"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 Matt 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, Matt 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.

Matt 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 Matt’s organization and how to get involved. (https://siouxempiretnr.org/)

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 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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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: [email protected]
• 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)

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.

"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: [email protected]
• 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)

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 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.