The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Doing Our Best Work for Animals with Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM May 10, 2022

Show notes

"There's so much noise in the world that really holds us back from doing our best work. We should just be kind to each other and work together."

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

Dr. Sara Pizano returns to the show (a previous CCP guest on episodes 56, 171, 246, 247, 306, and 335) to provide updates on her work, including her involvement with municipal shelters. She recently provided her 117th consult in 22 states. These shelters were able to decrease intake and lower euthanasia rates. Over the period of one year, one particular shelter, Danville-Boyle County Humane Society, was able to decrease its intake from 908 cats to 19.

She stresses the importance of all organizations utilizing the community foundation model to help bridge funding gaps and shares her perspective on addressing veterinary shortages.

Dr. Pizano shares information about Maddie's Million Pet Challenge, which evolved from the Million Cat Challenge (a campaign that saved over 3.5 million cats). UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at UF, Open Door Veterinary Collective, and Team Shelter USA came together to found this initiative, which provides consultative mentoring services at no cost.

Dr. Pizano also discusses Human Animal Support Services, which is a movement to transform animal services through innovative programs and services built to support people and pets within their communities.

Listener Notes

Dr. Pizano's book, The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters, can be found on Amazon.

During her interview, Dr. Pizano mentions these organizations:

If you enjoyed this episode, hear more from Dr. Pizano on episode 171.

Supporting Animals and Their People with Joe Elmore, Charleston Animal Society May 03, 2022

Show notes

"There's a person behind every animal and we're trying to translate that person's care and concern for the animal into action."

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

Joe Elmore has served as the President and CEO of Charleston Animal Society since 2012. When he joined, he brought 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to an organization in turmoil. Since his time at Charleston Animal Society, the organization has become the state's top-rated nonprofit 7 years in a row. Joe also organized the statewide initiative No Kill South Carolina and led the effort to pass the first felony animal cruelty law in the U.S.

In his conversation with Stacy, Joe describes the similarities and differences between the models of human service organizations and animal welfare organizations. He explains the challenges that animals face given their vulnerability and lack of fundamental rights.

Joe also details how he was able to gather support from the public and policymakers in creating a TNR program and discusses the effectiveness of this campaign and the resulting program. Additionally, he highlights topics regarding the management of cat colonies.

To learn more about the Charleston Animal Society, visit their website.

Listener Notes:

During his interview, Joe mentions these organizations/programs:

Taking Care of Both Ends of the Leash with Jon Geller, The Street Dog Coalition Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

"They have cats for companionship to give them company because they're so isolated. There are so many stigmas attached to people who are homeless."

This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy chats with Dr. Jon Geller, DVM, who worked as an emergency veterinarian for nearly 25 years. He is also the national founder and director of The Street Dog Coalition, which provides free veterinary care to pets of those experiencing homelessness. The Street Dog Coalition runs mobile veterinary clinics in over 50 cities across the U.S.

Dr. Geller talks about the services that The Street Dog Coalition provides to cats, as well as to their owners in their efforts to care for both ends of the leash. He also discusses the challenges that many of these individuals can face when seeking refuge in homeless and women's shelters when accompanied by their pets.

To learn more about The Street Dog Coalition, visit their, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube channel, or website.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with Amanda Arrington, Director of Pets for Life Program at The Humane Society of the United States. | Episode 69.

Extra Credit with Carla Betlem, Instructor and Senior Staff Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology & Founder of the Student Club Caring Hearts for RIT Cats Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

"If people know what you're doing, they will come out of the woodwork. If the commitment's there and you really want to do it, it's definitely possible."

This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy speaks with Carla Betlem, a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology where she has been performing TNR for nearly 15 years. Carla along with several RIT students came together to establish a campus club, Caring Hearts For RIT Cats, which provides care, comfort, and security to the feral cats on and surrounding RIT's campus.

Caring Hearts, which became an official college club in 2019[1], has over 400 student members involved. The club operates as a nonprofit entity and has a board of directors, along with various committees and subcommittees.

Carla describes how this club was founded, how its members communicate, and the importance of training others to become leaders. She stresses the importance of educating students about the resources available in caring for their pets, as well as the importance of having them involved in caring for RIT's cats. Carla also provides advice for individuals that would like to begin a similar program at their own university.

To learn more about Caring Hearts for RIT Cats, visit their Facebook, Instagram, or website. You can also connect with them through email at caringhearts@rit.edu.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with Dr. Emily Cobb. | Episode 50.

Documenting the TNR Experience with Photographer Erica Danger Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

"By being able to document [TNR] with photo and video . . . you can get those conversations started and start educating people why TNR is great, why it's so helpful for everybody."

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy chats with Erica Danger, a pet photographer, designer, and cat rescuer located in the San Francisco Bay area. She fosters kittens, practices TNR, and volunteers with a number of rescue-focused organizations. With her business, The Catnip Dispensary, she designs and creates catnip toys, facemasks, and more to fund her rescue work.

Erica shares her experience with photography, volunteering, nonprofit organizations, and TNR. She discusses the importance of sharing TNR through social media and provides helpful tips and tricks for good photography. Additionally, Erica previews her upcoming collaboration with the Community Cats Podcast.

To learn more about Erica and her work, visit her Facebook, Instagram, or website. Her store, The Catnip Dispensary, can be found here.

Listener Links

During her interview, Erica mentions these organizations:

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with author and photographer, Tamar Arslanian. | Episode 145.

Lost and Found Pets with Kat Albrecht-Thiessen, Pet Detective and Founder/Director of The Missing Animal Response Network Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

"It's important for TNR groups who trap cats to realize the same "feral" behavior you see in [true] ferals, may be a sign of a scared cat and not necessarily a feral cat."

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy talks to Kat Albrecht-Thiessen, a police detective turned pet detective and the founder/director of The Missing Animal Response Network. Since 1997, Kat has worked with search dogs trained to find lost pets and is widely known as the leading authority on lost pet behavior and pet detective training. Kat has authored two books, "Pet Tracker: The Amazing Story of Rachel the K-9 Pet Detective" and "Dog Detectives: How to Train Your Dog to Find Lost Pets".

Kat talks about how she transitioned from police detective to pet detective. She had previous training in search management as part of search and rescue and found that many of the techniques for finding lost people can be applied to finding lost pets. Kat also has a blog that dispels myths about what to do if your pet is lost, for example, putting out a cat's litter box to help bring the cat home (a myth). Finding a lost cat takes a lot of work by the owner including getting neighbors' permission to search their property (and not just handing them a flier and asking them to look) and that looking for a lost pet "gets you familiar with your neighbors and community."

Kat takes a closer look at the behavior of lost pets and how even pets that are outgoing and friendly with their owners, act differently when lost outside the home. She feels that more cats could be found if owners knew what to do and she stresses the "need to educate people in the proper things to do when a cat is lost." She describes the "difference between how an indoor-only cat behaves when they are lost versus an outdoor access cat", how they are often hiding close to their home, and the differences between the time frame for recovery of a cat that accidentally escapes and a cat that escapes and is injured.

Kat and Stacy briefly discuss the training of pet detectives, and how there is a need for pet owners to be trained, even if they are not going to work as pet detectives. Kat talks about what a cat recovery team consists of and what they will do for the owner if they are hired. She mentions how some TNR groups may accidentally trap a lost cat because it may be exhibiting "feral" behavior and how it's important to start a search for a lost cat within 24 hours and not treat indoor/outdoor cats differently based on past experiences with wandering.

Kat thinks that microchips are important and explains how they work and repeats what to do within the first 24 hours to successfully recover a lost cat.

Listener Links

Missing Animal Response network www.missinganimalresponse.com
Kat's books are available on Amazon.com

Discussing Cat Behavior with the CCP Behavior Day Dream Team Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

"We've advanced so much in terms of understanding cat behavior but yet, we still have so far to go. We need more days like this."

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy interviews her "Dream Team" of cat behavior experts, who are presenting at the 2022 Community Cats Podcast Online Behavior Day, which takes place on April 09, 2022. The panel features Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant and author; Dr. Rachel Geller, certified cat behavior and retention specialist, and executive director of the Cat Connection; Tabitha Kucera, CCBC, KPA-CTP, Fear-Free, and Low-Stress Handling certified registered veterinary technician; and Arden Moore, dog/cat behavior consultant, master pet first aid instructor, radio host, and author. The presenters give an overview of what they will present at Behavior Day, including cat behavior issues and concerns, vet visits and enrichment, litter box, and multi-cat household issues.

Listener Links:

Pam Johnson-Bennett

www.catbehaviorassociates.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/Pam.JohnsonBennett
Twitter - @ThinkLikeaCat
Pam's Books are available at numerous online retailers including Bookshop.com and Amazon.com (see Pam's website for other online retailers)

Dr. Rachel Geller

www.drrachelcatbehavior.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/rachel.geller
Twitter - @DrRachelGeller
Rachel's book "Saving the World, One Cat at a Time: What I Know About Cats – And Why You Should Know It, Too" is available on Amazon.com

Arden Moore

www.ardenmoore.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/ArdenMoore
Instagram - @ardenknowspets
Arden's books are available on Amazon.com

Tabitha Kucera

www.chirrupsandchatter.com
You can learn more about Fear Free techniques and stress-free handling at www.fearfreepets.com

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with feline behaviorist, Tabitha Kucera. | Episode 319.

Fixing Programs and Cats with Jonathan Howe, Public Defender and New York's 14th Congressional District Candidate Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

"Seeing the way that people make this [TNR] their priority, make doing something good for their community a priority, was really inspiring."

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy speaks to Jonathan Howe, who is a public defender in Bronx County Family Court and has declared his candidacy for Congress in New York's 14th Congressional District. Jonathan and his wife were trained and certified in TNR during the COVID lockdown and now manage a small colony in Astoria, Queens. The couple shares their home with two of their own cats, Clara and Art Bell, and have helped two other kittens from the colony find new homes.

Jonathan recounts his story of never having had a cat of his own but first seeing a lot of hungry outdoor cats at a friend's house about eight years ago. Fast forward to the COVID lockdown and Jonathan noticed the outdoor cats in his neighborhood and realized he needed to take responsibility for them. His early efforts at trapping were somewhat unsuccessful but he eventually trapped and fostered his first kitten. He got tips and advice from Neighborhood Cats and Astoria Cat Rescue on how to manage the colony, feeding, and trapping and attempted to get the colony cats spayed and neutered, even though some vet clinics were not open during COVID. Jonathan and Stacy briefly discuss the shortage of vet appointments and the decision that was made to determine that some vet clinics were considered non-essential services during the COVID shutdown.

With the help of a court clerk Jonathan happened to speak to in a virtual meeting, he was able to get some colony cats fixed at an open clinic in Westchester, NY, and then pursued TNR certification. Jonathan encourages anyone interested in this work to get certified first before trying to learn the hard way. He tells Stacy, "Anyone who heard about what we were doing was eager to help", including members of the community who dropped off supplies to feed and house the colony cats.

Jonathan would like to see support for TNR at the Federal level and believes local government can also help by "giving vouchers for spay/neuter to local vets." He thinks that anything that can be done on a legislative front to "make it clear that this [TNR] is a policy that works and is a policy that works to address a problem that we as humans have caused" will help to show that managing outdoor cats can be done in a humane way.

Managing the colony and connecting with his neighbors through his work has made him feel "part of the community" and at the end of the process, he knew everyone in the neighborhood. He is currently fundraising for his campaign and is hoping, for every one hundred dollars he raises, to be able to put out one winter cat shelter he purchased from a company in Long Island, for the colony to use in the winter months ahead.

Listener Links:

Jonathan's campaign website www.howe2022.com
Neighborhood Cats www.neighborhoodcats.org
Astoria Cat Rescue www.astoriacatrescue.com
To sign up to attend the Community Cats Podcast TNR certification, go to www.communitycatspodcast.com and click on Virtual Education

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with animal rights lawyer, Camille Labchuck. | Episode 346.

Cat Cinema and Speech with Tracie Hotchner, Author, Animal Wellness Advocate, and Founder of The Radio Pet Lady Network Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

"When people use negative words, we need to help correct them. People might speak ill of cats because they don't understand them."

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy talks to Tracie Hotchner, author, podcaster, animal wellness advocate and founder of The Radio Pet Lady Network, a network of informative radio programs, co-hosted by Tracie with top veterinarians and other pet experts. Tracie is also the founder and director of the annual NY Cat Film Festival and NY Dog Film Festival, which feature short cat-centric and dog-centric films. Premiering in New York City every year, the festivals then travel across the country, partnering with local animal welfare groups in every location that receives a portion of every ticket. Tracie lives in Vermont with her two rescue dogs and enjoys playing tennis.

The discussion partially focuses on the results of a recent British research study, which surveyed pet owners to rate their cats' level of psychopathy as defined by human psychological standards. Tracie explains how using certain words and labels can contribute to viewing cats in a negative way. Tracie agrees with Stacy that standard field terminology (such as TNR) and messaging in the animal welfare community needs to be consistent and simple to make it accessible and easily understood by a wider audience. She believes in "elevating the status of cats" since society's view of community cats as the cause of problems like the decimation of birds and wildlife and even cartoon depictions of cats as "clever and slightly villainous" has led to negative stereotypes of cats. Tracie ponders whether that is partly based on the ability of community cats to thrive and survive outdoors.

Notes:

To learn more about Tracie Hotchner, find links and information about her podcasts, and sign up for her newsletter, visit www.radiopetlady.com
To learn more about the Cat Film Festival www.catfilmfestival.com
Connect with Tracie on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/traciehotchner or
Twitter @traciehotchner
Film – "Kedi" (documentary about Istanbul's street cats and the community that cares for them)
Research study on cat psychopathy published in Journal of Research in Personality, Volume 95, December 2021 (A domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) model of triarchic psychopathy factors: Development and initial validation of the CAT-Tri+ questionnaire)
Tracie's books are "The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know" "The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know"

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with Tracy. | Episode 184.

Fill Your Toolkit with Amy Davila Sanchez, Marketing Manager for Strategic Initiatives at Best Friends Animal Society Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

"It's really about expanding the amount of resources that we can give to these caretakers, to these volunteers that day in and day out go out to the field to help these cats."

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacy speaks with Amy Davila Sanchez, Marketing Manager for strategic initiatives for Best Friends Animal Society. Raised in a family that loves cats and dogs, Amy has grown up with a special connection to animals, especially with cats. Her passion for animals started at a young age when she was in Puerto Rico. She currently has two rescue dogs and two rescue cats and loves to travel, cook and hike in her downtime.

In her day to day at Best Friends Animal Society, Amy works with her team to provide resources and education for shelters and rescue organizations. Across the country, she helps provide these solutions and education materials. Amy and her team develop toolkits, courses, and resources to help individual people provide life-saving solutions for cats and dogs within their own lives. Best Friends also hosts adoption and foster locations across the country to better assist on the ground.

When it comes to the greatest challenges facing community cat caretakers, Amy says, "Everybody is overwhelmed. There are a lot of cats out there, there are limited resources and there is still some misinformation or not a clear understanding from community members." While some states within the country openly provide solutions and resources for community cats, other states are more challenging for community cats.

Amy tells us more about the community cats' situation in Texas, California, and North Carolina, and how there is limited to no access to veterinary care and spay/neuter services. Best Friends is focused on these three states to identify communities that specifically need help and support them with marketing and educational materials. The goal is to inspire communities to want to take action themselves. If you're a small grassroots organization helping community cats, you'll want to tune in as Amy shares advice on how to support your local community and access resources from Best Friends Animal Society!

Notes:

To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society and their work across the country, visit their website here.
You can also learn more about community cats and ways you can take action by visiting their Community Cats page here.
If you're a rescue organization looking to partner with Best Friends Animal Society and access the network partner program, visit their website.

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