The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Improving the Lives of Cats Through Logistics and Legislation with Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst for Cat Protection and Policy, HSUS Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

"Think about all the things that cats go through…they're smart, they're clever and we can learn from them."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, Humane Canada, and Tomahawk Traps.

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 challenges posed by veterinary shortages, and the logistic solutions being championed nationwide.

Danielle discusses her journey from discovering a family of felines in her backyard to building a city-wide community cat program. She emphasizes the importance of effective legislation and policy in supporting these programs and offers practical advice for individuals and organizations facing barriers to spay-neuter services.

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the resilience and adaptability of both cats and the dedicated people working to improve their lives. Whether you're a seasoned cat advocate or new to the world of community cat management, this episode offers valuable perspectives and strategies to help you turn your passion for cats into action.

In this episode, you will hear:

Current state of community cat programs in the U.S.
Challenges with veterinary shortages and spay-neuter services
Rethinking solutions and policies to help more community cats
Importance of effective legislation and community collaboration
Practical advice for increasing spay-neuter capacity
The role of community cat coordinators and shelter staff

Resources:

Email Danielle at dbays@humanesociety.org
Visit the http://humanepro.org/ for additional information

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Creative Solutions for Rural Cats in Canada with Dr. Savannah Howse, Veterinarian and RJ Bailot, Executive Director, Canadian Animal Task Force Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

"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, and RJ Bailot, the Executive Director of the Canadian Animal Task Force. Together, they share their journeys and the impactful work they're doing to help community cats across Canada.

Dr. Savannah and RJ discuss the unique challenges of providing veterinary care in remote areas, the importance of community cohesiveness in building impact, and the critical role of establishing trust within communities. Discover how they've developed smart solutions, like large-scale spay/neuter clinics, to address overpopulation and improve the lives of both cats and people.

Learn about the significance of community involvement and collaboration with local groups and municipalities. Dr. Savannah and RJ emphasize the importance of working together to create sustainable and humane approaches to managing cat populations. Tune in to hear their perspective and gain insights into how you can make a difference in your community.

In this episode, you will hear:

Addressing rural cat overpopulation
Building community trust and relationships
Creative solutions for remote veterinary care
Collaboration to create cohesion and build impact

Resources:

Visit the Canadian Animal Task Force on the web
Follow @canadiananimaltaskforce on Facebook

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Connecting with Cats to Bridge the Communication Gap with Nancy Mello, Animal Communicator and Evidential Medium Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

"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, Connecticut, with over 500 five-star Google reviews. Nancy candidly shares her profound journey, starting from her childhood on a rural Northern California farm where animals were her closest friends. With a background in clairvoyance and mediumship, Nancy has honed her skills to bridge the gap between pets and their human companions, helping identify behavioral issues and even locating over 100 missing pets since 2020.

Nancy discusses her deep connection with animals and how she uses her abilities to assist community cats and feral cat organizations worldwide. She emphasizes the importance of asking animals what they want and need, which can greatly improve their chances of finding and staying in a forever home. Nancy also highlights the role of animal communicators in conjunction with veterinarians and behaviorists to provide holistic care for pets.

As they explore the effect of the pandemic on pet behavior and the rising awareness of feline emotions and needs, Nancy shares insights on integrating spiritual and scientific approaches to animal welfare. Tune in to discover how you can support and understand the cats in your care better, and why education and collaboration are key to advancing animal welfare.

In this episode, you will hear:

Nancy Mello's journey as an animal communicator
Role of animal communicators in pet welfare
Integrating animal communication with veterinary care
Impact of the pandemic on pet behavior
Strategies for helping community cats
Importance of educating the younger generation in TNR

Resources:

Find Nancy Mello on the web at nancymello.com
Connect with Nancy on Instagram and Facebook @NancyMelloOfficial or on TikTok @nancy.mello
Listen to Nancy's podcast at creaturepreacherpod.com

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Enhancing Feline Welfare in the Community and Shelters through Behavior Insights and Socialization Techniques with Dot Baisly, Executive Director, IAABC Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

"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 Humane Canada's Summit for Animals.

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 shelters, she has a wealth of knowledge to share.

In this episode, Dot and Stacy discuss how feline behavior training has evolved, moving from outdated methods to humane, science-based techniques. Learn about the role of behavior consultants in shelters, their collaboration with veterinarians, and the importance of behavior assessments in TNR programs. Dot explains how understanding a cat's socialization history can determine the best outcomes for community cats.

Dot also sheds light on the challenges facing the animal welfare industry, from staff burnout to the need for standardized education. She emphasizes the importance of shelter behavior programs and the benefits of hiring certified professionals to ensure the mental health and well-being of animals.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of feline behavior and discover how collaborative efforts can enhance the lives of cats in shelters and communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in animal rescue, behavior consulting, or shelter management.

In this episode, you will hear:

Evolution of feline behavior training
Role of behavior consultants in shelters
Insights on TNR programs and behavior assessment
Challenges and solutions in animal welfare

Resources:

Find IAABC on the web at iaabc.org
Email Dot Baisly at director@iaabc.org
Email Membership Director at membership@iaabc.org
Find Tabitha Kucera on the web at chirrupsandchatter.com

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Collaboration is Curbing the Cat Population in Fresno with Brandi Sherman, Co-Founder, Fresno TNR Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

"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 hardship fueled her commitment to change and ignited a mission to save lives through spay and neuter programs. Brandi discusses the logistics of organizing large-scale spay and neuter operations, collaboration with local entities, and the public education efforts necessary to foster a community supportive of feral cat welfare. Through her story, listeners will gain insight into the powerful impact of community-driven initiatives.

Enjoy this session, filled with heart, wit, and grit as we uncover what a community can accomplish together, such as more than 6700 cats spayed and neutered in just a year's time. Acquire understanding on how you, too, can fuel efforts in your own community and turn personal commitment into community leadership.

This discussion is not just about a few individuals saving cats; it's about fostering a compassionate community ethos that recognizes the dignity and worth of every feline life.

In this episode, you will hear:

Brandi's inspiring story from childhood to change-maker
The impact of community cooperation in TNR
Behind-the-scenes look at running a volunteer-driven initiative
Expanding reach beyond Fresno

Resources:

Find FresnoTNR on the web at fresnotnr.org
Follow Fresno TNR on Facebook: @FresnoTNR
Contact Fresno TNR at info@fresnotnr.org

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Catalyzing Change in Community Cat Care with Dawn Benefiel, Executive Director, Indy Neighborhood Cats Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

"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 act of kindness led to the creation of a strategic plan aimed at remodeling animal welfare in Indianapolis. Through her story, we explore the challenges and breakthroughs in shaping a city-wide approach that not only addresses immediate needs but also sets a sustainable path forward for cat welfare.

Discover how Indy Neighborhood Cats, under Dawn's leadership, has developed advanced programs to comply with local ordinances while significantly improving the lives of thousands of cats through trapping, neutering, and vaccinating. The conversation also highlights the organization's strategic responses to the pandemic's impact on animal welfare, showcasing how thoughtful planning and community engagement can lead to impactful results.

In this episode, you will hear:

Reimagining animal welfare through community-centric programs
Pandemic impact on animal services
Effective community outreach
Strategic planning for increased capacity

Resources from this episode:

Indy Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.indyneighborhoodcats.org/
Indy Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/indyneighborhoodcats

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From Advertising to Advocacy with Tracy Dean, Director of Community Cats of Reno Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

"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 story is a testament to how a single person's passion can evolve into a major force for community change and animal welfare.

In this earnest dialogue, Tracy shares the evolution of her commitment—from discovering the urgent needs of community cats to spearheading collaborative solutions. We delve into the daily challenges and victories in the life of feral felines and the dedicated people who strive to bridge the gap between needs and solutions. Discover the barriers Tracy dismantles and the insights she offers.

This episode is a celebration of the tireless efforts of those in the field and a call to action for everyone who believes in making a difference. Discover how the power of community and dedicated advocacy continues to brighten the landscape of animal welfare, one cat at a time.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the passion-fueled world of community cat care, where every small action sparks a larger movement towards a compassionate future for all.

In this episode, you will hear:

Emotional insights from the field of feline welfare
Collaborative solutions for community cats
The impact of local support in animal welfare
Facing obstacles and resource challenges

Resources:

Community Cats of Reno website: communitycatsofreno.org
Contact Tracy Dean: communitycatsofreno@yahoo.com
Paper Collar Template for identifying potentially owned cats: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/paper-collar/

This episode is sponsored in part by:

Maddie's Fund: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies567
The Community Cat Clinic: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga
Tomahawk Traps: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk

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Welcome to The Community Cats Podcast Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Our mission is to provide education, information and dialogue that will create a supportive environment empowering people to help cats in their community.

566: Trappers' Tips and Tricks, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

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 baits such as herbal options and fried chicken. Don't miss his crucial advice on always being prepared with sheets to cover traps immediately after a cat is caught.

We also spotlight the indispensable services of the Community Cat Clinic in Woodstock, Georgia, where TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) techniques go beyond the basics. Explore how tools like headlamps, laser pointers, and clear rear doors can transform your trapping success, especially when dealing with mother cats and kittens. You'll hear about the advantages of cellular trail cameras for real-time trap monitoring and gain practical tips illustrated by the heartwarming story of Lulu. From using sunshade netting to baiting with sardines, and employing laser pointers and YouTube videos of kittens meowing, discover the creative methods that led to her successful capture.

In this episode, you will hear:

Camouflage techniques to trap cats
Effective baiting strategies
Catnip and sound for cat traps
Trapping stray cats and kittens
The fate of cats from fire area
Achieving 100% cat rescue success

Resources from this Episode

For the Full Recording and Downloadable Handouts - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tnrtraining

Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.neighborhoodcats.org

Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcats/

Neighborhood Cats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nbrhoodcats/

The Everything TNR Playlist - https://communitycatspodcast.com/everythingtnr

Visit TNR Workshops and Community Cat Care Training for more webinars like this - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies566) and The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga).

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

565: Trappers Tips and Tricks, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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 discuss why having a variety of traps is crucial and offer practical tips for transferring cats and selecting the right bait. The episode also covers the best practices for trap placement, making sure you maximize your capture success rate, especially for those tricky, hard-to-catch felines. Additionally, you'll discover cost-effective methods like using trap mats for a more comfortable and effective trapping experience.

Finally, hear the riveting story of rescuing cats after a fire and the innovative techniques that emerged from this crisis. Learn about the development of the tunnel trap and auto drop trap – two game-changing innovations that are set to become new standards in cat rescue. Don't miss this episode if you're passionate about cat rescue and want to stay updated on the latest trapping technologies.

In this episode, you will hear: