The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

A Special "Because We Love It" Episode! Check Out the United We Spay Podcast with Stacy LeBaron and Dr. Philip Bushby Apr 06, 2024

Show notes

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 their show as much as we do.

On this episode of United We Spay, they sit down with Esther Meckler and Dr. Phil Bushby, two trailblazers in the fight against pet overpopulation, to unravel the effectiveness of spay and neuter programs and how they align with animal care ethics. Esther, the founding force behind Spay USA and United Spay Alliance, shares her passionate journey towards advocating for the "fixed by five months" initiative. Dr. Bushby, with decades of veterinary experience, reveals the harsh realities of shelter euthanasia rates he saw in the '70s and champions spaying and neutering as the ethical response to this persistent issue.

In a heart-to-heart that's both enlightening and inspiring, they reflect on the successes of early spay and neuter campaigns, such as the Fixed by Five movement, and discuss the landmark meeting of veterinary minds in Orlando in 2016. This gathering marked a turning point, leading to a shift in the recommended age for these vital procedures. They also explore the tangible benefits of the "Feline Fix by Five" initiative, investigating the welfare improvements and the economic and time-saving advantages for veterinary practices. Esther and Dr. Bushby's dedication to these initiatives is palpable, and their stories are a powerful call to action for all of us to contribute to a future where every pet is wanted, loved, and cared for.

Join the conversation and hear how united efforts can forge a more compassionate world for our four-legged companions.

In this episode, you will hear:

Esther Meckler's path from Spay USA to United Spay Alliance
Esther's commitment to the "fixed by five months" initiative for reducing shelter overpopulation
Dr. Phil Bushby's experience at ASPCA in the '70s with high euthanasia rates
The need for early spay and neuter as an ethical solution to pet overpopulation
A recap of the landmark Orlando meeting in 2016, where veterinary leaders considered changing the recommended age for spay and neuter procedures to five months
Celebrating the Fixed by Five campaign's success with unanimous endorsement by National Veterinary Associations
The "Feline Fix by Five" initiative's benefits, including time efficiency for veterinary practices and economic advantages
The critical role of early spay and neuter interventions in preventing unwanted feline populations and reducing shelter euthanasia
Why veterinarians and clinics should consider joining the "Feline Fix by Five" program to help ensure every pet has the opportunity for a loving home

Resources from this Episode

Feline Fix by Five - www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five

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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.

554: Just Getting Started with Bonney Brown, President of Humane Network and Options Veterinary Care Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

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 veterinary clinics, shedding light on how they operate financially and serve local communities with compassion and efficiency. We also discuss the nuances of staffing, from leveraging the expertise of retired veterinarians to creating supportive environments for part-time staff free from the pressures of upselling. Discover why these models cater so effectively to demographics in need, like senior citizens, and how they adapt to ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve.

In this episode, you will hear:

Passion for community cat welfare
Nonprofit vs. traditional veterinary practice
Recruiting part-time veterinarians for nonprofit clinic
Consulting services for animal welfare organizations
Promoting podcast engagement and connection

Resources from this Episode

Humane Network's Website - http://www.humanenetwork.org

Options Veterinary Care's Website - www.optionsveterinarycare.org

Find Humane Network on Instagram - https://www.facebook.com/HumaneNetwork

Find Options Veterinary Care on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OptionsVeterinaryCare

Bonnie's Previous Episodes - Episode 364 (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-364-bonney-brown-diane-blankenburg/), Episode 30 (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-30-bonney-brown/), and Episode 181 (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-181-bonney-brown/)

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies554), Urban Cat League (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/urban-cat-league), and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk)

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Episode Credits

553: Return-to-Field: How Shelters Save Community Cats Part 2 with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

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.

Explore how shelters can best communicate with those who find stray cats and the creative solutions that can address community concerns, from sprinkler systems to cat-proof fencing. Deciding which cats qualify for RTF involves a blend of factors like health and temperament, and we debate whether it's a job for one or a task for a team.

This segment offers a playbook for harmonizing the needs of community cats with those of their human neighbors. We also cover effective strategies for managing RTF and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, including a study that illustrates the significant impact these programs have on reducing shelter intake and euthanasia rates.

In this episode, you will hear:

Return to field programs in shelters
Evaluating cat health and safety
Individual assessment in field programs
Caring for cats in traps and cat release location considerations
Community cat population trends over time
FVRCP and microchipping in community cats

Resources from this Episode

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/

And if you're excited to start a return-to-field program and would like to connect with other Community Cats Podcast listeners to get more tips and tricks, to ask about issues you might run into, and of course to post pictures of your successful trapping, you can join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/communitycatspodcast/

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies553) and The United Spay Alliance (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/unitedspay).

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Episode Credits

552: Return-to-Field: How Shelters Save Community Cats, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

"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 they faced before they came into the shelter and allowing them to continue to navigate that environment is better than ending their lives."

Why do we think return-to-field is important and what does "field" even mean? You're about to find out! This week we're bringing you a special audio presentation of an advanced webinar we held late last year in partnership with the experts at Neighborhood Cats. The conversation will start this week with part one and part two will be available next week.

You see, it used to be that a feral cat had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after he entered. But that's no longer the case. In recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. Instead of euthanizing healthy community cats (whether feral, friendly or otherwise), the shelter will spay or neuter, eartip and vaccinate, then return the cat back to where he was found.

Come along as Bryan talks about the policies behind RTF, the mechanics of implementing the program, current controversies over the RTF of friendly cats, and how to combine RTF with TNR in general to lower cat populations and create sustainability. These programs are a game changer for community cats and whether you work or volunteer in sheltering, TNR or community cat programs or just value the lives of our feline friends, you won't want to miss a second of this show!

In this episode, you will hear:

The definition of Return-to-Field
How RTF leads to lower intake and euthanasia rates in shelters
Examples of RTF programs/projects and how they worked
How these programs help improve moral and ease the stress of staff and volunteers
Joyful stories about releasing cats in their environment
How to educate the community about the benefits of RTF
Managing misinformation, myths, and fear

Resources from this Episode

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/maddies552), Urban Cat League (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/urban-cat-league), and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk). Please take a moment to visit them!

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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 Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

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 friends and their human counterparts. As you delve deeper into their inspiring journeys, uncover the deep-seated dedication that drives volunteers to tirelessly work towards a future where every cat is cared for and respected.

They also discuss creative solutions emerging in response to California's veterinarian shortage – a critical bottleneck in the quest to control cat populations. By bringing dairy veterinarians into the fold and focusing on specialized training, witness a community adapt and thrive even in the face of adversity. Join this heartfelt dive into the world of animal welfare, where every action and every volunteer can make an impactful difference.

In this episode, you will hear:

Dedication to helping community cats
Community cat care challenges in California
Improving efficiency in veterinary practices
Community cat care program implementation
Enhancing equity in animal shelter funding
Building a strong support network

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies551)

CA for All Animals Website - https://www.californiaforallanimals.com/

Nadia's Instagram - @nadiaoseguera

https://www.instagram.com/nadiaoseguera/

Pasadena Humane's Website - https://pasadenahumane.org/

Chris' Instagram - @christhecatguy

https://www.instagram.com/christhecatguy/

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Episode Credits

550: Rethinking the Shelter with Erin-Claire (EC) Michaels, Executive Director of the Cat Care Society Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

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 evolved over forty years to meet the ever-changing demands of cat welfare and adoption.

As we navigate the complexities of cat overpopulation in shelters, we delve into the systemic challenges and the triumphs of a society that manages an annual influx of a thousand cats. Discover the delicate balance of intake pressures, medical care, and the essential role of a foster network, all while reconstructing volunteer support in a post-pandemic world.

Join us as we extend a heartfelt call to action for all cat lovers to unite in our mission, and remember, your engagement on social media and podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts propels our shared commitment to a brighter future for our feline companions.

In this episode, you will hear:

Cat Care Society's mission and focus
Balancing adoption of special needs cats
Length of stay in cat shelter

Resources from this Episode

Cat Care Society Website - https://catcaresociety.org

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CatCareSociety/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catcaresociety/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@catcaresociety

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIOsNdRlWrZuan1L-6zyxIg

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies550), Urban Cat League (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/urban-cat-league), and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk)

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Episode Credits

549: Tech That Can Play Fetch with Chris Roy, Founder of Doobert.com Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

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-day administrative hustle. That world isn't a far-off dream, it's what Chris and Doobert are turning into a reality. Chris explains the versatility of their system and how this technology is not only making life easier for those working in animal welfare, but also enhancing the care and attention our feline friends receive.

Chris delves into the potential of chatbots and AI to offload some of the burdens faced by community caretakers. Finally, learn more about the innovative use of generative AI in marketing, from crafting adoption profiles to optimizing communications, and its role in the community cat pyramid framework, which assesses the balance between services provided and the needs within a community. Join this insightful discussion on how technology is paving the way for better animal welfare practices.

In this episode, you will hear:

Managing cases for animal organizations
AI and chatbots for information gathering
The potential of generative AI
Chatbots in future organization planning

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies549) and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk)

Visit the Doobert Website - http://doobert.com

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Episode Credits

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" Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

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 creatures.

Her insights challenge the common perception of cats as distant and uncommunicative, shining a light on the critical role of spay/neuter programs and her unwavering dedication to cat rescue and rehabilitation. Discover the nuances of taming feral kittens and the significant factors that can influence their adaptability to a domestic setting.

Sarah enlightens us on the pivotal socialization window for kittens and the potential for older feral kittens to become loving pets. We also delve into the evolution of cat communication, the unique bonds they form with children, and even the prospects of future AI enhancing our interactions with these enigmatic companions. Tune in for a profound understanding of our feline friends and learn to appreciate the subtle cues that define their rich emotional lives.

In this episode, you will hear:

Understanding feline behavior
Neutered cat colony social structures
The variability of socializing feral cats
Understanding cats' unique needs and communication

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies547) and Urban Cat League. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/urban-cat-league)

Dr. Brown's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbrown/

Purchase The Hidden Language of Cats - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690536/the-hidden-language-of-cats-by-sarah-brown/

Get the audiobook - https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Language-Cats-They-Have/dp/B0BVNK2TCV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37VCJ3AZ1I752&keywords=the+hidden+language+of+cats&qid=1707251477&sprefix=the+hidden+lan%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1

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Episode Credits

547: The Free Feral Fix in Texas with Tiffany Ditto, Director of Marketing and Communication at Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

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 insights on TCAP's endorsement of Trap-Neuter-Return and Return to Field practices, vital vaccination programs, and the support systems in place for those caring for cat colonies.

Navigating the complexities of animal overpopulation requires innovation, collaboration, and education. This episode peels back the curtain on the cutting-edge veterinary surgery externship program TCAP has instituted, fostering a new generation of vets ready to tackle shelter medicine with zeal and expertise.

In this episode, you will hear:

Combating the veterinarian shortage and enhancing animal welfare
The critical role of wellness vaccination clinics in preventing pet surrenders
Ending euthanasia through animal sterilization
Trapping and fundraising for feral cats
Improving cat life in Texas
Borrowing cats to control cat overpopulation
Age considerations for spaying and neutering

Resources for this episode:

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Website - https://texasforthem.org
Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TCforAP/
Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tcapspayneuter/?hl=en
Texas Coalition for Animal Protection YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TCforAP

This episode is sponsored in part by:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies547)
Tomahawk Live Trap (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk)
United Spay Alliance (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org)

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Episode Credits

Facing Feline Leukemia with Facts, Not Fear with Margaret Tompkins, Founder of the Tompkins Foundation Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

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 euthanasia policies and how she's using social media to educate the public. Join us for a moving exploration of Margaret's tireless efforts to change perceptions and improve the lives of FeLV cats through adoption and awareness.

Shifting gears, we tackle the nuts and bolts of managing FeLV in the wider feline population. I explore the lifesaving impact of spaying and neutering, not only for controlling cat populations but as a key strategy in preventing the spread of FeLV from mother to kitten. We also talk about the importance and effectiveness of vaccination programs, like those offered by Merck, and how they play a crucial role even in multi-cat households. Sharing experiences and expert insights, we highlight the nuances of caring for mixed-status feline families and the significance of initiatives like TNR in creating a safer environment for all our furry friends. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to arm you with knowledge and inspire action for the welfare of cats with FeLV.

In this episode, you will hear: