends Animal Society. In this role, Scott oversees the development of life-saving efficacy and sustainability for animal welfare agencies across the United States. He & his team provid
Jun 15, 2019 • 26:07
Jackson Cunningham, Founder of Tuft + Paw
In this episode, Stacy talks with Jackson Cunningham, founder of Tuft + Paw, a modern cat furniture company. Jackson and his girlfriend and business partner both have had cats all their lives, and describe themselves as obsessed with cats. After a trip to South America in which they observed stray cats being treated like pests, they swore that if a business opportunity came along that allowed them to help the stray cat community, they would jump on it. Fast forward a few months, and Jackson and
Jun 8, 2019 • 22:59
Sarah Dunsmore, CDE Animal Cages
In this episode, Stacy is joined by Sarah Dunsmore, who co-owns CDE Animal Cages with her husband. Lifelong animal lovers, Sarah and her husband purchased the thirty-year old company several years ago and decided to shift its focus to helping shelter and rescue groups. As a small, family-owned company, CDE wants to help connect shelters and rescues with caging that helps keep their animals healthier, and helps make their staff’s jobs easier. Sarah and Stacy discuss how changes in cat caging—incl
Jun 1, 2019 • 25:17
Christina Ha, Cat Camp & Meow Parlour Cat Café
Christina Ha joins Stacy again (having been interviewed by Stacy in CCP episode 144 and episode 245), this time to discuss the third annual Cat Camp event, to be held this June 1 and 2 in New York City at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Christina, who is one of the co-founders of Meow Parlour cat café, founded Cat Camp in 2017 as a resource for the many people who were asking her about how they could help cats and learn more about them. Cat Camp is for anyone who likes cats, whether you’re a cat ow
May 25, 2019 • 20:42
Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats
For the 300thepisode of Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is joined by Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats. Previously featured on CCP Episode 13, Episode 127, and Episode 218, Bryan is back to talk about how things are going for community cats in Hawaii, and about the new book he has co-authored. And of course, he and Stacy discuss the ongoing webinar series that CCP and Neighborhood Cats are partnering on. Bryan, who is now located in Hawaii, reports that Neighborhoo
May 18, 2019 • 32:18
Lindsay Hamrick, Policy Director for Companion Animals, HSUS
Lindsay Hamrick, Policy Director for Companion Animals at the Humane Society of the United States, works to support local, state and federal policies protecting pets. She holds an M.S. in Animals & Public Policy from Tufts University and was the New Hampshire state director for HSUS prior to her current role. She spent ten years as CEO at three different New Hampshire animal shelters and, like so many of our guests, knew from a very young age that she wanted to work with animals. In her operatio
May 11, 2019 • 24:19
Dave Hanley, CEO of Tomorrow
Dave Hanley, developer of the Tomorrow app, is an entrepreneur who is also a pet (and human) parent. Tomorrow is designed to help anyone set up a legal will quickly and easily—and even appoint guardians for their pets and/or children. The app is free, with no strings attached. (It is funded by the optional sale of life insurance products.) Dave’s own love for cats began as a child when his parents gave his older sister a kitten one Christmas. Since then, Dave has always felt a connection to cats
May 4, 2019 • 21:20
Susan Getty, Project Manager for Alliance for Contraception for Cats & Dogs
Susan Getty, a Project Manager for the Alliance for Contraception for Cats & Dogs (ACC&D) joins Stacy to discuss diversity (and the lack of diversity) in animal welfare in this episode. Susan has worked in animal welfare for almost a decade, most recently at ACC&D, which you may remember from Stacy’s interviews with their president, Joyce Briggs. If you need to get up to speed on ACC&D and their mission to advance nonsurgical fertility control for, check out CCP Episodes 157 and 253. In this e
Apr 20, 2019 • 21:06
Kate Hurley, DVM, Director of U.C. Davis Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and Co-founder of Million Cat Challenge
You may remember Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of U.C. Davis Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and co-founder of Million Cat Challenge, from CCP Episode 47. If not, be sure to check it to hear all about how Dr. Hurley got started in the world of animal welfare. In this episode, Dr. Hurley is back to talk with Stacy about the amazing success of the Million Cat Challenge (MCC) program that she co-founded with Dr. Julie Levy three years ago. Dr. Hurley talks about what she calls a “stunning transform
Apr 13, 2019 • 25:12
Nikki Martinez, Trapper, Foster Mom, and Feline Welfare Activist
Nikki Martinez was always a dog person. That all changed one day when a kitten ran in front of her car on her way to a post-surgical doctor appointment. Feeling down and overly focused on herself after her surgery, Nikki poured her heart and soul into nursing that sickly kitten back to health, and eventually found it a new home. In the process, Nikki herself began to heal—and she found herself hooked on helping cats. Today, Nikki fosters kittens, serves on the board of directors for a Las Vegas
Apr 6, 2019 • 23:58
Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, HSUS
Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is a frequent flyer here on CCP, having appeared before on Episode 55and Episode 261. She joins Stacy again here to talk about what’s going on across the country for cats, and about various events happening in the animal welfare world this spring. One such event is HSUS’S annual Animal Care Expo conference, being held this year in New Orleans on April 15-18. Danielle tells Stacy that not only
Mar 30, 2019 • 22:35
Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, Cat Behaviorist
Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist with a Ph.D. in psychology, has quite a list of accomplishments under her belt. She has co-authored the book Total Cat Mojowith Jackson Galaxy, and she currently co-owns a cat behavior consulting business called Feline Minds, which assists both pet owners and shelters. Mikel is also a post doc fellow at the University of California at Davis doing research on cat behavior in multi-cat households and on the health and development of o
Mar 23, 2019 • 25:49
Karen Anderson, Animal Communicator, Afterlife Expert, and Coach
In this interview, Stacy speaks with Karen Anderson, an animal communicator and afterlife expert who has been practicing for over 20 years. She has received several awards and is a best-selling author of several books as well, including her most recent, The Amazing Afterlife of Animals. As far back as Karen can remember, she has always loved animals. They were her very best friends and for many years, she thought everyone could understand and talk to them the way she could. It wasn’t until she w
Mar 16, 2019 • 29:05
Kim Saunders, Operations Director, Liberty Humane Society
Kim Saunders was a practicing attorney when she decided to move into the animal welfare world full-time (after years of volunteering). She spent 15 years at Petfinder before moving into a more hands-on role at St. Hubert’s. She is now the Operations Director at Liberty Humane Society (LHS), the only licensed animal shelter in Hudson County, NJ, which one of most densely populated counties in the state. Hudson County has rich cultural and socioeconomic diversity, with 15% of the population fallin
Mar 9, 2019 • 24:57
Elena Battles, Shelterluv
Elena Battles of Shelterluv software has been working for animals in one capacity or another since 1999. It was then that she found Trini, a stray beagle who truly changed her life. Elena had been working as a physical therapist, but after rescuing Trini, she was re-awakened to the issues facing animals, and decided to change paths. She began volunteering, then moved on to several staff roles in animal welfare organizations all over the country. Now, at Shelterluv, Elena helps provide those in t
Mar 2, 2019 • 23:57
Kay Stout, ED of PAAS Vinita
Kay Stout is the Executive Director of PAAS Vinita in Oklahoma, a multi-faceted group that grew out of the initial shelter that gives the group its name (PAAS stands for “Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter”). Back in 2015, the shelter opened, but no one was coming in to adopt the animals. That’s when Kay realized they had to do something different. She reached out to animal welfare contacts and soon had a transfer program set up with Dumb Friends Animal League in Colorado. Today, the group continu
Feb 23, 2019 • 23:33
Sandy Rees, Arf Club Founder
Sandy Rees, the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) at Get Fully Funded and Founder of Arf Club, joins us for her second visit to Community Cats Podcast. If you missed her first chat with Stacy, check it out here. Sandy’s company shows passionate nonprofit leaders how to fully fund their big visions so they can spend their time saving lives instead of worrying about money. Based in Loudon, TN, Sandy teaches her students to focus on donor outreach, authentic messaging, and relationship building in
Feb 16, 2019 • 24:10
Dr. Angie Kraus, Boulder Holistic Vet
Dr. Angie Kraus, a holistic house-call veterinarian in Boulder, CO, has known since the age of 3 that she wanted to be a vet. She was trained conventionally, but after graduation, she began to explore other, less traditional modalities of treatment, leading her to holistic veterinary medicine. For Dr. Kraus, being a holistic vet means doing anything that works for her patients. In this interview, she tells Stacy, “Not only do I use all modalities that I think can be helpful, I look at my patient
Feb 9, 2019 • 28:06
Veronica Coit, Asheville Cat Weirdos
Veronica Coit, a full-time hairdresser who is married with two children, calls herself a “cat lady for life.” She spearheads the Asheville Cat Weirdos, a Facebook group that she started in 2016. That group has now grown to almost 9,000 members, all from the greater Asheville, North Carolina area. The group has also grown from simply being a place for cat lovers to converse to a full-fledged 501(c)3 organization with multiple programs to help local cat owners in need keep their beloved pets. Prog
Feb 2, 2019 • 19:46
Dana Andresen, Executive Director, Feline Rescue
Dana Andresen started as the first executive director of Feline Rescue, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based, no-kill companion cat rescue organization, in April 2016. Dana came to her current role after working with a pet food company and then as the first executive director of the Minnesota spay/neuter assistance program (MN SNAP). She got interested in animal welfare after running a fundraiser with the pet food company she worked for after Hurricane Katrina. Feline Rescue has three programs: shelter,
Jan 26, 2019 • 42:55
Dr. Graham Brayshaw, Director of Animal Services at Animal Humane Society
Dr. Graham Brayshaw, a 2004 graduate of Texas A&M’s veterinary school, is both the chief veterinarian and the director of animal services for the Animal Humane Society (AHS), an organization based in the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Brayshaw’s interest in animal welfare and community cats began when he did a rotation through local shelters in vet school, and in 2012, he accepted a role at AHS. AHS took in over 23,000 animals last year, including 11,000 cats (which includes
Jan 19, 2019 • 30:06
Sara Kent, CEO, Shelter Animals Count
Sara Kent, the first CEO and paid staff member of Shelter Animals Count (SAC), sits down with Stacy to discuss how SAC came to be, what its mission is, and some of its latest statistics. Sara began her career in animal welfare close to 20 years ago as one of the first people hired at Petfinder, where she ultimately served as the director of shelter outreach and led the creation of Petfinder Pro. You may remember her (in her Petfinder role) from CCP episode #164. Sara is also the founder of Fiver
Jan 12, 2019 • 41:07
Larry Shively, Owner, ProVetLogic
In this episode, Stacy talks with Larry Shively, owner of ProVetLogic, one of the sponsors of 2019 Online Cat Conference, about controlling the spread of disease among cats, particularly in shelter-type environments. Nine years ago, Larry & his wife Colleen started ProVetLogic after being called in to assist with a “big cat” situation – and by “big cats,” he means lions and tigers! A zoo’s big cats weren’t eating, and with the help of a veterinarian, Larry discovered that the cleaning products t
Jan 5, 2019 • 37:32
A Best of CCP Episode! Kim Freeman, Professional Missing Cat Finder
Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 248 featuring Kim Freeman who, with the help of her trained tracking cat Henry, helps find cats when they've gone missing – enjoy! Kim Freeman turned her lifelong love for cats into a career as a professional missing cat finder. When her own cat Mr. Purr went missing in 2008, Kim realized how little support families with a missing cat receive, and what bad advice they t
Dec 29, 2018 • 26:50
Shaun Sears, Arborists and Co-Owner of Canopy Cat Rescue
Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 143 featuring the man who has one of the most interesting jobs we've ever heard of, Shaun Sears of Canopy Cat Rescue – enjoy! You don’t need to call a fireman to rescue your cat from a tree when Shaun Sears is around. Shaun and his partner are certified arborists who have “branched out” (sorry!) into the specialty of rescuing cats from trees. Their firm, Canopy Cat Resc
Dec 22, 2018 • 27:01
A Best of CCP Episode! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland
Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 222featuring The Cat Man of West Oakland, Adam Myatt – enjoy! Cats have been taking over this amazing guy’s life for the last eight years! What started as a small photography hobby has turned into a life-changing endeavor for Adam Myatt, leading the “Cat Man of Oakland” to dive head first into cat rescue and TNR, and to open the first cat cafe in the United States. Befor
Dec 15, 2018 • 23:37
A Best of CCP Episode! Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell, and Founder of the Jackson Galaxy Foundation
Durning the month of December, we're revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 175featuring cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet's "My Cat From Hell", Jackson Galaxy - enjoy! It’s the Cat Daddy himself in this special episode of the podcast! Stacy has a fascinating conversation with Jackson Galaxy, the once-musician whose special bond with felines catapulted (sorry!) him to fame as a champion for helping people better understand cat behavior a
Dec 8, 2018 • 30:34
A Best of CCP Episode! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society)
Durning the month of December, we're revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episodes 256 and 257 which we dubbed “The Mike & Carmine Show” - enjoy! Stacy speaks with Mike Keiley, the Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and Carmine DiCenso, Executive Director of the Dakin Humane Society in Leverett & Springfield MA in this first part of “The Mike & Carmine Show.” You can
Dec 1, 2018 • 51:57
Preparing for the Online Cat Conference with Stacy LeBaron and Kristen Petrie, Head Cat and Technical Cat of the Community Cats Podcast
After bringing you up to speed on how a "virtual conference" works, they chat about a special returning guest, The Kitten Lady, and the line up of brand new guest speakers and the topics they'll be presenting for attendees at this event that takes place January 25, 26, and 27, 2019. You'll learn what fun community building activities will be returning in the second year of the conference and be introduced to some of the new features that will be included this year. Stacy and Kristen also discuss
Nov 24, 2018 • 18:10
Moshow, Cat Rapper
Internet sensation Moshow was born and raised in inner city Baltimore, MD. He didn’t grow up with pets, and it wasn’t until he was in college that what he calls “cat fever” took over. Since then, Moshow has combined his passion for cats and rap to defy the odds and build a name for himself as the “Cat Rapper.” About to release his third album in late November 2018, Moshow is on a mission to share his message with the world—and his message includes raising awareness around lots of issues related
Nov 17, 2018 • 26:47
Aaron Hancox & Michael McNamara, Directors of Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit
Aaron Hancox and Michael McNamara of Markham Street Films join Stacy in this episode to talk about their documentary,Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit, which follows the Canadian competitive cat show world. Aaron is a long-time cat guy whose cat Beau was adopted from a Toronto rescue, but Michael is actually allergic to cats! Aaron stumbled across a local cat show and was surprised and fascinated by how serious and competitive the cat show world was. “If I’m a cat person and I don’t know
Nov 10, 2018 • 15:40
HubCats TV featuring Dr. William Snell, Veterinarian at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
This week our show is a little different. In addition to hosting The Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron also appears on HubCats TV, a show on Chelsea Cable Access where she and her co-host discuss animal welfare topics with an aim to educate and raise awareness. Pet health, community cats and services available to pet owners and feral cat caretakers are often the focus. This week we're bringing you audio from one of Stacy's favorite episodes featuring an interview with Dr. William Snell of B
Nov 3, 2018 • 55:49
Liz Illig, Owner of Puff & Fluff Grooming & Pet Sitting
Liz Illig, owner of Puff & Fluff Grooming & Pet Sitting, located in Phoenix, Arizona, joins Stacy to talk about cat grooming, and about how Puff & Fluff helps area rescue groups. Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Liz has always had a strong connection to animals. During her college years in Arizona, she began taking on pet sitting clients, and after graduation, she decided she wanted to find a business that would be complementary to that work. She purchased a grooming business from its retiring owne
Oct 27, 2018 • 21:23
Gary Willoughby, President & CEO of SPCA Serving Erie County
Gary Willoughby, the President and CEO of the SPCA Serving Erie County in West Seneca, New York, joins Stacy to talk about what’s going on at the nation’s second oldest humane society. A passionate life-long learner, Gary joined the SPCA in 2016, after several animal welfare roles, as well as several roles in other fields. Among other topics, Gary talks with Stacy about the SPCA’s full-service wildlife clinic, and how having that clinic alongside a more traditional animal shelter has informed bo
Oct 20, 2018 • 26:04
Kelly Duer, Foster Program Consultant with Maddie’s Fund
Kelly Duer, Foster Program Consultant for Maddie’s Fund, has worked with many organizations over the years, including such big names as FEMA and Best Friends Animal Society. The goal of her work is to help groups increase live outcomes for animals through the implementation of robust foster programs. Kelly came to this role after working on foster programs for children from Eastern Europe. A life-long cat lover, she got involved in animal welfare when her daughter became interested in working wi
Oct 13, 2018 • 23:53
Julie Jacobson, Spay Tennessee and CCP Grants Coordinator
Those of you who have been CCP fans for a long time may remember hearing Stacy chat with Julie Jacobson before in Episodes 2and 92. Julie runs Spay Tennessee, but is also the CCP grants coordinator. If you don’t know about the CCP grant program, here’s how it works, in a nutshell: small organizations apply to the program for a matching grant. If their application is approved, they get a period of time (usually about three months) in which to conduct a new fundraiser. Once they do, CCP will matc
Oct 6, 2018 • 24:07
Anne Lindsay, Founder & President, Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) – Part II
In Part II of this two-part episode, Stacy continues her conversation with Anne Lindsay, the founder & president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC). Anne talks about what she feels MAC’s greatest achievements – and greatest challenges – have been over the organization’s history. (It turns out they are one and the same: getting so many different people with different opinions together into one organization!) Anne tells us about MAC’s three annual educational meetings: All About Dogs, Who
Sep 29, 2018 • 24:25
Interview! Anne Lindsay, Founder & President, Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) – Part I
Anne Lindsay, the founder & president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC), has been an animal advocate for over 30 years. Founded in 2000, MAC was one of the country’s first state-wide coalitions for animal welfare professionals and volunteers. In her role at MAC, Anne works with other groups, states, and communities on setting up coalitions, and she also works with organizations on board development. In 2010, Anne earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology, and she uses that tr
Sep 22, 2018 • 23:43
Darlene Duggan, Director of Operations at Tree House Humane Society
Darlene Duggan, the Director of Operations at Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, holds a master’s degree in public health and epidemiology. Darlene originally planned to be a doctor, but just as she getting ready to go to medical school, she realized that the thing she enjoyed the most in her life was volunteering at an animal shelter. She decided to apply her knowledge and talents to the animal welfare field, and the rest is history—nearly fifteen years of history at various animal welfare o
Sep 15, 2018 • 22:16
Olivia Westley, Development Director for Forgotten Cats, Inc.
Olivia Westley, a former teacher who discovered her true passion for helping cats when she started volunteering in a Forgotten Cats pet store adoption center, now serves as the group’s Development Director. Forgotten Cats is a nonprofit organization with the mission of preventing the birth and suffering of unwanted kittens by controlling the free-roaming cat pop through TNVR. They provide free or low-cost sterilization for pet and free-roaming cats in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Je
Sep 8, 2018 • 22:31
Jim Tedford, President & CEO of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
Jim Tedford, President & CEO of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (formerly SAWA), who previously appeared on Community Cats Podcast episode #199, joins Stacy again to discuss his organization’s new name, their rebranding, and their new commitment to making educational opportunities available to even more folks in the animal welfare world. Formerly SAWA (Society of Animal Welfare Administrators), Jim’s organization is now known as The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement or si
Sep 1, 2018 • 29:45
Karen Kraus, Executive Director of the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, and Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director at the Audubon Society of Portland
Karen Kraus and Bob Sallinger’s organizations, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Audubon Society of Portland, have formed what may seem to some to be a most unlikely partnership between “cat people” and “bird people.” But the truth, Karen and Bob have found, is that animal welfare and wildlife conservation have a lot more in common than people might think. Karen’s group, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, is a high-volume spay/neuter program in Portland that offers TNR services for feral
Aug 25, 2018 • 27:09
Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, Humane Society of the United States
Danielle Bays, the new Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), plays “Cat Protection and Policy Jeopardy!” with Stacy in this episode. Danielle is responsible for staying on top of cat policy issues all over the country, and she fills us in on current cat legislation and issues in various states around the nation, including Delaware, where a community cat bill is currently on the governor’s desk, awaiting his signature; Rhode Island, where a TNR b
Aug 18, 2018 • 24:16
Erin Robinson, Community Cats Program Manager at Humane Rescue Alliance
Erin Robinson admits that once upon a time, she simply didn’t know that community cats existed, let alone what you were supposed to do about them. That all began to change when she started volunteering in a county animal services facility during college in North Carolina, and when she went on to work for a high-volume spay/neuter clinic connected to Operation Catnip in Gainsville, Florida. Erin hasn’t stopped working with community cats since, and she worked with Alley Cat Allies before landing
Aug 11, 2018 • 22:42
Pamela Merritt, Cat Advice Columnist
Pamela Merritt — better known as “Dear Pammy” through her cat advice blog — didn’t become a cat fan until she married one. At the time, she says, cats were really still second-class citizens in this country. There weren’t any no-kill shelters, and she and her first husband rescued many cats themselves. Pam learned how to be a “cat appreciator” from her first husband, and she came to realize that cats are our equals, and that our relationships with them work best if we don’t think in terms of a m
Aug 4, 2018 • 22:46
John Boone, Research Coordinator at Great Basin Bird Observatory, Nevada
John Boone’s professional track has been that of a wildlife biologist, but he also serves as a consultant with Humane Society International, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and several other national and international organizations. He specializes in program metrics, statistical analysis, and population biology, and he has worked on many programs around the world designed to improve the welfare of free-roaming dogs and cats. John has volunteered at his local SPCA, and has fostered ma
Jul 28, 2018 • 25:09
Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society), “The Mike & Carmine Show,” Part 2
Tune in to the second part of “The Mike and Carmine Show,” with Mike Keiley of the MSPCA and Carmine DiCenso of Dakin Humane, as they continue their conversation with Stacy. In this episode, Mike & Carmine offer their tips for people who feel like they are hitting a brick wall around their efforts at advocating for change. Carmine suggests that people begin by looking at themselves and their approach, focusing on what they can change —and that they guard against focusing solely on the desired ou
Jul 21, 2018 • 23:35
Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society), “The Mike & Carmine Show,” Part I
Stacy speaks with Mike Keiley, the Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and Carmine DiCenso, Executive Director of the Dakin Humane Society in Leverett & Springfield MA in this first part of “The Mike & Carmine Show.” You can check out Mike's first visit to Community Cats Podcast in 2016 in Episode 9 Both Mike & Carmine have been in the animal welfare field as long as Stacy has, and the two of them speak together
Jul 14, 2018 • 30:35
Ellen Quinlan, Executive Director of Darbster Foundation
Ellen Quinlan, Executive Director of Darbster Foundation, was one of those kids who always brought home every stray animal she found, and that passion for helping animals has stayed with her as an adult. The mission of Ellen’s group is to reduce the number of adoptable cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies that are being euthanized in Palm Beach County and south Florida by partnering with shelters and rescues in Florida to transport pets to rescue partners in New Hampshire and throughout New England.
Jul 7, 2018 • 25:58
Chad Nelson, Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island
Interview! Chad Nelson, Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island “Tons and tons of cat lovers have no idea … that there’s this whole population of cats that really need our help.” Chad Nelson, a lawyer by trade, is the Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island, an all-volunteer network for community cats. Chad came to his work in TNR and cat issues through an initial interest in the broader animal rights and vegan movement. His cat Dagney inspired him to look at the world through animals’ e
Jun 30, 2018 • 25:51
Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs
Interview! Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs “I am determined it’s going to be my legacy in this field that we get the tools that we need to really reach the cats we want to be able to help.” Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), told us all about how she got started in the field in Episode 157. She’s back this time to talk to Stacy about the ACC&D symposium that’s being held in Boston, July 22-24. The three-day c
Jun 23, 2018 • 25:33
Richard Angelo, Legislative Attorney for Best Friends Animal Society
Interview! Richard Angelo, Legislative Attorney for Best Friends Animal Society “Getting those community cat programs started, where cats are not even entering the shelter… it’s so key in saving lives.” Richard Angelo, a legislative attorney for Best Friends Animal Society, is a long-time animal welfare advocate who fell into animal law when he ran across the story of a pit bull in need of help. He simply couldn’t walk away, and with that case, his move into companion animal law began. For years
Jun 16, 2018 • 27:18
Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue
Interview! Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue “Just because you’re getting the [positive] combo test … that doesn’t mean ‘death sentence’. That means ‘OK, now I have to go and educate myself about what that combo test result is.’ ” Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue in Washington, DC, has been a cat lover her whole life. Her career in animal welfare began when she took a job as an animal control officer, and included time spent at a large, open-intake shelter. At th
Jun 9, 2018 • 26:55
Dr. Philip Bushby, Professor of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Interview! Dr. Philip Bushby, Professor of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine “I long for the day when I can walk into a shelter and not find any cats in the shelter — and it’s achievable.” Dr. Philip Bushby, a veterinarian and well-known advocate for early age spay/neuter, can’t remember a time that he didn’t want to be a veterinarian. He became interested in veterinary medicine at a very early age by helping nurse sick puppies back t
Jun 2, 2018 • 29:09
Michele Tilford, Cat-Assisted Therapy Advocate
Interview! Michele Tilford, Cat-Assisted Therapy Advocate Michele Tilford has over five years of experience as a cat-assisted therapy handler—but when she first became interested in cat-assisted therapy, the only programs she could find were for dogs. Eventually she connected up with a service dog trainer who also happened to be a Ragdoll breeder. The woman agreed to help Michele train one of her own kittens, later adopted by Michele, and the rest is history. Michele explains that one of the big
May 26, 2018 • 23:03
Kim Freeman, Professional Missing Cat Finder
“I would really like anyone who has anything to do with lost cats to realize how important it is not to give up, and not to assume anything.” Kim Freeman turned her lifelong love for cats into a career as a professional missing cat finder. When her own cat Mr. Purr went missing in 2008, Kim realized how little support families with a missing cat receive, and what bad advice they tend to be given. She set out to change this and today has developed a very specific process to help people all over t
May 19, 2018 • 26:07
Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant - Part 2
Interview! Part 2 - Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant “You don’t need millions of dollars—you need to allocate your pie of resources intelligently … that’s really the key.” In part 2 of our two-part episode with Dr. Sara Pizano, she talks about the big picture in animal welfare these days, and about where she feels the focus should be for the future. Dr. Pizano discusses her recent work on steering committees with Best Friends and Million Cat Challenge. Best Friends, sh
May 12, 2018 • 27:12
Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant
Interview! Part 1 - Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant “Northern Kentucky will be no-kill for cats this year, absolutely, hands-down!” Dr. Sara Pizano, who joined us previously on Episode 171, is a veterinarian who has been involved in animal welfare for over thirty years. She has extensive experience helping shelters move away from euthanasia as a means of population control and helping municipalities revise public policy to be more animal friendly. Dr. Pizano now has h
May 5, 2018 • 23:38
Christina Ha, Creator of Cat Camp
Interview! Christina Ha, Creator of Cat Camp “I’m so incredibly excited for Cat Camp this year!” Christina Ha, who originally joined us on Episode 144, is back to talk about this year’s Cat Camp—now known as Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp. Galaxy, who attended last year’s event, loved it so much that he wanted to expand it. Cat Camp 2017 attracted over 2,500 people from more than eight countries, and this year’s event, held in New York City on May 5-6, 2018, will be even bigger and more exciting. Chr
Apr 28, 2018 • 24:05
Jennifer Blough, Compassion Fatigue Expert and Author
Interview! Jennifer Blough, Compassion Fatigue Expert and Author “Self care—it’s not selfish; it’s really charging your batteries so you can go out and have the energy to do what you love to do, which is saving animals.” Jennifer Blough, a licensed therapist, compassion fatigue expert and author of the bookTo Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior, was initially with us on Episode #78of the Community Cats Podcast. Since that time, Jennifer feels that we are
Apr 21, 2018 • 25:33
Sterling Davis, Atlanta’s “Trap King”
Sterling Davis left behind a promising rap music career to begin working with cats professionally several years ago when he took a temporary job at an animal shelter in between tours. A lifelong animal lover, Sterling soon got hooked on TNR and cats. During his training, Sterling noticed that not many men, and not many people in the black community, are involved in animal rescue, especially with cats. Sterling would like to change this, and so he brings to the table the idea that TNR-ing cats is
Apr 14, 2018 • 29:41
Ep 242 - Vickie Fisher
Interview! Vickie Fisher - President of The International Cat Association (TICA) “We cherish both pedigree and non-pedigree cats. We just want the world to value cats as companion animals." Vicki Fisher had a successful career in finance & management, but in retirement, she has really been able to devote more time to her passion: CATS! She is the President of the Albuquerque Kennel Compadre, which is an affiliate of the Animal Welfare Department. She recently received the Albuquerque mayor’s Goo
Apr 7, 2018 • 29:29
Ask Stacy! Online Cat Conference Review
Interview! Ask Stacy! Online Cat Conference Review “I’m passionate about the idea of having a dedicated annual cat conference nationally and this was a great way to work towards providing access to everyone.” Stacy is back to discuss all of the in’s and out’s of how the first Online Cat Conference went this past January! She always wanted to do an online cat conference and it was a great way to provide access to people who wouldn’t be able to afford an in-person conference. She was determined to
Mar 31, 2018 • 23:35
Ep240 - Daniel Spehar
Interview! Daniel Spehar, Co-Founder of the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats “I hope all of us can focus on a shared goal of fewer community cats instead of focusing on the differences. Let’s focus on the most effective and humane ways to reach our common goal.” Daniel works to enact animal-friendly legislation as a volunteer with the Humane Society of the United States, along with working with the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats. This specific group is committed to pr
Mar 24, 2018 • 23:24
Ep239 - Dr. Lynn Bahr
Interview! Dr. Lynn Bahr, Feline Veterinarian and Owner of Dezi and Roo “I like to look at life through a cat’s point of view, not my point of view, and I think that that helps me to understand them better, to communicate with them better, and to know what they need.” How did a dog-loving legal secretary end up becoming a cat-only veterinarian and founder of a cat toy company? By meeting the right cat, of course! Dr. Lynn Bahr didn’t even know she liked cats until she met her first cat, Rudolph.
Mar 17, 2018 • 25:17
Ep238 - Kaleel Sakakeeny
Interview! Kaleel Sakakeeny, Founder, The Other Me Coaching “You can’t apply a one-size-fits-all for losing a pet or animal in your life. People shouldn’t be ashamed of their feelings of grief when losing an animal.” Kaleel Sakakeeny is back with another great episode about dealing with the grief that can come from losing a pet. Check out his first visit with Community Cats Podcast in Episode 57! Kaleel started out his career as a journalist, but felt pulled to do something that felt more imp
Mar 10, 2018 • 25:31
Ep237 - Kate Cote
Interview! Kate Cote, Founder of Fur Love Comfort Cats “It’s always such a wonderful time to visit a place for 5 to 6 hours, letting people pet and interact with the cats, and brightening up someone’s day." Kate Cote has worked with cats most of her life and Fur Love Comfort Cats involves outreach to nursing homes, schools, libraries and even individual homes to comfort people who can’t otherwise have a pet. It’s amazing therapy and she witnesses inspiring stories of hope and comfort everywher
Mar 3, 2018 • 21:49
Ep236 - Dr. Linda Harper
Interview! Dr. Linda Harper, Clinical Psychologist, Compassionate Heart Specialist and Author “Feeling compassion fatigue isn’t really a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. We naturally put ourselves on the back burner over the animals we help." Dr. Linda Harper is a lifelong animal lover advocate, Author and Clinical Psychologist in the Chicago area. She is passionate about helping people help animals. She works to ease the compassion fatigue that animal lovers face in the animal welfare world
Feb 24, 2018 • 22:53
Kimberley Heeney
Interview! Kimberley Heeney, Vice President of Operations Active for Pets “My goal is that anyone, anytime, anywhere, irregardless of economics or world areas, would be able to utilize Active for Pets for their pet’s well-being and health.” With over 25 years of experience in the human healthcare industry, Kimberley Heeney brings a wealth of expertise to the Active for Pets team. She has always been passionate about helping animals who don’t have a voice and has always had a pet, even while she
Feb 17, 2018 • 21:03
Brianna Grant, Communications Associate at Alley Cat Rescue
Interview! Brianna Grant, Communications Associate at Alley Cat Rescue “We believe in protecting all cats, no matter what area they are in.” Brianna was always involved with cats and found a particular sweet stray when she was younger that broke her heart with how bad of shape it was in. She spent the next few months taking care of this little stray and in the process, learned a lot about TNR and community cats. Because of this, her passion for animal advocacy was born! When she went to school a
Feb 10, 2018 • 21:11
Ann Dunn
Interview! Ann Dunn, Founder of Cat Town, Oakland, CA "Nobody wanted to be standing in a cafe making coffee, they wanted to be helping the cats. But now, we’re seeing how helpful it has been to forgotten kittens and see how successful it has been." Ann Dunn founded Cat Town, which is a cat rescue organization focusing on helping the most vulnerable cats in local shelters. Cats that are too scared in that environment have a hard time showing their best selves and soon tend to be overlooked by pot
Feb 3, 2018 • 29:58
Ep232 - Gavin Ehringer, Author of Leaving the Wild: The Unnatural History of Dogs, Cats, Cows and Horses
Interview! Gavin Ehringer, Author of Leaving the Wild: The Unnatural History of Dogs, Cats, Cows and Horses “It’s not enough to take care of animals after they’re born, we have to think about their circumstances before the act of breeding even takes place." Gavin takes a critical look at breeding and how our values shape our animals for good and bad in his new book, Wild. The book actually began about 5 years ago when he got the idea about writing about how animals came to be domesticated. He de
Jan 20, 2018 • 16:52
Ep231 - Nell Thompson - Coordinator of National Getting To Zero Program
Interview! Nell Thompson - Coordinator of National Getting To Zero Program “I’m passionate for improving outcomes for community cats. I believe TNR would work great with cooperation and collaboration to achieve community change." Nell has worked for over 25 years in the industry and her background is exceptional, due to her veterinary technician experience and knowledge that has heavily influenced her work every since. Her journey was heavily influenced by her parents, who volunteered in shelter
Jan 13, 2018 • 28:33
Keoni Vaughn, Executive Director of Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Interview! Keoni Vaughn, Executive Director of Lanai Cat Sanctuary “My job has helped me instantly get to the heart of what I want to do, which is rescue and protect animals that can’t speak for themselves." Keoni is the Executive Director of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, and oversees a staff of only 6, who provide daily care for almost 600 cats! Prior to working here, he was the VP and Director of the Hawaiian Humane Society, where he worked hard to rescue animals. The Humane Society found themselve
Jan 6, 2018 • 24:21
Ep229 - Natalise Kalea
Interview! Natalise Kalea, CEO of poundWISHES "We want to save animals, help animals, and better the lives of animals around the world. We aim to execute on our mission through creative innovation and community." Natalise has always been an animal lover, who always dreamed of using her business skills and put them to good use. Now that she is the CEO of poundWISHES, she is doing exactly that! Natalise is a graduate of Stanford Graduate School of Business, who did an internship between her first
Dec 30, 2017 • 22:35
Ep228 - Haydn Hilton
Interview! Haydn Hilton, Owner of Java Cats Cafe in Atlanta, GA “If I would have known how much work a cat cafe was, I might have turned around, but the cats are where the magic is. They market the coffee shop all by themselves when people walk by!" Meet 26-year-old Haydn Hilton, owner of Java Cats Cafe. This is Georgia’s first cat cafe in the heart of Atlanta and definitely wasn’t where Haydn expected to find herself! Initially going to school to be part of the film industry, she dropped everyt
Dec 23, 2017 • 19:57
Ep227 - Frances Carlisle
Interview! Frances Carlisle, Attorney “An important and usually neglected part of estate planning is what will happen to a client’s pets and animals. Charities which are already overburdened than have to step in, taking resources away from their other needs." Frances Carlisle is an attorney in New York that prepares wills and trusts, along with trusts for animals. She was one of the original members of the New York City Bar Animal Law Committee and has appeared on Animal Planet to discuss the im
Dec 16, 2017 • 41:09
Ep226 - Sandy Rees
Interview! Sandy Rees, Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer - Get Fully Funde "I’ve always felt deep in my soul that I’m here to help lots of people. I have a sensitive heart and can’t stand to see anyone suffer.” Sandy helps non-profits and charities who have been used to nickel and dime fundraising work on getting to six or seven figures on their bottom line! She shows her students how to find ideal donors and connect with them through authentic messaging. Because one of the greatest challe
Dec 9, 2017 • 25:30
Cameron Moore, Program Manager, Million Cat Challenge
Interview! Cameron Moore, Program Manager, Million Cat Challenge “Hurricane Irma’s reach was intense for shelters across Florida, but it will only help us to plan for future incidents." Cameron is a return guest (head to Episode 61 for information on how she got started in the business) that is here today to discuss the hurricane relief efforts in Florida. Cameron worked with Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program to do pre and post-storm assessments for a majority of the 155 shelters in Florida. Vol
Dec 2, 2017 • 24:40
Ep224 - Jim Tedford
Interview! Jim Tedford, President and CEO for the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, SAWA "Our role is to make connections between people who need relief versus the members we know who can provide relief." Jim is a returning guest who has been actively engaged in the animal welfare movement for over 30 years. He was involved in the professional association of leaders in animal welfare and control, along with the National Council of Pet Population, a subsidiary of SAWA. More specifics of J
Nov 25, 2017 • 27:18
Ep223 - Matt Michaelson & Calvin Bohn
Interview! Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn, Co-Founders of Smalls "58% of cats are overweight, and 28% of those are considered obese. This is up 7% since just 2011 and something clearly needs to change.” Matt, the Master Business Person, and Calvin, Head Chef, are taking a fresh look at feeding felines after seeing just how many cats are overweight, suffering from renal failure or urinary crystals. They realized just how big a difference real food can make for all cats and decided to start a new
Nov 18, 2017 • 28:44
Interview! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland
Interview! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland “These cats are street smart, tough as nails, and have definitely scene some stuff, but they are our neighborhood cats and are softies at heart.” Cats have been taking over this amazing guy's life for the last 8 years! What started as a small photography hobby has turned into a life-changing endeavor, leading the Cat Man down a path that led to diving head first into cat rescue TNR and opening the first cat cafe in the United States. Adam was ac
Nov 11, 2017 • 22:31
Ep221 - Dr. Mike Greenberg
Interview! Dr. Mike Greenberg, Program Director for Target Zero "We want to teach people to set goals, and then to use metrics to measure their progress towards them." Dr. Mike Greenberg is the program director for Target Zero, a project that helps municipal shelters achieve live release rates of 90% or above for community cats. He is also the co-author of Every Nose Counts: A Guide to Using Metrics in Animal Shelters. Mike describes the book as a practical guidebook for the entire sheltering wo
Nov 4, 2017 • 28:40
Ep220 - Sarah-Jane Farrell
Interview! Sarah-Jane Farrell, Multi Sensory and Forensic Medical Intuitive “The trust process is the first step in our ability to trust that we are enough. It is as ancient as humankind.” Sarah-Jane Farrell is a pragmatic psychologist who specializes in healing trauma through utilizing the animal relationships in our lives. Sarah-Jane grew up in Zimbabwe, where she always felt that animals understood her more than people did. She has always been struck by the animal ability to live in the prese
Oct 28, 2017 • 25:29
Ep219 - Katie Lisnik
Interview! Katie Lisnik, Director of Cat Policy and Protection, Humane Society of the United States Ready for Round 5 of Policy Jeopardy? Katie Lisnik once again updates us on the various changes and new initiatives in community cat policy across the US. The challenges facing animal welfare advocates differ greatly across the fifty states: while New Hampshire just passed a bill that approved the adoption of FIV+ and and Felv+ cats, Kansas is the last holdover of this outdated law, and the change
Oct 21, 2017 • 27:08
Ep218 - Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats
Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats “It feels like we are starting over in Maui. We are having fascinating on-the-ground experiences!” Stacy catches up with Bryan Kortis today to cover a wide range of topics from what is happening in Hawaii with pending legislation that would help community cats, to an update on the group’s work in Jersey City, New Jersey, where they recently spayed/neutered about 1,000 cats! Lastly, we are covering what is new with catst
Oct 14, 2017 • 30:28
Ep217 - Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson
Interview! Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson, Board President and Executive Director, Meow Now, Inc. “My ultimate vision is that there really are no more community cats, because the entire United States has bought into TNVR.” Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson are the founding board president and executive director of Meow Now, Inc., respectively. Meow Now is the first and only non-profit organization providing TNVR services for community cats in Pinellas County, Florida. In the three years since its ope
Oct 7, 2017 • 30:38
Ep216 - Dr. Nels Rasmussen
Dr. Nels Rasmussen, Animal Chiropractor and Spiritual Animal Healer “Everyone else is saying ‘There’s just no hope anymore,’ and I’m here to say there is.” Dr. Nels Rasmussen is a third-generation animal chiropractor who now works as a spiritual animal healer in neuroenergetic balancing. In the early days of his practice he worked with paralyzed and injured horses, restoring them to riding shape. Now, he works mostly with dogs and some cats and horses. Dr. Rasmussen believes that many injuries
Sep 30, 2017 • 27:19
Ep215 - Esther Mechler
Interview! Esther Mechler, Founder of Spay USA “What’s the tipping point? What’s the age that we could get the veterinarians to agree? The answer seemed to be, by five months.” Esther is back for another episode of the Community Cats Podcast, in which she shares more information on the Feline Fix By Five campaign, an initiative to encourage veterinary practices to spay and neuter cats by five months of age. The campaign has been backed by extensive research into the benefits of fixing cats at wh
Sep 23, 2017 • 25:01
Ep214 - Britt Collins
Interview! Britt Collins, Author and Journalist, "Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America" “Being a writer can be a lonely, hard process at the best of times.” Britt Collins is a writer, journalist, and animal activist, who has written investigative journalism on animal cruelty and has volunteered at animal rescues and sanctuaries around the world. Her most recent book, Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America, tells the true story of a lo
Sep 16, 2017 • 22:33
Ep213 - Anna Skaya
Interview! Anna Skaya, CEO and Founder of Base Paws “The bigger database, the more associations and discoveries we can make.” Anna Skaya is the CEO and founder of Base Paws, a commercial company that conducts feline genetic testing and research. Using the results from genetic testing, we can analyze an individual cat and assess her probability of contracting certain diseases. In less than a year of work, Base Paws has determined that Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common (and seriou
Sep 9, 2017 • 23:13
Ep212 - Maribeth Decker
Interview! Maribeth Decker, Intuitive Animal Communicator, sacredgrove.com “It’s a connection between two souls on a non-physical level.” Maribeth Decker is an intuitive animal communicator, whose dogs first began communicating with her after she became a Reiki Master. She herself only realized her gift when she adopted Tibor, a young fear-aggressive rescue dog, who sent her images of his life before coming to live with her. After that experience, Maribeth began consciously practicing animal com
Sep 2, 2017 • 23:50
Ep211 - Lorrie Shaw
Interview! Lorrie Shaw, Owner, Professional Pet Sitting & Blogger, Animals Unfolded “Cats’ needs for enrichment are only becoming more understood.” Lorrie Shaw is the owner of Professional Pet Sitting and specializes in helping families care for hospice and special needs pets. Through her work, she has observed that medical issues and behavioral issues are very often linked—inappropriate elimination, for example, is the most common reason for a family to rehome a cat, yet this behavior is often
Aug 26, 2017 • 20:28
Ep210 - Pat Brayer
Interview! Pat Brayer, Clinic Director at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona “The adopters that are drawn to the shy feral kittens are the ones that are going to make them blossom the most.” Pat Brayer is the clinic director at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. In her shelter work, she has pioneered some of the field’s most innovative programs, such as the Kitten Kindergarten program, which has successfully socialized and adopted out 82 formerly feral kittens brought into the shelter b
Aug 19, 2017 • 24:15
Ep209 - Nathan Winograd
Interview! Nathan Winograd, Executive Director, The No-Kill Advocacy Center, Part 2 “We had to come to the realization that just because you work at an animal shelter doesn’t mean you are passionate about cats and saving their lives.” In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Nathan describes the current animal welfare legislation he is working on—namely the Companion Animal Protection Act (CAPA) and how it has been implemented, in whole or in part, in various cities and counties across the U.S. He al
Aug 12, 2017 • 22:47
Ep208 - Nathan Winograd
Interview! Nathan Winograd, Executive Director, The No-Kill Advocacy Center, Part 1 “It’s actually the policies and procedures of the shelter that are responsible for whether animals die in shelters.” It’s hard to name a field of animal welfare that Nathan Winograd doesn’t have experience in: his animal advocacy work started while attending Stanford Law School, and since then he has worked in animal control, consulted for and ran animal shelters, written animal protection legislation, prosecuted
Aug 5, 2017 • 30:14
Ep207 - Kate Benjamin
Interview! Kate Benjamin, Designer, Blogger of Hauspanther, Part 2 “Not only does the design of the room at the shelter make it very functional and enjoyable, but it’s a showcase for what people can do when they get home.” In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Kate delves into how user-centered design theory can be applied to shelters, in order to make adoptable cats’ personalities shine and therefore be adopted faster. She has great praise for the new trend of cat cafes and open-concept shelters,
Jul 29, 2017 • 17:51
Ep206 - Kate Benjamin
Interview! Kate Benjamin, Designer, Blogger of Hauspanther, Part 1 “I’m not just writing about cool-looking stuff. I’m writing about stuff that’s going to make a difference in these cats’ lives.” Kate Benjamin has combined her professional knowledge of design and product development with her love of cats to fill a unique niche—she blogs about cat products designed with the cat consumer in mind! She’s been writing her blog, House Panther, for about ten years now, which eventually led to two New Y
Jul 22, 2017 • 20:19
Ep205 - Meredith Hippert
Interview! Meredith Hippert, Director of Field Operations, Animal Balance “Through this work, I recognized my passion for serving the underserved, and working with communities to implement change for animals.” Though largely self-educated in the field, Meredith Hippert holds an impressively broad resume in animal welfare, from admission guidelines and outreach to foster programming and TNR. Her journey started when she began caring for a colony of cats living behind the tattoo parlor where she w
Jul 15, 2017 • 25:17
Ep204 - Anthony Amos
Interview! Anthony Amos, Owner, HydroDog and Founder of the Bathe to Save Tour “If you want to become a part of HydroDog, you’re not just part of a franchise; you’re committing to a long-term partnership with the animal rescue world.” Anthony Amos is the owner of HydroDog, a mobile grooming salon in Australia that travels from house to house bathing beloved household pooches. He took the idea to the U.S. when he moved here with his wife, three children, three rabbits, and rescue puppy to start t
Jul 8, 2017 • 29:01
Ep203 - Erika Kelly
Interview! Erika Kelly, founder of Operation Git-Meow “The Navy has always been tied to cats, and that’s how the cats got to the base in the first place.” Only a year after graduating college, Erika Kelly is already well on her way to making waves in the animal welfare community—she started Operation Git-Meow in December 2016, a non-profit designed to help community cats living on the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station. As you may remember from Stacy’s conversation with naval-base resident Caitlyn Mac
Jul 1, 2017 • 24:54
Ep202 - Karen Hollish
Interview! Karen Hollish, Director of Development and Marketing, Pima Animal Care Center “The community cats project has not only helped us save outdoor community cats; it’s helped us provide a better experience for the cats inside our shelters.” Karen Hollish is the director of development and marketing at Pima Animal Care Center. In March 2014, she started a development program for the government-run, open-admission shelter in Pima County, Arizona. The program was hugely successful: she raised
Jun 29, 2017 • 19:55
Ep201 - Erin Berry
Interview! Erin Berry, Executive of Marketing and Communication, BoardSource "You have to think, “What is most important for this organization, not for myself?” Erin Berry is the executive of marketing and communication at BoardSource, an organization that helps strengthen the boards of non-profits. Erin has twelve years of experience in non-profit management, and she’s no stranger to volunteering, either—by the end of her high school career, she had logged around 400 hours of community service!
Jun 27, 2017 • 20:20
Ep200 - Katie Lisnik
Interview! Katie Lisnik, Director of Cat Policy and Protection, Humane Society of the United States "TNR is not a cruel act; it is a humane population management tool, and it should be defined as such." Katie Lisnik is back for another round of "Policy Jeopardy" on the Community Cats Podcast! This time, we get the scoop on animal welfare initiatives in Illinois, New York, Nevada, New Hampshire, and some exciting initiatives on the federal level! If you are interested in getting involved with a
Jun 24, 2017 • 22:05
Ep199 - Jim Tedford
Interview! Jim Tedford, President and CEO of SAWA “The strength of SAWA is in its network.” Jim Tedford is the president and CEO of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA). In the early 1980s, fresh out of college with a degree in animal science, he found his first job in animal welfare at a tiny humane society that was “held together with duct tape and love.” Since then, Jim has seen the animal welfare game change drastically in the last few decades—Jim’s last job at a shelter in N
Jun 22, 2017 • 24:09
Ep198 - Community Cats Podcast Anniversary Show
Community Cats Podcast Anniversary Show, The Podcast Team “I’m learning so much about the talents and passions it takes to make the world a better place for cats.” Community Cats Podcast celebrates it’s first year online! In the Anniversary Show, Stacy shines the spotlight on the ‘behind the scenes’ talent that has made this past year a success. She discusses the challenges and highlights of producing episodes and working to spread education and dialogue about community cats. Stacy talks with we
Jun 20, 2017 • 30:51
Ep197 - Shawn Flynn
Interview! Shawn Flynn, Author, The Kitty Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him “He had a huge impact on my life, and that’s why I decided to write a book about it.” Shawn Flynn is the author of The Kitty Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, a current finalist in the 2017 International Book Awards. It tells the story of Shawn’s newfound best friend and support in a large orange community cat, who he met after purchasing a house with his fiancee in Enfield, CT. To the couple’s surprise, the house cam
Jun 17, 2017 • 22:43
Ep196 - Monica Frenden
Interview! Part Two, Monica Frenden, Cat Program Manager, Austin Pets Alive! “This is the safest large city in the country to be a cat.” In part two of this two-part episode, Stacy interviews Monica Frenden about the various cat programs available at Austin Pets Alive! She describes the “Fel-V fever” that spreads once people in the community start adopting feline-leukemia positive cats, as well as the wildly successful ringworm and barn cat programs. In order to design the most relevant programs
Jun 15, 2017 • 19:03
Ep195 - Monica Frenden
Interview! Part One, Monica Frenden, Cat Program Manager, Austin Pets Alive! “We let the public decide what they want rather than assuming what they want.” When Monica Frenden lived in rural Illinois, she didn’t expect to start a TNR program. What started as a commitment to getting her own cats spayed and neutered exploded into a community-wide support and demand for feline spay-neuter services. Monica began taking her own barn cats to be spayed and neutered in Chicago, the closest resource at a
Jun 13, 2017 • 23:47
Ep194 - Elizabeth Feldhausen
Interview! Elizabeth Feldhausen, Founder of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, Green Bay, WI “You would think that there would be nose prints all over the windows, but it’s actually people face prints! Everybody that walks by presses their face up against the glass, and the cats love it.” Elizabeth Feldhausen is the founder of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay, WI, a cage-free no-kill pet rescue that saves special-needs cats from euthanasia lists in the Midwest. She was inspired to start Safe Haven b
Jun 10, 2017 • 22:35
Ep193 - Jennifer Smith
Interview! Jennifer Smith, EasyPetFence.com “With an Easy Pet Fence, cats are able to walk around the backyard safely without worrying about attacks from birds and wildlife.” Jennifer Smith is a representative for Easy Pet Fence, an e-commerce store dedicated to the outdoor safety and wellness of animals. Easy Pet Fence has different fencing kits designed for dogs, cats, and even chickens, and their innovative design keeps cats from digging under, climbing up, or getting over the fence. Self-ass
Jun 8, 2017 • 20:25
Ep192 - Book Review
Book Review! Stacy LeBaron, Host, The Community Cats Podcast "Get ready for the tissues..." Stacy is back with her book review show. In today’s episode she reviews, Redemption, by Nathan Winograd; Call of the Cats, by Andrew Bloomfield; Cat Daddy, by Jackson Galaxy; and Homer, The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper. Redemption is a book that provides us with some creative solutions to our pet overpopulation issues in the country and the other books are full of emotion and passion.
Jun 6, 2017 • 8:25
Ep191 - Deanna Sanvi
Interview! Deanna Sanvi, Spay-Neuter Coordinator, Gateway Pet Guardians Community Outreach Program “We help people keep their pets in their homes.” Deanna Sanvi is the spay-neuter coordinator for Gateway Pet Guardians Community Outreach Program, a 501(c)3 organization serving about 65,000 people in East St. Louis, IL. Many of these people live below the poverty line, which means that Gateway offers a variety of services besides just spay and neuter, such as pet food banks, adequate outside shelt
Jun 3, 2017 • 23:12
Ep190 - Ask Stacy!
Ask Stacy! Stacy LeBaron, Host, The Community Cats Podcast “Oftentimes, these folks are not upset about the cats in general, but the fact that they’re not being cared for.” In this, the seventh (!) Ask Stacy episode, Lisa and Stacy leave the world of cat lovers behind for a moment to take a look at “cat opponents”—whether those be the neighbors who resent your feeding station or the touch anti-community cat legislation currently enforced in your town. Backed by years of experience, Stacy provid
Jun 1, 2017 • 21:49
Ep189 - Bianca Leos
Interview! Bianca Leos, Student at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University “Animals lives are going to depend on me one day, so I need to know all this information.” Bianca Leos is a student at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. She intends to become a shelter veterinarian working in a high quality, high volume spay-neuter program. When Bianca first started at the Cummings School, she had intended to specialize in large animal medicine. After
May 30, 2017 • 19:52
Ep188 - Susan Rosenberg
Interview! Susan Rosenberg, Director of International Animal Programs at GreaterGood.org “I am working to save everything from ants to elephants.” One could say that Susan Rosenberg has been managing animal shelters since she was 8 years old—at that age, she was covertly caring for abandoned animals in her backyard and using her allowance to do so! She has received two “calls of a lifetime,” as she calls them—first from Paul Jolly to work for the Petco Foundation, after her tremendous success i
May 27, 2017 • 21:35
Ep187 - Laura Mullen
Interview! Laura Mullen, SPORE Program Director at San Francisco SPCA “Ringworm is nothing worth dying for.” Laura Mullen has worked in the shelter medicine department at the San Francisco SPCA for 15 years. Her current project is the SPORE Program, or Shelters Preventing Outbreaks of Ringworm through Eductation. Ringworm is a pesky fungal infection that lives on the keratin in animal hair and nails—one could call it “cathlete’s foot!” Though it’s not a life threatening condition, it can wreak
May 25, 2017 • 29:36
Ep186 - Tina Traster
Interview! Tina Traster, Award-winning Filmmaker, Writer, and Documentarian of “Catnip Nation” “There are people taking care of community cats, but it begs the question: who is taking care of those people?” Tina Traster is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. Her written pieces have been featured in a multitude of publications, including a regular segment for the New York Post, and her films have won awards at film festivals across the globe. She has noticed a theme of rescue, caretaking,
May 23, 2017 • 21:12
Ep185 - Rosemarie Crawford
Interview! Rosemarie Crawford, Director of Educational Programs, National Kitten Coalition After her first experience fostering bottle babies with acute health issues, Rosemarie’s colleagues realized she was a natural and nudged her towards a career in animal welfare. She worked as a vet tech in Illinois, and subsequetly became a foster coordinator. This eventually led to her current position as the Director of Educational Programs or the National Kitten Coalition, where she facilitates outreach
May 20, 2017 • 20:29
Ep184 - Tracie Hotchner
Interview! Tracie Hotchner, Author, The Cat Bible and Radio Pet Lady “The point is to reach people and influence their hearts and minds in ways that are really meaningful.” Tracie is a premiere podcast presence, supporting the education and wellness of cats. She is the author of The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know as well as producer and host of NPR’s show “Dog Talk (and Kitties Too!)”. Tracie is currently organizing the New York Cat Film Festival, which offers short films and
May 18, 2017 • 25:18
Ep183 - Mike Fry
Interview! Mike Fry, Founder and Senior Consultant at No Kill Learning “The killing that takes place is harmful and costly and damaging.” Mike was raised in a family of animal welfare activists who opened the first no-kill shelter in Minnesota in 1977. After working for Fortune 500 companies in the technology field, he decided to dedicate his shelter experience to end unnecessary euthanasia in local shelters. Mike hosts Just One Day every June 11th, which provides nationwide shelters and animal
May 16, 2017 • 21:05
Ep182 - Susan Linker
Interview! Susan Linker, Co-founder of Our Companions Animal Rescue “We’ve come a long way with spay and neuter in our area.” Susan is the co-founder of Our Companions Animal Rescue, a forty-three acre sanctuary in Ashford, CT. A non-profit organization with 400 volunteers, 2,500 donors and plans to double in size, Our Companions Animal Rescue prioritizes creating a low-stress environment for cats and dogs to optimize better health and behavior, hence better adoption outcomes. Susan discusses wa
May 13, 2017 • 22:42
Ep181 - Bonney Brown
Interview! Bonney Brown, Founder and Principle Consultant of the Humane Network “Engaging the public in our work is the key to making it sustainable.” Stacy has once again invited Bonney Brown from the Humane Network back on the show! Bonney fills Stacy in on what the Network’s been up to in the past year, such as helping rescue groups to better their strategic planning, improve their live release rate, and ensure their sustainability, among other things. Bonney and Stacy also chat about how the
May 11, 2017 • 22:01
Ep180 - Jonathan Rosenberg
Interview! Jonathan Rosenberg, Founder of Tabby’s Place “I wanted to do something for the cats nobody wanted.” Jonathan Rosenberg wasn’t very interested in animal welfare—or even considered himself a “cat person”—until he met Tabby. When a stray cat showed up on his porch one day, begging for food and a place to sleep, Jonathan and his wife took him in and gave him a very happy life for the next sixteen years. When Tabby was diagnosed with and subsequently passed from terminal cancer, however,
May 9, 2017 • 25:18
Ep179 - Harold Rhee
Interview! Harold Rhee, Host of This is Pawprint Podcast “Your volunteers may have skills that you never knew about. You don’t really know unless you truly empower people to share their talents.” Harold Rhee is the creator and host of This is Pawprint, another animal welfare podcast! With his wife Nancy, he interviews the “heroes of animal rescue,” such as Tamar Arslanian, author and photographer of Shop Cats, as well as our very own Stacy LeBaron! Stacy and Harold compare notes on creating t
May 6, 2017 • 21:27
Ep178 - Steve Lawrence
Interview! Steve Lawrence, Co-Director of The Cat Rescuers, and Tara Green, TNR volunteer of Brooklyn Animal Action “I think it’s important for viewers to understand the kind of dedication and commitment that’s required to do this work.” When Steve Lawrence moved to Brooklyn with his wife Helen, he didn’t know the first thing about community cats. However, after individuals of a backyard colony started showing up at his backdoor begging for food, he began to investigate and uncover the world of
May 4, 2017 • 23:14
Ep177 - Robin Olson
Interview! Robin Olson, Blogger at CoveredinCatHair.com and founder of Kitten Associates “I love telling these stories because every single cat that we bring into our rescue always has something we can learn from.” Robin Olson is the writer behind the award winning “Covered in Cathair” blog, which chronicles the stores of the 500 cats she’s rescued over the years. She also is the founder of Kitten Associates, which opened its doors in 2010. Located in Sandy Hook, CT, Kitten Associates started th
May 2, 2017 • 24:20
Ep176 - Rebecca Jewell
Interview! Rebecca Jewell, Executive Director of the National Kitten Coalition “Foster programs are my first love by far.” Rebecca Jewell is the executive director of the National Kitten Coalition. Her family fostered many pregnant cats and litters when she was growing up in Ohio, which inspired in her a love of foster programs. In fact, she built her own foster program from scratch when she first became the volunteer coordinator of a shelter in the DC area 11 years ago—just when she had started
Apr 29, 2017 • 26:13
Ep175 - Jackson Galaxy
Interview! Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell, and Founder of the Jackson Galaxy Foundation “I was used to not following rules and cats don’t follow rules for the most part.” It’s the Cat Daddy himself in this special episode of the podcast! Stacy has a fascinating conversation with Jackson Galaxy, the once-musician whose special bond with felines catapulted (sorry!) him to fame as a champion for helping people better understand cat behavior and find creative ways to help t
Apr 27, 2017 • 29:16
Ep174 - Dr. Theo Capaldo
Interview! Dr. Theo Capaldo, President and Executive Director of the New England Anti-Vivisection Society “We really try to fight science with science.” Dr. Theo Capaldo is the president and executive director of the New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS). NEAVS is committed to ending the use of animals as test subjects, and in fact spearheaded the successful campaign to the use of chimps in biomedical research in the United States. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Capaldo is concerned abou
Apr 25, 2017 • 31:04
Ep173 - Carter Luke
Interview! Carter Luke, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) “Fall in love with a cat…find a cat and try to help it." Luke reflects on some of the changes he’s seen for cats in his 40 years in animal welfare. His approach is based on building coalitions of different groups who can jointly bring different talents to the table to affect change in the “disease of homelessness” for cats. He was one of the founders of the National Council of Pet
Apr 22, 2017 • 27:46
Ep172 - Renee Harris
Interview! Renee Harris, Founder of PAWS to Success Program at the San Diego Humane Society “If individuals took responsibility for their pets, then there would be no indiscriminate breeding.” Renee Harris has been volunteering and working in animal welfare since the tender age of twelve, and over her 30+ year career she has seen the field change enormously. She pioneered the Paws to Success program at the San Diego Humane Society, which includes the first orphan kitten nursery of its kind.
Apr 20, 2017 • 21:44
Ep171 - Sarah Pizano
Interview! Sarah Pizano, Program Director for Target Zero “You are doing this on behalf of the cats. Put the nerves on the back burner; it’s about saving cats.” Stacy revisits with Sarah Pizano, the program director for Target Zero and the podcast’s guest of episode 56. Sarah shares with us an innovative way that Target Zero was able to move funds from a foundation in Cincinnati all the way to the shelters and communities of the Northern Area Kentucky Development District, an organization that
Apr 18, 2017 • 24:03
Ep170 - Brad Shear
Interview! Brad Shear, CEO of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society “We are not here to be exterminators.” When it comes to animal sheltering, Brad Shear has run the gamut of shelter needs and sizes. He started his career in the local shelter of a small city in Colorado, and since then has moved around the country to several different cities to share his knowledge and experience. For the past ten years he has been the CEO of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in New York state. His current shelter h
Apr 15, 2017 • 25:03
Ep169 - Merritt Clifton
Interview! Merritt Clifton, Editor at Animals 24-7 “These days, shelters probably see only a fraction of the real numbers of cats in the community.” In this episode, Stacy revisits Merritt Clifton, the editor of the Animals 24-7 news site. This time, Merritt gives an in-depth look at the use of statistics and data in animal welfare. He gives some inside tips and tricks into how one person can estimate population levels of community cats in their area and track that population over time. Merritt
Apr 13, 2017 • 31:27
Ep168 - Beth Clifton
Beth Clifton, Photographer and Social Media Editor for Animals 24-7 “Take Personal Responsibility with Animals in Need” Beth Clifton is the photographer and social media editor for Animals 24-7. She is also the wife of previous CCP guest Merritt Clifton, and she cites him as one of the people who changed her thinking around TNR and community cats. Beth has had several jobs involving animals, and when she first started working as an animal control officer, her encounters with community cats we
Apr 11, 2017 • 22:39
Ep167 - Stacy LeBaron
Ask Stacy! Stacy LeBaron, Host of The Community Cats Podcast “This is all about being a family.” As kitten season approaches, guest host Lisa Finkel talks with Stacy about creatively managing community kittens. Describing kitten fostering as a “pre-program” to the adoption process, Stacy offers insight on productive ways to set up a healthy and sustainable foster care program. Many elements contribute to a successful system, from the medical and administrative structure to compassion fatigue sup
Apr 8, 2017 • 23:20
Ep166 - Jocelyn Bouchard
Interview! Jocelyn Bouchard, Executive Director, Yavapai Humane Society “How do we elevate the status of cats?” Jocelyn’s work in animal welfare began as a vet tech in a spay/neuter clinic in Vancouver BC in the 1980’s, when high volume clinics were cutting edge. Twenty years’ experience living in Maui fueled her belief that managing colonies, including feral kitten socializing and the tracking and removing of tame abandoned cats, is as important as TNR for decreasing numbers. Jocelyn discusses
Apr 6, 2017 • 21:12
Ep165 - Laura Baughman
Interview! Laura Baughman, Director of Operations, National Kitten Coalition "You’re going to get a whole lot more kittens when you start a nursery.” As we enter “kitten season,” Stacy talks to Laura about “kitten nurseries,” a new and hot concept for management of neonatal kittens. Laura recently researched and wrote a manual for organizations thinking about starting their own kitten nursery that provides a complete blueprint for approaching this challenge. She notes that before an organization
Apr 4, 2017 • 26:08
Ep164 - Sara Kent
Interview! Sara Kent, Director of Shelter Outreach for Petfinder “Video is a great way to let cats speak for themselves…and they don’t have to say a lot.” Petfinder has brought the world of technology to shelters and potential adopters. Sara, who’s been there for 17 years, speaks with Stacy about the visibility it brings to hundreds of thousands of pets seeking a home, and how it seeks to improve the adoption experience by offering ongoing support once new pet parents have selected their new fam
Apr 1, 2017 • 21:43
Ep163 - Julie Bank
Interview! Julie Bank, President and CEO of Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA “I saw the animal shelter as a living museum.” Julie Bank is the president and CEO of Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. She approaches running an animal shelter from the unique perspective of curating a museum—in fact, she enrolled in a museum education program purely to bring the tools of alternative education used in museum programming back to the animal shelter. Julie says that for her, it’s very important that shel
Mar 30, 2017 • 27:13
Ep162 - Anna Murrain and Valerie Kajko
Interview! Anna Murrin and Valerie Kajko, Project Manager and TNR Coordinator, Metro Denver CAT Project “Having a physical location in the community builds up trust.” Anna Murrin and Valerie Kajko are the project manager and TNR coordinator, respectively, of Metro Denver CAT Project in Denver, CO. CAT, or Cats Around Town, is a unique project in that it provides resources for all cats in a targeted area by setting up its home base in the neighborhood it serves. Still in its pilot phase, the pr
Mar 28, 2017 • 22:30
Ep161 - Cheryl Fernandes
Interview! Part Two - Cheryl Fernandes, Shelter Care Representative, PetLink "The microchip is the silent voice for the animal." In part two, Stacy and Cheryl Ann dive into the complexities of microchipping once microchips have been placed—how do you scan a newly-trapped feral cat? What are best practices for animal control officers when recovering an animal afield whose microchip turns out to be a dead end? Cheryl Ann also argues for microchipping in colonies—the little chips can store informat
Mar 25, 2017 • 26:22
Ep159 - Heather Cammisa and Tara Sannucci,
Interview! Part One - Heather Cammisa, CEO and Tara Sannucci, Pet Retention Coordinator, St. Hubert’s “A database is only as good as it’s maintained.” In part one of this two-part episode, Stacy talks to Heather Cammisa and Tara Sannucci, the president of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center and director of the Pet Retention Program, respectively. Tara and Heather detail the plethora of programs that St. Hubert’s has to offer, mostly focusing on education: humane education, training and behavior h
Mar 21, 2017 • 17:46
Ep160 - Heather Cammisa and Tara Sannucci
Interview! Part Two - Heather Cammisa, CEO and Tara Sannucci, Pet Retention Coordinator, St. Hubert’s “It’s senseless to put out all this advice if you have someone who’s not willing or able to do it all.” In part two of this two-part episode, Tara dives into details while Heather gives us the big picture. Tara has a lot of responsibilities around St. Huberts, which include handling cat behavior challenges in the shelter such as socialization of shy cats and keeping the cats happy and entertaine
Mar 21, 2017 • 21:30
Ep158 - Lauren Burbridge
Interview! Lauren Burbridge, Coordinator, Massachusetts Animal Fund “If every taxpayer in MA payed just one dollar… we could help over 40,000 cats and dogs every year.” Lauren Burbridge has figured out how to help people and animals at the same time: she is a licensed social worker who started the Massachusetts Animal Fund, an organization that seeks to develop agricultural resources to end animal homelessness in the state. Lauren works directly with the public (particularly low-income communiti
Mar 18, 2017 • 22:33
Ep157 - Joyce Briggs
Interview! Joyce Briggs, President, Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs “Whenever we intervene with animals in an ecosystem, there are implications for other animals.” Joyce Briggs is the president of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs. With a background in public health, she is concerned with how to better manage populations of cats and dogs, as well as how to sterilize these animals using non-surgical methods. This is the mission of the ACC&D, and it poses unique challenge
Mar 16, 2017 • 20:54
Ep156 - Dr. Dena Mangiamele
Interview! Dr. Dena Mangiamele, Author/Lecturer “‘Safety first’ does not exclude cats at all.” When Dena Mangiamele started to practice veterinary medicine with the City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Control in the 1990s, animal sheltering procedures and best practices looked very different from how they do now. Dena helped to implement groundbreaking (at the time) programs like early spay-neuter, which greatly lowered the euthanasia numbers in the shelter, as well as the shelter’s annual
Mar 14, 2017 • 25:53
Ep155 - Gavin Ehringer
Interview! Gavin Ehringer, Author “We are so people-focused because behind every animal that is coming into our clinic is a person.” Gavin Ehringer has been writing about companion animals for 25 years, fueled by a childhood growing up next to a game farm and spending his young adult years working on a ranch. In this unorthodox episode, he outlines the different “classes” of animals—working, companion, purebred, and show—and tells Stacy about the unintended consequences of breeding. His upcomin
Mar 11, 2017 • 25:15
Ep154 - Michelle Rivera
Interview! Michelle Rivera, Founder, Spay-Neuter Kansas City “We are so people-focused because behind every animal that is coming into our clinic is a person.” Michelle Rivera is the founder of Spay-Neuter Kansas City, a 501(c)3 non-profit that services the Kansas City areas in both Kansas and Missouri. Now going on its fifteenth year of operation, SNKC has increased the live release rate to 90% in the cities’ shelters, and it services around 20,000 animals each year. Before the impetus of SN
Mar 9, 2017 • 20:53
Ep153 - Priscilla Ma
Interview! Priscilla Ma, Executive Director, US Chapter of World Animal Protection “People don’t want to know just about suffering, they want to know how they can help.” Priscilla Ma is the executive director for the US chapter of World Animal Protection. While doing humanitarian work with Smile Train, she traveled throughout the world and saw the different kinds of impacts that animals can have on humans, and the myriad of ways that the animal-human relationship can manifest itself. She joined
Mar 7, 2017 • 21:00
Ep152 - Cheryl Fernandes,
Interview! Cheryl Fernandes, Shelter Care Representative, PetLink "The microchip is the silent voice for the animal." In continuation with Microchipping Madness, Stacy invites Cheryl Ann Fernandes back to the show to discuss the importance of microchipping. Cheryl Ann explains a bit about the technology behind the microchip, what RFID is and what it stands for, and also highlights the importance of buying your microchips from a reputable company. She also reinforces some of the statistics covere
Mar 4, 2017 • 17:01
Ep151 - Brigid Wasson
Interview! Brigid Wasson, Co-founder Missing Pet Partnership “We recommend that all cats be chipped, but it isn’t foolproof.” Brigid is back for another interview with Stacy, and to kick of March Microchipping Madness, Brigid talks about the importance of microchipping your pets. Microchipping is an especially important development when it comes to cats, as the Return to Owner (RTO) rate for our feline friends is between 1 and 2% in the US! Brigid also discusses the drawbacks of microchipping,
Mar 2, 2017 • 21:47
Ep150 - Bruce Myers
Bruce Myers, Executive Director, United Spay Alliance “The law tends to be way behind the needs on the ground… We’ve got to let the law catch up.” In this Spay Day episode, Stacy is joined by Bruce Myers, an animal protection lawyer and new director of the United Spay Alliance. The United Spay Alliance (USA) seeks to establish timely spay-neuter programs in each state that are easily accessible to people who need it—not just a list of clinic locations, but a state-wide database with e-resource
Feb 28, 2017 • 23:12
Ep149 - Rob Halpin
Interview! Rob Halpin, Director of Public Relations at the MSPCA “Journalists love to help animals just like we do.” Rob Halpin is the director Public Relations at the MSPCA Angell Animal Hospital in Boston, MA. He transitioned from the corporate sector, working as a PR agent for At&T, to his current job about five years ago and found a perfect blend of two of his biggest passions: public relations and animal welfare. In this episode he gives some PR tips for new organizations that might
Feb 25, 2017 • 28:53
Ep148 - Katie Lisnik
Interview! Katie Lisnik, Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States “This is the thick of legislative session season.” Where in the USA is cat policy these days? Katie Lisnik can tell you! Katie is back for her third interview with Stacy, and this time she is taking us on a tour of various states who have serious bills and legislation that affect community cats on the docket for 2017. Some of these bills the HSUS itself is pushing, and some of the bills it
Feb 23, 2017 • 27:15
Ep147 - Stacy LeBaron
Ask Stacy! Five Tenets of Building an Organization “We have to focus on giving people the guidance they need, but also let them take ownership a task, too.” In this Ask Stacy episode, Lisa and Stacy go through Stacy’s 5 Tenets of Building an Organization to Help Community Cats, which are: Understand your community, Build a skills matrix, Delegate tasks, Communicate with donors and volunteers, and Review and evaluate goals. Stacy is more than happy to consult with organizations on working on th
Feb 21, 2017 • 24:31
Ep146 - Rachel Geller
Interview! Rachel Geller, Certified Humane Education Specialist “The moral and humane response to animal abuse begins with assisting kids in developing empathy and compassion for animals.” We are once again re-visiting an old friend of the podcast—Dr. Rachel Geller, vice president of the Gifford Cat Shelter and certified humane education specialist. As a cat behavior counselor, Rachel has been busy giving talks at various youth organizations to teach children compassion towards animals. She has
Feb 18, 2017 • 26:31
Ep145 - Tamar Arslanian, Author of Shop Cats of New York
Interview! Tamar Arslanian, Author of Shop Cats of New York “Isn’t a life in a shop where they’re loved better than a cage or being put down?” Tamar Arslanian is the blogger behind ihavecat.com and the author of Shop Cats of New York, the coffee table book that Stacy recommended in her last book show. In the three years it took to write the book, Tamar partnered with photographer Andrew Marttila, who she calls a true “cat whisperer,” and adventured all around New York meeting amazing cats in sho
Feb 16, 2017 • 24:16
Ep144 - Christina Ha
Interview! Christina Ha, Co-Founder of Meow Parlour and Creator of Cat Camp NYC “How can I bridge the gap between people who want to learn about cats and the experts who know all about cats?” Until 3 1/2 years ago, Christina’s passion was food rather than felines. But after adopting her first kitty, Mr. Socks, she decided to combine her talents as a pastry chef with a growing interest in cats by becoming the co-founder of Meow Parlour, New York City’s first-ever cat cafe. “I couldn’t understand
Feb 14, 2017 • 21:32
Ep143 - Shaun Sears
Interview! Shaun Sears, Co-Owner, Canopy Cat Rescue "What we do is extremely dangerous…even savvy tree climbers have difficulty rescuing cats." You don’t need to call a fireman to rescue your cat from a tree when Shaun Sears is around. Shaun and his partner are certified arborists who have “branched out” (sorry!) into the specialty of rescuing cats from trees. Their firm, Canopy Cat Rescue, has recovered nearly 800 cats from trees over the last two years, and was featured on the Animal Planet pr
Feb 11, 2017 • 25:16
Ep142 - Rob Leinberger
Interview! Rob Leinberger, President, National Animal Care and Control Association “The communities that I have seen do best have a network.” Rob Leinberger has been in the animal control game for 25 years—first starting as a veterinary assistant in high school, then working as an animal control officer for Chesterfield County in Virginia. He is the president of the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA), and in January of 2016 he became the Animal Control Supervisor of Richmon
Feb 9, 2017 • 22:25
Ep141 - Meg Bond
Meg Bond, Owner, Events by Meg “You need to find the kingpin to what is taking up space.” Meg Bond has a “Type-A” dream job—she organizes for a living! Meg is a self-employed event coordinator and residential stager/organizer, which means that she sets up residences to be most appealing to perspective buyers. She also helps people organize their homes and office, and in this episode she shares some great tips for organizations looking for fresh ideas on planning events or rearrange their home ba
Feb 7, 2017 • 22:10
Ep140 - Joe Miele
Joe Miele, TNR project coordinator, Broken Promises SW “A tight-knit colony is going to keep other [cats] out of the area.” Joe Miele is the TNR project coordinator for Broken Promises SW, a non-profit that seeks to address community cat overpopulation in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the surrounding county. Joe has been working with community cats since the mid 1990s, when he began teaching TNR classes with the Animal Protection League in New Jersey. He was inspired by the amount of people who
Feb 4, 2017 • 26:35
Ep139 - Gus Ray
Gus Ray, Owner of Baycom Diagnostics “From a scientific point of view it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.” Gus Ray is the owner of Baycom Diagnostics, a new company that provides A1C testing for dogs and cats. The A1C test aids in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes by reading your average glucose levels over a period of time—for cats 90 days, for dogs 120. The disparity between human blood and cat and dog blood proved quite a challenge to develo
Feb 2, 2017 • 20:49
Ep138 - Myles Chadwick
Myles Chadwick, Vice President of the New School at Emancipet “In order to reach people who haven’t been [reached] before, we have to do a lot of listening, not just a lot of telling.” What do line cooks and high-volume spay-neuter vets have in common? Coming to the animal welfare world from a background in restaurants and cooking, Myles didn’t know the first thing about TNR when he became the assistant manager of client services at an ASPCA hospital in New York City. However, he became fascinat
Jan 31, 2017 • 23:23
Ep137 - Steve Smith
Steve Smith, Founder of Pet Releaf “We follow the science first and foremost.” In this episode, Stacy interviews a different kind of person interested in pet health and medication—Steve Smith, co-founder of Pet Releaf, a service that provides hemp- and CBD-infused products for pets. Pet Releaf was born of Steve’s personal experience with his dog Mattie. As she aged, Mattie showed signs of serious arthritic pain when she walked, and she was clearly suffering. Although Steve was never able to find
Jan 28, 2017 • 25:46
Ep136 - Book Reviews with Stacy
Stacy’s back with more recommendations in the second ever Book Review Show! These four books offer a wide variety for anyone in the animal welfare world: from a coffee table book of city kitties, to a birder’s views on managing free-roaming cat populations. As last time, the final book recommendation does not talk specifically about cats, but instead offers ways in which you can build your social media presence, craft a more communicative message, and more. We’ve included the names of the
Jan 26, 2017 • 14:46
Ep135 - Emma Clifford
Emma Clifford, Founder and Executive Director of Animal Balance “I don’t think you can put a dollar figure on humanely managing all species." Emma is back for another interview! This time, she tells Stacy about her most recent and fascinating trip to the Galapagos Islands in early December. There she and her team at Animal Balance Galapagos worked with the local parks service to develop a community-based sterilization program for cats (TNR in CCP speak!). She talks about working in a habitat wit
Jan 24, 2017 • 23:53
Ep134 - Laura Moss & Jamie Brooks
Laura Moss, Founder, and Jamie Brooks, Communications, AdventureCats.org “We [are] trying to… rebrand not just what it means to be a cat lady… [but also] what a cat is.” Laura Moss and Jamie Brooks are partners in Adventure Cats, a website that promotes safe ways for cat owners to explore the outdoors with their cats, and seeks to dismantle negative stereotypes about cats and the people who own them. Barely two years old, the site has exploded with activity and popularity, and has brought togeth
Jan 21, 2017 • 24:22
Ep133- Mary Peng
Interview! Mary Peng, CEO & Founder, International Center for Veterinary Services (Part 2) “It has to be high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter, with Chinese characteristics.”' In part two of this special two-part episode, Mary Peng continues to tell the story of ICVS, and goes into more detail about the unique challenges the hospital must face in China. She says that they have had to adapt programs and practices learned in the US to Chinese situations. For example, Mary believes that the private
Jan 19, 2017 • 21:44
Ep132 - Mary Peng
Interview! Mary Peng, CEO & Founder, International Center for Veterinary Services (Part 1) “This is a program for China. It is going to raise the bar on humane animal welfare.” In part one of this special two-part episode, Stacy interviews Mary Peng,CEO and founder of International Center for Veterinary Services. Based in Beijing, ICVS is the first international standard animal hospital in China. China is a large country with very little access to veterinary care. In 1994, Mary adopted a cat in
Jan 17, 2017 • 23:08
Ep131 - Chris Roy
Interview! Chris Roy, Founder, Doobert.com "The concept behind Doobert was to automate those rescue tasks that can and should be automated." Chris Roy is a pilot, a Milwaukeean, a husband and owner of several cats and dogs, and the creator of Doobert.com, an online software platform for animal welfare volunteers and organizations. Although Doobert started as a hub to organize the transportation of rescued animals, it has grown to offer a wide variety of services, such as photography for shelters
Jan 14, 2017 • 23:10
Ep130 - Dr. Caitlyn Neal
Interview! Dr. Caitlyn Neal, HVHQSN Veterinarian, Washington D.C. and Maryland “We have enormous community support through our foster network and feeders who really want to go the distance for their cats” Just two years out of veterinary school, Dr. Neal has been drawn to shelter medicine for quite some time. This spay/neuter “dynamo” has been involved with a number of high quality, high volume spay/neuter programs and today leads the medical efforts at CATNIPP, the Cat Neighborhood Partnership
Jan 12, 2017 • 20:17
Ep129 - Nina Wolf
Nina Wolf, Writer and Expert, Animal Nutrition and Wellness “Think about our kids who are cuddling animals and sticking their faces down into their fur." Nina is a passionate advocate for keeping animals safe and healthy through use of natural, non-toxic foods and treatment alternatives. She catalogs the many health issues posed to cats and dogs through use of topical flea and tick treatments (as well as their dangers to humans), and introduces Stacy to a new alternative that repels pests via e
Jan 10, 2017 • 21:44
Ep128 - Aimee St. Arnaud
Interview! Aimee St. Arnaud-Relaunch- Director at Humane Alliance a Program of the ASPCA “We need to focus on stopping the problem at the root… that’s why we focus on prevention.” In today’s episode we are relaunching Aimee St. Arnaud’s super podcast, as we had a technical glitch. Since the episode was only live for a short period of time, we want to make sure you have a chance to listen to this awesome interview! Enjoy. Aimee St. Arnaud works for the Humane Alliance training vets and communit
Jan 7, 2017 • 22:02
Ep127 - Bryan Kortis
Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats “We’ve been able to return cats to colonies that otherwise would have been lost in the system.” In his return to the Podcast, Bryan tells Stacy about his recent move to Maui (we’re a little jealous!), which is in crisis when it comes to stray and feral cat populations. He and his wife moved there to bring “progressive and enlightened” thinking to how this community deals with these cats, as well as advocating for the spay/
Jan 5, 2017 • 26:56
Ep126 - Justin Zimmerman
Justin Zimmerman, Director of the Film, “SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team.” “We fell in love with their drive and passion, and what they’re doing so visual, we thought there was something cool there.” In this fascinating interview, Justin talks about his award-winning documentary that follows the exploits of the Los Angeles-based SMART team, which rescues animals in Southern California from all kinds of dire situations. He and his film crew followed the team for three years, watching
Jan 3, 2017 • 23:26
Ep125 - Susanna Della Maddalena
Greatest Hits! Susanna Della Maddalena, CEO and President, Central OK Humane “We’re in the business of saving lives." Susanna was a fan favorite and we can definitely see why! She spent ten years heading up PetSmart Charities and now leads Central OK Humane. She has seen it all when it comes to fundraising and has been on both sides of the coin! She discusses implementing game-changing programs that have brought live release rates to an all-time high, as well as how they have handled the high vo
Dec 31, 2016 • 21:27
Ep124 - Brianna Lovell
Greatest Hits! Brianna Lovell, Outreach and Events Manager, Alley Cat Allies “No action is too big or too small.” We couldn't have asked for a better guest on National Feral Cat Day than Brianna Lovell! If you are still unaware of what this great day entails, this is the podcast that you've been waiting for! Brianna discusses how the day began, but more importantly, what National Feral Cat Day has turned into! Groups use this day as a wonderful platform for taking on the projects and education t
Dec 29, 2016 • 21:14
Ep123 - Hannah Shaw
Greatest Hits! Hannah Shaw, The Kitten Lady “I live and breathe cat advocacy…that’s what I do.” Hannah Shaw was such a popular guest earlier this year that we couldn't wait to bring back her episode for a reboot! How was she to know that saving an orphaned kitty would reboot her career, as well! Hannah, affectionately known as The Kitten Lady, is now an expert in saving and raising kittens. She holds workshops and has an amazing social media presence, so it was a match made in heaven when her an
Dec 27, 2016 • 18:57
Ep122- Kathy Downey
Interview! Kathy Downey, Journalist and Animal Rights Advocate, Plus "Mickey’s Story" “These cats are citizens of our community just like you are and I am.” Kathy was one of the earliest volunteers for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society when she moved to Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1992. She and Stacy reminisce about the feral cat colony on the Merrimack River and how she developed a special place in her heart for Mickey, a waterfront cat she calls “a personable cat with a purr.” She
Dec 24, 2016 • 31:02
Ep121 - Dr. Marty Becker
Interview! Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian” and Founder of the Fear Free Initiative "To finally realize we were causing psychological damage to animals…once you know it, you can’t not know it.” After being a renowned veterinarian, including being the resident vet on Good Morning America for 17 years, Dr. Becker says, “I’m not retiring…I’m refiring!” His latest initiative is an innovative program that helps animal care professionals reduce the stress we put on our companion animals whe
Dec 22, 2016 • 24:27
Ep120 - Diane Kelly and Sarah Dellea
Interview! Diane Kelly and Sarah Dellea, Founder and General Manager of the Purr Cat Cafe, Boston, MA “We want Purr to be an opportunity to give back to the community.” After working for thirty years in the medical field, Diane Kelly’s plans for opening her own business coincided with her love of cats after experiencing cat cafes in Georgetown and New York on a cross country road trip. Boston’s first ever cat café, Purr Boston Cat Café, is scheduled to open this winter, offering an array of even
Dec 20, 2016 • 18:49
Ep119 - Dr. Sara White
Interview! Dr. Sara White, Founder Spay ASAP Inc.- VT “We haven’t really been taught… how to take care of [our bodies as] this instrument that we have.” Dr. Sara White is a mixed-animal veterinarian with experience both in private and shelter medicine, and the operator of Spay ASAP Inc., a mobile MASH clinic. Since 2006, Dr. White has spayed and neutered a staggering 40,000 animals herself. She also concerns herself with the issue of health ergonomics among veterinary surgeons and staff, and giv
Dec 17, 2016 • 20:49
Ep118 - Aly Miller & Paul Castro, Jr.
Interview! Aly Miller and Paul Castro, Jr., Creator of Aeris, A Short Film- NYC “Our responsibility as filmmakers is to tell the most vulnerable truth.” When Paul Castro Jr. entered a pet store on a whim almost two years ago, he didn’t expect to find a new passion for animal advocacy that would fuel one of his many film and acting projects. There he met Aeris, a sickly little kitten with whom he made an instant connection and felt he had to go to any lengths to save. Together with Aly Miller, he
Dec 15, 2016 • 21:56
Ep117 - Christie Keith
Interview! Christie Keith, Communications Strategist, MI “For me, it’s all about persuasion." Christie Keith is a journalist and communications consultant for animal welfare and veterinary medicine. Although she is based in Michigan, she has clients all over the country, including the Million Cat Challenge and Maddie’s Fund. Christie is passionate about effective communication, and she works with organizations in message crafting, communicating, and persuading on the micro and macro level. In co
Dec 13, 2016 • 25:36
Ep116 - Elizabeth Putsche
Interview! Elizabeth Putsche, Founder, For All Animals “It’s all about data and supporting information. That’s what really speaks to government officials.” Elizabeth Putsche is the founder and executive director of For All Animals, a 501(c)3 organization that “identifies and fills voids in the animal protection field.” The organization is based in Baltimore, which in 2007 was one of the first major cities to implement TNR as the official policy for the treatment of community animals. For All Ani
Dec 10, 2016 • 22:37
Ep115 - Will Allen
Interview! Will Allen, New Sales Business Manager, Frontstream “BiddingForGood helps you expand your reach and raise more money.” In this unique episode, Stacy talks to Will Allen, self-professed cat lover and fundraising consultant at Fronstream, a software company that helps non-profits develop fundraising strategies. Stacy, a user herself, helps Will explain to listeners some of the services offered by Frontstream, and also offer some some concrete tips on how to implement the services in new
Dec 8, 2016 • 22:52
Ep114 - Dr. Julie Levy
Interview! Dr. Julie Levy, Maddie’s Professor of Shelter Medicine at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine “Our goal is to enculturation these life-saving key initiatives into animal sheltering… so that this becomes [the norm.]” Dr. Julie Levy is a professor of shelter medicine at the University of Florida, as well as a prolific publisher of scientific articles on small animal medicine. She began her work with community cats in the 1980s while attending veterinary school at UC Dav
Dec 6, 2016 • 19:50
Ep113 - Dr. Christine Wilford
Interview! Dr. Christine Wilford, Founder, The Feral Cat Project “Sometimes helping means us having to not do something, and us realizing that, for this cat, bringing it inside means it’s going to be scared everyday of its life. Would that be what you would want?” Dr. Wilford, founder of Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project in Lynnwood, Washington returns to Community Cats Podcast to discuss geriatric cats with Stacy. Clearly stating her belief that “age is not a disease,” Dr. Wilford lists the most c
Dec 3, 2016 • 23:02
Ep112 - Karen Little
Interview! Karen Little, Executive Director, Alley Cat Advocates “Urban cats are accustomed to urban living. Rural cats are accustomed to rural living… Keeping those colonies in tact, adjacent to where their habitat might have been destroyed, is in the best interest of the cats.” In her second interview with Stacy, Karen explores the issue of relocation in the Louisville, Kentucky area where she works with Alley Cat Advocates. A firm believer that colony relocation is only an option when the cu
Dec 1, 2016 • 22:25
Ep111 - Andy Kola
Interview! Andy Kola, Founder, LumenLS “To fix the problems that are facing cats, all center around increasing the perceived importance, the perceived value, and the perceived acceptance of cats to humans.” In his second interview with Stacy, Andy discusses his organization’s approach to challenges facing community cats in Broward County, Florida. With a mission of eliminating unnecessary suffering and euthanasia for all community cats in the area, Andy’s shelter, Lumen LS, has been specifically
Nov 29, 2016 • 20:53
Ep110 - Karina King
Dakin, since cat overpopulation has become less of an issue across Massachusetts. Dakin has performed over 70,000 spay/neuter surgeries, and as a result, the cats entering her adoption center are much more complex to rehome. She notes, “we wouldn’t have had the time or space to help these cats in the past, but now we’re able to successfully place them.” She describes the innovative and successful feral kitten adoption program Dakin has piloted, where these “tiny tigers” are placed directly in ho
Nov 26, 2016 • 32:38
Ep109 - Alana Yanez
Interview! Alana Yanez, Manager of HSUS Pets For Life Los Angeles “When we have literally put these vouchers in people’s hands at their doorsteps, there really is no excuse now.” An advocate for animals and residents of underserved communities in East Los Angeles, Alana brings compassion and political experience to her position as manager of Pets for Life Los Angeles and as the Commissioner of the LA Animal Services Board. She discusses the 2009 injunction against LA Animal Services by vari
Nov 24, 2016 • 23:36
Ep108 - Suzanne Kogut
Interview! Suzanne Kogut, Executive Director of the Petco Foundation “Everyone wants the same thing, to do right by the cats. There’s just a disagreement often about how we get there. But I thought we could all work together to get there.” After her first career as a corporate finance and securities attorney, Suzanne took the road less travelled and became involved in the Charlottsville/Albemarle SPCA. As the executive director from 2005-2012, Suzanne gained priceless experience facing new chall
Nov 22, 2016 • 23:06
Ep107 - Ask Stacy!
It's an Ask Stacy episode! “You could feel the energy busting through the wires” Stacy reflects what all that she’s learned since launching the Community Cats Podcast, having completed more than 100 episodes speaking with experts all over the US and beyond. She recommends a number of her favorite interviews, with individuals like Emma Clifford, Hannah Shaw (the “Kitten Lady”), Dr. Kate Hurley and Dr. Christine Wilford — all of whom have different areas of expertise, but embody enthusiasm and ene
Nov 19, 2016 • 21:27
Ep106 - Diego Alves
Interview! Diego Alves, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pet and Tie “We want to be the premium app for pet parents and pets.” Ever have trouble finding a pet sitter? Diego did, and that experience was the impetus to his envisioning an virtual community where pet owners could connect to all of the services they need. His new app, “Pet and Tie,” available on Apple and Android, aims to help pet owners save time and money and be responsible parents to their pets whether they’re seeking play d
Nov 17, 2016 • 20:49
Ep105 - Katie Lisnik
Interview! Katie Lisnik, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) “Taking an active role in legislation is the only way we’re going to move the ball forward.” In her return appearance on the Podcast, Katie plays “Around the Country Policy for Cats” with Stacy, detailing the successes and challenges in four different states: Delaware, Hawaii, Virginia and Illinois. In her role at HSUS, Katie's on the front line of legislative and public policy efforts
Nov 15, 2016 • 24:20
Ep104 - Sally Williams
Interview! Sally Williams, Founder, The Brodie Fund “I think the thing that makes us a little different, and our goals quite lofty as well, is that we are putting the focus on quality of life and not the diagnosis.” Sally is a cat behavior consultant and the founder and director of The Brodie Fund, a non-profit organization offering financial assistance to pet owners dealing with a pet’s cancer diagnosis. Sally’s beloved cat Brodie, a shelter rescue with a large and loving personality, battled c
Nov 12, 2016 • 21:55
Ep103 - Sharon Secovich
Interview! Sharon Secovich, Co-founder, Spay Maine “What I’ve found is a lot of people will feed but they don’t have the knowledge or wherewithal or the means to trap. So the only way to get our feral cat population down is with trapping help.” After her first career as an environmental geologist, Sharon pursued a public policy career that led to work as a legislative advocate and community cat program manager for the Animal Welfare Society shelter in West Kennebunk Maine. As a volunteer for the
Nov 10, 2016 • 20:37
Ep102 - Dr. Margaret Slater
Interview! Dr. Margaret Slater, Senior Director of Veterinary Epidemiology Research and Development for the ASPCA “One of the things that we’ve found really helpful in all kinds of programs and projects is to couch it as a pilot… you can succeed and the prove that it does actually work…” Author of Feral Cats: Problems, Alternatives, and Recommendations and Veterinary Epidemiology: An Evidence Based Approach, Dr. Slater’s tireless efforts have educated both the animal welfare and general communit
Nov 8, 2016 • 21:09
Ep101 - Audra Farrell
Interview! Audra Farrell, Community Cares Program Supervisor at the San Francisco SPCA “I have found even the fiercest of ferals can be really great moms, so their concern is more taking care of their kittens than have to deal with us.” Through the Mama from the Streets program, San Francisco’s shelters are combining TNR for feral mothers with adoption of their kittens. As San Francisco’s SPCA’s Community Cares Program Supervisor, Audra advocates strongly for this humane way of gradually decrea
Nov 5, 2016 • 19:42
Ep100 - Deborah Schutt
Interview! Deborah Schutt, Co-Founder Michigan Pet Fund Alliance “Attending conferences, understanding what other people are doing, and adding to the tool kit is really important.” The co-founder of the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance, Deborah began her journey into the animal welfare field with dog fostering. Time and experience led her to TNR, feral cat welfare, and a passion for exploring different tactics to improve shelters and rescues. She and Stacy discuss no-kill philosophies and goals, as we
Nov 3, 2016 • 28:08
Ep99 - Kristen Petrie
Interview! Kristen Petrie, Creative Director, Mellarium and Technical Cat, Community Cats Podcast “The brand is important and it is an asset to any organization, whether they are big or small. It’s your face to the rest of the world.” Kristen began her career in cat rescue as an adoption counselor at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society while launching her own graphic design business. She subsequently became involved in both the branding and production components of both MRFRS and Community
Nov 1, 2016 • 26:17
Ep98 - Sheila Massey
Interview! Sheila Massey, Neighborhood Activist - NYC “I found that I spent half my time explaining TNR and working with the community so that they would buy in and accept the cats.” Sheila dove into the world of community cats after retiring from work as a forensic accountant and corporate fraud auditor. She became certified in TNR in 2008, now volunteers at the Brooklyn Cat Café, and is a diligent advocate for New York City’s feral cat communities. From the city’s 600 or so community gardens t
Oct 29, 2016 • 22:54
Ep97 - Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM
Interview! Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, Founder of Forensic Veterinary Investigations, LLC "Don’t worry about things you can’t change…take that passion and make it action and see what you can do." *Please note, while not graphic, this episode deals with topics related to animal cruelty that some listeners may find disturbing. If you need to skip it, might we suggest listening to this gem from an earlier episode? During her work as a shelter veterinarian, Martha became curious about a field that
Oct 27, 2016 • 23:24
Ep96 - Emma Clifford
Interview! Emma Clifford, Founder and Executive Director of Animal Balance “Islands are helping islands, which is exactly what we wanted to happen.” Don’t miss this fascinating look at how community cats are being helped around the world by Animal Balance, the brainchild of its founder, Emma Clifford. Beginning with a program in 2004 to assist the Galapagos Islands in managing cats and dogs, which were being poisoned to control their population, Emma describes how Animal Balance put together a
Oct 27, 2016 • 26:56
Ep95 - Jill O’Connell and Crystal Arnott
Interview! Jill O’Connell, Executive Director and Crystal Arnott, Communications and Fundraising Manager, Lowell Humane Society (MA) “No matter how we operate, we all have the same goals which is to help community cats.” In another episode extolling the benefits of collaboration, Jill and Crystal describe how their relationships with other organizations have benefitted the cats and lower-income residents of Lowell. By bringing low-cost spay/neuter to the community through several different provi
Oct 26, 2016 • 21:40
Ep94 - Stacey Carver
Interview! Stacey Carver, President and Executive Director of Berkshire Animal DREAMS (MA) “Collaboration is a wonderful thing for all of us trying to do animal rescue work." Stacey tells Stacy about the positive impact that forging “harmonious” partnerships has had on the number of community cats in Berkshire County, especially its “big city” of Pittsfield, MA. With Animal DREAMS providing TNR services, and the Berkshire Humane Society offering physical and administrative space, the two organiz
Oct 25, 2016 • 21:59
Ep93 - Aimee St. Arnaud
Interview! Aimee St. Arnaud, Director at Humane Alliance a Program of the ASPCA “We need to focus on stopping the problem at the root… that’s why we focus on prevention.” Aimee St. Arnaud works for the Humane Alliance training vets and community advocates who want to open spay-neuter clinics. She first got the idea to open her own spay-neuter clinic when volunteering with the Toledo Area Humane Society and their Operation Felix, a monthly MASH clinic. After seeing the dearth of resources for cat
Oct 22, 2016 • 21:47
Ep92 - Julie Jacobson
Interview! Julie Jacobson, Director of Spay Tennessee “When writing grants, you have to come in prepared, you have to know your mission, you have to know your community.” Julie’s back for another interview on CCP! This time, Stacy checks about how things are going for Spay Tennessee, and Julie gives tips on managing grant money, methods to “take the fear out of grant writing,” and the pitfalls that can occur with animal transports from shelter to shelter. If you haven’t heard Julie’s first
Oct 21, 2016 • 23:59
Ep91 - Book Review Special
Book Review Special with host, Stacy LeBaron. An episode for both book worms and compassionate cats. In this special episode, Stacy shares some of her favorite resources for information on community cats, as well as how to take care of yourself when doing the hard work of animal welfare. We’ve included the names of the books and authors down below, as well as links to places you can buy them! To Save a Starfish by Jennifer Blough Nobody’s Cats by Valerie Ingram & Alistair Schroff The Hum
Oct 20, 2016 • 17:06
Ep90 - Dr. Peggy Larson
Interview! Dr. Peggy Larson, Founder of Cat Spay and Neuter Clinic, Colchester, VT “You have to balance, to make sure that that cat’s going to be alright going back to where he came from." Peggy Larson, founder of National Spay/Neuter Coalition, holds degrees from Ohio State Vet School, UC Davis, and Vermont Law School. She has used her education to support fellow vets trying to start their own spay-neuter clinics, investigate animal cruelty in the state of Vermont, and rewrite the policy surr
Oct 19, 2016 • 23:28
Ep89 - Juan Martinez
Interview! Juan Martinez, Founder and President, JMart Strategies “Pick one platform, become really good at that platform, before you expand into a second one.” With his 20 years of experience in the legislative and non-profit communications world, Juan has keen insight into the importance of storytelling in the world of social media. He notes that social media has made communicating with your audiences much easier, but that it’s critical to understand the various social media platforms, their d
Oct 18, 2016 • 23:49
Ep88 - Brianna Lovell
Interview! Brianna Lovell, Outreach and Events Manager, at Alley Cat Allies “No action is too big or too small.” To commemorate National Feral Cat Day (NFCD), Stacy speaks with Brianna about the origins of this annual event. Originally, National Feral Cat Day was simply a way to celebrate Alley Cat Allies’ 10th anniversary, but in the years following that, it’s become a catalyst for groups to undertake a variety of projects that educate the community or help cats directly. Brianna notes tha
Oct 15, 2016 • 21:00
Ep87 - Amy Sandler
Interview! Amy Sandler, Executive Coach, and Certified Breathwork Meditation Teacher “Usually our minds are somewhere in the past or somewhere in the future.” In this “out of the box” interview, Stacy speaks with Amy Sandler about how mindfulness and meditation can help decrease the stress and manage the challenges often faced by those in the animal welfare field. Research has shown that mindfulness can increase our focus, resilience, creativity, and performance. It’s important, Amy notes, that
Oct 14, 2016 • 20:50
Ep86 Part 2 - Hannah Shaw
Interview! Hannah Shaw, “The Kitten Lady” “I live and breathe cat advocacy…that’s what I do.” Little did Hannah Shaw know that the day that she borrowed some shoes to climb a tree and save an orphaned kitten, she would be starting a career that would inform and engage cat lovers around the world. An expert in saving and raising kittens, Hannah teaches workshops, develops programs, and shares compelling (and adorable!) content through her significant social media and web presence. In this two pa
Oct 13, 2016 • 21:13
Ep85 Part 1 - Hannah Shaw
Interview! Hannah Shaw, “The Kitten Lady” “I live and breathe cat advocacy…that’s what I do.” Little did Hannah Shaw know that the day that she borrowed some shoes to climb a tree and save an orphaned kitten, she would be starting a career that would inform and engage cat lovers around the world. An expert in saving and raising kittens, Hannah teaches workshops, develops programs, and shares compelling (and adorable!) content through her significant social media and web presence. In this two pa
Oct 12, 2016 • 19:00
Ep84 Part 2 - Mary Smith, Executive Leadership Team and Sheila D’Arpino
Interview - Part One! Mary Smith, Executive Leadership Team and Sheila D’Arpino, Director of Research, of Maddie’s Fund In this special two-part episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy interviews two leaders at Maddie’s Fund, one of the most innovative and results-oriented non-profits helping animals across North America. Through its educational programs, advocacy and grants, Maddie’s Fund has been a game-changer for both owned and community cats, especially through its “Million Cat Chal
Oct 11, 2016 • 19:57
Ep83 Part 1 - Mary Smith, Executive Leadership Team and Sheila D’Arpino
Interview - Part One! Mary Smith, Executive Leadership Team and Sheila D’Arpino, Director of Research, of Maddie’s Fund In this special two-part episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy interviews two leaders at Maddie’s Fund, one of the most innovative and results-oriented non-profits helping animals across North America. Through its educational programs, advocacy and grants, Maddie’s Fund has been a game-changer for both owned and community cats, especially through its “Million Cat Chal
Oct 8, 2016 • 18:38
Ep82 - Cindy Wiemann
Interview! Cindy Wiemann, Treasurer of the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) Cindy was instrumental to bringing TNR to the small community of Madison, Georgia. She helped research the appropriate ordinances, and ultimately Madison implemented the first 100% government operated and funded TNR program in Georgia’s history. As an animal control officer, she promoted about the great contribution that community cats provide: controlling and managing the rodent population. By us
Oct 7, 2016 • 24:08
Ep81 - Blake and Adrienne Kuhre
Interview! Blake and Adrienne Kuhre, Founders of the Furry Foundation Blake and Adrienne are the founders of the Furry Foundation, a non-profit, foster care organization in Los Angeles focused on TNR, cat socialization, and educating the community on proper colony cat care and prevention. After visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, curiosity led them to an investigation of health and adoption techniques at the Recoleta Cemetery, where a famous large, healthy and friendly cat colony attracts tourists
Oct 6, 2016 • 24:09
Ep80 - Ask Stacy! Questions and Answers for Inquiring Cats
Stacy LeBaron, podcast host and president emeritus of MRFRS answers your questions. As Community Cats Podcast celebrates its eightieth episode, Stacy and guest host Lisa Finkel discuss how bird lovers and cat lovers can work together to decrease both the number of free roaming colony cats and, subsequently, bird deaths. The financial and social causes of cat abandonment are also points of interest in today’s episode, as well as upcoming events and opportunities to support the podcast and the com
Oct 5, 2016 • 19:45
Ep79 - Christie Kamiya
Interview! Christie Kamiya, Chief of Shelter Medicine, Humane Society Silicon Valley At nine years old, Dr. Kamiya’s first experience adopting a dog sparked a lifelong passion for battling animal welfare issues. A graduate of the University of California’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kamiya’s focus lies specifically in shelter medicine. She shares her experiences as Chief of Shelter Medicine at the Humane Society Silicon Valley, including her fight against infectious diseases among shelte
Oct 4, 2016 • 21:27
Ep78 - Jennifer Blough
Interview! Jennifer Blough, Psychotherapist in Compassion Fatigue and Author With experiences ranging from animal care attendant to animal control officer, Jennifer choose to passionately pursue the subject of compassion fatigue as a psychotherapist after struggling with it herself over the years. She focuses on how compassion fatigue effects those specifically in animal welfare, and has written To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior. She discusses with
Oct 1, 2016 • 21:57
Ep77 - Valerie Ingram and Alistair Schroff
Interview! Valerie Ingram and Alistair Schroff, Founders of The Lakes Animal Friendship Society The combination of Valerie’s nineteen years’ experience in elementary education and Alistair’s passion and business experience has led to inspiring changes for animal welfare in their rural British Columbia community. Co-authors of children’s books Nobody’s Cats and Out of the Cold, Valerie and Alistair discuss their belief that humane education is a key factor in changing the landscape for community
Sep 30, 2016 • 23:57
Ep76 - Holly Putnam
Interview! Holly Putnam, Faculty Clinician, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell University Dr. Holly Putnam graduated veterinary school in 2003, and initially went into private practice for small animals in Albany, NY. After moving to Austin, TX, in 2008, however, she began working at a high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter clinic for low-income neighborhoods and area shelters. Seeing the large number of community cats in these “veterinary deserts” (places with no easy access to veterinar
Sep 29, 2016 • 21:01
Ep75 - Peter Wolf
Peter Wolfe is a cat initiatives analyst at Best Friends Society and a blogger at Vox Felina, where he seeks to fill the void of TNR research and other issues affecting community cats. He says diving into the detail of arguments for and against community cats advocacy helps him in his work at Best Friends, such as proposing policy and giving conference presentations. To access the Community Cats Program Handbook Peter mentions at the end of the episode, visit bestfriends.org/ccphandbook.
Sep 28, 2016 • 22:23
Ep74 - Mike Cahill
Mike’s been an integal part of Massachusetts' animal welfare efforts for 22 years. He has extensive experience managing situations where community cats — and potentially their caretakers — have been exposed to rabies, and recounts several challenging situations he’s faced, including one where an entire colony needed to be quarantined for six months after exposure to a rabid raccoon. As a result, he’s a huge proponent of microchipping community cats so that their vaccination information can be a
Sep 27, 2016 • 23:08
Ep73 - Taryn Breuer
Interview! Taryn Breuer, President, Friends of Jeannette Hunt Animal Shelter (NE) Taryn describes how rural Blair, Nebraska needs its resident cats to help keep rodents from getting into the grain farmed there, but also needs an active TNR effort to keep the numbers of cats in check. Participating in the MRFRS Mentoring Program was the catalyst (pun intended!) to upping Blair’s TNR game: after starting with just 150 or so cats in its first year, the program Taryn chairs has now fixed 4000 cat
Sep 24, 2016 • 20:37
Ep72 - Diane Blankenberg
Interview! Diane Blankenberg, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant for Humane Network Imagine being on the ground trying to rescue owned and community cats after Hurricane Katrina, as well as the recent flooding in Louisiana. Diane Blankenberg describes her amazing experiences working with Alley Cat Allies to help reunite people and their cats, including working at a “cat rescue camp” as well as assisting with TNR following these crises. She describes how, after Katrina, some owned
Sep 23, 2016 • 21:46
Ep71 - Mike Phillips
Interview! Mike Phillips, President, Urban Cat League, and Community Outreach Coordinator for the New York City Feral Cat Initiative Even though he had lived in Manhattan for decades, Mike didn’t know there were street cats in New York: "I had no idea because I lived on the 43rd floor,” he observes. In 1999, he got bitten by the community cats bug while helping deal with a 75 cat colony living behind the historic San Remo building on Central Park West. That colony no longer exists, proving “tha
Sep 22, 2016 • 24:31
Ep70 - Tammy King
Interview! Tammy King, Founder, Mayport Cats (FL) Mayport Village, a fishing village near Jacksonville, Florida, had become a popular place for people to “dump” cats, both healthy and sick. Enter Tammy King, who brought her persistence and compassion to address the problem. Originally dealing with 200-250 cats, the population is now down to 30-50 and, Tammy notes, “I invite people to come out here and all you’re going to see are eartips.” She moved on to help address the Community Cats more b
Sep 21, 2016 • 20:11
Ep69 Amanda Arrington
Interview! Amanda Arrington, Director, Pets for Life Program at The Humane Society of the United States Amanda’s childhood interests in both animals and in social justice have led her to a career overseeing a groundbreaking program to help not just pets, but people in underserved areas. She leads he innovative HSUS “Pets for Life” initiative, which is active in 34 communities across the US where there are high poverty rates and little to no access with services for pets. This work is done in a
Sep 20, 2016 • 21:59
Ep68 Cheryl Ann Fernandes
Interview! Cheryl Ann Fernandes, Regional Shelter Care Representative, PetLink Drawing on Cheryl Ann's diverse, 25-year career in animal welfare, she and Stacy have a wide-ranging discussion about the challenges of being an urban animal control officer, the persistent challenge of “compassion fatigue” for all of those working in the field, and the innovative idea that microchipping can save the lives of not just pets, but community cats. She explains that, from a colony keeper’s perspective, i
Sep 17, 2016 • 23:47
Ep67 Merritt Clifton
Interview! Merritt Clifton, Journalist and Founder, Animals 24-7 News It would be challenging to find someone with more experience in the animal welfare field than award-winning writer Merritt Clifton. From his childhood ambition to “starting a kitty farm” to taking census of homeless cats during his family’s travels, he’s dedicated his life and work to humane outcomes for all animals. He was an early proponent of spay/neuter in the 70’s when, he notes, “cats were basically a friendly outdoor an
Sep 16, 2016 • 28:09
Ep66 - Andi Kola
Interview! Andi Kola, Founder Lumen LS, Broward County, Florida Andi is a man on a mission… a mission to eliminate euthanization of cats in his home area of Broward County, Florida and beyond. He recounts his efforts to work with local animal control officials as well as Country Commissioners to pass ordinances mandating return to field programs that have improved live release rates from 50% to 87%. And uses a project- and statistics-based approach to his work, lauding the benefits of public
Sep 15, 2016 • 24:45
Ep65 Linda Gage
Interview! Linda Gage, No More Homeless Pets Network Specialist, Best Friends Animal Society Linda outlines the myriad resources that the No More Homeless Pets Network offers to small organizations around the country: ideas on how to get a Community Cats program started, marketing tool kits, grants and financial aid and the opportunity for sharing ideas and connecting with other groups currently engaged in the same activities. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel,” she observes. “A lot of grou
Sep 14, 2016 • 22:16
Ep 64 - Ollie Davidson
Interview! Ollie Davidson of Almond & Olive Ollie has two passions: animal welfare and music. He and his musical partner, Natalie Alms, are about to drop their debut album, and are donating a portion of its sales to the Jackson Galaxy Foundation. Ollie met Jackson (who also plays music in his spare time) a few years ago and they’ve kept in touch given their shared interests. Ollie has played a number of professional roles in the animal welfare world, involved with programs, shelter operatio
Sep 13, 2016 • 22:57
Ep63 - Kelley Bollen
Interview! Kelley Bollen, Owner and Director of Animal Alliances Consulting Firm Kelley earned a Master’s in Animal Behavior, has taught at Cornell Veterinary School, and now consults with both pet owners and shelters to improve life and outcomes for companion animals. She and Stacy talk all things behavior, and how to make life for cats happier and healthier. Kelley offers some useful tips to help Stacy’s rotund cat slim down, a number of great ideas for providing more enjoyment and enrichment
Sep 10, 2016 • 23:55
Ep62 - Bonnie Geisler
Interview! Bonnie Geisler, President and Founder, Felines and Friends Foundation (VT) Bonnie’s utilized partnerships with many different organizations to contribute to the success of the Feline and Friends Foundation, which has helped 2000 cats in just three years, in one of Vermont’s poorest countries. She borrowed her game plan from NY’s renowned Neighborhood Cats, built a relationship with an open admission shelter to handle the friendly cats and kittens her group finds, and partnered with a
Sep 9, 2016 • 22:10
Ep61 - Cameron Moore
Interview! Cameron Moore, Project Manager, Target Zero Given Cameron’s contribution to a diverse number of game-changing initiatives, she and Stacy have a wide-ranging conversation about a number of topics related to TNR, abandonment and adoption programs, and helping communities get the support they need to get to the goal of zero euthanasias for healthy dogs and cats. Cameron discusses “community cat diversion”: the retraining of people to stop bringing outdoor cats to shelters and, rather,
Sep 8, 2016 • 23:09
Ep60 - Sherri Gustafson
Interview! Sherri Gustafson, Spay/Neuter Community Liaison for the Massachusetts Animal Fund Sherri serves as the Spay/Neuter Community Liaison for the Massachusetts Animal Fund, which provides a voucher program for low income pet owners. This program focuses on three main priorities: S/N support for municipal shelters, providing vouchers for low income pet owners, and providing TNR opportunities for community cats. She and Stacy also discuss Animal Control Officer training, rabies control withi
Sep 7, 2016 • 20:16
Ep 59 - Pamela Krausz
Interview! Pamela Krausz, Founder and Executive Director of Vermont Companion Animal Neutering Pamela is a founder and the executive director of Vermont Companion Animal Neutering (VT-CAN), a low cost, high volume spay/neuter clinic. As a stationary clinic with a mash-stlye component, VT-CAN performs approximately 3,200 spays/neuters per year in central Vermont, with an additional 2,000 per year as partner to the Felines and Friends Foundation in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Pamela has extensi
Sep 6, 2016 • 21:23
Ep 58 - Heidi Colonna
Interview! Heidi Colonna, Curriculum Development Manager for the Humane Society of the United States and Board Member with Association of Professional Humane Educators Heidi was volunteering at a local shelter in 1994, which compelled her to choose animal science and public policy over a potential business degree. She discusses her focus on ‘preventable people problems’ and believes education and awareness are key to changing attitudes about all aspects of animal welfare. She and Stacy discuss a
Sep 3, 2016 • 20:39
Ep 57 - Kaleel Sakakeeny
Interview! Kaleel Sakakeeny, Founder, The Other Me Coaching After experiencing the passing of a companion cat, Kaleel’s initial interest in animal communication led him to a deeper study of this intuitive practice. In his discussion with Stacy, he explains the premise of animal communication, including the quieting of the mind to facilitate a connection with the animal client. A relationship coach as well as animal communicator, Kaleel volunteers at Gifford Animal Shelter and is a strong advocat
Sep 2, 2016 • 18:34
Ep 56 - Sarah Pizano
A graduate of Cornell’s College of Veterinary program, Sarah is the Program Director for Target Zero, a national initiative focused on assisting financially struggling shelters. She discusses the ways in which this program helps subsidize fixed income pet owners across the country, allowing spay and neuter opportunities that result in drastic decreases in shelter intake. The Community Cat Diversion Program, implemented by Target Zero, prioritizes updating antiquated ordinances and codes through
Sep 1, 2016 • 22:22
Ep 55 - Danielle Jo Bays
An Interview with Danielle Jo Bays, Community Cats Program Manager for the Humane Society of the United States Danielle calls on both her hands-on trapping experience and public policy work to help HSUS develop campaigns and programs that will educate and empower people who want to support cats in their community, such as webinars and tools for trappers and colony caretakers. She underscores the need to engage and communicate with neighbors to make the care of cats a group effort: “sometimes y
Aug 31, 2016 • 19:22
Ep54 - Angela Walters Rockwell
An Interview with Angela Walters Rockwell, Executive Director of the Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP), Santa Barbara, California Angela shares fascinating information about ASAP’s innovative programs, particularly their recognized “Tiny Lion Tamers” initiative that socializes feral kittens within the shelter environment. So far, this program has 125 “graduates" and has made a significant difference in ASAP’s ability to deal with a large feral kitten population. There’s even a “foster dad
Aug 30, 2016 • 19:54
Ep 53 - Caitlyn Macintosh
Initially a dog person and very allergic to cats, Caitlyn Macintosh made an unlikely candidate for founder of an organization dedicated to helping community cats. Her US Marine husband’s passion for cats, however, sparked her own interest in animal welfare. When her husband was stationed at the naval base in Norfolk, VA, she found a passionate civilian community of cat advocates, as well as a pressing need for population control among the colony living on base. This spurred her to found Cat
Aug 27, 2016 • 21:57
Ep 52 - Ask Stacy! Questions and Answers for Inquiring Cats
It’s time for another Q&A session with Stacy! In this episode, Stacy takes questions posted to the CCP Facebook page. Listeners asked for advice on how to keep the peace between an area’s cat colonies and its disgruntled residents, recommendations of safe and effective traps, the pros and cons of fee-waved adoption, and her favorite sources of information about TNR. Stacy also discusses the CCP’s newly launched grant program, Community Cat Grants, which provides funds and mentorship to grassroo
Aug 26, 2016 • 22:56
“My hope is that there comes to be more acceptance of the idea of a community cat.”
Liz began her work with cats in 2004, when she was feeding a local cat colony and reached out to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society for help. Soon after, she became the MRFRS’ main trapping volunteer, and quickly rose through the ranks to Feral Cat Program Manager. From there, she elevated to Director of Operations and finally became the Executive Director of the organization in the fall of 2015. Liz outlines some of MRFRS’ many services, such as low-cost veterinary care to local families
Aug 25, 2016 • 21:19
“I would like every veterinarian to be supportive of TNR and to understand the huge difference that it’s made.”
In this episode, Stacy interviews Dr. Emily McCobb, director of the Tufts Shelter Medicine Program and clinical associate professor of anesthesiology at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Having volunteered at TNR clinics as a veterinary student herself, Dr. McCobb teaches shelter medicine as an emerging specialty. She explains how her own experience working in shelters showed her that TNR clinics were the perfect way to provide hands-on experience to veterinary students, while also
Aug 24, 2016 • 20:27
“We have a better option for this subset of underrepresented cats.”
In the field of animal welfare, “Dr. Susan” possesses a prolific resume. She opened her own veterinary-behavioral consulting service in 2000, has maintained a position as veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association since its beginning in 2008, runs a private practice, and has volunteered her veterinary service at various local shelters in her home state of Wisconsin. In 2001, Dr. Susan founded Friends of Ferals, an adoption center and spay-neuter clinic for community
Aug 23, 2016 • 24:05
“The program changed our view, philosophy, and focus and what we were saving on the cat side was helping us do better on the dog side as well.”
John’s background in wildlife management and a biology degree from George Washington University led him to become an animal control officer in 1994. Since then, he has served as the director of the National Animal Control Association and,since 2003, the City Animal Care and Services Program in San Jose, CA. John discusses the rewarding effects of switching to a TNR focus after the shelter intake’s substantial increase after the 2008 recession. The use of data (including specific euthanasia rates
Aug 20, 2016 • 23:33
“I thought to myself, there has to be a better way…and that was what drove me, right after vet school, to go to work in a shelter.”
From working as an animal control officer in 1989 to becoming the first person ever to complete a veterinarian residency in shelter medicine in 2001 at UC Davis, Kate’s passion for saving the lives of community cat is undeniable. Within what she calls her ‘big picture work,’ she has incorporated treatment of infectious diseases in lowering the number of shelter cats and euthanasia. Kate discusses how the excitement of peer-to-peer networking influenced her TNR program called "Million Cat Challen
Aug 19, 2016 • 22:14
“What really keeps me and most of our team coming to work every day is the fact that we have seen such great success.”
A national expert in animal welfare issues, Rick is an advocate for spay/neuter programs targeting low income pet owners. He founded Jacksonville, Florida’s First "Coast No More Homeless Pets" in 2002. At that time, 23,000 was the annual number of deaths among shelter animals. Today, that number has decreased to 781. Rick discusses the concept of economic euthanasia and how a pet’s unexpected, high cost health crisis can exacerbate the number of unnecessary deaths. Rick has continued his efforts
Aug 18, 2016 • 22:50
“I felt if this cat shouldn’t have been born and if there weren’t such a surplus, they’d all have a better shot at a good life.”
After her first experience losing a beloved stray to overpopulation in a Bridgeport, CT shelter, Esther’s passion for improving the quality of life for community cats across the country was ignited. Her grassroots efforts began with soliciting spay/neuter discounts among nationwide veterinarians while chartering her toll-free hotline in 1990. By 1993, she was fielding twenty-three thousand calls a month, leading to expansion programs including United Say Alliance and Spay USA. Esther discusses h
Aug 17, 2016 • 20:49
“Equate the cost of helping an individual cat with how many spays and neuters you aren’t doing.”
In her 8th grade research paper, Dr. Christine reported that up to twenty-two million cats were killed annually in shelters at the time. Almost thirty years after pursuing her DVM, those numbers have dropped to four million. Christine discusses the impact both mash-style and free-standing clinics have had on these statistics, as well as the challenges and triumphs she faced after launching the Feral Cat Spay and Neuter Project in Seattle in 1997. She and Stacy also discuss differing philosophies
Aug 16, 2016 • 25:18
“We need an organization that can educate the public, but, at the same time, also provide resources for the smaller ‘mom and pop’ groups.”
With 33 years of experience as a veterinarian in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Zeke founded United Pet Fund in 2010 and United Pet Resource Center in 2015. An advocate for the integration of corporate assistance within the non-profit world, he discusses the positive impact large companies could offer smaller “mom & pop” organizations with significantly lower resources. He also speaks candidly about bridging the gap between private practice and non-profit animal welfare programs, as well as fundraising c
Aug 13, 2016 • 24:52
“We don’t ever want anyone to come to the clinic and say we don’t have enough traps for you.”
A computer consultant with Microsoft by day, Amber channeled both her passion for cats and her business-sense into launching Michigan’s All About Animals Rescue in 2005. Since then, she has raised over $1 million in grants, has grown the program’s original annual budget from $80,000 to over $3 million, launched a high volume spay/neuter clinic in 2008, and founded the Spay Michigan hotline. Amber cites consistent trap availability as a critical component in TNR programs. She challenges every spa
Aug 12, 2016 • 20:57
“I’m better at being a copycat than an original… With all the webinars and podcasts like these, you can learn so much from each other."
Always a lover of animals, a young Bryn Rogers thought she would take the obvious career path of veterinarian—until she shadowed at a vet office and found herself unable to stomach the reality of surgery. She didn’t let her squeamishness stop her from helping animals, however, and found meaningful work in shelters. She is now the program manager at the MSPCA adoption center in Boston, Massachusetts, overseeing the shelter’s adoption and spay-neuter events, as well as volunteer and foster care pr
Aug 11, 2016 • 25:17
“In the human side of things, you can never get to zero in something that you think is absolutely ideal."
Dr. Marvin Mackie began his lifelong work with animals from an early age. Raised on a farm around cows and horses, he entered veterinary school with the intent of becoming a large animal veterinarian. After seeing the dire need for more spay-neuter services while working at a 24-hour emergency clinic in Chicago, however, he eventually transitioned into pediatric small-animal medicine. With over 30 years of veterinary experience and having performed approximately 250,000 spay-neuter surgeries, Dr
Aug 10, 2016 • 28:51
“The canine has always been given more precedence in medical care.”
Ellen Carozza is a veterinary technician with a passion for rescuing and raising neonatal kittens. She lovingly brings the kittens she raises everywhere with her, and implements innovative ways to care for them, including electrolytes, probiotics and plasma. With Stacy, she discusses the risks involved in raising kittens this young, and emphasizes that this is a task for rescuers who already have experience. To find out more visit NOVA Cat Clinic online.
Aug 9, 2016 • 20:15
“I am extremely optimistic about the future.”
Dr. David Haworth, DVM, PhD has impact on his mind. He discusses how he works to help PetSmart Charities save 1,400 lives a day, through grantmaking, adoption centers, supporting spay/neuter and other initiatives. To find out more visit PetSmart Charities online.
Aug 6, 2016 • 17:57
“We all have our own donor sources, yes, we have our own projects and so on, but we are in this together.”
Michael tells Stacy about all things animal welfare in Arizona, from a ten-month kitten season to roaming packs of chihuahuas. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of working with other animal welfare groups and discusses other strategies for handling an influx of kittens, including promotions and foster networks. To find out more visit Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA online.
Aug 5, 2016 • 20:20
“When an animal control agency/animal shelter is working with a TNR group, it’s a great relationship.”
Former animal control officer Alice Burton has transformed her beliefs about trap-neuter-release. Alice tells Stacy about synergistic relationships between animal control departments and TNR organizations, resources for communities that hope to introduce TNR, and her own reluctant transition to believing in trap-neuter-release. Now working with Alley Cat Allies, Alice discusses other initiatives, like National Feral Cat Day. For more information, visit alleycat.org or call Alley Cat Allies’ nati
Aug 4, 2016 • 23:43
"Relationships and people make all of the work we do in animal welfare possible.”
CAT is the largest feline-only shelter in the Pacific Northwest, and Karen outlines their focus on taking in cats from other shelters and rescue groups for necessary medical care and rehoming. One secret to their success is that they are committed to “give each cat the housing and support and care they need to be successful in the shelter and then successful in their adoptive homes.” The Portland area is a pretty great place to be a community cat, she observes, given shelters like CAT as well
Aug 3, 2016 • 23:36
“We’re in the business of saving lives."
With her ten years of at the helm of PetSmart Charities, and her current role leading Central OK Humane, Susana is in a perfect position to share her perspective both as a a funder of animal initiatives, and a recipient of grant dollars. Thanks to previous support from the ASPCA, Central OK Humane has implemented a raft of programs that have brought live release rates to an all-time high. Their high volume, high quality spay/neuter clinic has treated 11,000 community animals since its inception
Aug 2, 2016 • 21:27
“I think I was born a cat lady.”
Julia says that earning her Masters in Animals and Public Policy at Tufts gave her a perfect “launching pad” for what she wanted to do with her life. It also led her to take an active role at the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, which connects volunteers, animal welfare professionals and community members. She details their new program, “AniMatch for Cats,” which facilitates cooperation amongdifferent constituencies to improve outcomes for cats seeking homes. She believes such a program could w
Jul 30, 2016 • 16:59
“It’s hard and it’s messy and it’s not pretty, but when it works we can really change policies that impact so many animals.”
A veteran advocate for animals, Kara talks about her involvement in several game-changing initiatives — a license plate program and tax check-off — that created funding sources in Massachusetts for spay/neuter programs that have impacted thousands of animals. She also talks about the importance of getting to know your local legislators, and educating them before you need them, rather than after. “Legislators want to hear directly from their constituents,” she notes. While she says a law degre
Jul 29, 2016 • 27:22
“Diabetes is not a death sentence for cats."
Have a diabetic cat, or know someone who does? JaneA describes her experience with her own cat plus the work she does as a member of the “virtual” team that runs Diabetic Cats in Need. (DCIN). DCIN assists cat owners with education and financial assistance to better support their cat’s needs. Since its founding, DCIN has assisted over 700 cats — and loving cat owners. JaneA also discusses how medication and diet can go a long way to assuring that cats have long and happy lives after their diag
Jul 28, 2016 • 19:18
“The connection of one to one is really magical.”
After reminiscing about their early work together, Bonney and Stacy discuss fundraising strategies and the importance of focusing your message on successes and future opportunities. It can be overwhelming to think about thousands of animals in need, but inspiring to tell the story of an individual cat or situation. Bonney also talks about how to put together an effective non-profit Board of Directors, which she sees as essential to meeting a group’s mission. It’s important, she notes, to make
Jul 27, 2016 • 25:42
“I knew I could be the voice for the animals and wanted to help.”
Marlan leads a “boots on the ground” initiative to go into Kansas City's underserved communities to provide education, wellness and other resources to keep families and pets together. These efforts include a pet food pantry that distributes more than 40,000 pounds of dog and cat food a year, a MASH-style high volume spay/neuter clinic that aims to treat 10,000 pets a year, and other ways to “make cats better neighbors for us.” He is a big believer in making sure 100% of every feral colony is fix
Jul 26, 2016 • 22:04
“We’re all about working through compassion.”
The State of Delaware has legislation in effect establishing a spay/neuter program for non-profits and low-income individuals, which is funded by a $3 surcharge on rabies vaccines. Shauna talks about how those funds are put to work through with participating veterinarians and local shelters. She notes that all types of individuals are necessary to create change for cats: “there are a lot of people do the really hard work on the ground for animal welfare…trapping, foster, feeding” but that she
Jul 23, 2016 • 23:44
"Even though we’re behind, we don’t want to be.”
Shelby describes the challenges of helping community cats in the rural South, where 40% of residents have no access to the internet. So, she reaches out to local social services organizations to get information to individuals who don’t even know what spay/neuter is: “you have to assume that people don’t know and start there.” Her “street team” also distributes flyers at laundromats and supermarkets, noting that you need to reach out to the public in places they normally go. Shelby also talks
Jul 22, 2016 • 21:07
“People may be the problem but they’re also the solution.”
After TNR’ing 43 cats and fostering multiple litters of kittens, Ashley became “addicted” to trapping and decided that a career in animal welfare was inevitable for her. She speaks about her communications efforts to educate individual neighborhoods about the importance of spay/neuter and the resources available to help them with community cats.. Her staff at Scituate Animal Shelter plays the role of “hotline” for callers concerned about cats, going through a checklist to help them arrive at the
Jul 21, 2016 • 21:12
"Community cats are not homeless..they are loved and cared for.”
When Scott accepted the challenge of joining the Washington Humane Society, their live release rate was 28%…today it is 90%. Scott outlines the various programs that have moved the dial, including improved coordination and cooperation with animal control, their Pets for Life program, and targeted TNR that fixed over 2500 cats last year alone. Today, he’s working with local authorities on helping more low income individuals keep their cats to reduce abandonment with a “Pets in Housing” program.
Jul 20, 2016 • 23:41
“You don’t have to change the world in 20 minutes."
Kit reflects on the “bad old days” 30 years ago when “cats were third class citizens, who came in and went out the back door” and there was no formal way for rescues or shelters to share information and build community regarding programs to help them. She describes the kitty she met who changed her mind about cats living outdoors: "When I met his eyes, I realized he was a cat who had his own world and his own way of surviving." She stresses the importance of organizations celebrating every smal
Jul 19, 2016 • 18:39
“Don’t be afraid to ask complete strangers for help."
Rachael started her career as an academic scientist and brings disciplined thinking to her cageless cat shelter and TNR efforts. She and her mother founded Here Today, Adopted Tomorrow after attending a Best Friends workshop. She describes how the cats in her care stay healthier because their stress levels are lower and notes that it’s important to have an optimal number of cats: “people get overwhelmed if there are too many cats and they can’t choose and walk out without a cat.” TNR wasn’t her
Jul 16, 2016 • 26:36
"The first thing you want to do is find out who’s going to be a good partner.”
Nancy, who has been involved in the start-up of community cat TNR programs in Florida and now in Delaware, identifies several of the critical factors for building a successful effort: educating and developing working partnerships with community entities, concentrating on cats in a small area first, and keeping detailed records of the number of cats affected. “Numbers, numbers, numbers…getting grants is all about the numbers.” She also shares her experience mentoring different size groups seekin
Jul 15, 2016 • 16:46
“We all have stories…and it’s those stories that can empower us to believe that we can do more for cats.”
In this episode, Stacy’s in the interview chair and speaks about her motivation for launching the Community Cats Podcast, the wide array of volunteers, services and skills necessary to support cats, and her four biggest priorities for making big picture difference. Among those priorities is fundraising, which Stacy calls “an everlasting challenge” for supporting spay/neuter initiatives: “we’re at the point where we need to offer free spay/neuter, a 20 pound bag of food, and transportation” to g
Jul 14, 2016 • 21:24
"Cats are resourceful and a lot smarter than we give them credit for.”
Jessica has had broad exposure to many different functions necessary to helping community cats: TNR, high volume spay/neuter clinics, and even managing a pet food pantry. When she joined Indy Humane, there were nearly 800 cats on the waiting list for spay/neuter services and describes her efforts to shorten these waiting times. She also talks about the “trapper’s rush” she experienced watching three kittens walk into a trap together: “trapping requires a lot of strategy...it’s a game of you a
Jul 13, 2016 • 22:54
"You can save more lives by fixing one cat than you can with one adoption.”
Julie applied her for-profit experience and strategic mindset to the issues facing Community Cats in her years at PetSmart Charities and Executive Director of the Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Program in Washington State. She points out how important it is for all groups — no matter their size — to figure out what they do best, and focus on those skills to build sustainability. Rather than try to “do it all,” she recommends that every organization find like-minded partners who complement their experti
Jul 12, 2016 • 21:04
“If we can keep a cat that has a solvable, fixable behavior problem in its home, it’s better for the cat and for the owner.”
Volunteering at the Gifford Shelter, and helping socialize fearful, shy and semi-feral cats launched Rachel into her role today as a certified cat behaviorist. She describes the cat behavior and retention program she founded at Gifford, and has shared with other organizations as well as the Humane Society of the United States. Her passion for helping those in need extends beyond cats to developing a program for shelters to bring developmentally challenged children in as volunteers, and advocacy
Jul 9, 2016 • 21:40
“Long term vision and careful planning leads to success.”
In this episode, Karen describes how she went about determining what type of efforts and program might best solve the community cat problem in Louisville. She’s a big believer in planning and patience; when founding Alley Cat Advocates, she spent a whole year developing organizational infrastructure so that its future activities would have a sound base to build on. She also talks about coalition building with both public and non-profit animal control and rescues, volunteer engagement, and the i
Jul 8, 2016 • 24:46
“We simply can’t say, “I’m an animal person…I don’t want to deal with people.”
In this episode, Katie chronicles her wide-ranging activities as a proponent for improving outcomes for cats and communities. She details her work helping improve public policies relating to cats, advocating for coalitions to join together in a community to address their cat issues, and the many resources HSUS makes available to interested individuals and groups who want to work on behalf of change. “The HSUS works to protect all animals,” notes Katie, and then talks about the ways that the ca
Jul 7, 2016 • 26:59
“A lot of cats are not really lost.”
Stacy interviews Bridget about some of the thorniest questions surrounding community cats: how do you assess whether a cat is owned, feral or a community cat, when should you intervene with a cat versus letting it be, and how to help rescues and shelters make smart choices about which cats to take in. She describes the unique mission of the Missing Pet Partnership: educating owners on prevention and recovery of lost pets. As she puts it, “losing your pet is a once in a lifetime event…no wond
Jul 6, 2016 • 21:02
“Nobody goes into this knowing everything you need to know.”
Christy and Stacy have a wide-ranging discussion about low cost spay/neuter, developing a successful TNR effort by building community coalitions, and Christy’s experience with the Pets for Life program, which she states changed her mind completely about the pets of the underprivileged: “everyone deserves to have love in their lives.” She also describes the inspiring work she’s involved with at the Jackson Galaxy Foundation, where clicker training for cats (yes, you read that right!) is changing
Jul 5, 2016 • 20:50
“We know TNR works, now it’s just a matter of executing.”
Nationally recognized expert Bryan Kortis talks with Stacy about all things TNR: his beginnings trapping a colony of cats on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the founding of Neighborhood Cats.org to help teach TNR to others in New York and around the country, the critical importance of targeting one area until you’ve reached 100% sterilization and what the future looks like for community cats. Learn about CatStats.org, a new online tool for tracking the impact of TNR programs on cat population
Jul 2, 2016 • 28:02
“I had never seen one cat outside, let alone one hundred!”
Stacy talks with veteran trapper Laura Burns about her experiences, advice and resources for those seeking to make a difference for cats. Laura discusses the use of box traps versus drop traps, her approach to feral kittens and relocating colonies, and her “Hail Mary Pass” trap bait. She underscores the importance of training motivated individuals how to successfully trap cats, as opposed to relying on others, and the importance of having caretakers invested in taking care of their colonies:
Jul 1, 2016 • 26:38
“The answer comes from all of us.”
Formerly a “true blue dog person,” Betsy tells about the kitten on a woodpile outside her house that fueled her interest in assisting community cats. She also addresses the challenges found on the human side of the equation in animal welfare and rescues: small organizations often lack the infrastructure that would allow them to best benefit from their volunteers’ capabilities, rely too much on their founders, and overworked volunteers frequently “burn out”. A better solution, she says, is matc
Jun 30, 2016 • 29:53
“People are mad…they want kittens and now there are no kittens!”
Dr. Newman describes how the Barry County Animal Shelter implemented a TNR program — with the help of the MRFRS Mentoring Program and PetSmart Charities — that has resulted in a drastic reduction in unwanted litters among unowned cats. She describes her humble beginnings as a spay/neuter advocate — “fixing 12 cats a month wasn’t going to cut it” — and how she sought advice and then, the cooperation of local officials and volunteer vets to help address the problem. Her advice to those facing sim
Jun 29, 2016 • 16:21
“We were literally swimming in cats."
In this episode, Mike describes the profound improvements and progress for cats he has seen in his 20+ year career at the MSPCA. By implementing programs to reduce the stress of cats in the shelter, aggressively targeting communities with low cost spay/neuter services, and implementing creative adoption promotions, Mike’s adoption center has achieved a 92% live release rate, and can now focus on the challenge of finding homes for “hard to place” cats. He also discusses his views on pediatric sp
Jun 28, 2016 • 27:01
“Once you save one, you’re hooked for life."
Marnie tells Stacy about her commitment to increasing the survival rates for neonatal kittens through education, information sharing, cooperation and hands on learning. Her organization, the National Kitten Coalition, specializes in helping shelters, rescue organizations, the veterinary community and individuals, better understand how to manage these tiny felines through a critical part of their life. Marnie talks about the critical need for more foster homes equipped to handle “bottle babies
Jun 25, 2016 • 20:57
“I realized there was a whole world of feral cats out there”
Kit, the founder of the largest TNR group in the greater Boston area, provides insights on how to develop an effective TNR program. Because 50% of the cats found by Charles River Alley Cats are “friendlies,” the group sha developed important relationships with local shelters to serve as adoption partners. In terms of building TNR capabilities, Kit cautions that it’s important to put resources — equipment, transportation, veterinarians and space — into place before starting to trap. She shares
Jun 24, 2016 • 22:36
Bailing a ship with a cup of water.
Sarah Hess, Founding Member of United Coalition for Animals (OH), Grant Manager at TwoMauds.org Sarah describes the “aha” moment when she realized that aggressive spay/neuter efforts were a necessary partner for rescue activities. She also discusses how cooperation and inclusiveness among organizations is essential to reducing animal homelessness and how mentoring can benefit new organizations seeking to implement spay/neuter programs in their areas.
Jun 23, 2016 • 21:55
"They were feeding their pets their own food."
Learn how Jen determined that pet food was missing from local food banks and started an all-volunteer effort to get dog and cat food to families in need. She recommends a “simple, scalable model”, shares some resources and software that have helped her grow her efforts, and discusses her goals for growing PAWSitive Pantry to support food shelves across all of Vermont. Learn more about PAWSitive Pantry at their site www.pawsitivepantry.org.
Jun 22, 2016 • 17:34
When we work together, we exemplify a humane world.
Sandy reflects on her long career in animal welfare, why working with people might be more effective than hands-on work with animals, and the Jackson Galaxy Foundation’s current initiative to improve conditions and adoptability for shelter cats. To find out more go to www.jacksongalaxyfoundation.org.
Jun 21, 2016 • 20:42
Start where you are, and use what you have.
Frank describes how one outdoor kitty named Blackie motivated him and his wife to found the Animal Coalition of Tampa, whose spay/neuter efforts have transformed feline welfare in one of Florida’s most populous regions, and how others can learn from his experience. To learn more visit actampa.org.
Jun 20, 2016 • 29:25
You’ve got to fix them all!
Julie explains the challenge of overcoming entrenched attitudes about animals and lack of resources in rural Tennessee, and the county-by-county approach that’s helped make spay/neuter services available and affordable for the state’s residents. To find out more about Spay Tennessee go to www.spaytennessee.org.
Jun 19, 2016 • 22:45
Six Years of Progress
Laura talks with Stacy about the importance of patience, how to build a successful TNR organization, and why the biggest challenge you face may be educating people, not trapping cats. To find out more visit Lowell TNR Collation online.
Jun 18, 2016 • 26:12
