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 decades of experience in feline welfare, Vicky introduces her "jigsaw puzzle" approach to managing cat populations, highlighting the importance of collaboration, root-cause solutions, and strategic trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs.

Learn how to connect the pieces for effective cat population management, navigate the challenges of global resource disparities, and explore the progressive work of the Battersea Cat Project. Whether you’re a TNR pro or new to community cat care, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.

Press Play Now For:

• The emotional and professional journey of a feline welfare trailblazer.
• Understanding root causes vs. symptoms in cat overpopulation.
• Insights into the "jigsaw puzzle" of cat population management.
• Strategies for effective TNR programs and community collaboration.
• An overview of the Battersea Cat Project's global impact.
• How access to resources shapes outcomes in cat population management.

Resources Mentioned:

• International Cat Care
• Email Vicky Halls at vicky.halls@icatcare.org for insights and collaboration.
• Video: Completing the jigsaw puzzle of sustainable and effective cat population management

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We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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 insights into how TNVR programs are essential for managing cat populations and offer critical public health benefits. By vaccinating community cats, TNVR efforts create a vital “barrier” against diseases like rabies, protecting pets and humans. Dr. Weedon explains how public health officials can embrace TNVR as a community health strategy, emphasizing the power of collaboration between local governments, public health departments, and animal advocates.

The conversation ventures into the science behind rabies immunity, debunking misconceptions about cat-related diseases like toxoplasmosis, and why cat advocates should focus on reducing misinformation. Dr. Weedon also gives a sneak peek into potential breakthroughs in non-surgical sterilization techniques, which could revolutionize community cat management. Whether you're a cat advocate, public health professional, or just interested in animal welfare, this episode sheds light on the multi-layered impact of TNVR programs on communities nationwide.

Press Play Now For:

• The importance of vaccinating community cats to safeguard public health
• How TNVR programs help reduce rabies risks in local communities
• Strategies for presenting TNVR programs to town officials and addressing misconceptions
• Myths about toxoplasmosis and its connection to outdoor cats
• The potential future of non-surgical sterilization in community cat management
• Real-world examples of successful public-private partnerships in animal control

Resources Mentioned:

• Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer by Peter P. Marra and Chris Santella (2016)
• Response of Feral Cats to Vaccination at the Time of Neutering by S.M. Fischer et al. (2007)
• Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016.
• Handbook of Zoonoses: Identification and Prevention by Colville and Berryhill (2007). This handbook provides detailed information on zoonotic diseases, including identification and preventive measures.
• Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D)
• United Spay Alliance

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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 program, which provides pet food, veterinary care, and emergency boarding for the pets of homebound seniors. With this unique approach, Meals on Wheels is helping clients maintain cherished bonds with their animals, often their primary source of comfort and companionship.

Morgan and Dan highlight the program’s nationwide growth, supported by partnerships like PetSmart Charities, and share stories that reveal the profound impact these services have on clients’ lives. From local pet food deliveries to connecting seniors with animal welfare resources, Meals on Wheels is tackling both logistical challenges and emotional needs to keep pets and people together. Listeners will learn how this program supports social connection and alleviates financial pressures, enabling seniors to keep their beloved pets close despite challenges. Discover the powerful role pets play in reducing isolation and learn how communities can rally together to expand this compassionate model.

Tune in to explore how Meals on Wheels is innovating to serve not just meals, but also love, care, and peace of mind for seniors and their four-legged family members.

Press Play Now For:

• The Power of Pets: How Meals on Wheels serves seniors and their beloved companions
• Keeping Pets at Home: Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program and its impact
• New Frontiers in Pet Care: From emergency boarding to veterinary partnerships
• Meeting Unique Needs: Finding solutions for pet food delivery challenges
• A Compassionate Approach: Building trust with pet-owning clients
• National Reach, Local Touch: Expanding pet programs through community partnerships
• Future Aspirations: Morgan's vision for a fully pet-inclusive Meals on Wheels

Resources Mentioned:

• Meals on Wheels Find Meals Locator
• Meals on Wheels South Texas
• United Spay Alliance - Find Spay & Neuter Help

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 in Fayetteville, GA, and, ultimately, authorship of a new cozy mystery, Trap, Neuter, Die. The novel is a blend of suspense and education, spotlighting Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) practices within a storyline set in the world of animal rescue. Sharon delves into the real-life challenges and triumphs of TNVR efforts in Georgia, where unique cultural and legal landscapes impact community cat populations.

Sharon shares firsthand insights on the highs and lows of fostering, local partnerships that facilitate adoptions, and the ongoing quest to change outdated ordinances hindering effective cat management. As a volunteer grant writer, she also provides invaluable advice on securing funding for spay/neuter programs, underscoring the importance of clear objectives, precise tracking, and fitting grants to organization capabilities. Listen in to learn more about Sharon’s story and get inspired to make a difference for community cats.

Press Play Now For:

• Sharon’s journey from cat foster to board member at Fayette Humane Society
• Challenges of managing TNVR in Georgia, including year-round kitten seasons and cultural resistance
• Behind-the-scenes inspiration for Trap, Neuter, Die, a mystery that brings TNVR to a broader audience
• Practical tips for successful grant writing in animal rescue organizations
• The legal nuances of TNVR and how local ordinances can both help and hinder efforts
• Insights into partnerships with Northern rescues to support Southern community cats

Resources Mentioned:

• Sharon Marchisello’s Website
• Trap, Neuter, Die by Sharon Marchisello on Amazon
• Community Cat Clinic (Woodstock & Duluth, GA)
• Blog post: "How to Track Those Pesky Grants"
• Strategies for Reducing Cat Populations on YouTube

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 of animal welfare. Mary’s journey, which started as a veterinary receptionist and shelter volunteer, led her to become the director of the ASAP Cat Shelter's Working Cats Program in Santa Barbara, California. This unique initiative offers non-social, feral, or semi-social cats a second chance by placing them as "working cats" on farms, nurseries, and other properties where they can thrive while providing natural pest control.

Throughout the episode, Mary shares her strategies for acclimating cats to new environments and ensuring they feel at home through careful preparation and adopter education. Stacy and Mary discuss the challenges and successes of maintaining a 95% live release rate, the importance of cultural education around spay and neuter, and the broader impact that working cats programs can have on communities. Whether you're looking to start a similar initiative or simply curious about humane ways to support non-social cats, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice for every animal advocate.

Press Play Now For:

• The evolution of Mary's career from teacher to animal welfare leader
• Insights into ASAP's Working Cats Program and its impact on non-social cats
• Proven methods to help cats acclimate safely to new environments
• The vital role of community support in humane cat management
• How microchip-enabled cat doors improve cat safety and security
• Mary's advice for starting a barn cat program in any community
• The importance of self-care for long-term success in animal welfare work

Resources Mentioned:

• ASAP Cats Website: asapcats.org
• Working Cats Program Application: Available under the Services section on the ASAP Cats website
• Contact Mary Scott at workingcats@asapcats.org or call 805-637-796

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 managing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, Kortis and his wife, Suzi Richmond, provide an expert perspective on the RTF approach, discussing its benefits, challenges, and impact on communities. From the origins of RTF programs to their evolving role in shelters across the U.S., they share success stories and compelling data showing how RTF reduces shelter euthanasia rates, frees up resources, and helps create a humane solution for managing feral and stray cat populations. They also touch on practical strategies for implementing RTF in various communities, legal considerations, and the important differences between RTF and TNR. Tune in to explore a groundbreaking approach that's changing the future of animal shelters and the lives of community cats.

Press Play Now For:

• The Journey of RTF Programs: How RTF went from concept to common practice in U.S. shelters
• Defining Terms: Understanding RTF, TNR, and their specific impacts on cat populations
• Success Metrics: How RTF programs reduce euthanasia rates and shelter costs
• Community and Shelter Benefits: Lower complaints, higher public support, and fewer shelter admissions
• Legal and Advocacy Tips: What municipalities should know about implementing RTF
• Practical Advice for Shelters: Managing intake, assessing eligibility, and effective returns

Additional Resources:

• Return-to-Field Handbook
• Neighborhood Cats
• TNR Certification Workshop

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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, Suzi Richmond, provide an expert perspective on the RTF approach, discussing its benefits, challenges, and impact on communities. From the origins of RTF programs to their evolving role in shelters across the U.S., they share success stories and compelling data showing how RTF reduces shelter euthanasia rates, frees up resources, and helps create a humane solution for managing feral and stray cat populations. They also touch on practical strategies for implementing RTF in various communities, legal considerations, and the important differences between RTF and TNR. Tune in to explore a groundbreaking approach that's changing the future of animal shelters and the lives of community cats.

Press Play Now For:

• The Journey of RTF Programs: How RTF went from concept to common practice in U.S. shelters
• Defining Terms: Understanding RTF, TNR, and their specific impacts on cat populations
• Success Metrics: How RTF programs reduce euthanasia rates and shelter costs
• Community and Shelter Benefits: Lower complaints, higher public support, and fewer shelter admissions
• Legal and Advocacy Tips: What municipalities should know about implementing RTF
• Practical Advice for Shelters: Managing intake, assessing eligibility, and effective returns

Additional Resources:

• Return-to-Field Handbook
• Neighborhood Cats
• TNR Certification Workshop

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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 hurdles in Sioux Falls.

He highlights how a stray kitten sparked his love for feline welfare and how his organization is now leading the charge to reduce cat overpopulation through TNR efforts.

With over 275 cats spayed and neutered in their first year, Sioux Empire TNR is making remarkable strides, even without legal backing in some areas. Matt talks about the challenges of securing affordable spay/neuter services, building community support, and overcoming public misconceptions about TNR. Tune in to hear about Matt’s mission to bring humane cat management to South Dakota and his hopes for the future. If you're passionate about saving cats, you’ll want to press play on this one!

Press Play Now For:

• Matt’s transition from fostering wiener dogs to rescuing cats
• The uphill battle to legalize TNR in Sioux Falls
• The importance of affordable spay/neuter services in rural communities
• Matt’s advice for small rescue groups navigating early-stage challenges
• Insights on the growth of TNR efforts across South Dakota
• How to balance rescue work with local politics and advocacy
• The vital role of education in overcoming opposition to TNR

Resources Mentioned:

• Sioux Empire TNR – Learn more about Matt’s organization and how to get involved.
• Community Cat Calculator – A tool to estimate the number of cats needing TNR in your area.