The Community Cats Podcast

"A community cat program does not just help cats. You think you're going in there to help cats and you turn out really having more impact on the people in that community."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats.

In this insightful episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes back Elizabeth Finch, an impact-driven leader who has been transforming community cat programming since 2015. Elizabeth's journey from launching a robust community cat program serving over 4,000 cats annually in metro Atlanta to becoming an educator and consultant offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to create systematic change. Her experience reveals how effective community cat work extends far beyond individual rescue efforts to become a comprehensive approach that benefits both cats and the people who care about them.

Elizabeth shares the strategic thinking behind successful community cat programs, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond "onesie-twosie" approaches to tackle entire colonies, neighborhoods, and zip codes systematically. The conversation explores how she and Stacy partnered to create the first-of-its-kind Community Cat Program Management Certification course at University of the Pacific, addressing the gap between skilled trappers and comprehensive program management. Elizabeth discusses the eight-module curriculum that covers everything from funding and marketing to legal roadblocks and public engagement—skills that most passionate trappers never learned but desperately need.

The episode also touches on Elizabeth's creative outlets, including her book "Colony Tails: Lessons from the Alley," which captures the human side of community cat work through short stories that honor frontline caretakers. Whether you're running a small TNR group, working in municipal animal services, or considering starting a community cat program, this conversation provides both strategic insights and practical tools for professionalizing this critical work while maintaining its heart and compassion.

Press play now for:

• Elizabeth's journey from individual cat rescue to systematic community cat programming
• Why community cat programs help people as much as cats in underserved communities
• The strategic approach to TNR: targeting whole colonies, neighborhoods, and zip codes rather than individual cats
• How the Community Cat Program Management Certification course fills the gap between trapping skills and program management
• Details on the eight-module curriculum covering funding, marketing, legal issues, data management, and public engagement
• The partnership between passionate educators with different strengths (methodical writer vs. dynamic speaker)
• Live weekly sessions, Q&A opportunities, and expert guest interviews from field veterans
• The Sue Black Memorial Scholarship honoring a dedicated community cat program manager
• TNR certification workshops and the movement toward professionalizing community cat work
• Elizabeth's book "Colony Tails: Lessons from the Alley" and upcoming series of standalone management guides
• Why effective TNR requires far more than "traps and tuna" to create lasting community impact
• Partnership opportunities for organizations wanting to support volunteer training

Resources mentioned:

• University of the Pacific Community Cat Program Management Certification Course(https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/university-of-the-pacific-community-cats-program-management-certificate-program-853-372/)
• Community Cat Champions - Sue Black Memorial Scholarship (https://communitycatchampions.org/)
• Colony Tales: Lessons from the Alley on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Colony-Tails-Lessons-Elizabeth-Finch/dp/B0DGG2SMSS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ODXF70MNCC5C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tONPSO-TUDZMhENuCmEHoOVqaKfXgEoTcOhTEH0gq7XUpOH3wONtfcdWlwWfOAaP.7RgU5T0GsT_FpRvxTxxIHNJNrWPTrd6nhZ83TwFwc2Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=colony+tails&qid=1756150798&sprefix=colony+tails,aps,98&sr=8-1)
• Community Cats Podcast TNR Certification Workshops (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/)
• Community Cats Podcast Partnership Programs (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/)
• Contact Elizabeth Finch: [email protected]
• Contact Stacy LeBaron: [email protected]
• Additional certifications: Drop Trap Certification, Trappers Tips & Tricks, Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks(https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/conferences-and-events/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies623)
• Six Degrees of Cats (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-degrees-of-cats/id1669849217)

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.

"If you love cats, you should be concerned about trying to help bring those numbers down so animals don't suffer because this is why we do this. We don't want animals suffering, having unwanted litters of cats and having to have them suffer."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats.

In this powerful episode, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Cathy Bissell, founder of Bissell Pet Foundation, who has revolutionized animal welfare through innovative programs reaching over 6,000 shelters across 49 states. From her unexpected entry into animal welfare during Hurricane Katrina to creating the nation's largest funded adoption event, Cathy's journey demonstrates how strategic thinking and passionate commitment can create systemic change. Her foundation has impacted nearly one million pets since 2011, but it's her latest initiative that's truly disrupting the industry.

Cathy shares the incredible success of her groundbreaking "Fix the Future" program, launched in 2023 to address the veterinary care access crisis. In just under 18 months, this free spay/neuter initiative has sterilized 138,000 animals across 27 states, with an astounding 86,963 of those being cats. Through a network of 385 high-volume, high-quality relief veterinarians, the program is tackling overpopulation at its source while keeping costs remarkably low at just $35 per surgery. Cathy discusses the challenges of scaling this model, the importance of treating every animal that comes through their doors, and why she believes this "disruptor program" is essential for breaking down cost barriers that prevent people from accessing veterinary care. Whether you're working in a small grassroots rescue or leading a major shelter, this episode provides invaluable insights into creating sustainable, scalable solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms. Cathy's emphasis on collaboration, her honest discussion about learning from mistakes (including a powerful story about declawing), and her practical advice for getting started at any age will inspire listeners to think bigger about their impact and consider how they can contribute to solving the access to care crisis in their own communities.

Press play now for:

• Cathy's unexpected journey from Hurricane Katrina volunteer to founding a major animal welfare foundation
• The evolution from disaster response to adoption events to addressing systemic access to care challenges
• Incredible statistics: 138,000 spay/neuter surgeries in 18 months with 86,963 cats across 27 states
• How the Fix the Future program operates with 385 relief veterinarians at just $35 per surgery
• The power of MASH-style clinics and why community cat advocates should consider creating their own
• Why Michigan serves as a prime example with 3,000 cats out of 4,000 total surgeries at their clinic
• The importance of spaying/neutering before adoption and addressing kittens under six months
• How veterinary school limitations (graduating with only 1-3 spay/neuter surgeries) impact private practice capacity
• Cathy's honest story about learning from the declawing controversy and how it changed her foundation's policies
• Practical advice for getting involved at any age and making a difference beyond just donating money
• The role of Empty the Shelters adoption events in supporting shelter operations nationwide
• Why every animal deserves vaccination and ear-tipping as part of comprehensive TNR programs

Resources mentioned:

• Bissell Pet Foundation website (https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/)
• Empty the Shelters adoption events (https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/empty-the-shelters/)
• Fix the Future spay/neuter initiative (https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/fix-the-future/)
• Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/)
• MSU shelter medicine program details (https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/about/points-of-pride)
• United Spay Alliance website (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/)
• United Spay Alliance wet lab training programs (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/hqhvsn-wet-labs/)
• BISSELL Pet Foundation grant information (https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/grant-information/)
• Operation Fix the Future clinics (https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/operation-fix-the-future/)
• BISSELL Pet Foundation Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bissellpets/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies623)
• Six Degrees of Cats (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-degrees-of-cats/id1669849217)

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.

"I envision Horn Lake being the hub of North Mississippi when it comes to animal welfare. I want my animal shelter to be the place that people model their strategies after."

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

In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Glen Andrews, Director of the Horn Lake Animal Shelter in North Mississippi. With over two decades in animal welfare and experience in virtually every shelter role imaginable—from event coordinator to veterinary assistant to director—Glen brings a unique "Renaissance rescuer" perspective to municipal animal services. His journey from Manhattan's urban animal control to rural Mississippi's challenges offers valuable insights into adapting shelter practices across different regional cultures and community needs.

Glen shares how he transformed a small, antiquated municipal shelter into a thriving no-kill facility while simultaneously doubling intake numbers. The conversation covers his innovative approaches to community engagement, including low-cost spay/neuter programs, pet food pantries, youth volunteer corps, and strategic community cat management. Glen discusses the importance of removing the enforcement stigma from municipal shelters and positioning them as community resources that help people keep their pets rather than judging pet owners in crisis.

Whether you're working in a large urban shelter or a small rural facility, this episode provides actionable strategies for building community trust, implementing sustainable programs with limited resources, and achieving life-saving outcomes. Glen's emphasis on understanding local demographics, strategic partnerships, and the power of microchipping offers a roadmap for municipal shelters looking to modernize their approach and better serve both animals and the people who care about them.

Press play now for:

• How Glen's diverse shelter experience prepared him to lead comprehensive reform at a small municipal facility
• The cultural differences in pet ownership between urban North and rural South, and how to adapt programming accordingly
• Strategies for removing the enforcement stigma from municipal shelters and building community trust
• Details on Horn Lake's innovative programs: low-cost spay/neuter, pet food pantry, and youth volunteer corps
• Glen's data-driven approach to community cats and achieving 100% more TNR surgeries than neighboring areas
• How to achieve no-kill status while doubling intake through strategic partnerships and enhanced marketing
• The game-changing impact of mandatory microchipping and achieving 20% above national average for return-to-owner rates
• Glen's vision for microchipping every animal in Horn Lake and creating a model for other communities
• Practical advice for small municipal shelters on accessing grants and proving community need
• The importance of municipal leadership support and how to work within government structures

Resources mentioned:

• Horn Lake Animal Shelter Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HornLakeAnimalShelter/)
• Horn Lake Animal Shelter website (https://www.hornlake.org/departments/AnimalShelter)
• Horn Lake Animal Shelter phone: (662) 393-5857
• Horn Lake Animal Shelter Petfinder page (https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/ms/horn-lake/friends-of-horn-lake-animal-shelter-ms71/)
• Maddie's Fund website (https://www.maddiesfund.org/)
• Maddie's Pet Forum (https://forum.maddiesfund.org/home)
• Maddie's University education courses (https://university.maddiesfund.org/)
• Best Friends Animal Society website (https://bestfriends.org/)
• Community Cats Podcast website (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/)
• Maddie's Fund grant programs (https://www.maddiesfund.org/)

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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

"You have to earn a cat's love and respect—and when you do, you have it forever." – Dr. Nicole Liebman

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

In this inspiring episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Dr. Nicole Liebman and Ron Coughlin, the passionate duo behind PAD Home Pet Services—a pioneering in-home pet care company dedicated to making veterinary support more accessible and compassionate, especially for cats.

Dr. Liebman, a lifelong animal lover and veterinary oncologist, shares her deep respect for feline behavior and the importance of minimizing stress during care. Alongside Ron Coughlin, former CEO of Petco and current animal welfare advocate, the pair explore how PAD's in-home model meets critical needs in underserved communities—reducing stress for cats, supporting overburdened clinics, and empowering veterinary technicians.

They unpack staggering industry realities—like how over half of all cats never see a veterinarian each year—and share how PAD fills the gap by providing services such as nail clipping, hospice support, post-surgical care, and more, all within the comfort of a pet's home. The episode highlights collaborations with rescue groups like Little Wanderers and emphasizes how this innovative model is already expanding beyond New York City.

Listeners will also gain a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of veterinary care deserts, technician shortages, and how PAD's community-focused, tech-driven model aims to be a game-changer—without sacrificing the personal, heart-centered care that animals deserve.

Whether you're a cat lover, rescuer, or industry professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to reimagine what accessible, compassionate pet care can look like.

Press Play Now For:

• Why 53% of cats aren't getting veterinary care—and what PAD is doing about it
• The importance of veterinary techs in in-home care
• Challenges facing NYC's rescue and TNR community
• PAD's impact in care deserts like the Bronx and Long Island
• Why at-home care can reduce clinic congestion and improve patient outcomes
• Ron's vision for a national model without compromising care standards
• Dr. Liebman's touching story of a beloved bodega cat's forever home journey

Resources & Links:

• PAD Home Pet Services (https://padhps.com/)
• Email: [email protected]
• Little Wanderers NYC (https://lwnyc.org/)
• Animal Medical Center NYC (https://www.amcny.org/)
• Rancho Coastal Humane Society (https://rchumanesociety.org/)
• Meals on Wheels Pet Support Program (https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals-and-services/)

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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

"Whether it's a pet cat, a feral cat, or a wildcat—they all deserve care and respect. TNVR isn't just about controlling populations; it's about preserving a legacy."

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

In this compelling episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Lara Semple, field team member of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's "Saving Wildcats" project. Based at the Highland Wildlife Park, this initiative is leading the charge in restoring the critically endangered European wildcat to the Scottish Highlands.

Lara shares her lifelong passion for feline welfare, tracing her journey from growing up in a boarding cattery to spearheading cutting-edge conservation work. She dives into the complexities of hybridization between wild and domestic cats, the challenges of reintroducing a species on the brink of extinction, and how their team uses GPS collars, soft-release techniques, and intensive field monitoring to give wildcats a fighting chance.

Listeners will also learn how TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) practices are strategically used to prevent genetic dilution from domestic cats, a major threat to wildcat survival. Lara explains the licensing hurdles, community outreach, and behavioral assessments involved in identifying and managing feral cat populations.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conservation, community cat management, and the delicate dance of coexistence between humans and wildlife. It's an inspiring look at science, compassion, and collaboration at work in one of the UK's most rugged and breathtaking landscapes.

Press Play Now For:

• How European wildcats differ from domestic cats—and why it matters
• The story of Craig, a legendary feral cat with a 10 km² territory
• What it takes to breed and reintroduce wildcats into the Highlands
• How TNVR fits into saving a species from genetic extinction
• Strategies to mitigate conflict between wildcats and rural communities
• The unexpected challenges of identifying "owned" outdoor cats

Resources & Links:

• Saving Wildcats Project Website (https://www.savingwildcats.org.uk/)
• Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (https://www.rzss.org.uk/)
• Cats Protection (UK) (https://www.cats.org.uk/)
• Highland Wildlife Park (https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/)

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Play Now For:

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

Resources & Links:

• Chappy & Friends Website (https://chappyandfriends.org/)
• Contact Robert: [email protected] | 212-641-0203

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Play Now For:

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

Resources & Links:

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

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Play Now For:

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

Resources & Links:

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

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Play Now For:

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

Resources & Links:

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

Sponsor Links:

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

Follow & Review

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

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

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

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

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

Press Play Now For:

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

Resources Mentioned:

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

Sponsor Links:

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

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