“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)

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.

“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.

“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)

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.

 

“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)

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.

"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/

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.

"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/

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.

"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:

• Why routine is key to forming bonds with community cats.
• The do’s and don’ts of feeding schedules.
• Selecting the right food for health and budget.
• The importance of clean and discreet feeding setups.
• Managing wildlife and other challenges during feeding times.

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/

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.

"My job is to figure out ways to get cats fixed. It's about strategy, collaboration, and making humane care accessible to every community."

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

In this reflective and forward-thinking episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron takes center stage, offering listeners an intimate look at her mission and the exciting plans for 2025. Joined by Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League, Stacy discusses her journey of nearly three decades in animal welfare and the evolving goals of the podcast. With the motto "See it, Fix it, Solve it" at its core, Stacy outlines the strategic initiatives aimed at achieving humane solutions for community cats.

Listeners will gain insight into key topics, including the United Spay Alliance's efforts to bolster spay/neuter programs, the role of collaboration with social services, and the challenges of succession planning in rescue organizations. This episode is packed with innovative ideas, from the importance of accessible veterinary training (hello, wet labs!) to the transformative potential of tools like the Community Cat Calculator. Whether you’re a seasoned TNR practitioner or a new advocate for feline welfare, Stacy’s passion and strategic perspective will leave you inspired to take action in your own community.

Press Play Now For:

• The 2025 vision for community cat care: strategy and sustainability.
• Behind the scenes at the United Spay Alliance and its groundbreaking programs.
• The role of social service organizations in supporting community cats.
• Succession planning tips for rescue organizations and fostering the next generation of advocates.
• Tools like the Community Cat Calculator to assess and address feline population needs.
• How post-pandemic innovations are shaping the future of adoptions and clinic operations.

Resources Mentioned:

• United Spay Alliance
• Community Cat Calculator Tool
• National Kitten Coalition
• Community Cat Workshops
• University of the Pacific - Community Cat Program Management Course

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. 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.

"Pick that project you've been dreaming of and dive in—you'll be amazed by what you can accomplish for your community's cats!"

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

This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the Community Cats Podcast with Kristen Petrie, our behind-the-scenes "Technical Tabby." Join host Stacy LeBaron as they dive into the highlights of a year filled with innovative ideas, cross-country adventures, and practical solutions for cat advocacy. From groundbreaking training sessions in Pennsylvania to a remarkable barn cat rescue in Vermont, Kristen and Stacy share the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shaped 2024.

But that’s just the beginning—2025 is shaping up to be the year of doing it yourself! With new tools like the Community Cat Calculator and expanded educational programs, this episode offers a glimpse into how you can take charge of spay/neuter access and TNR efforts in your community. Whether you're learning from inspiring pioneers like Dr. Becky Morrow or wrangling 27 cats in a dairy barn, this conversation proves that bold ideas and teamwork can create real change.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring, and slightly cheese-fueled (Vermont style!) look at how cat lovers like you turn passion into progress.

Press Play Now For:

• Highlights from 2024, including top conferences and hands-on TNR projects.
• Lessons learned from Frankie's Friends and its innovative approach to high-volume spay/neuter.
• How to plan and execute large-scale TNR operations like the Vermont barn project.
• The launch of the Community Cat Calculator—your new tool for targeted spay/neuter goals.
• Education opportunities like the Community Cat Program Management class at the University of the Pacific.
• 2025’s “DIY” theme and tips for taking action in your community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Frankie’s Friends Spay/Neuter Clinic
• Community Cat Calculator Tool
• University of the Pacific - Community Cat Program Management Course
• TNR Certification Workshops
• Neighborhood Cats
• Podcast Episode - Starting at Grassroots and Sharing Our Spay/Neuter Skills with Becky Morrow, DVM

“Trap-neuter-return is one piece of the puzzle. When it’s part of a strategic cat population management program, TNR becomes a powerful tool for addressing feline overpopulation.”

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

How do we piece together the puzzle of cat overpopulation? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron chats with Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats at International Cat Care, about innovative strategies to address this global challenge. Drawing on decades of experience in feline welfare, Vicky introduces her "jigsaw puzzle" approach to managing cat populations, highlighting the importance of collaboration, root-cause solutions, and strategic trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs.

Learn how to connect the pieces for effective cat population management, navigate the challenges of global resource disparities, and explore the progressive work of the Battersea Cat Project. Whether you’re a TNR pro or new to community cat care, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.

Press Play Now For:

• The emotional and professional journey of a feline welfare trailblazer.
• Understanding root causes vs. symptoms in cat overpopulation.
• Insights into the "jigsaw puzzle" of cat population management.
• Strategies for effective TNR programs and community collaboration.
• An overview of the Battersea Cat Project's global impact.
• How access to resources shapes outcomes in cat population management.

Resources Mentioned:

• International Cat Care
• Email Vicky Halls at [email protected] for insights and collaboration.
• Video: Completing the jigsaw puzzle of sustainable and effective cat population management

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. 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.