"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. Her...
Jul 02, 2024•24 min•Ep. 567
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 min
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 min•Ep. 566
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 disc...
Jun 18, 2024•46 min•Ep. 565
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 mi...
Jun 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 564
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 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 563
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 TNR...
May 28, 2024•51 min•Ep. 562
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•45 min•Ep. 561
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 min•Ep. 560
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 07, 2024•32 min•Ep. 559
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•23 min•Ep. 558
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•39 min•Ep. 557
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 construc...
Apr 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 556
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 ing...
Apr 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 555
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 06, 2024•28 min•Ep. 5002
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 veterin...
Apr 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 554
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. Ex...
Mar 26, 2024•55 min•Ep. 553
"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•46 min•Ep. 552
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•31 min•Ep. 551
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 has...
Mar 05, 2024•21 min•Ep. 550
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-d...
Feb 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 549
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 min•Ep. 548
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•30 min•Ep. 547
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 06, 2024•26 min•Ep. 546
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 min•Ep. 545
"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 com...
Jan 27, 2024•47 min•Ep. 5001
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 min•Ep. 544
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•27 min•Ep. 543
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 09, 2024•22 min•Ep. 542
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 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 541
