Hannah Shaw is an award-winning kitten rescuer, humane educator, and New York Times bestselling author who has dedicated her life to innovating kitten care and protecting the most vulnerable felines.

Through her project, Kitten Lady, she provides educational media, training resources, and instructional workshops that help individuals and animal shelters save the lives of kittens—all in a fun and engaging format. With a social media following of over 4 million, her educational videos serve as a vital training resource for rescues and foster parents across the globe.

Hannah is the author of several acclaimed books, including:

• Tiny But Mighty (2019)

• Cats of the World (2024)

• Cat Got Your Tongue? (2025)

• The Adventures in Fosterland chapter book series (2021-2025)

She is also the founder of Orphan Kitten Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has provided over $4 million in funding to help shelters build innovative programs for neonatal kittens. She lives in California with her husband Andrew Marttila, their cats, and an endless rotation of foster kittens.

Connect with Hannah: 🌐 KittenLady.org 🐾 OrphanKittenClub.org

🛍️ Shop Our Merch: sheltercatspod.com Visit our shop for Shelter Cats Podcast gear and learn more about Dan, Michelle, Stephen, and Jake!

📱 Follow Michelle (The Meow Maven): TikTok Updates

🥫 Shop Chewy & Give Back: We are proud members of the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program. Use our link for your pet needs to support both local shelters and the podcast! 👉 Support us on Chewy here

The Team

• Hosts: Dan "The Cat Man" & Michelle "The Meow Maven"

• Executive Producer: Stephen Quandt (catbehaviorhelp.com)

• Editor: Jacob Haley

Questions or Comments? Email us: [email protected] | [email protected]

In our 75th episode, we check in with Michelle to see how she is faring on her breast cancer journey, and we also read your responses that we posed on our social media to the question:

Why do we love cats?

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have an all-new website!

https://www.sheltercatspod.com⁠⁠

Visit our shop for Shelter Cats Podcast MERCH! Learn more about Dan, Michelle, Stephen, and Jake and get links!

The Shelter Cats Podcast is part of the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals. Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help shttps://urbancatleague.orgupport the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?mso...

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Michelle The Meow Maven.

Editor: Jacob Haley

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Mike Phillips is the president of Urban Cat League which he co-founded in 2003.

In 2010, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association named Mike recipient of its award, “BEST FRIEND TO FERAL CATS.”

In 2014, he was recruited to be the founding Senior Supervisor of the ASPCA’s Neonatal Kitten Nursery after having formerly served as the Vet Tech Supervisor of their NYC Adoption Center and having worked on the A’s mobile Spay/Neuter clinics even before graduating Vet Tech school.  

Thousands have attended Mike’s workshops for Community Cats on numerous topics including Taming Feral Kittens, Advanced TNR Trapping Techniques, Feral Cat-Shelter Building, TNR Community Relations and Bottle Feeding Neonatal Kittens. 

Offered in-person around the US and Canada, the workshops are now available on the Urban Cat League YouTube Channel.

When President of Neighborhood Cats in 1999, Mike taught at the very first TNR Certification Workshop, which Neighborhood Cats continues monthly online to this day, having trained tens of thousands of people in TNR best practices. 

Before leaving Show-biz entirely to focus on working for cats, Mike’s alter ego worked in theater as a director, choreographer and performer for over 40 years including 20 years at the New York City Opera.

Learn more about Urban Cat League here:

https://urbancatleague.org

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have an all-new website!

⁠⁠https://www.sheltercatspod.com⁠⁠

Visit our shop for Shelter Cats Podcast MERCH! Learn more about Dan, Michelle, Stephen, and Jake and get links!

The Shelter Cats Podcast is part of the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals. Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help support the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?mso...

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Michelle The Meow Maven.

Stephen Quandt, Executive Producer:

⁠https://catbehaviorhelp.com/⁠

Editor: Jacob Haley

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

We finally get to interview a veterinarian!

Dr. Mary Manspeaker, DVM, MS is a small animal veterinarian with experience in both shelter and general medicine.

A 2002 graduate, she earned her doctorate at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She also earned a master’s degree in veterinary forensic science and a graduate certificate in shelter medicine through the University of Florida.

She has practiced in Florida, New York, Connecticut and Tennessee.

Prior to returning full-time to general practice, she spent years working for non-profit organizations such as the ASPCA, Memphis Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. She volunteers for a local non-profit, All 4s Rescue League, a wonderful organization that helps pets in the underserved community of Shelby County, Tennessee. 

In her spare time she enjoys painting, singing, spending time with family and playing with her 4 cats and 2 dogs. 

If you are in the Memphis, Tennessee area and would like to book an appointment with Dr. Mary, you can find her here:

https://www.petvaxah.com/site/contact-cordova

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have an all-new website!

⁠https://www.sheltercatspod.com⁠

Visit our shop for Shelter Cats Podcast MERCH! Learn more about Dan, Michelle, Stephen, and Jake and get links!

The Shelter Cats Podcast is part of the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals. Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help support the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?mso...⁠

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Michelle The Meow Maven.

Stephen Quandt, Executive Producer:

https://catbehaviorhelp.com/

Editor: Jacob Haley

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Shout out to Shelly Bettancourt for her amazing questions for Dr. Mary! Find out more about Shelly's rescue at her link tree:

https://linktr.ee/SCARLI?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3270f293-2d8c-44ca-bdaa-f3073ed62ff9

Meet the CEO of Cat Amazing and Brook Fountains!

Andrey Grigoryev is the founder and CEO (Cat Entertainment Officer) of Cat Amazing, which specializes in enrichment for indoor cats and was featured on ABC's Shark Tank. More recently, Andrey is also the founder of Brook Fountains – the first all-glass cat water fountain – the most hygienic and functional hydration station for thirsty felines! Andrey has collaborated with the NYC ACC to create specialized toys that go into each of the kennels to provide enrichment for cats awaiting adoption – and two of his own cats came from ACC!

Our listeners get a special discount!

Use the promo code SHELTERCATS10  to get 10% off any purchase on Cat Amazing or Brook Fountains!

https://catamazing.com/

https://brookfountains.com/products/brook?variant=42249091252317

https://catamazing.com/blogs/cat-amazing-blog/tagged/cat-amazing

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have an all-new website!

⁠https://www.sheltercatspod.com⁠

Visit our shop for Shelter Cats Podcast MERCH! Learn more about Dan, Michelle, Stephen, and Jake and get links!

The Shelter Cats Podcast is part of the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals. Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help support the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?mso...⁠

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Michelle The Meow Maven.

Stephen Quandt, Executive Producer:

https://catbehaviorhelp.com/

Editor: Jacob Haley

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Meow!

It's that time of year! Holiday time!

You know what that means.....our annual holiday episode!

Joining hosts Dan and Michelle for this year's holiday episode are Caitlin and Anne Marie Buonomo from Rescue Advocates of Long Island to discuss their 2025 Holiday Drive for Homeless Pets!

You can find Rescue Advocates of Long Island on the web, and donate at:

https://www.rescueadvocatesli.org/

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠⁠⁠We have an all-new website!

https://www.sheltercatspod.com

Visit our shop for Shelter Cats Podcast MERCH!

Use the promo code FREESHIP50 for FREE SHIPPING on all orders $50 and above now through December 31st!The Shelter Cats Podcast is part of the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals. Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help support the podcast.Thank you, Chewy!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?mso...Podcast hosts:Dan The Cat Man. Michelle The Meow Maven.Editor: Jacob HaleyHave a question or comment?Send us an [email protected]@[email protected]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Season Four Premiere!

Jackson Galaxy is a two-time New York Times bestselling author and the host of My Cat from Hell, Animal Planet’s long-running hit show that helped millions of cat guardians solve feline behavior challenges and build stronger bonds with their pets.

Beyond television, Jackson is a leader in the animal welfare world, working directly with shelters and rescues to improve the lives of cats in their care. He leads workshops, teaches classes, and consults with organizations to help create cat-friendly spaces, practices, and adoption programs.

Jackson’s expertise comes from over 30 years of hands-on experience—starting as a shelter worker at a large Colorado animal shelter, where he developed his deep understanding of cat behavior and his signature approach to cat wellness, which revolves around the Raw Cat—the instinctive, untamed spirit inside every feline. By honoring the Raw Cat, he teaches people how to create happier, more confident cats and more harmonious human-animal relationships.

As a prolific digital creator, Jackson has built a global community of almost 9 million followers and averages over 3.5 million views monthly across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where he shares expert advice, cat-friendly inspiration, and unfiltered insights into his life as an animal lover and advocate.

Find Jackson Galaxy on the web:

https://www.jacksongalaxy.com

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠⁠

Your link for all things Shelter Cats Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://linktr.ee/sheltercats

The Shelter Cats Podcast has joined the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals.

Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help support the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?msockid=09b4c627610d6c6a3f26d02360d96dcc

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Michelle The Meow Maven.

Stephen Quandt, Producer.

https://catbehaviorhelp.com/

Editor: Jacob Haley

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Episode 69: Cat Treats: Holiday Safety Tips!

Host Dan The Cat Man, along with Producer Stephen Quandt of catbehaviorhelp.com, discuss important holiday dangers and tips to follow this holiday season to keep your cats safe.

You can keep your cat safe and enjoy the holidays with your feline family members!

You can reach ASPCA Poison Control at this link:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control

Get well soon, Michelle!

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠⁠⁠

⁠http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠⁠

Your link for all things Shelter Cats Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://linktr.ee/sheltercats

The Shelter Cats Podcast has joined the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals.

Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, but you’ll also help support the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!⁠⁠⁠

https://www.chewy.com/g/give-back?msockid=09b4c627610d6c6a3f26d02360d96dcc

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Stephen Quandt, Producer.

https://catbehaviorhelp.com/

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

Shelters are overcrowded and need our help!

Adopt a cat (or dog) today!

In our latest Cat Treats episode, Stephen Quandt, our producer and cat behavior expert from catbehaviorhelp.com, rings the alarm! Animal Care Centers of NYC, where Stephen works part-time, is over capacity and needs more adoptions. Now is a great time to adopt! Many shelters are overcrowded and overstretched and need adoptions, please consider adopting today!

Disclaimer: Stephen's opinions are his own, and he does not speak on behalf of Animal Care Centers of NYC.

Find an amazing cat (or dog) to bring home today!

https://nycacc.app/

Not in NYC? Find an amazing cat near you!

https://www.petfinder.com/search/cats-for-adoption/

Get well soon, Michelle!

Follow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:⁠

http://bit.ly/42m1R8r⁠

Your link for all things Shelter Cats Podcast:⁠⁠⁠

https://linktr.ee/sheltercats⁠⁠⁠

The Shelter Cats Podcast has joined the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!

Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues often serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals.

Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, you’ll also help support the podcast.

Thank you, Chewy!⁠

https://chewygivesback.prf.hn/click/c...⁠

Podcast hosts:

Dan The Cat Man. 

Stephen Quandt, producer.

https://catbehaviorhelp.com/

Have a question or comment?

Send us an email!

[email protected]

[email protected]

Just when you thought it was safe to turn off your favorite podcast platform, The Shelter Cats Podcast is back with a between-seasons series of mini "Cat Treats" episodes while Michelle the Meow Maven recovers.

In this "Cat Treat," Stephen describes what is called "The Fraidy Cat Club," a special method used at NYC ACC to help extremely scared, hissing cats learn to calm down.

It is possible!

If you would like a printout of The Fraidy Cat Club method, send us an email!

Get well soon, Michelle!To order your own copy of The Farty Feline:https://a.co/d/6DZeJPbFollow Michelle The Meow Maven on her personal TikTok for updates on her journey:http://bit.ly/42m1R8rYour link for all things Shelter Cats Podcast:⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sheltercats⁠⁠The Shelter Cats Podcast has joined the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Affiliate Program!Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy is passionate about supporting animals and making a positive impact in communities across the country. Local shelters and rescues oftentimes serve as a first home or provide continued support to pets. That is why Chewy is committed to supporting organizations that benefit the overall health, safety, and well-being of shelter and rescue animals.Please click the link below to make your Chewy purchases! You’ll not only be helping your local shelter, you’ll also help support the podcast.Thank you, Chewy!https://chewygivesback.prf.hn/click/c...Podcast hosts:Dan The Cat Man. Stephen Quandt, producer .

https://catbehaviorhelp.com/

To learn more about Stephen's appearance at The Ultimate Cat Club Conference, head to this link:

https://truerescue.org/ultimate-cat-conference

Have a question or comment?Send us an [email protected]

[email protected]