"Working cat programs historically have been programs of last resort... I like to think of the working cats program as really going beyond that, where every cat has the possibility of a live outcome…”

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this episode filled with insight and inspiration, Stacy LeBaron, host of The Community Cats Podcast, sits down with Mary Scott, a dedicated animal advocate with over 15 years in the field of animal welfare. Mary’s journey, which started as a veterinary receptionist and shelter volunteer, led her to become the director of the ASAP Cat Shelter's Working Cats Program in Santa Barbara, California. This unique initiative offers non-social, feral, or semi-social cats a second chance by placing them as "working cats" on farms, nurseries, and other properties where they can thrive while providing natural pest control.

Throughout the episode, Mary shares her strategies for acclimating cats to new environments and ensuring they feel at home through careful preparation and adopter education. Stacy and Mary discuss the challenges and successes of maintaining a 95% live release rate, the importance of cultural education around spay and neuter, and the broader impact that working cats programs can have on communities. Whether you're looking to start a similar initiative or simply curious about humane ways to support non-social cats, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice for every animal advocate.

Press Play Now For:

• The evolution of Mary's career from teacher to animal welfare leader
• Insights into ASAP's Working Cats Program and its impact on non-social cats
• Proven methods to help cats acclimate safely to new environments
• The vital role of community support in humane cat management
• How microchip-enabled cat doors improve cat safety and security
• Mary's advice for starting a barn cat program in any community
• The importance of self-care for long-term success in animal welfare work

Resources Mentioned:

• ASAP Cats Website: asapcats.org
• Working Cats Program Application: Available under the Services section on the ASAP Cats website
• Contact Mary Scott at [email protected] or call 805-637-796

"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.”

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

If you missed Part 1 of this episode click here to listen now!

In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent live webinar, we'll Explore Return-to-Field (RTF) programs for community cats with Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats. With years of experience managing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, Kortis and his wife, Suzi Richmond, provide an expert perspective on the RTF approach, discussing its benefits, challenges, and impact on communities. From the origins of RTF programs to their evolving role in shelters across the U.S., they share success stories and compelling data showing how RTF reduces shelter euthanasia rates, frees up resources, and helps create a humane solution for managing feral and stray cat populations. They also touch on practical strategies for implementing RTF in various communities, legal considerations, and the important differences between RTF and TNR. Tune in to explore a groundbreaking approach that's changing the future of animal shelters and the lives of community cats.

Press Play Now For:

• The Journey of RTF Programs: How RTF went from concept to common practice in U.S. shelters
• Defining Terms: Understanding RTF, TNR, and their specific impacts on cat populations
• Success Metrics: How RTF programs reduce euthanasia rates and shelter costs
• Community and Shelter Benefits: Lower complaints, higher public support, and fewer shelter admissions
• Legal and Advocacy Tips: What municipalities should know about implementing RTF
• Practical Advice for Shelters: Managing intake, assessing eligibility, and effective returns

Additional Resources:

• Return-to-Field Handbook
• Neighborhood Cats
• TNR Certification Workshop

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.”

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent live webinar, we'll Explore Return-to-Field (RTF) programs for community cats with Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats. With years of experience managing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, Kortis and his wife, Suzi Richmond, provide an expert perspective on the RTF approach, discussing its benefits, challenges, and impact on communities. From the origins of RTF programs to their evolving role in shelters across the U.S., they share success stories and compelling data showing how RTF reduces shelter euthanasia rates, frees up resources, and helps create a humane solution for managing feral and stray cat populations. They also touch on practical strategies for implementing RTF in various communities, legal considerations, and the important differences between RTF and TNR. Tune in to explore a groundbreaking approach that's changing the future of animal shelters and the lives of community cats.

Press Play Now For:

• The Journey of RTF Programs: How RTF went from concept to common practice in U.S. shelters
• Defining Terms: Understanding RTF, TNR, and their specific impacts on cat populations
• Success Metrics: How RTF programs reduce euthanasia rates and shelter costs
• Community and Shelter Benefits: Lower complaints, higher public support, and fewer shelter admissions
• Legal and Advocacy Tips: What municipalities should know about implementing RTF
• Practical Advice for Shelters: Managing intake, assessing eligibility, and effective returns

Additional Resources:

• Return-to-Field Handbook
• Neighborhood Cats
• TNR Certification Workshop

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

"I didn’t want to start another rescue that was going to fill up."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Matt Tougas, also known as "Matt the Cat Guy," founder of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition in southeastern South Dakota. Matt shares his unexpected journey from fostering wiener dogs to becoming a fierce advocate for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, despite ongoing legal hurdles in Sioux Falls.

He highlights how a stray kitten sparked his love for feline welfare and how his organization is now leading the charge to reduce cat overpopulation through TNR efforts.

With over 275 cats spayed and neutered in their first year, Sioux Empire TNR is making remarkable strides, even without legal backing in some areas. Matt talks about the challenges of securing affordable spay/neuter services, building community support, and overcoming public misconceptions about TNR. Tune in to hear about Matt’s mission to bring humane cat management to South Dakota and his hopes for the future. If you're passionate about saving cats, you’ll want to press play on this one!

Press Play Now For:

• Matt’s transition from fostering wiener dogs to rescuing cats
• The uphill battle to legalize TNR in Sioux Falls
• The importance of affordable spay/neuter services in rural communities
• Matt’s advice for small rescue groups navigating early-stage challenges
• Insights on the growth of TNR efforts across South Dakota
• How to balance rescue work with local politics and advocacy
• The vital role of education in overcoming opposition to TNR

Resources Mentioned:

• Sioux Empire TNR – Learn more about Matt’s organization and how to get involved.
• Community Cat Calculator – A tool to estimate the number of cats needing TNR in your area.

"Shelters across the country are in crisis… sometimes keeping a pet at home where they're loved and safe is as simple as providing them with a bowl of food.”

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

In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Natalia Hansen, Marketing Coordinator for the Humane Canada Summit for Animals. Natalia shares her journey from being unsure of cats to becoming a self-professed "cat lady," all while playing a pivotal role in Canada's animal welfare movement. She highlights the work Humane Canada does, from advocating for animal welfare legislation to organizing Canada's largest animal welfare conference.

Natalia discusses the successes of Humane Canada, such as their advocacy for the ban on whale and dolphin captivity for entertainment, and the challenges that remain, including a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in animal welfare and sheds light on innovative solutions like mobile spay and neuter programs, as well as pet food banks, which help keep pets in loving homes during times of hardship.

As Natalia gears up for the 2025 Summit for Animals in Montreal, she invites listeners to attend and connect with other professionals dedicated to improving animal welfare. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply sharing knowledge, Natalia urges everyone to get involved and support the work of local humane societies.

Press Play Now For:

• How Humane Canada advocates for stronger animal protection laws and supports shelters across the nation.
• The inside scoop on the Summit for Animals, and why it’s a must-attend event for animal welfare professionals.
• A deep dive into Canada’s veterinary shortage and its impact on spay and neuter services.
• The lifesaving role of mobile spay/neuter units in reaching underserved communities.
• The critical importance of collaboration in advancing cat welfare across Canada.
• How Humane Canada’s pet food banks are keeping pets in their homes during financial hardships.

Resources Mentioned:

• Humane Canada Website
• Humane Canada Summit for Animals
• Collaboration in Cat Welfare Initiatives Report

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

 

"Giving back is way more powerful than receiving. The benefits are tenfold, and they come back to you in ways you can’t explain."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this inspiring episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue, a pioneering nonprofit that merges his love for aviation with his dedication to saving animals. Michael shares the remarkable journey that led him to establish this unique organization, which has successfully transported over 3,000 animals from overcrowded shelters to new homes across the country.

Michael reveals the behind-the-scenes logistics of these lifesaving missions, discussing the special considerations of flying with animals and the profound fulfillment of combining passion with purpose. Beyond the flights themselves, he emphasizes the transformative power of hands-on involvement in rescue work, challenging listeners to move beyond donations and actively participate in the causes they care about.

This conversation is filled with heartwarming stories of rescued animals, valuable insights into running a mission-driven nonprofit, and a call to action for anyone looking to make a real difference in the lives of animals. Whether you’re a seasoned rescuer or new to the world of animal advocacy, this episode will uplift and motivate you to think about how you can help those in need—from the ground or the sky.

Press Play Now For:

• The inspiring story behind Pilots to the Rescue and how it has saved over 3,000 animals
• Unique challenges and heartwarming rewards of transporting animals by plane
• Why hands-on involvement in rescue work brings profound personal fulfillment
• Michael’s approach to running a nonprofit like a business for long-term impact
• How Pilots to the Rescue uses both air and ground transport to maximize their reach
• Practical tips on combining your passion with purpose to make a difference

Resources Mentioned:

• Pilots to the Rescue: www.pilotstotherescue.org
• Connect on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

"The reproductive justice framework is really useful for thinking about community cats and TNR because it opens us up to engaging with the lives of the cats both personally and before sterilization, but also afterwards."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps.

In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Katja Gunther, a professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside, and an avid animal rights advocate. Katyja’s research delves into the intersections of human-animal relationships, feminist activism, and the challenges of animal sheltering. Her work, especially focused on community cats in Los Angeles, brings a fresh perspective to the ongoing debates around TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), reproductive justice, and the ethics of animal care.

Stacy and Katja explore the unique challenges faced by community cats in Los Angeles, the cultural and ethical considerations surrounding TNR, and the concept of reproductive justice as it applies to animal welfare. This conversation highlights the importance of spay/neuter programs, the complexities of abortive spays, and the necessity of clear communication and organizational coherence in animal advocacy.

In this episode, Stacy and Katja discuss:

• The significance of reproductive justice in the context of community cats and TNR.
• Understanding the ethical dilemmas surrounding abortive spays and how they impact community cat management.
• The cultural and regional differences in community cat advocacy and the importance of tailoring strategies to local contexts.
• The critical role of clear organizational policies and communication in managing the complexities of community cat programs.
• Insights into the day-to-day realities and challenges of advocating for community cats in a major urban area like Los Angeles.

Resources:

• Find Katja on the web at www.katjamguenther.com
• Looking for Katja’s Books?
• Curious what a spay procedure looks like?

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. Simply 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 will not spay and neuter ourselves out of the problem...the education is the lasting part of it, and that will go from person to person."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps.

In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy interviews Dr. Christine Monroe, a seasoned veterinarian, and Rhonda Shaffer, a dedicated trapper from Spay Neuter Northwest. Together, this two-woman team has enormously impacted feral cat populations in Whatcom County, pioneering innovative programs that provide compassionate care for thousands of cats. Through hands-on efforts, strategic collaboration, and a deep-rooted passion, they are leading the way in transforming how communities manage feral cats.

Dr. Monroe and Rhonda share the origins of their work, which began with a simple idea over breakfast and evolved into a model for managing feral colonies. They discuss their unique approaches, from mass trappings to individual cat rescues, and their efforts to educate and empower local communities. Listeners will learn about the practical challenges of TNR (trap-neuter-return), the evolution of their feral cat program, and the “No Excuses” initiative that equips individuals to take action themselves.

Tune in to hear the heartwarming stories behind the program, the incredible work being done to reduce cat overpopulation, and the powerful takeaways that can inspire any animal welfare advocate.

Resources

• Visit Spay + Neuter Northwest on the web

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 add a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

“When you’re down to the last few cats and time is running out, the drop trap can be your saving grace.”

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker app.

In the second part of this special webinar series, Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats dives deeper into the complexities of drop trap techniques. Exploring the advanced applications of drop traps, including the innovative auto drop trap system developed by Neighborhood Cats, you will get all the insights of their recent experiences from the Maui wildfire rescue operation, highlighting how they adapted their techniques to save hundreds of cats in a disaster zone.

This episode not only provides a wealth of practical advice but also inspires listeners with stories of perseverance and creativity in the face of challenging TNR situations. Whether you’re new to community cat care or a seasoned TNR veteran, this episode will expand your toolkit for managing feral cat colonies effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Auto Drop Trap Innovation: Learn about the auto drop trap system, how it works, and why it was crucial in the Maui wildfire rescue.
• Adapting to Challenging Conditions: Understand how to adjust your trapping strategy for difficult environments, such as uneven ground or wary cats.
• Rescue Operations Insights: Gain insights from the Maui wildfire rescue, including how to manage large-scale rescue efforts and the importance of being adaptable.

Resources:

• Find Neighborhood Cats on the web
• Check out the Tomahawk traps mentioned
• Be sure to visit our YouTube channel to check out all of our videos, episodes, and presentations. To download handouts mentioned in the show, you can visit our Community Cat Care Training and Education page to find them, along with many other TNR and community cat care educational opportunities.
• Check out our sponsor Maddie's Fund at communitycatspodcast.com/maddies579
• Check out our sponsor Whisker Tracker App at communitycatspodcast.com/maddies579

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. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

"The drop trap is the most humane and effective way to trap those hard-to-catch cats, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.”

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Acatemy, and Tomahawk Traps.

Join Bryan Kortis and Suzi Richmond from Neighborhood Cats for a special broadcast of two-part webinar on the drop trap. Bryan and Suzi, a dynamic duo known for their deep expertise in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and community cat management, share their experiences, practical tips, and innovative strategies for effectively managing feral cat colonies, focusing on advanced trapping techniques. Bryan discuss everything from the basics of using drop traps to the intricacies of dealing with challenging cats and unique trapping scenarios.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the thought processes behind effective TNR, learning not just how to trap cats, but why certain methods work better in different situations. This episode is packed with information that’s crucial for anyone involved in or interested in community cat care.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Drop Traps: Learn why drop traps are a game-changer in trapping feral cats, especially for those who are wary of standard box traps.
• Practical Trapping Tips: Discover the importance of patience, proper bait placement, and how to avoid common mistakes when using traps.
• Advanced Strategies: Get an introduction to advanced trapping techniques, including the use of drop trap pads for uneven ground and how to manage multiple cats at once.

Resources:

• Find Neighborhood Cats on the web
• Check out the Tomahawk traps mentioned
• Be sure to visit our YouTube channel to check out all of our videos, episodes, and presentations. To download handouts mentioned in the show, you can visit our Community Cat Care Training and Education page to find them, along with many other TNR and community cat care educational opportunities.

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. Simply 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.

“Don’t underestimate your cats. Elevate your expectations of them, and you’ll be amazed at what they can achieve.”

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and The Acatemy .

What if your cat’s behavior problems could be solved with just a few simple changes to their environment? Today, we're speaking with Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior consultant and the innovative mind behind Fundamentally Feline. Ingrid's expertise in feline behavior and environmental enrichment has helped countless cat owners create happier, healthier lives for their pets.

In this episode, Ingrid shares her journey from starting in the field of feline behavior in the early 2000s to becoming a leading expert in the industry. We delve into the importance of environmental enrichment for indoor cats, the benefits of food puzzles, and how these tools can prevent boredom and reduce behavior problems. Ingrid also discusses the challenges of medicating cats and offers practical strategies for making this process smoother and less stressful for both cats and their owners. Additionally, she highlights the integration of medical and behavioral approaches to ensure holistic care for our feline friends.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The critical role of environmental enrichment in maintaining feline well-being
• How to effectively introduce and use food puzzles and foraging toys to stimulate your cat
• The principles of clicker training and how it can enhance your relationship with your cat
• Techniques for successful and stress-free medication administration for cats
• The importance of combining medical and behavioral strategies to address feline issues comprehensively

Resources:

• Learn more at Fundamentally Feline, Food Puzzles for Cats, IAABC
• Follow and subscribe to @FundamentallyFeline on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

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. Simply 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.