The Community Cats Podcast

"Our industry is full of people with big hearts — but running a shelter takes more than heart. It takes structure, strategy, and systems." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund . Whether you're running a grassroots cat rescue or leading a multi-million-dollar shelter, the question remains the same: how do we keep the doors open and services running? Fundraising expert and shelter oper...

"If you can't fix 'em, don't feed 'em. You may think you're being kind, but make sure you do the responsible thing and spay and neuter." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund . What started as a COVID-era effort to help feed pets in need has transformed into a full-fledged nonprofit tackling the staggering population of community cats in Orlando, Florida. In this powerful conversation...

"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...

"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 mi...

"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 passio...

"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 Mat 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 ap...

"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 un...

"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 di...

"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 Outstand...

"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 we...

"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...

"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...

"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 Foundatio...

"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 and Arm & Hammer Feline Generous . 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...

"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...

"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...

"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 craft...

"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...

"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. Joine...

"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 innovat...

"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...

"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 publi...

"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...

"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, spar...

"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...