The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Talking to Cats with Jessica Evans, Cat Communicator and Founder of Feline Ascension Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

"It's really important for us to be aware of our energy. Because the imbalance that we're currently experiencing as a collective is now translating into our cats." This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Jessica Evans is a certified cat communicator and founder of Feline Ascension, which offers on-demand energy healing for cats and their owners. Jessica has been a cat lover all of her life and now dedicates her life to helping kitties be welcomed into homes with open arms and not be returned to a shelter due to behavior issues.

It began with her first cat Dora and for Jessica, it was love at first sight. Ever since then, she's always had cats in her life. Her childhood dream was to talk to cats and now she does! She discovered energy healing while she struggled with her own health issues in 2018. She learned how to communicate with her own body through energy healing and eventually became a certified healing practitioner. Over the past few years, clients started coming to her and asking for help with their felines. Now, she's dedicated to working with clients to help them live the best life possible.

Her mission as a cat communicator is to help shift unhealthy energies, reduce stressors that might be triggering negative behavior, give cats a way to communicate their boundaries, and translate messages from cats to their owners. Jessica and Stacy talk more about energy healing overall and discuss the meaning and impact of reiki, emotion code, and body code to help us uncover the best versions of ourselves. Jessica also teaches classes on cat communication to help cat owners and advocates develop a stronger connection to the cats they're working with.

Notes:

To learn more about Jessica Evans and Feline Ascension, visit her website here!
You can also connect with Jessica on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to learn more about her work.
For more info on courses, live events, and additional support for you and your amazing felines, visit her cat-alog here!

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's interview with Karen Anderson, Animal Communicator, Afterlife Expert, and Coach | Episode 291.

Building a Community with Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Jae Kennedy & Adrienne Lefebvre Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

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

In this episode, Stacy speaks with Jane Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre of Two Crazy Cat Ladies, an all-natural feline product line designed to help kitties live longer and healthier lives. In addition to their products, they also host a blog and podcast called "Back In The Closet," to help bring cat parents together and raise awareness for the health and well-being of all kitties. They also host regular Facebook and Instagram lives, connecting with cat parents and sharing helpful tips.

Jane and Adrienne always thought they were dog people. That all changed when cats started coming to them and they found themselves enthralled in the care of the kitties in their lives. In 2015, they realized how much they didn't know about nutrition when one of their cats went through a heartbreaking situation with feline leukemia. They searched for more answers and solutions but couldn't find much information.

They ended up building their own community to support cat parents and address cats' specific needs. Oftentimes, it feels like we live in a dog-dominated world and there are negative stereotypes associated with being a cat parent. Jane and Adrienne are changing this and inspiring cat lovers to fully embrace their love for cats. They tell us more about how they started their business, what they learned along the way and how they use social media to build this supportive community. "Cats really are some of our best teachers. We've all had that special cat in our life that helps us be a better human and helps us better take care of the cats that come into our lives."

Notes:

To learn more about Jane Kennedy & Adrienne Lefebvre of Two Crazy Cat Ladies, visit her website!
You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to follow their latest tips
For their Back In The Closet podcast, learn more and tune in here!

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's interview with Bridget Bowhay, Director of Content and Social Media for Cuddly | Episode 394.

Feline Behavior with New Zealand's The Cat Counsellor, Molly Kelsey Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

"I wanted to focus on keeping not just cats happy but owners happy with their cats and reducing owner surrender and things like euthanasia due to problem behaviors."

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

Meet Molly Kelsey, a former vet nurse who worked with in-patient care and clinic administration, and now runs The Cat Counsellor as a feline behavior consultant, offering 1-on-1 support for cats and their owners. She's based in New Zealand where it's tough being a community cat. TNR practices are more restrictive and led by only grassroots volunteer-run organizations. In addition, there is public scrutiny regarding TNR due to ongoing concerns for local wildlife.

In this episode, Molly tells us more about the community cat situation in New Zealand and shares more about how she started The Cat Counsellor as a way to advocate for and empower people to become more effective cat companions.

She also shares important tips on how to understand and find solutions for common problem behaviors that might be happening at home. Molly tells us more about house soiling, litter box issues, and aggression to other pets and people in the home. Here's one tip that Molly shared with us: "If you're playing with a laser toy, finish the laser beam on a tangible item. A physical toy they can touch or a treat, and this prevents frustration from not getting anything from the chase."

Notes:

To learn more about Molly Kelsey and The Cat Counsellor, visit her website here.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with her feline behavior tips and 1-on-1 sessions.
To book a session with Molly, visit her booking link here!

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's interview with Suzy Langer (President Bifford) | Episode 423.

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program, Part 2 Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

"The door is always open to work together."

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

In part two of the Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program webinar Bryan Kortis explores what fears people have prior to starting a return-to-field and targeting program and some of the studies and statistics that will put those fears to rest. Bryan also touches on how to discuss RTF programs with public officials and how to find common ground with bird enthusiasts and environmentalists so RTF can be used to effectively and humanely control the free-roaming cat population. Bryan also answers questions from attendees moderated by Stacy.

Session Presenters:

Susan Richmond Executive Director, Neighborhood Cats
Bryan Kortis National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

Notes:

View the video

Download the handouts

Learn more about Neighborhoodcats.org. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and view more of their content on Vimeo. Be sure to follow the Community Cats Podcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program, Part 1 Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

Michael Bricker, Chief Strategy Officer of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity™ (CARE) Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

"For anything—as far as animals are related—to be completely sustainable, it has to happen in the community, it has to happen by the community."

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

Mike Bricker has spent years in animal welfare improving live outcome percentages, innovating new programming, rewriting policies, and modernizing medical operations as director of operations at Camden County Animal Shelter. He then transitioned to Best Friends Animal Society as the Director of Operations of the Shelter Embed program and used his time to connect with communities and listen to the people he worked with.

Stacy and Mike dive into what makes CARE, as Mike describes, "Unlike almost anything else in Animal Welfare." He outlines the current divisions of CARE and talks about how CARE Centers, Research and Development, Narrative, and The CARE Circle work together to progress their mission.

Mike discusses the importance of narrative and visibility as a core of what CARE does to highlight Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) doing the unrecognized animal welfare work in their communities.

This visibility also has an impact on the future of BIPOC in the veterinary profession and animal welfare world. He relates, "Once they see themselves in the movement they find it way easier to jump into that movement."

Mike and Stacy talk about the sustainability of animal transport, creating an organization that reflects the population they serve, and how communities/changemakers can find and work with CARE.

Notes:

During his interview, Mike mentions these organizations:

Little Earth United Tribes
Braveheart Animal Rescue
Jodie Blackwell Fund to develop scholarships/support for Black Veterinarians.
TrapKing Humane

To learn more about CARE, visit them online or follow them on Facebook,and Instagram. Stay up-to-date with their programs and projects by becoming a member of the CARE Circle. To join, text CIRCLE to 52886.

Beverly Means, LMSW, Founder and Executive Director of Transitions Pet Care Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

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

Turning her perspective around on being a single pet caretaker inspired Beverly Means to think about what kinds of help she would want if she could no longer care for her pets due to terminal illness or an end-of-life event. After looking for options in her community, Beverly saw the need for supportive services around this common problem, and Transitions Pet Care was created.

Offering services from estate planning to rehoming options, and even supportive pet care in Decatur, GA, Transitions Pet Care is a 501(c)3 foster-based rescue. TPC serves a population of elderly, health-compromised, or terminally ill people and their pets.

Stacy and Beverly discuss estate planning with our animal companions in mind. Beverly outlines options from a formal and legally-binding Pet Trust to an informal written plan including care details, veterinary info, and the pet's own preferences. She emphasizes the importance of planning for animal companions, especially with multiple pets or even a colony of community cats on your property.

"It doesn't take that long to have the conversation, to write it down, and to share it with the person who may be managing that," she advises.

As a trained social worker Beverly is uniquely prepared for navigating the emotional hardships that come with this work and she believes in preparing volunteers of the program for the loss and grief that comes with helping the population they serve.

"At the end of the day, it's about helping people take care of their pets in a way that helps them keep their pets and keep that pet healthy."

Learn more about Transitions Pet Care by visiting them online, or by following them on Instagram.

Blending Holistic and Traditional Veterinary Care for Cats with Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

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

This week, Stacy checks in with the very accomplished Dr. Gray Richter. Dr. Richter is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and certified veterinary chiropractor. In 2007 and 2008, Dr. Richter and his Montclair Veterinary Hospital team received awards from the community, including Best Veterinarian in the East Bay from Oakland Magazine, East Bay Express, and KRON 4 TV. Dr. Richter's professional interests are in emergency, general practice, alternative care medicine, and wildlife rescue. He is also the California Veterinary Medical Association's Alameda county representative regarding animal disaster planning. Dr. Richter is now an international bestselling author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide.

They discuss the shift in veterinary medicine away from treating cats as small dogs, and what might have prompted this enlightenment, including the Fear Free movement, more owner engagement, and the advantages it has for both veterinarian and patient. Dr. Richter also touches on the ongoing staffing shortages many veterinary clinics are experiencing and how important veterinary technicians are within the industry.

The conversation continues with a discussion about how western and alternative medicine can be integrated for remarkable outcomes and he even offers valuable tips on feline nutrition. Dr. Richter tells Stacy about the importance of diet for outdoor community cats and gives some details about supplements he's created to help enhance the traditional diets we feed cats. As the conversation comes to a close, Dr. Richter shares his thoughts about end-of-life care for animals.

If you'd like more information about Dr. Richter's supplements, you may visit ultimatepetnutrition.com and his book, The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, is available on Amazon. (It includes 50 recipes for dog and cat food you can make at home!) To learn more about integrated care, check out petvetexpert.com.

Aaron Hancox, Documentary Filmmaker of Running Wild: the Cats of Cornwall Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

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

Stacy connects with documentary Filmmaker Aaron Hancox to discuss how he came to find inspiration from his early documentary Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit that lead him to his latest documentary, Running Wild: The Cats of Cornwall. Aaron confides that he initially expected the plight of cats in Cornwall to be a unique occurrence. Through his filmmaking, he has since learned that it is a story playing out in rural and underfunded communities all around the world.

Aaron discusses the film's main characters as they try to reduce the number of un-owned cats in Cornwall. He relates that telling their story looked like a David v. Goliath fight, but yielded insight into possible solutions and community needs in Cornwall and beyond. Much of the progress made was impacted by COVID-19 and the constant need for accessible spay and neuter

Arron touches on municipal support, academic support, and private citizen support as being factors in the lives of community cats, as well as the importance of resources and financial support for education and community buy-in.

"Sometimes it might feel like you are chasing your own tail when you are doing this kind of work, and I hope that is a wake-up call to people who don't understand this world."

Watch Running Wild: The Cats of Cornwall now on iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play, Microsoft Xbox, VUDU, YouTube, and other VOD platforms. Follow Running Wild: The Cats of Cornwall on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Notes:

Visit Tiny but Mighty Cat Rescue in Cornwall, to connect with Mellissa Alepins
Visit Cattrap to connect with Mary Jane Proulx
Learn more about Markum Street Films

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Colony Care Taking Tips and Tricks Part 2 Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com.

In Part 2 of 2021 Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Presented by Neighborhood Cats, Bryan Kortis offers insight into constructing and maintaining winter shelters for community cats. From purchasing a kit to building your own, to making excellent use of a styrofoam cooler, Bryan covers several options.

Caretaker and neighbor relations can be tricky, but Bryan offers several solutions to minimize complaints. Changing colony traffic patterns through barriers and deterrents can be a solution. Fleas, worms, gut health, and immunity boosters are all healthcare options that Bryan covers as manageable and available to community cats through their caregivers.

Session Presenters:

Susan Richmond Executive Director, Neighborhood Cats
Bryan Kortis National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

Notes:

View the video

Download the handouts

Learn more about Neighborhoodcats.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and view more of their content on Vimeo. Be sure to follow the Community Cats Podcast on Facebook, Instagram , and YouTube.

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