The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Fixing Feline Futures: Featuring Robin Post, RVT, of Animal Fix Clinic Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

"We have to stop the endless cycle. Everyone loves kittens, but the goal should be to make sure they were never born into suffering in the first place."

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

In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Robin Post, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and the 2023 recipient of the Linda Markland Outstanding RVT of the Year Award. With a career spanning shelter medicine, spay/neuter clinics, and fieldwork in underserved communities, Robin shares her deep insights into feline welfare, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), and the importance of accessible veterinary care.

Robin's journey from shelter veterinary assistant to leading Animal Fix Clinic, a high-volume spay/neuter and urgent care facility, underscores her commitment to helping both community cats and pet owners. She dives into the challenges of managing feral cat populations, the necessity of spaying mother cats to prevent the endless cycle of unwanted kittens, and how her clinic is implementing Fear Free practices to minimize stress for cats undergoing surgery.

Stacy and Robin also discuss the ongoing veterinarian and technician shortages, the increasing demand for TNR services, and the role technology—such as tracking devices and colony management tools—plays in improving feline welfare. Whether you're a seasoned TNR advocate or new to community cat care, this episode offers invaluable guidance on spay/neuter best practices, post-surgery recovery, and the evolving landscape of feline rescue efforts.

Press Play Now For:

How Robin's experience in shelter medicine led her to a passion for community cat care
The life-changing impact of spaying mother cats—not just their litters
Understanding Fear Free practices in high-volume spay/neuter clinics
How the Animal Fix Clinic is tackling emergency surgeries for underserved pets
The biggest challenges facing TNR efforts today—and what's needed to move forward
Why keeping community cats in good body condition matters for their survival
Tips for trappers on when (and when not) to bring a cat to a vet clinic
The growing role of technology in managing community cat colonies
How to collaborate with veterinarians to ensure TNR remains a priority

Resources & Links

Animal Fix Clinic (http://www.animalfixclinic.org)
Community Cats Podcast TNR Certification Workshop (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/)
Fear Free Certification (http://www.fearfreepets.com)
Community Cat Calculator (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-calculator/)

Sponsor Links

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies603)

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.

Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care, Featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

"Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you're going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable."

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

How can we ensure the next generation of veterinarians is equipped to handle the unique challenges of community cats? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, to discuss her innovative approach to veterinary education and the vital role of high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) training.

Dr. Goetz shares insights from her week-long elective course that immerses students in hands-on community cat care, teaching everything from surgery techniques to navigating legal and ethical considerations. With support from local organizations and shelters, students gain real-world experience treating up to 50 cats per day. The course not only strengthens surgical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of public health, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), and the complex relationship between communities and outdoor cats.

Tune in to learn how this groundbreaking program is shaping the future of veterinary medicine, why community cat care should be a core part of veterinary training, and how local clinics can get involved in expanding spay/neuter access.

Press Play Now For:

How veterinary students are trained in high-volume spay/neuter technique
The importance of community cat care in veterinary education
How to balance shelter medicine with private practice veterinary work
The role of community partnerships in expanding spay/neuter access
Why MASH-style spay/neuter clinics could help solve the capacity crisis
Strategies for integrating TNR services into private veterinary practices
How veterinarians can get involved in hands-on community cat programs

Resources & Links:

University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine: http://vetmed.arizona.edu
Contact Dr. Nellie Goetz: ngoetz@arizona.edu
Humane Society of Arizona: http://hssaz.org
Pima County Animal Care: http://webcms.pima.gov
Merck Animal Health: http://merck-animal-health.com

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies602)
The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga)

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Tag! You're Home! Simplifying Successful Reunification, Featuring Nina Stively, Director of Loudon County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, DVM Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

"Over 80% of the tagged cats didn't need to come into the shelter at all. This simple tool is keeping cats in their communities where they belong." – Dr. Amy Dalrymple

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

What if a simple collar could help keep community cats out of shelters and reunite them with their families? In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Nina Stively, Director of Loudoun County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, veterinarian and shelter medicine specialist, about the Tag! You're Home! program—a groundbreaking approach to identifying and returning outdoor cats to their rightful homes.

With traditional shelter methods resulting in low return-to-owner rates for stray cats, Tag! You're Home! offers a humane and data-driven alternative. Nina explains how her shelter equips found cats with collars bearing a simple question: "Am I your cat?" The results speak for themselves—over 80% of tagged cats never needed shelter intake, and 31% were confirmed to have been reunited with their owners. Dr. Dalrymple discusses the research behind this initiative, the benefits for both shelters and communities and how this concept can be applied beyond municipal programs, including TNR efforts.

Tune in to discover how a small intervention is making a huge impact on cat welfare and how you can bring this idea to your community.

Press Play Now For:

A simple and effective method to reunite lost cats with their families
How the Tag! You're Home! program keeps community cats out of shelters
The surprising statistics behind stray cat reunifications
Why traditional shelter systems often fail lost cats
How this program bridges the gap between TNR groups and shelters
The importance of changing public perception about stray and outdoor cats
How you can implement similar initiatives in your own community

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Loudoun County Animal Services: http://loudoun.gov/animals
Contact Nina Stively: animals@loudoun.gov
Journal of Shelter Medicine & Community Animal Health (https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/98)
Community Cats Podcast Paper Collar Template (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/paper-collar/)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies601)
The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga)

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Fixing the Future: The Movement to Increase Spay/Neuter Access, Featuring Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

"Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we're finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them."

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

For our 600th episode, we're looking ahead to the future of feline welfare with Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance. Spay/neuter is the most effective way to reduce cat overpopulation, yet many communities still struggle with access to affordable, timely services.

In this milestone conversation, Bri shares how United Spay Alliance is tackling these challenges through veterinary training programs, grant funding for grassroots organizations, and advocacy efforts like the Feline Fix by Five campaign. We also discuss the impact of the veterinary shortage, creative solutions to expand spay/neuter capacity, and how individuals can take action in their communities.

Join us as we celebrate 600 episodes of turning passion for cats into action and explore the future of spay/neuter initiatives that make a real difference.

Press Play Now For:

A look back at 600 episodes of feline advocacy
How United Spay Alliance is making spay/neuter more accessible nationwide
The Wet Lab Program, training veterinarians in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter techniques
The challenges grassroots organizations face balancing trapping and administration
The Feline Fix by Five campaign—why it's crucial to spay/neuter before five months
The Community Cats Grants Program—helping small organizations build their capacity
Addressing the veterinary shortage and finding innovative ways to expand care
How you can get involved with United Spay Alliance's state leader program and low-cost spay/neuter listings

Resources Mentioned:

United Spay Alliance (http://www.unitedspayalliance.org)
Feline Fix by Five Campaign (http://www.felinefixbyfive.org)
Community Cats Podcast (http://www.communitycatspodcast.com)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies600)
The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga)

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The Science Behind FIP: Every Cat Health Foundation's Mission to Save Lives featuring Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM, Veterinary Science Program Manager at Every Cat Health Foundation, and Vicki Fisher, Immediate Past President Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

"Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we're finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them."

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

In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacey LeBaron sits down with Dr. Maggie Placer and Vickie Fisher from the Every Cat Health Foundation to explore groundbreaking research aimed at improving feline health. Dr. Placer, a dedicated veterinarian specializing in small animal and feline care, and Vickie Fisher, the foundation's immediate past president, share their expertise on the evolution of feline diseases, the latest studies on FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), and how their research is making an impact worldwide.

Discover how a recent outbreak in Cyprus has sparked an international research collaboration, why feline health research has historically lagged behind canine studies, and what's being done to close that gap. They also discuss how proactive spay/neuter efforts, community cat management, and even gut microbiome research are shaping the future of feline medicine.

Whether you're a cat lover, a shelter volunteer, or a veterinary professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights into feline health advancements that can benefit cats everywhere. Tune in to learn how Every Cat Health Foundation is funding critical research that could change the way we diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent diseases like FIP.

Press Play Now For:

How Every Cat Health Foundation is leading the fight against FIP
The impact of a recent FIP outbreak in Cyprus and what it means for global cat health
Why feline-specific research has historically been underfunded and how that's changing
The evolving conversation around FIV, FeLV, and other feline diseases
How gut microbiome studies could revolutionize feline healthcare
The role of spay/neuter programs in disease prevention and community cat management
The latest research on stress reduction in shelter cats through innovative housing methods

Resources Mentioned:

Every Cat Health Foundation (http://everycat.org)
Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) / American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)(http://catvets.org)

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies599)

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.

Creating Community Connections with TNR Advocacy and Cat-Friendly Business Models, featuring Jenna Carr from Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith from Tipped Ears. Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

"Fixing a colony is more than just spaying and neutering; it's about creating healthier, happier lives for cats and fostering trust within the community."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and Arm & Hammer Feline Generous.

In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Jenna Carr of Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith of Tipped Ears about innovative approaches to helping community cats. Jenna shares how Cool Cat Collective, a unique cat-themed boutique and art gallery in Long Beach, California, partners with Tipped Ears to create a safe, enriching space for adoptable cats while engaging the community. Renee provides insight into the critical work of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) in Compton, California, emphasizing the impact of finishing entire colonies and overcoming resource challenges.

Together, they discuss how businesses can integrate community cat support into their models, the transformative power of partnerships, and the role of TNR groups in advocating for increased spay/neuter access. With heartwarming stories, practical strategies, and inspiring community outreach, this episode showcases the dedication it takes to create a better future for cats.

Press Play Now For:

The story behind Cool Cat Collective's innovative space for adoptable cats.
How TNR efforts in Compton are addressing overwhelming challenges.
Why collaboration between businesses and nonprofits is a game changer for community cats.
The benefits of creating cat-friendly environments in nontraditional spaces.
Tips for engaging local communities in TNR and fostering programs.
A glimpse into the future of TNR advocacy, from mobile clinics to public events.

Resources Mentioned:

Cool Cat Collective Website (https://coolcatcollective.co/)
@CoolCatCollectiveLBC on Instagram and TikTok.
Tipped Ears Website (https://tippedears.org/)

Sponsor Link:

The ARM & HAMMER™ Cat Litter Feline Generous program (https://www.armandhammer.com/en/felinegenerous or follow @armandhammercat) Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, Denver, CO (https://www.rmfr-colorado.org/available-cats) San Diego Humane Society, San Diego, CA (https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/) RSQ Animal Rescue Team, St George, UT (https://rsqutah.org/adopt/)
Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies598)

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Declawing: The Cruel Practice Hiding in Plain Sight featuring Dr. Jennifer Conrad, Founder, The Paw Project Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

"Empathy must guide us—if we truly feel for our feline friends, declawing wouldn't exist."

Declawing might sound harmless, but what if it's one of the most misunderstood and harmful practices affecting cats today? In this powerful conversation, Stacy LeBaron chats with Dr. Jennifer Conrad, the trailblazing veterinarian behind The Paw Project, an organization on a mission to stop declawing for good. Dr. Conrad unravels the dark history of declawing, explaining why it's less about trimming claws and more about amputating a cat's defenses—both physically and emotionally.

With passion, relatability, and a wealth of knowledge, Dr. Conrad takes us into the billion-dollar industry that's kept this cruel practice alive and shares how her team is taking the fight to the legislative level. You'll learn how to spot humane veterinarians, advocate for change, and help your local community embrace more compassionate practices. Plus, don't miss her insights in American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly, a new documentary from Amy Hoggart that exposes the shocking truths behind America's relationship with its feline friends.

This episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action. Because when it comes to cats, they deserve nothing less than our claws-out advocacy.

Press Play Now For:

The shocking truth behind the billion-dollar declawing industry.
Why declawing is more accurately described as "de-knuckling."
How declawed cats are impacted both physically and behaviorally.
The legislative efforts behind banning declawing in the U.S. and Canada.
Why veterinarians who refuse to declaw are paving the way for a humane future.
Tips for advocating for humane veterinary practices in your community.
Insights into American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly, a documentary spotlighting America's relationship with cats.

Resources Mentioned:

The Paw Project website. (www.pawproject.org)
Find no-declaw veterinarians near you. (https://pawproject.org/no-declaw-vets-directory/)
How you can advocate in your area. (https://pawproject.org/contribute/letter-writing-tips/)
American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly: A must-watch documentary exploring declawing and cat welfare. (https://youtu.be/b5acPbONnwU?si=i52Ug-Q9qHVrpo-U)
January, 2020 Episode with Dr. Jennifer Conrad (https://youtu.be/nA1RL1-DJiI?si=exVXAqrlUr65kUSr)

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The Future of Non-Surgical Sterilization and Its Path to Ending Pet Homelessness, Featuring Gary Evans, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

"The fatality rate for kittens is appalling, and the goal is to reduce their suffering while ensuring healthier, happier lives for the cats that remain."

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

Join us this week for an enlightening conversation as Stacy LeBaron sits down with Gary Evans, the visionary President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D). Together, they explore groundbreaking advancements in non-surgical sterilization and their potential to transform how we manage cat and dog populations. Gary unpacks the science, challenges, and promising developments behind single-injection contraceptives and the innovative marking solutions being developed at Georgia Tech, like microneedle tattoos.

Gather valuable insights into how these solutions could drastically increase sterilization rates, reduce veterinary resource demands, and pave the way for a future with fewer homeless animals. Gary also digs into the critical role of targeted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and the economic strategies that amplify their impact. With a realistic but hopeful view, he outlines the timeline for non-surgical sterilants to become widely accessible and the steps needed to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.

Whether you are an animal advocate, veterinary professional, or a community cat caretaker, we know this episode will leave you with hope in the real progress we are making to create a world where every cat and dog can live a healthier, safer life.

Press play now for:

Gary's transition from tech to non-profit and his passion for community cats.
The promise and challenges of non-surgical sterilization methods.
Why targeted TNR programs are the key to impactful population control.
Innovative solutions like magistral acetate and microneedle tattooing for marking sterilized animals.
Insights into how non-surgical methods can alleviate veterinary staffing shortages.
The economic and ethical case for scaling humane population control methods.
Gary's advice for engaging veterinarians and using available resources to make a difference.

Resources mentioned:

Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D): http://www.acc-d.org/
Follow ACC&D on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064891893927
Follow ACC&D on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-contraception-in-cats-and-dogs/

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Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 2, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

"Every challenge in colony care has a solution. Whether it's predators, pests, or even harsh winters, the key is preparation and creativity."

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

Get ready to take your colony caretaking skills to the next level in part two of our action-packed webinar series! Bryan Kortis tackles the biggest challenges faced by community cat caretakers, from crafting winter shelters to battling pests and promoting feline health. Discover creative solutions to common problems and learn how to transform skeptics into TNR supporters. Whether you're building a cozy shelter from scratch or addressing a colony-wide health crisis, this episode is your go-to resource for thriving cat communities. Let's solve problems and save lives together!

Press play now for:

How to build affordable and effective winter shelters.
Solutions for pest problems: ants, raccoons, and more.
Dealing with disease outbreaks and maintaining cat health.
Proven methods to gain community support for TNR.
Turning everyday items into lifesaving tools for your cats.

Resources mentioned:

Neighborhood Cats Website: https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/
Neighborhood Cats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcats/
Neighborhood Cats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbrhoodcats/
The Everything TNR Playlist: https://communitycatspodcast.com/everythingtnr
Feralvilla, Home of the World's Best-Selling Outdoor Cat Shelter: https://feralvilla-com.3dcartstores.com/
Online Cat Conference: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/online-cat-conference-jan-2025/
TNR Certification Workshop: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/

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Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 1, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

"Community cats are creatures of habit. By feeding them on a routine schedule, you're not just meeting their needs—you're building trust and making caretaking easier for everyone."

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

Welcome to part one of our two-part series on colony caretaking, where we uncover the secrets to thriving community cat colonies! Join Susan Richmond and Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats as they share game-changing strategies to create strong bonds with community cats through feeding routines. Learn how to select nutritious food without breaking the bank, set up feeding stations that keep wildlife at bay, and take control of colony monitoring. This episode is packed with practical tips, heartwarming stories, and expert advice to make caretaking smoother and more impactful. Don't miss this must-listen guide for every community cat advocate and caretaker!

Press Play Now For: