The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Partnering For-Profit Business and Nonprofit Causes with Yvethe Tyszka, Vice President Marketing for H&H Group and Zesty Paws Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

"We are passionate about cats. That's what we live for. If we can help other companies, other nonprofits that are helping pet parents do things that we don't do directly, I think that's a great way to support pet parenting overall, especially for cats."

This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy interviews Yvethe Tyska, Vice President of Marketing for H&H Group, whose mission is to make millions of people and their pets healthier and happier. The H&H Group houses many brands, including Zesty Paws pet supplements.

Yvethe talks about the recent support Zesty Paws gave to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, covering all adoption and related fees during the grand opening of their new cat facility in September 2022. She recalls what it was like to be a cat parent or cat lover in Orlando when the Pet Alliance's former cat facility caught fire in 2021, and how the community came together to support the organization and see it back on its feet.

Yvethe shares her insight as a marketing professional, her recommendations for nonprofits looking for support from for-profit corporations, and the important role that passion has to play for all involved.

Zesty Paws supplements are available for sale online or in most retail locations. You can also purchase products from their website at www.zestypaws.com. For questions about events or product donations, email bark@zestypaws.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Women Helping Cats in West Michigan with Janet Vormittag, Author and Founder of Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

"That's the cool thing. Some of these older groups are closing, but we have a whole new crop of young women who are starting rescues and taking over."

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

In this episode, Stacy sits down with Janet Vormittag, founder and publisher of Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals, and author of multiple books about animals, including You Might Be a Crazy Cat Lady If…(volumes 1 & 2) and Cat Women of West Michigan: The Secret World of Cat Rescue.

Janet shares a few of her favorite stories from her career as a reporter, writer, and animal advocate. She talks about the euthanasia numbers for her community, and how drastically things have improved over the past 15 years.

Stacy and Janet chat about her most recent book, Cat Women of West Michigan, and the incredible women who are making the community a better place for cats. Janet highlights a few of the women readers will encounter in the book, including women who start rescues, women who serve cats as individual volunteers and caregivers, and women who support cats in other unexpected – but equally significant – ways.

To learn more about Janet and see the complete list of books she's written, visit her website at www.janetvormittag.com. Books can also be purchased directly from Amazon:

Some of the groups Janet mentions in this episode are:

Building Understanding and Compassion for Cats with KJ McGlinn, Author and Kitty Correspondent for Pet Pals TV Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

"We have to honor the cat's wishes…we have to honor the community cat who wants to be outside and have a safe, happy life there."

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

In this episode, Stacy chats with KJ McGill, Kitty Correspondent for the nationally syndicated show, Pet Pals TV, and author of the book, Raised by Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows.

Stacy and KJ talk about her work with cat-focused groups in Indianapolis, and how she has used her platform as a radio personality to promote positive stories about cats, and the people and organizations helping them. KJ talks about the importance of community education, and the positive impact of collaboration and support between TNR organizations, cat rescues, and animal services in Indianapolis.

KJ talks about her book and her hope that sharing her own story with cats will help others have a better story with their own cats. Stacy and KJ talk about compassion fatigue and burnout, and KJ's belief that at the end of the day, we're all working toward the same goal.

To learn more about KJ and her work, visit her website at www.kjtodayshow.com or join her Facebook group, KJ's Cat Club.

During her interview, KJ refers to these organizations:

Campaigns for Community Cat Education with Louise Holton, Founder of Alley Cat Rescue and Co-Founder of Alley Cat Allies, and Deborah Holzer, Development Assistant at Alley Cat Rescue Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

"Our whole lives are really to get the word out that this is the solution." – Louise on TNR

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

In this episode, Stacy talks with Louise Holton, Founder of Alley Cat Rescue, and Deborah Holzer, Development Assistant at Alley Cat Rescue. Louise founded National Cat Protection Association in 1997 as the nation's first national cat protection association and an organization that advocates for all cats.

In their conversation with Stacy, Louise and Deborah talk all about community cats. The pair touches on some of the campaigns spearheaded by Alley Cat Rescue. Debbie describes the Global Feral Fix Challenge, an annual initiative promoting the spaying and neutering of community cats. Louise highlights some of the resources available on the Alley Cat Rescue website, including the contact information for Cat Action Teams in each state.

Louise and Deborah touch on how Alley Cat Rescue educates the general population about TNR. They also discuss veterinary challenges, cat behavior, and how to get involved in TNR.

To learn more about Alley Cat Rescue, visit their website.

The Animated, Illustrated Cat with Marlene Sharp, TV and Film Writer and Executive and Proprietor of Pink Poodle Productions Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

"I'm glad that there are organizations that . . . dispel the myth [about black cats]."

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

In this episode, Stacy chats with Marlene Sharp, a TV and film writer and executive and proprietor of Pink Poodle Productions.

In her discussion with Stacy, Marlene talks all about her work in the animation industry and details some of her cat-related projects. She describes her recent experience at CatCon, as well as her collaboration with Linda Malik (author of Willow's Tale).

Additionally, Marlene describes her work as a mentor at the Center for Learning Unlimited, where she collaborates with students on the autism spectrum in the school's animation program. She likens the unfair perception of black cats to the perception of those with autism.

To learn more about Marlene and her work, visit Pink Poodle Productions. You can also connect with her through LinkedIn.

During her interview, Marlene mentions the following organizations:

A Mountain of Veterinary Conversation with Dr. Jeff Young, Founder of Planned Pethood and star of Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

"I've always tried to make a difference. . . I want to make a difference in the long run."

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

On this special 500th episode of Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is joined by Dr. Jeff Young, star of Animal Planet's Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet. Dr. Young is also the founder of Planned Pethood Plus, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic known for its mobile neutering clinics.

In their conversation, Stacy and The Rocky Mountain Vet elaborate on the services provided by Planned Pethood. He also touches on the state of veterinary practice, including recent challenges and obstacles.

Dr. Young emphasizes the need for TNR and strongly encourages all humane groups to have a TNR program. He explains the consequences that arise from failing to implement an effective program. Dr. Young also stresses that fixing your cat is "the most important thing you can do" in caring for them.

To learn more about Dr. Young and his work, visit his Instagram or YouTube. Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet airs on Animal Planet and can be streamed online.

To learn more about Planned Pethood International, visit their website or Facebook.

Cats Generating Awareness on Social Media with Harris Baker, Founder of Catfluence Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

"There's definitely a lot of good . . . that I've seen from the cat community on social media."

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

On this episode, Stacy chats with Harris Baker, founder of Catfluence, a social media platform that promotes everything feline related.

In their discussion, Stacy and Harris talk all about social media. Harris describes how rescue organizations and individuals can use social media to generate awareness about their efforts, and he strongly encourages all rescue organizations to have a social media presence.

Harris touches on the importance of posting meaningful content, engaging with the community, and utilizing different social media platforms to reach every demographic. He also describes how to use hashtags to reach a larger audience and provides tips on attracting more followers.

To learn more about Catfluence, visit their website, Instagram, or TikTok.

Banishing Stress and Fear in Cats with Tabitha Kucera, Owner of Chirrups & Chatter Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

"If anything, we should be doing more to address the anxiety, fear, and stress [of community cats]"

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

In this episode, Stacy follows up with Tabitha Kucera, a registered veterinary technician, certified cat behavior training consultant, and former guest of the show (CCP Episode 319).

Stacy and Tabitha discuss numerous cat health and behavioral issues. She provides tips on identifying whether a cat is in pain (which she created a handout for). Tabitha explains that a cat's physical and mental health are often intertwined. She stresses the importance of minimizing anxiety and stress by employing Fear Free techniques, trap training, and cooperative care.

Additionally, Tabitha talks about her podcast Tails from a Vet Tech, where she highlights, educates, and advocates for veterinary, shelter, and behavior animal professionals. She also previews her upcoming presentation for Community Cats Podcast's 2023 Online Behavior Day on April 8.

To learn more about Tabitha and her work, visit Chirrups and Chatter.

Saving the World One Cat at a Time with Rachel Geller, President of All Cats All the Time Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

"Often times, providing people with the necessary items, the support, the kindness, [and] the caring – that can be the very important difference between a person keeping the cat and surrendering the cat."

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

In this episode, Stacy chats with Dr. Rachel Geller, a cat behaviorist and prior guest of the show (CCP Episodes 18, 146, and 310), to discuss her new project, All Cats All the Time. This nonprofit is dedicated to promoting the adoption of cats and preventing their surrender and abandonment by providing free cat behavior counseling to cat animal shelters and cat owners.

Dr. Geller describes the situations she often encounters as a cat behaviorist. She covers some of the most common behavioral issues, many of which will stem from declawing. She explains how removing a cat's claws removes a layer of comfort, stresses out the cat, and causes sensitivity issues.

Dr. Geller also touches on Fear Free and on her book, Saving the World, One Cat at a Time, the proceeds of which go to shelters and cat advocacy organizations. Additionally, she provides advice on socializing cats. She underscores the importance of going at the cat's pace and giving them time and space to adjust.

To learn more about Dr. Geller and her work, visit her website. There is also a submission form here where you contact her for advice.

Your More Efficient Future with Dara Sklar, Founder of Synced with Dara Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

"You save yourself a lot of administrative time by being organized up front by setting up a system and a space to be organized."

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

In this episode, Stacy talks with Dara Sklar, the founder of Synced with Dara and producer of the Get Productive with G-Suite program. Dara's work focuses on helping people streamline their work processes, which allows them to become as efficient and productive as possible.

In chatting with Stacy, Dara talks all about Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). She describes how organizations and small nonprofit groups can utilize this set of communication and productivity apps to become more efficient.

Dara also provides tips on managing passwords through LastPass and emails through filtering and archiving. She further discusses her program Get Productive with G-Suite, an online course that serves as a comprehensive, step-by-step, way of learning to use Google tools, apps, and integrations.

To learn more about Dara and her work, visit her website. You can learn more about Get Productive with G Suite and Top 40 Time-Saving Google Hacks on her website as well.

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