The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Cats and Eternity with Allia Zobel Nolan, Best-Selling Author Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

"Little things like that…If everybody does some little thing, it will work to our benefit with the cats."

This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy chats with Allia Zobel Nolan, an international best-selling author of over 150 titles, whose body of work reflects her main passions: God and cats.

Stacy and Allia talk about their love for cats and the unique relationships that can develop between cats and their people. Allia shares more about her volunteer work with cats, and the little ways she's found to continue giving back and helping out, even if she doesn't have the same time or resources as she's had before.

Allia talks about the motivation and inspiration behind her newest book, Heavenly Heabutts: Reflections of Hope about Cats and Eternity. Faced with the loss of three of her cats in close succession, Allia talks about her journey to find comfort and hope. She opens up about the book and her intentions, and her sincere hope that it will be poignant, insightful – and maybe a little humorous – for anyone else who has experienced the loss of their beloved feline companion. Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope and Cats and Eternity is available to purchase on Amazon here.

More books by Allia are available to purchase on Amazon here. For more information about Allia and her publications, visit alliahwrites.com or find her on Facebook here.

In this episode, Stacy and Allia also talk about paper collars. You can find a downloadable template of that tool here.

Oops! We Need to Fix the Veterinary Shortage with Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC), Owner of Veterinary Team Training Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

"We've got to use veterinary technicians. And here's what happens – I feel so good getting to help a pet owner and increase that pet owner-animal bond, and my veterinarian can go do doctor things! If you utilize your technicians more, you get to be a doctor more."

This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In today's show, Stacy chats with Amy Newfiled, Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency & Critical Care, author, and owner of the educational platform Veterinary Team Training.

In this episode, Stacy and Amy talk about the field of veterinary medicine, and how the role of veterinary technicians in particular has grown and evolved since the 1990s. They talk about the key differences between veterinary technicians, specialists, and assistants, and what the general public should keep in mind when taking their animals to their veterinary care provider.

They also discuss the many challenges veterinarians and practices are facing today, including the worst staffing shortages – from veterinarians to veterinary technicians, to front desk support – that Amy has seen in her career. They also talk about the capabilities of veterinary technicians, and the opportunities available to veterinarians who fully utilize their teams.

Amy talks about her books in the Oops Management Series, Oops, I Became a Manager, and Oops, My Team is Toxic, aimed at helping managers and leaders in the veterinary profession build stronger leaders and create and maintain positive work cultures. The Oops Management Series currently includes three books, available to purchase on Amazon.

Amy also tells us about Vet Team Training, and her work to help develop teams through practical and real-world techniques. The website offers free information and videos for anyone with a passion for animals, as well as RACE-accredited courses for veterinary technicians looking to continue their education. More information about Vet Team Training is available at www.vetteamtraining.com. More information about the CE courses offered by Vet Team Training is available here.

Paying for it All Because the Cats Can't with Sandy Rees, Founder of Fundraising TV, Chief Encouragement Officer at Get Fully Funded Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

"Everybody has what it takes to go raise the money they need, to fully fund their organization, to grow, to help more cats, to save more lives, to do what their mission is all about. It's all doable."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy sits down once again with a long-time friend of the show and fundraiser extraordinaire, Sandy Rees, who is the founder of Fundraising TV and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Get Fully Funded.

During this episode, they dig into the realities and challenges of fundraising, and the feasibility of raising money for "unsexy" causes like community cats and spay/neuter. Sandy emphasizes her belief that every cause is "sexy" – you just have to find the right angle and the right story to share with your donors.

Stacy asks about the "core number" and how it can be leveraged to improve fundraising overall. Sandy talks about the importance of messaging, and how just a few simple shifts in our storytelling can lead to some serious ROI when it comes to fundraising.

Sandy gives her best tips and advice for organizations heading into the holiday fundraising season, including the best ways to connect with donors on social media and email, the power of saying thank you, when to get those holiday appeals in the mail, and more.

And finally, Sandy tells us more about Fundraising TV and the meaningful support and accountability the program offers to anyone interested in building their fundraising to fully fund their programs.

To learn more about Get Fully Funded, visit www.getfullyfunded.org. More information on Fundraising TV is available here. Like what you've heard? Submit a request for a free consultation with Get Fully Funded here.

Check out previous episodes of the podcast featuring Sandy: Episode #226 and Episode #287

Starting at Grassroots and Sharing Our Spay/Neuter Skills with Becky Morrow, DVM, MS, CAWA, Asst. Teaching Prof., PSU; Adjunct Faculty, UF College of Veterinary Medicine; President & Medical Dir., Frankie's Friends Cat Rescue; Medical Dir., Vetenari Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

"It's a matter of starting from the ground up; not having the resources, but still getting it done."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy chats with Dr. Becky Morrow, a shelter veterinarian and professor who is very active in the small animal community.

As a veterinarian, Dr. Morrow shines a light on what vets are typically exposed to during vet school – and just how limited their knowledge may be when it comes to community cats and the overwhelming demand for low-cost spay/neuter services.

They discuss how Dr. Morrow first began her mobile clinic – with a box trailer turned surgical suite – to offer much-needed HQHVSN services on the road, utilizing caregivers' homes, fire halls, and other community spaces to get the job done.

They conclude their conversation with the veterinary shortage, ruminating on what can be done to help create more spay/neuter opportunities in our communities. For Dr. Morrow, the solution lies in providing more training opportunities for veterinarians to gain competence – and confidence – in performing HQHVSN surgeries. They talk about the overall benefits of HQHVSN techniques, and why they shouldn't be limited to just the animal welfare space.

To learn more about Frankie's Friends or find more information about their veterinary training programs, visit www.frankies-friends.org.

Wine, Dine, and Rescue with Nicole Smith, Co-Owner of Whiskers and Wine Bar Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

"If we can make a small dent in helping save kitties' lives and making people happy, . . . to us, that's so meaningful."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy talks with Nicole Smith, the co-owner of Whiskers and Wine Bar. Based in San Diego, California, Whiskers and Wine Bar has adoptable cats, amazing food, and a full bar. In its first year of operation, it helped over 150 cats find homes.

In her conversation with Stacy, Nicole explains what prompted her to leave her career in the corporate world to open up a cat café. She talks about the cat café (Pounce Cat Café) that inspired her and describes what went on behind the scenes before opening the doors of Whiskers and Wine Bar. Nicole also touches on some of the features and policies of the café.

To learn more about Whiskers and Wine Bar, visit their website or visit them on Instagram or Facebook.

The New Breed of Animal Control Pros with Daniel Ettinger, Animal Control Supervisor in Colorado, and Host of the Animal Control Report Podcast Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

"We help protect people from animals, and animals from people."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy sits down with Daniel Etitnger, host of The Animal Control Report podcast for an interesting conversation about the animal control profession.

Stacy and Daniel talk about the shifting role of animal control, including the historic (and negative) view of animal control officers as little more than dog-catchers. Daniel talks about the important shift in animal control policies towards more humane and inclusive practices, and the crucial role that passion for animals has for all involved.

They also discuss about the impact animal control professionals can have on their communities, leveraging both their discretion and integrity to help as many people and animals get the positive outcomes they're looking for. They talk about the challenges facing the animal control profession, and the importance of finding people who are truly passionate about helping animals. Daniel also shares his advice for anyone who is looking to enter the animal control profession!

Daniel shares more information about his podcast, The Animal Control Report, and his goal of providing more training and information for animal control professionals – but also providing a window into the animal control profession for the community at large. He also mentions the new Podcast Network they've created to help people who enjoy animal-related podcasts find similar content (like The Community Cats Podcast!).

The Animal Control Report is available on all major podcast platforms. To learn more about The Animal Control Report or the Podcast Network, visit keepithumane.com.

Boosting Your Cat-Centered Organization's Board with Sonia Saleh, Founder of Uplifting Nonprofits Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

"It's really important to show that the Board is invested in the organization."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy talks with Sonia Saleh, the founder of Uplifting Nonprofits and creator of the program Unleash Your Inner Fundraiser. The primary focus of Uplifting Nonprofits is to bring fundraising mastery to nonprofits.

In her conversation with Stacy, Sonia talks all about Boards and organizational governance. She explains the critical role that the Board plays for an organization, describing it as the heart of an organization. She stresses the importance of finding Board members that align with the organization's mission. Sonia also discusses fundraising, donors, recruiting, and more.

To learn more about Sonia's work, visit her website.

Cat Pawsitive 360 with Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell and Founder of The Jackson Galaxy Project, and Steve Kaufman, Vice President of Operations for the GOODS Program at Greater Good Charities Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

"It's just the willingness to go where it takes you. And it will always take you somewhere."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this special episode, the Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy, returns to the show (CCP Episode 175). Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, renowned cat behavior and wellness expert, and longtime host of Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell, is also the founder of the Jackson Galaxy Project, a program of Greater Goods Charities. Jackson is accompanied by Steve Kaufman, Vice President of Operations of the GOODS Program at Greater Goods Charities.

In their conversation with Stacy, Jackson and Steve discuss Cat Pawsitive 360, an initiative of The Galaxy Project. The initiative, Jackson explains, provides a 360-degree view of the feline experience on everything from behavioral models to environmental enrichment to save more lives and improve the well-being of cats both in and out of the shelter. He explains that understanding cats is essential to form a "rich, rewarding, and lasting relationship".

Finally, Jackson discusses his recent travel and work in Spain and highlights the importance of caring for community cats, stressing that they "are members of your community who deserve love and respect".

To learn more about The Jackson Galaxy Project, visit their website.

Your Path to the Perfect Multi Cat Lifestyle with Melody Kwan, MeloCat Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

"[There is] nothing that love, patience, time, and effort cannot fix."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy is joined by Melody Kwan, aka MeloCat, a cat rescuer, foster, and volunteer-based in Hong Kong. Melody, a former guest of the show (CCP Episode 476) and presenter at the Annual Online Cat Conference lives with her 10 cats in her 555 sq foot apartment.

In talking with Stacy, Melody discusses her side business of helping those with cat problems. She explains how she became the go-to person for cat problems in her area and shares some of the most frequent feline behavioral issues she is approached about.

Melody expands on her previous discussion about what life is like for community cats in Hong Kong and touches on the perception of those caring for these cats. She also discusses her podcast, MeloCat's Expert Chat, and describes her multilevel litterbox system.

To learn more about Melody and her work, visit her on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.

In Case of Emergency with Janice Cobb, Creator of the Save My Pet ID Tag Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

"Pets make us human."

This episode is sponsored in part by Urban Cat League, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

On this episode, Stacy is joined by Janice Cobb, creator of the Save My Pet ID Tag and former guest of the show (CCP Episode 478).

In her conversation with Stacy, Janice discusses our special bond with pets. She describes how they teach us invaluable lessons about unconditional love and how she firmly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a pet. Janice discusses her experience working with adoption programs and highlights some of the challenges with access to adoption, particularly for older adults.

Janice also talks about the Save My Pet ID Tag, a custom engraved necklace, bracelet, or keychain with your pet's information and an emergency contact. She stresses the importance of being prepared for your pets in the event of an accident and explains how the ID tag provides a level of security.

To learn more about the Save My Pet ID Tag, visit their website.

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