The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Fiscal Sponsorship for Feline Good: The Chappy & Friends Way, Featuring Robert Bills, Founder of Chappy & Friends Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

"I've always just had a goal of helping as many animals as possible."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants.

For passionate individuals and grassroots organizations working tirelessly in the world of animal welfare, financial logistics and nonprofit administration can feel like insurmountable hurdles. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Robert Bills, founder of Chappy & Friends, a unique fiscal sponsor dedicated exclusively to animal welfare initiatives.

Robert's journey from finance and entertainment to animal advocacy was inspired by Chappy, a resilient Havanese poodle rescued from a Tennessee puppy mill. This heartfelt backstory paved the way for Chappy & Friends, which now helps individuals and small organizations carry out impactful work—without the daunting burden of establishing their own 501(c)(3).

This episode dives deep into how Chappy & Friends empowers TNR groups, rescue efforts, and even equine programs by providing the legal and administrative infrastructure they need to accept tax-deductible donations, manage finances, and remain compliant with IRS regulations. Robert outlines the application and vetting process, explains how funds are disbursed, and shares examples of successful projects, including angel funds for veterinary hospitals and trap bank campaigns for cat rescues.

Whether you're a one-person rescue or a small team with big dreams, this conversation offers a practical alternative to traditional nonprofit formation. Robert's insights are especially valuable for listeners ready to take their mission to the next level without getting bogged down by red tape.

Press Play Now For:

A simple explanation of what a fiscal sponsor is and how it works
How to get started with your own cat rescue project—without forming a nonprofit
Ways Chappy & Friends supports animal lovers across species and borders
An honest look at donor transparency and IRS compliance
Real-life stories of grassroots groups that are making it work

Resources & Links:

Chappy & Friends Website (https://chappyandfriends.org/)
Contact Robert: chapster@chappyandfriends.org | 212-641-0203

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies623)
Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/virox)

Follow & Review

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Grassroots & Grit: Building TNR Success in Small-Town Indiana, Featuring KerryAnn May, Founder of Animal Outreach of Shelby County Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

"I'm giving people the really good traps now. The ones that make their lives easier—because the cats shouldn't be the ones who suffer when we don't have our act together."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants.

In this episode, Stacy sits down with KerryAnn May, founder of Animal Outreach of Shelby County, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful TNR program from the ground up. KerryAnn shares how a random encounter with a feral kitten set her on a decades-long path in cat rescue, eventually leading her to pioneer the first multi-county TNR effort in Indiana.

She opens up about growing a small rescue into a well-oiled operation—without losing that local, community-driven spirit. From fundraising with handwritten letters to implementing tech solutions like Asset Tiger to keep track of equipment, KerryAnn proves that small organizations can still think big. The two also get real about the challenges of managing supplies, fostering community buy-in, and creating sustainable partnerships with local vets.

This is a conversation packed with practical tips, relatable stories, and a refreshing sense of what's possible when passion meets a good plan.

Press Play Now For:

How one feral kitten changed KerryAnn May's life
A blueprint for scaling TNR with local vet partnerships
Fundraising made simple: From $1K to $50K with direct mail
How Asset Tiger revolutionized their equipment tracking
Why grassroots doesn't mean small thinking
The power of community-led, local-focused cat care
Tips for inspiring neighbors and nurturing mini TNR pods

Resources & Links:

ShelbyCats.com (http://ShelbyCats.com)
Community Cats Grants (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/community-cats-grants/)
Mission Meow (https://missionmeow.org)
Asset Tiger (https://www.assettiger.com)
Community Cats Podcast Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/communitycatspodcast)
Episode with Sally Williams of Mission Meow (https://youtu.be/rq2Sp2ZvNmM)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies622)
Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/virox)

Follow & Review

Is Return-to-Field the Future? Insights from Expo, Featuring Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

"They're not homeless. They know exactly where their home is, and they've chosen to be there. We're literally returning them home—vaccinated and spayed—so it's a win for the cat, the shelter, and the neighborhood." - Karen Little

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants.

In this special on-location episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron brings you to the bustling Humane World for Animals Expo in Las Vegas for a candid, practical conversation on the future of Return-to-Field (RTF) and community cats. Joined by Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats, this episode breaks down what RTF really means, why it remains one of the field's most pressing challenges, and how shelters of all sizes can adapt best practices while navigating real-world limitations.

Karen and Bryan, each with decades of frontline TNR and shelter collaboration experience, explore the tension between "gold standard" individual cat assessments and the operational realities of crowded shelters. They emphasize the importance of gathering quality intake information, partnering with communities, and maintaining flexibility during kitten seasons, all while ensuring the welfare of cats remains central.

The episode also unpacks the misconceptions around RTF, the critical difference between TNR and RTF, and the complexities of assessing "friendly" cats in the shelter environment. Whether you're a large urban shelter manager or a small grassroots TNR organizer, this conversation will leave you with a clearer, practical understanding of how RTF can reduce euthanasia, manage overpopulation, and align with your community's needs.

Tune in for insights, humor, and a real-time feel of Expo energy as you learn actionable strategies to strengthen your community cat programs and advocate effectively for cats wherever you are.

Press Play Now For:

The clear difference between Return-to-Field and TNR you must understand
How to make case-by-case decisions under real shelter constraints
Why "friendly cats" are the most controversial aspect of RTF
The critical role of community collaboration in cat management
Strategies for small TNR groups attending their first big expo
Why RTF is not "abandonment"—and how to explain it to your community
Insights on the upcoming updated Return-to-Field Handbook
Tips for managing seasonal intake and aligning outcomes with resources

Resources & Links:

Alley Cat Advocates (https://alleycatadvocates.org/)
Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/)
Community Cats Podcast TNR Certification Workshops (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/)
Community Cats Podcast "Cat Cycling" Blog (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/cat-cycling-how-to-make-your-spay-neuter-programs-most-impactful-and-not-overwhelm-your-staff/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies621)
Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/virox)

Follow & Review

Let Meowt! How Rikers Island Is Saving Its Cats, Featuring Gloria Murli of Rikers Island Cat Rescue and Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

"My biggest challenge is making sure the welfare of these cats is taken care of. I'll never desert these cats. Never." - Gloria Murli

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants.

What happens when a prison island becomes a refuge for hundreds of community cats? In this powerful episode, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Gloria Murli, retired Rikers Island captain, and Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League to explore the decades-long, compassionate mission to care for and manage the cat colonies of Rikers Island.

Gloria shares how a promise to a fellow officer turned into a lifelong commitment to Rikers' feral cats, evolving into one of the nation's largest TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) initiatives inside a correctional facility. Together with Mike, they recount the logistical, emotional, and bureaucratic challenges of working within a highly secure, sprawling facility, where cats once numbered over a thousand and lived in hidden colonies across 400 acres.

Now, the project is taking an inspiring next step: creating a dedicated sanctuary on Rikers Island, transforming a former softball field into a safe haven for cats. This model sanctuary will not only stabilize the cat population but also serve as a workforce development opportunity, training low-security inmates in animal care—providing skills and hope for post-incarceration employment while improving animal welfare.

We discuss creative solutions for feeding, the importance of partnerships with the Humane Society of New York, and how these lessons can guide sensitive area TNR and community cat care nationwide, from airports to correctional facilities.

If you've ever wondered how passion and persistence can drive systemic change for cats, this episode will inspire you to believe in what's possible—no matter how challenging the environment.

Press Play Now For:

The untold story of Rikers Island's hidden cat colonies.
How TNR became possible inside one of America's largest prisons.
Challenges of managing 27 feeding stations on a secure island.
Why building trust with authorities is key to community cat projects.
How the sanctuary model may revolutionize cat care in sensitive areas.
Opportunities for incarcerated individuals to gain animal care skills.
Creative fundraising ideas, including sponsor-a-feeding-station models.
The power of long-term commitment to transform cat welfare.

Resources & Links:

Rikers Island Cat Rescue (RICR): Donate, view wishlists, or sponsor a feeding station to support the cats of Rikers Island. (http://ricr.org)
Urban Cat League (http://urbancatleague.org)
Humane Society of New York (http://humanesocietyny.org)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies617)
Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants (https://communitycatclinic.com)

Follow & Review

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 2, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

"Every single cat was easily trained to go into a drop trap with a roof on it. It's just about giving them time."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Community Cat Clinic.

Picking up where we left off in Part 1, Bryan Kortis dives into the advanced techniques that helped his team trap the final 20% of cats in Maui's wildfire burn zone—arguably the most elusive cats of all. From drop traps outfitted with remote controls to fully automated trap systems triggered by feline movement, Bryan shares the groundbreaking tools and strategies that emerged from necessity.

This episode also explores the power of technology in modern TNR work, from cellular trail cameras to using remote monitoring to trap smarter and faster. Plus, listeners will learn how to trap cats indoors, lure hard-to-catch toms using scent cues, and turn kittens into bait (safely!) when all else fails. Whether you're facing an uncatchable cat in your backyard or planning for a major disaster response, this episode equips you with next-level knowledge.

Press Play Now For:

Remote-controlled and auto-triggered drop traps
How trail cameras revolutionized field monitoring
Using sounds, scents, and laser pointers to lure elusive cats
Trap training in public spaces
Indoor trapping techniques that actually work
Combining creativity and technology to trap "the untrappable"

Resources Mentioned:

Community Cats Podcast Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlinecatconference)
Lanai Cat Sanctuary (https://lanaicatsanctuary.org/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies617)
Community Cat Clinic (https://communitycatclinic.com)

Follow & Review

Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 1, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

"Sometimes the best tip is just not skipping the basics."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Community Cat Clinic.

In the first half of this special two-part webinar replay, Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats walks us through the foundational and intermediate techniques that can make or break a successful Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) effort. Drawing from decades of field experience, Bryan shares tried-and-true strategies for preparing a trapping site, creating effective feeding patterns, and managing large colony trappings with confidence.

Listeners will come away with an understanding of the practical tools—like gravity traps, bait techniques, and trap mats—that make trapping more efficient and less stressful for cats and caregivers alike. Bryan also offers valuable seasonal tips, including how to trap safely in winter and how to take advantage of predictable feline behavior. The episode wraps up with an introduction to the monumental post-wildfire trapping campaign in Maui, which sets the stage for Part 2.

Press Play Now For:

The most overlooked basics that still trip up experienced trappers
Mass trapping best practices: timing, trap placement, and baiting
Choosing between spring-loaded vs. gravity traps
Trap mats, feeding patterns, and sounds cats respond to
Winter trapping insights that challenge common assumptions
The setup behind Maui's 600+ cat burn zone project

Resources Mentioned:

Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/)
Tomahawk Live Trap – GT606 & Roundhouse (https://livetrap.com/)
PVC trap mat material example (https://tinyurl.com/yvecchb3)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies617)
Community Cat Clinic (https://communitycatclinic.com)

Follow & Review

The Quiet Power of Listening To Cats and the People Who Love Them, Featuring Stephen Quandt, Founder of Feline Behavior Associates Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

"Outdoor cats don't have behavior problems—they just have behavior. It's when we bring them inside that we need to understand how to meet their needs."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In this enlightening and heartwarming conversation, feline behaviorist Stephen Quandt joins Stacy LeBaron to explore the intersection of empathy, education, and enrichment in the feline world. With over 20 years of experience, including high-stakes rescue missions like the Joplin tornado and a groundbreaking animal welfare initiative in Chernobyl, Stephen shares how understanding both human and feline behavior can create lasting impact.

He delves into the most common behavioral challenges cat owners face—especially aggression and litter box issues—and why compassion is just as critical as technique when helping people and their pets. Stephen also opens up about his children's book Happy Comes Home, created to teach young readers empathy and practical cat care through storytelling. This episode is packed with valuable insights for rescue professionals, adopters, and anyone seeking to build a truly humane cat community.

Press Play Now For:

The emotional story of a scared cat named Patia that changed Stephen's life
Top feline behavior issues and how to compassionately address them
Why indoor cats might still need "the forest and field" inside your home
How a mission to Chernobyl became a landmark study in post-disaster animal welfare
The importance of building a humane ecosystem that includes adopters and fosters

Resources and Links:

Stephen Quandt's Website - https://catbehaviorhelp.com
Happy Comes Home (Children's Book) Animal Care Centers of NYC - https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Comes-Home-Stephen-Quandt/dp/099784289X
Clean Futures Fund, Chernobyl Animal Welfare Project - https://www.cleanfutures.org/

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies617)

Follow & Review

Rural and Underfunded but Still Making It Work: How to Lead Local Change featuring Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE. Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

"Everybody has a role, and if we open up the conversation just a little more, we can help change the numbers—and the lives of these animals."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In this powerful and emotionally resonant episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE Inc., an animal welfare organization based in Milton, Florida. Brandi shares the raw, eye-opening experiences that catapulted her from volunteer to changemaker, including heart-wrenching scenes from her local shelter that inspired her to take action. Through grassroots advocacy, community education, and data-driven approaches, Brandi and her team have transformed a once high-kill county into a model of collaborative, humane solutions.

Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of rural animal welfare and the lifesaving gaps Brandi is working to bridge—especially around low-cost spay/neuter access and shelter-to-rescue transfers. She also provides a behind-the-scenes look at A HOPE's upcoming spay/neuter clinic, designed with input from top industry professionals to meet the unique needs of her community. This episode is a masterclass in how local leadership, transparency, and positive collaboration can create sustainable change.

Press Play Now For:

A vivid account of the moment that changed Brandi's life forever
How data visualization helped shift public opinion on shelter euthanasia
The two key "lifesaving gaps" Brandi identified—and how she's solving them
Tips on navigating small-town politics and turning skeptics into allies
A sneak "peek" at A HOPE's new 4,000 sq. ft. clinic designed for both efficiency and compassion

Resources & Links:

A HOPE Website - https://www.ahope4src.com
A HOPE on Facebook: @AHOPEMilton - https://www.facebook.com/ahopemilton
Florida SART Emergency Management Courses - https://flsart.org/
Bissell Pet Foundation - https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/
Florida Animal Friend Grant Program - https://floridaanimalfriend.org/grants/

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies616)

Follow & Review

Better Together: TNVR and Public Health Featuring Dr. Bob Weedon, DVM, HQHVSN Veterinary Surgeon Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

"Vaccinating community cats creates a barrier to disease between wildlife, domestic animals, and people."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In this special webinar replay edition of the Community Cats Podcast, Brianna Lovell Myers of United Spay Alliance is joined by Dr. Bob Weedon, a leading expert in high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter and public health. Together, they delve into the synergistic relationship between trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) and public health initiatives.

Dr. Weedon shares compelling data illustrating how TNVR not only reduces shelter intake and euthanasia rates but also fortifies community immunity against rabies. He challenges anti-TNVR narratives using scientific evidence, such as the minimal risk of rabies transmission from cats and the misunderstood lifecycle of toxoplasmosis. A major highlight includes a recent pilot study proving the effectiveness of rabies vaccines in kittens under 12 weeks — a potential game-changer for field operations.

This conversation is more than an academic discussion; it's a rallying cry for more integrated, humane, and scientifically-backed approaches to community cat care. Whether you're a vet, policymaker, or colony caretaker, you'll walk away with actionable insights and renewed motivation to champion TNVR.

Press Play Now For:

The public health benefits of including vaccination in TNVR programs
A breakdown of the latest research on rabies in community cats
The truth behind toxoplasmosis transmission and how TNVR helps
Insights on the effectiveness of rabies vaccines in kittens under 12 weeks
A glimpse into future innovations: non-surgical sterilization methods
How to position TNVR programs to gain support from public health officials

Resources & Links:

Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) - https://www.acc-d.org/
"Cat Wars" by Peter Marra (mentioned critically)
CDC Rabies Information - https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies615)

Follow & Review

Building a TNR Movement, Part 2: The Tactics That Make TNR Stick, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats May 27, 2025

Show notes

"You're not trying to make the situation perfect. You're just trying to improve it."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

Part 2 of "From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement" dives into the operational tactics that sustain and grow a Trap-Neuter-Return program. In this recorded webinar, Bryan Kortis shifts from early movement-building to the nuts and bolts of long-term implementation, covering everything from trap banks and caretaker support systems to negotiating municipal cooperation and adapting strategies to fit different community types.

Listeners will gain practical insights into building a network of services, supporting grassroots participation, and working effectively with both rural and urban populations. Bryan also shares hard-earned lessons on using pilot projects, engaging local government, and maintaining momentum without exhausting your organization's capacity.

Press Play Now For:

Setting up and managing a functional trap bank
Volunteer trapping and in-field coaching models
How to engage animal control and shelter officials effectively
Rural vs. urban adaptation: what works where
Designing successful pilot projects with low risk and high reward
A proven strategy for convincing hesitant local governments
Creating strong caretaker networks that can stand the test of time

Resources & Links:

Neighborhood Cats Handbook (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/learn-more/books-guides)
TNR Certification Workshops (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/)
Cat Stats: Colony Tracking Tool (https://www.catstats.org/)

Sponsor Links: