The Community Cats Podcast

The Community Cats Podcast

Together, we can help community cats all around the world!

  • 32 minutes 8 seconds
    Ep 655: Full Circle TNR: Solving the Kitten Crisis at the Source with Hannah Shaw, Founder of Orphan Kitten Club

    "The goal is really to do the maximum good. Not bring in kittens who don't need to be there today, but make sure we have a plan for the future … and importantly that we have a plan to return and sterilize everyone…"

    his episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, The Trapper's Tips & Tricks Workshop, and The Community Cat Clinic.

    What if the key to saving more kittens isn't working harder — but working smarter?

    In this powerful return to the show, Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw, humane educator and founder of Orphan Kitten Club, joins Stacy LeBaron to unpack the biggest shifts in kitten welfare over the past decade. Celebrating 10 years of impact, Hannah shares compelling national data showing a 35% drop in kitten non-live outcomes — and explains why foster programs, community education, and strategic data use are driving real change.

    But the conversation doesn't stop there.

    Hannah breaks down the "CASA" method — a practical, field-ready framework for deciding when to intervene (and when not to) if you find kittens outdoors. She dives deep into "Full Circle TNR," a strategic approach that turns every kitten intake into an opportunity to identify and sterilize entire colonies — addressing the source, not just the symptom.

    You'll also hear insights from the 2025 Hill's State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, including surprising trends around foster participation, generational differences, fear of attachment, and misconceptions about cost. If your organization struggles with foster recruitment or retention, this episode is a must-listen.

    As kitten season approaches, Hannah shares exactly how shelters can prepare now — from staffing and supply planning to smarter data tracking and community messaging.

    This is a masterclass in kitten strategy, sustainability, and compassion.

    Press Play Now For:

    • The 35% national decrease in kitten non-live outcomes — and what's driving it
    • Why 80% of pre-adoption age kittens come from outdoors
    • The CASA method for deciding when to intervene with outdoor kittens
    • How "Full Circle TNR" turns kitten intake into colony sterilization
    • Why foster participation is dropping — even as awareness rises
    • The real story behind foster affordability (and why messaging matters)
    • How to improve foster retention by improving access to care
    • The one data metric every shelter should track before kitten season
    • Strategic March planning tips to prepare for peak kitten volume

    Resources & Links:

    10 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 44 minutes 1 second
    Ep 654: Governance for Good: The Hidden Key to Animal Shelter Success with Tim Crum, CEO of Animal Shelter Services

    "The board should govern, and the executive director should lead the day-to-day operations. When those lines blur, that's when things get messy."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, The Trapper's Tips & Tricks Workshop, and The Community Cat Clinic.

    Strong missions save lives but strong governance sustains them.

    In this essential episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron welcomes back Tim Crum, CEO and founder of Animal Shelter

    Services, for a deep dive into nonprofit board governance. If you've ever wondered what a board of directors should be doing (versus what they often end up doing), this conversation is for you.

    Tim breaks down the core purpose of a nonprofit board: governance, not operations. From fiduciary responsibility to strategic planning, he outlines the three legal duties every board member must understand—duty of loyalty, duty of care, and duty of obedience (think "LOCO" to remember them). He also shares real-world examples of common governance missteps, including conflicts of interest, related board members, executive directors serving as voting board members, and the risks of poorly documented board minutes.

    For growing animal welfare organizations—especially those transitioning from all-volunteer to staffed operations—this episode offers practical guidance on when to hire an executive director, how to structure bylaws and policies, and why board composition matters. Tim also addresses board giving requirements, succession planning, and how to recruit skilled board members by first getting your "house in order."

    Whether you're a founder wearing too many hats, a seasoned board member, or stepping into governance for the first time, this episode provides clear, actionable insights to help your organization grow responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.

    Good governance isn't just paperwork…it's the foundation for saving more lives.

    Press Play Now For:

    • The three legal duties of nonprofit board members—and why most people don't know they have them
    • What Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance actually protects
    • Real-life examples of governance "missteps" and how to avoid them
    • Why accurate board minutes are your organization's legal safety net
    • The difference between bylaws, policies, and standard operating procedures
    • When (and how) to hire an executive director
    • Why related board members can create major conflicts of interest
    • The ideal board size for animal welfare organizations
    • Whether board members should have a financial giving requirement
    • Practical strategies for recruiting strong, skilled board members

    Resources & Links:

    3 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 38 minutes 3 seconds
    Ep 653: How One Humane Society is Scaling TNR to Save Thousands with Cheryl McCormick CEO of Athens Area Humane Society
    "Small to mid-size organizations can accomplish a tremendous amount of impact when they work together, shoulder to shoulder in joyful service."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, The Trapper's Tips & Tricks Certification Workshop, and The Community Cat Clinic.

    In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Dr. Cheryl McCormick, CEO of the Athens Area Humane Society, for an energetic and inspiring conversation on scaling high-impact, humane strategies for managing community cats. Drawing on her rich background in wildlife ecology and nonprofit leadership, Cheryl shares how her visit to Operation Catnip in Florida sparked a major shift in her organization's approach—resulting in a game-changing, high-volume spay/neuter initiative dubbed "Snip & Tip."

    Listeners will hear how Cheryl and her team implemented this model in Georgia, overcoming scorching summer heat, logistical hurdles, and community challenges to sterilize 166 cats in just two days. She outlines the lean-staff, volunteer-driven model powered by professional trappers, strategic scheduling, and strong partnerships with funders. The episode is filled with practical strategies, insights into vet school partnerships, and tips for leveraging data and geography to reduce feline overpopulation—especially in underserved rural areas.

    If you're looking for ways to improve cat welfare, build collaborative rescue models, or create sustainable TNR programs, this episode is a masterclass in innovation and impact at scale.

    Press Play Now For:

    • How a visit to Operation Catnip inspired a major organizational pivot
    • Strategies for high-volume, low-cost sterilization events in rural areas
    • Why Cheryl believes cat care is a powerful public health initiative
    • Building sustainable vet pipelines through early student engagement
    • The magic of "stone soup" funding models for humane programs
    • Tips on starting community-based "cat action teams" and local satellite support

    Resources & Links:

    24 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 27 minutes 44 seconds
    Ep 652: Price Check, Please! How One Pet Parent Turned Vet Bill Shock into a Tech Solution with Pietro Kabeya, Founder of FareVet
    "I just thought—why can't we know what care costs before we walk through the door? That's what FairVet is here to solve."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, The Underfoot Podcast, and The Community Cat Clinic.

    When a pet emergency nearly cost him both his beloved dog and thousands of dollars, Pietro Kabeya decided enough was enough. In this compelling episode, Stacy LeBaron chats with Pietro, the founder of Farevet, an app designed to bring price transparency and affordability to veterinary care.

    Pietro shares the emotional story of his dog King, whose medical emergency revealed an alarming disparity in vet costs—from a $5,000 quote to the same procedure for $1,500 just miles apart. This experience sparked his mission to build a platform where pet parents can compare vet prices in real time, crowdsource cost estimates, and avoid unnecessary financial stress during moments of crisis.

    Listeners will discover how FareVet works, why price transparency matters, and how the veterinary care landscape varies across regions. Pietro also introduces their upcoming AI chatbot, which aims to simplify the vet search process and help users budget for their pet's care more accurately. Whether you're rescuing community cats or navigating your own pet's health journey, this conversation is a must-hear for anyone seeking to turn compassion into action—and save money doing it.

    Press Play Now For:

    • The origin story behind FairVet and the emergency that changed everything
    • How massive price discrepancies in vet care sparked a tech revolution
    • A look at how crowdsourced data powers the FairVet platform
    • Why itemized vet bills confuse pet parents—and how to decode them
    • An inside scoop on FairVet's AI assistant and its budgeting potential
    • Advice for pet parents navigating emergency care and economic euthanasia

    Resources & Links:

    17 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 36 minutes 30 seconds
    Ep 651: The Future Is Feline: Vet Care, Consent & Compassion with Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, and JoJo Smith, Veterinary Nurse
    "The future is feline. Let's keep understanding our cats."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, The Underfoot Podcast, and The Community Cat Clinic.

    In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Stacy LeBaron sits down with Dr. Angie Krause, a holistic small-animal veterinarian from Boulder, Colorado, and her veterinary nurse, JoJo Smith. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of feline veterinary care, community cat welfare, and the powerful human-animal bond that fuels it all.

    Dr. Angie shares her lifelong love for cats and how her holistic approach—combined with home visits and mobile vet care—provides a less stressful, more authentic picture of feline health. JoJo opens up about the unique emotional richness of end-of-life care and the urgent need to advocate for underserved cats with the same passion and grace we afford to dogs.

    From discussing consent in feline handling to championing spay/neuter accessibility and the nuances of community cat caregiving, this conversation will leave you both inspired and informed. You'll also learn about their podcast, Tails of Truth: The Truth About Veterinary Medicine, which dives deeper into these topics.

    Whether you're a cat parent, TNR advocate, or simply feline curious, this episode is your invitation to better understand and uplift the cats in your life and community.

    Press Play Now For:

    • Why consent matters in feline veterinary care
    • The unique value of in-home visits for understanding cats
    • How Colorado's spay/neuter infrastructure impacts cat populations
    • The emotional depth of end-of-life decisions for cats
    • Strategies to approach vet visits with grace and empathy
    • The role of language in reshaping perceptions about "feral" cats
    • How to advocate for cats—even if you don't have one at home

    Resources & Links:

    10 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 40 minutes 39 seconds
    Ep 650: From Shy to Shine: Transforming Cat Behavior in Shelters with Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Director of Behavior at the Toronto Humane Society

    "The cat was telling me—I was just the one writing it down."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, and The Underfoot Podcast.

    What if there were a scientifically validated system to help shy, fearful, or traumatized cats become adoptable and happy? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Director of Behavior at the Toronto Humane Society, sits down with host Stacy LeBaron to share her groundbreaking work in feline behavior and welfare. With a PhD in animal welfare and a passion ignited in second grade, Dr. Ellis has built a career helping cats communicate their needs through data-driven insights.

    At the heart of the conversation is Dr. Ellis's revolutionary ordinal rating scale system, used to assess behaviors like food intake, response to petting, and play participation. She explains how this simple yet powerful tool not only improves individual case outcomes but also transforms how shelters approach feline care on a larger scale. Hear about whimsical enrichment rooms sponsored by brands, the unique challenges of conflict aggression, and why indoor-only cats need enrichment just as much as their outdoor counterparts.

    If you're working with "in-betweener" cats—those that sit on the fence between adoptable and feral—this episode is packed with tools, inspiration, and insights to turn passion into meaningful outcomes.

    Press Play Now For:

    • The backstory behind Dr. Ellis's career in feline behavior
    • How the Toronto Humane Society tracks and improves cat welfare
    • The power of data in managing behavioral interventions
    • Creative enrichment solutions that benefit both cats and adopters
    • The truth about barn cat programs and their perception in urban areas
    • Dealing with tough cases like conflict aggression and "dive bombing" cats
    • How to help indoor-only cats live their best lives

    Resources & Links:

    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 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.

    3 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 27 minutes 38 seconds
    Ep. 649: Saving Cats Through Working Cat Programs with Mary Scott, Director of the ASAP Working Cats Program

    "No matter what's going on out there, there's always hope."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, and The Underfoot Podcast.

    What happens to cats deemed unadoptable due to behavioral challenges? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes back Mary Scott, Director of the ASAP Working Cats Program in Santa Barbara, California. With over 17 years of animal welfare experience, Mary sheds light on the complex and often misunderstood issue of behavioral euthanasia in shelters—and offers a powerful alternative.

    Mary shares how her Working Cats program provides safe, fulfilling lives for semi-social and non-social cats who might otherwise face euthanasia. By partnering with cat-savvy caretakers and relocating these felines to barns, sheds, or outbuildings, the program offers these cats a chance to thrive in an environment aligned with their needs. Through structured acclimation, sound matching, and supportive protocols, Mary and her team have achieved a remarkable 95% live release rate and a 67%+ retention rate for placed cats.

    This candid and inspiring conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about finding innovative solutions to shelter overpopulation, reducing euthanasia rates, and celebrating every cat's right to a dignified life.

    Press Play Now For:

    • A clear definition of behavioral euthanasia and how it impacts shelter cats
    • How Working Cats programs provide life-saving alternatives
    • The step-by-step relocation process for cats in the program
    • Tips for matching cats with suitable caretakers and environments
    • The role of shelters, resources, and flexibility in saving lives
    • National stats on cat euthanasia and reasons for hope
    • Real-life success stories like DeLorean and Wobble

    Resources & Links:

    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 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.

    27 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 35 minutes 19 seconds
    Ep. 648: Who's Throwing the Cats in the River? Rethinking Rescue and Prevention, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management, International Cat Care

    "The ultimate goal is to make cat welfare and population management so normal, so embedded in our communities, that it's simply what a community does."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, and The Underfoot Podcast.

    In this insightful follow-up to episode 605, Stacy LeBaron welcomes back global animal welfare strategist Harry Eckman, who shares groundbreaking findings from an ambitious five-country research initiative on cat population management. Funded by the Bates Global Enablers Grant and spearheaded by International Cat Care, the project explores the cat welfare landscapes of Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Australia, and the UK—identifying challenges, public perceptions, and innovative strategies tailored to each country.

    Harry delves into what makes this research unique: over 120 in-depth stakeholder interviews, public opinion surveys, and detailed country reports culminating in two critical resources—a foundational 18-month strategy and a visionary 10-year framework. With an upstream-thinking approach, he emphasizes aligning communities, funders, and policymakers under shared goals, whether on a city block or a national level. From addressing cat stigmatization in Australia to proposing a model project in Cyprus, Harry's holistic, data-driven approach provides a roadmap for turning compassion into coordinated, sustainable action.

    Whether you're managing a colony or planning municipal policies, this episode will inspire you to think bigger—and upstream—about community cat care.

    Press Play Now For:

    • The difference between treating cat population symptoms vs. root causes
    • Key findings from five countries and how cultural context shapes cat welfare
    • How to use a "community cat needs assessment" to create localized strategies
    • Insights on why Australia's media portrayal of cats matters
    • What makes Portugal a model for progress—and why Cyprus needs proof-of-concept projects
    • Why long-term thinking is essential for sustainable TNR efforts
    • How Singapore is innovating spay/neuter solutions at scale
    • The power of inclusive frameworks that serve both rescuers and policymakers

    Resources & Links:

    20 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 24 minutes 53 seconds
    Ep. 646: The Power of a Penny to End Pet Overpopulation, featuring Carrie Weber of PennyFix
    "It's not what we think they need—it's about what they actually need. And sometimes, that's just food and space to be left alone."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    In this inspiring episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes longtime animal welfare advocate Carrie Weber to discuss her three-decade journey championing the needs of cats and how one tiny idea could solve a massive problem.

    Carrie's passion for animals stems from a childhood filled with rescues—both human and animal—guided by her mother's compassionate example. Her career has included roles in adoption, temperament testing, medical assistance, TNR, and hospice care, as well as leadership positions in multiple nonprofits. But it's her work with PennyFix, a nonprofit striving to solve pet overpopulation through a groundbreaking one-penny-per-can model, that's capturing attention.

    Carrie discusses how her views on animal needs have evolved, emphasizing the importance of understanding what animals actually need—not what humans wish for them. She also opens up about her time at The Best Little Cat House in Pennsylvania, the nation's oldest cat hospice, and her hands-on experience with fostering, board service, and the vital (if often overlooked) role of volunteers.

    The episode dives deep into how PennyFix awards spay/neuter grants, their efforts to partner with pet food manufacturers, and the challenges of rising vet costs and a shrinking workforce. Carrie also shares smart fundraising strategies—from posters in unexpected places to donor-advised funds—and introduces PennyFix's new "Penny a Day" campaign, showing how small donations can make a massive impact.

    Press Play Now For:

    • Why a single penny could change the future of animal overpopulation
    • How Carrie's policing career shaped her advocacy for the voiceless
    • Surprising truths about spay/neuter access across the U.S.
    • Fundraising tips you've likely never heard before
    • A behind-the-scenes look at The Best Little Cat House

    Resources:

    Sponsor Links:

    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.

    13 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 30 minutes 12 seconds
    Justice for Animals and the Legal Fight to End Cruelty, Featuring Joyce Glass, Attorney at Joyce M. Glass, P.C.
    "One person can definitely make a difference. Don't be afraid to be the first voice—sometimes the biggest cases start with one person speaking up."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    In this powerful and enlightening episode, Stacy LeBaron sits down with attorney Joyce Glass, a passionate and pioneering voice in animal welfare law. From her start as a bankruptcy attorney to becoming a tireless advocate for animals, Joyce shares the deeply personal journey that led her to found a pro bono legal practice focused on protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. Her mission is clear: addressing animal cruelty not only helps animals but also creates safer, more compassionate communities.

    Joyce walks us through her work drafting legislation, collaborating with law enforcement, and handling complex animal cruelty cases across New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina. Learn how laws like Desmond's Law in Connecticut and innovative partnerships such as the Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. are creating new models for justice. She explains why recognizing the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is crucial, and why community collaboration is key to long-term solutions.

    Listeners will gain insight into the legal classification of animals, the challenges of prosecuting cruelty cases, and the evolving role of courtroom advocates. Whether you're a community cat caregiver or just passionate about animal welfare, this episode empowers you to take action and be the voice animals need.

    Press Play Now For:

    • How Joyce Glass transitioned from finance law to animal advocacy
    • Why community-level collaboration matters more than state mandates
    • An overview of Desmond's Law and its real-world impact
    • What to do if you witness animal cruelty
    • How trail cams and Ring doorbells are changing investigations
    • The case for expanding protections to all animals, not just cats and dogs

    Resources & Links:

    Sponsor Links:

    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.

    6 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 33 minutes 40 seconds
    Leadership, Legacy & A New Chapter for Community Cats, Featuring Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat for Community Cats Central
    "Helping that one cat is incredibly valuable... but it also represents a new behavior, a new calling, as to how we are addressing cats in our community."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    As 2025 draws to a close, host Stacy LeBaron takes the mic solo to share heartfelt reflections, bold vision, and a rallying cry for cat advocates everywhere. In this special year-end episode, Stacy unveils Community Cats Central, a transformative evolution of the Community Cats Podcast, designed to deepen education, networking, and support for cat lovers turning their passion into action.

    This isn't just a look back—it's a forward march. Stacy encourages each listener to embrace their leadership potential, set attainable goals for 2026, and build stronger bonds within their communities. With stories like the Newburyport case study and a touching tribute to her late friend Betty Bro, this episode bridges the personal and the strategic, reminding us that every cat saved starts with a connection, a plan, and a little courage.

    Whether you're new to TNR or a seasoned advocate, this episode is your invitation to step into leadership and create lasting change.

    Press Play Now For:

    • A preview of the 2026 vision for Community Cats Central
    • Tips to set realistic goals and avoid burnout in rescue work
    • Why YOU are a leader—even if you don't feel like one
    • The power of positive connections in advocacy
    • Sneak peeks at new on-demand TNR courses and January events
    • A moving tribute to cat champion and what she teaches us about legacy

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    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.

    30 December 2025, 9:00 am
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