The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Building a TNR Movement Part 1: The Roots of a TNR Revolution featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats May 20, 2025

Show notes

"Success attracts donors and grantors, and just provides that foundation for expanding into the wider community."

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

In Part 1 of this recorded webinar, "From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement," Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats, presents a compelling behind-the-scenes look at how one of the nation's most impactful TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) efforts got started. Originally presented live, this session offers listeners a chance to hear how a single encounter with kittens in a Manhattan lot sparked a grassroots movement that helped reshape New York City's approach to community cats.

Bryan walks viewers through the early years of Neighborhood Cats—what worked, what didn't, and how starting small with a focused colony led to scalable, measurable success. He emphasizes the strategic principles that shaped the organization's growth, including the power of targeting, the role of data, and the importance of community involvement.

Press Play Now For:

The story that sparked a citywide TNR movement
What makes a "model colony" and why that matters
How to work smart with limited surgeries and resources
The power of strategic targeting vs. "first come, first served"
Building support through community participation
Real-world impact: dramatic reductions in NYC euthanasia rates
Why tracking and storytelling are essential for growth

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:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies613)

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.

In Hot Pursuit: Community Cat Care in Miami, featuring Dr. Mat Toscano, Executive Director and Chief of Surgery at Street Cat Clinic, and Tia Williams, Director of Cat Solutions 305 May 13, 2025

Show notes

"Stop treating cats like dogs—when we see them for who they really are, the right solutions start to emerge."

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

In this dynamic episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron is joined by two passionate advocates making waves in Miami's cat welfare scene: Tia Williams, Director of Cat Solutions 305, and Dr. Matt Tano, Executive Director and Chief of Surgery at Street Cat Clinic. Together, they're addressing South Florida's year-round kitten crisis and pushing the boundaries of collaboration in feline-focused care.

Miami-Dade County faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to its large urban population of free-roaming cats. Tia and Dr. Tano offer an inspiring blueprint for what's possible when dedicated individuals and municipal support align. With a shared mission to change the narrative for community cats, their approach goes beyond simple trap-neuter-return (TNR). They're building systems, fostering partnerships, and creating a community-driven model focused on long-term impact.

You'll hear how Street Cat Clinic is designed with trapper convenience in mind—from 24/7 drop-off access to hurricane-proof infrastructure—and how Cat Solutions 305 bridges the gap between feeders, trappers, and fosters. The conversation dives into the real-life logistics of operating a high-volume clinic and the vital role of empathy, flexibility, and data-driven strategies.

Press Play Now For:

Why Miami's climate makes cat overpopulation especially challenging
The importance of treating cats as a unique species, not like small dogs
How community collaboration fuels success in TNR efforts
What it takes to run a high-volume, trapper-friendly spay/neuter clinic
Creative problem-solving in veterinary deserts
A sneak peek at what it means to build a "super clinic"

Resources & Links:

Street Cat Clinic (https://streetcatclinic.org/)
Cat Solutions 305 (https://www.catsolutions305.com/)
Contact Tia: catsolutions305@gmail.com
Mentioned leaders: Bryan Kortis (Cat Stats - https://www.catstats.org/), Rick DuCharme (Community Cat Clinics - https://communitycatclinic.com/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies612)

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Build Better, Fund Smarter Featuring Tim Crum, Fundraising and Operations Consultant May 06, 2025

Show notes

"Our industry is full of people with big hearts — but running a shelter takes more than heart. It takes structure, strategy, and systems."

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

Whether you're running a grassroots cat rescue or leading a multi-million-dollar shelter, the question remains the same: how do we keep the doors open and services running? Fundraising expert and shelter operations consultant Tim Crum joins the podcast to tackle this question head-on.

With over $400 million raised and 300+ organizations advised, Tim brings an unmatched depth of insight into what makes animal welfare groups thrive — and where they falter. From his early days in architecture to his unexpected pivot into the shelter world, Tim's journey reveals how diverse professional skills can translate into nonprofit success.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Tim dives into why fundraising shouldn't be feared, how shelters can better manage staff burnout and retention, and why it's time for a paradigm shift in how we house and help cats. He also highlights how intake diversion, working cat programs, and strategic communication can transform how we serve both animals and people.

If your organization struggles with funding, staffing, or long-term planning — this is the episode you can't miss.

Press Play Now For:

The difference between writing grants and building donor relationships
How to attract and retain shelter staff despite low wages
The real impact of the veterinary shortage on community cats
Why loud music in cat housing might be doing more harm than good
What working cat programs and intake diversion really look like in action
A fresh take on how to build community support instead of barriers
Why it's never too late to bring your professional skills into animal welfare

Resources & Links:

Animal Shelter Fundraising (http://animalshelterfundraising.com)
Animal Shelter Services (http://animalshelterservices.com)
Children's Books by Tim Crum (http://timcrum.com)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies611)

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.

Fixing Cats, Feeding Communities: How One Woman Sparked a Movement, Featuring Wednesday Hugus, Founder of Wednesday's Community Cats and Kittens Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

"If you can't fix 'em, don't feed 'em. You may think you're being kind, but make sure you do the responsible thing and spay and neuter."

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

What started as a COVID-era effort to help feed pets in need has transformed into a full-fledged nonprofit tackling the staggering population of community cats in Orlando, Florida. In this powerful conversation, Wednesday Hugus shares how her organization evolved from a pet food pantry into a multifaceted rescue operation focused on TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), medical advocacy, and grassroots community support.

Wednesday, founder of Wednesday's Community Cats and Kittens, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to coordinate a network of trappers, feeders, and fosters — all while navigating limited resources, volunteer burnout, and systemic challenges. With a sharp eye for strategy and deep compassion, she's proving that a small-but-mighty group can make a real dent in a county with an estimated 90,000 community cats.

From leveraging Nextdoor for real-time outreach to raising over $375,000 for medical cases, Wednesday shows what's possible when you combine hustle, heart, and hyper-local focus. This episode is an inspiring blueprint for turning personal passion into community-wide impact.

Press Play Now For:

How Wednesday built a nonprofit from her garage — no website required!
The power of using Nextdoor for local cat rescue and real-time response
Wednesday's take on what Orlando gets right (and wrong) about TNR
The critical importance of spaying and neutering—including owned cats
How to prevent burnout in volunteer-heavy operations
Why feeding cats must go hand-in-hand with fixing cats
Navigating limited veterinary access and thinking creatively about care

Resources & Links:

Wednesday's Community Cats and Kittens on Nextdoor (https://tinyurl.com/38ajp4un), Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/WednesdaysCommunityCats), and Instagram(https://www.instagram.com/wednesdayscommunitycats/)
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando (https://petallianceorlando.org/)
Franklin's Friends (https://franklinsfriends.info/)
Community Cats Podcast's Community Cat Pyramid (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/cat-pyramid-2/) and Cat Calculator (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-calculator/)
Pawsitive Pantry Pet food bank in VT & MA (https://pawsitivepantry.org/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies609)

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Innovating TNR Support with the Trapper Aid Initiative Featuring Alexa Kyler, Software Developer & Cat Advocate. Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

"We all want to help, but without the right tools and resources, TNR can feel impossible. That's why we need technology to bridge the gaps."

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

Trapping and caring for community cats comes with numerous logistical challenges—finding vet appointments, securing transportation, and funding medical care. Alexa Kyler, software developer and TNR advocate, is tackling these obstacles with the Trapper Aid Initiative, an app designed to connect trappers with critical resources. In this episode, Alexa shares how her own experience with TNR inspired this innovative solution, the hurdles of building tech for animal rescue, and her vision for the future of community cat support.

Press Play Now For:

How Alexa's husband introduced her to the world of TNR
The biggest challenges facing community cat trappers today
Why resource-sharing is critical for successful TNVR programs
The impact of veterinary appointment shortages on community cats
How technology can help streamline TNR efforts
The complexities of funding and structuring tech-based nonprofit solutions

Resources & Links:

Trapper Aid Initiative (http://catcrisispossiblesolution.com)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies609)

Follow & Review

Tackling Global Animal Welfare Challenges Featuring John Peaveler of Humane Innovations, LLC Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

"If you're struggling to catch the last cat in your colony, you just haven't figured out the right approach yet. Every cat is catchable with the right technique."

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

From building Kuwait's first progressive animal shelter to developing global disaster response programs, John Peaveler has seen it all. In this episode, John shares his journey from military veteran to animal welfare expert, discussing the challenges of handling feral dogs and cats, the necessity of effective population management, and the importance of humane animal capture techniques. Whether you're struggling with "trap-smart" cats or looking to develop large-scale TNVR programs, John's expertise and field-tested insights offer invaluable guidance.

Press Play Now For:

John's unexpected entry into animal welfare through a dog rescue in Kuwait
The challenges of catching feral dogs and cats in extreme environments
Why TNVR is the most effective strategy for managing community cat populations
The importance of conditioning and strategic trapping techniques
Lessons learned from large-scale population management efforts
The role of governments and organizations in tackling community animal welfare issues
How high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter programs make a lasting impact

Resources & Links:

Humane Innovations LLC (https://www.humaneinnovations.com/)
Tomahawk Live Trap (https://livetrap.com/)
Community Cat Podcast's Community Cat Calculator (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-calculator/)

Special Offer:

Friends of the Community Cats Podcast can save 10% on their next order at www.humaneinnovations.com by using the discount code COMMUNITYCATS at checkout. Need to place a bulk order or can't find what you're looking for? Reach out directly (https://www.humaneinnovations.com/pages/contact)—there's a good chance it's available, even if it's not listed on the website yet!

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies608)

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Changing Lives for Cats Around the World Featuring Karen Menczer, Founder of Animal Kind International Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

"You have to feel good about what you can do, even if you can't help them all. Every small effort makes a difference."

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

In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Karen Menczer, founder of Animal Kind International, an organization that supports animal welfare groups in under-resourced communities worldwide. Karen shares her journey from passionate dog lover to global cat advocate and details the challenges and triumphs of supporting local animal welfare organizations across 14 countries. From TNVR programs to veterinary care initiatives, she highlights the vital work being done for community cats and the importance of moral and financial support in the field. Tune in to learn how small actions can have a big impact on the global stage.

Press Play Now For:

How Karen's love for dogs led her to become a cat advocate
The origins and mission of Animal Kind International
The challenges of supporting animal welfare in Africa and the Caribbean
Why cats face unique struggles in many communities worldwide
The importance of funding and moral support for grassroots rescue organizations
How humane education is changing attitudes toward community cats
The power of small grants and community-based animal welfare efforts

Resources & Links:

Animal Kind International (https://www.animal-kind.org/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies607)

Follow & Review

Turning the Tide for TNR: Sioux Falls' Game-Changing Ordinance, Featuring Mat Tougas, Founder and President of Sioux Empire TNR Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

"We want to be the example that proves you should never give up. No matter where you are, if you keep pushing, you can make change happen."

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

In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Mat Tougas of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition back for an exciting update on the fight for trap-neuter-return (TNR) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Since his last appearance on the podcast, Mat and his coalition have made major strides—convincing city officials to support an ordinance that will formally allow and protect TNR efforts within the city.

Mat shares how persistence, education, and coalition-building helped turn skeptics into supporters, including local lawmakers and the Humane Society. He discusses the upcoming city council vote, the potential for a dedicated TNR veterinarian, and the challenges of implementing a sustainable community cat program. He also highlights how Sioux Falls' success could inspire neighboring cities to adopt similar policies, ultimately leading to statewide progress for cat welfare.

If you're looking for inspiration on how to advocate for TNR in your community, this episode is a must-listen.

Press Play Now For:

How the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition won city council support for TNR
The critical role of public education in changing attitudes toward community cats
How TNR is helping the local Humane Society work toward no-kill status
The importance of having a dedicated veterinarian for TNR programs
What's next for Sioux Falls and how the ordinance could influence other cities
The value of coalition-building in advancing animal welfare initiatives
Tips for overcoming opposition and pushing for legislative change

Resources & Links:

Sioux Empire TNR – Learn more about Mat's organization and how to get involved. (https://siouxempiretnr.org/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies605)

Follow & Review

Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

"Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that's when real change happens."

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

Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care, joins host Stacy LeBaron for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in managing unowned cat populations worldwide. With over 25 years in animal welfare, Harry has worked on everything from stray population management to ending the dog and cat meat trades. In this episode, he shares his journey into animal welfare, the realities of life for unowned cats across different regions, and innovative solutions to improve their welfare.

Harry sheds light on his latest project, a three-year initiative backed by the Battersea Global Enabler Fund, focusing on cat welfare strategies in five countries: the UK, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Australia. He emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions, the role of cat feeders as unsung heroes, and the systemic challenges—including veterinary shortages—that impact cat welfare globally.

From integrating social services into feline welfare to normalizing trap-neuter-return (TNR), Harry and Stacy discuss what it takes to build sustainable, community-led programs that truly make a difference.

Press Play Now For:

How Harry Eckman transitioned from pastry chef to global cat welfare leader
The harsh realities faced by unowned cats around the world
Why effective TNR is more than just sterilization—it's about strategic planning
The importance of integrating cat welfare into existing community services
How veterinary shortages are impacting cat population management globally
The role of cat feeders and why they are key to humane population control
A groundbreaking international project aimed at improving feline welfare

Resources & Links:

International Cat Care – Learn more about their mission and projects (https://icatcare.org)
Find Harry Eckman on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-eckman-45b9a847/)
Harry's Published Research on Cat & Dog Welfare in Portugal – Read it here(https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2024.0029)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies605)

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 a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging, Featuring Hanna Lentz, the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change) Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

"We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities."

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

How can storytelling and messaging shape the future of animal welfare? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Hanna Lentz, executive director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change). With two decades in animal welfare, Hanna shares how SPARC is reshaping narratives to improve collaboration, reduce divisiveness, and create meaningful change for animals and people.

From hands-on shelter work to strategic messaging, Hanna discusses her journey and words' powerful role in shaping perceptions, policies, and practices in animal welfare. Whether you're involved in TNR, rescue, or advocacy, this episode will challenge you to rethink how we talk about the work we do—and why it matters.

Press Play Now For:

The role of messaging in shaping animal welfare strategies
How community members can support pet owners in crisis
The power of empathic listening in advocacy and rescue work
Breaking down divisive issues like "No-Kill" and community cat management
How SPARC is helping organizations refine their language for maximum impact
Why collaboration between social services and animal welfare is crucial

Resources & Links:

Learn more about SPARC (http://www.sparcinsight.org)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies604)

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 a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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