Kristen Petrie, Author at The Community Cats Podcast

November 5, 2024

Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

“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.” Listen to Episode #585 Now 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 […]

November 12, 2024

Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

“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.” Listen to Episode #586 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. If you missed Part 1 of this episode click […]

November 19, 2024

Building a Safe Haven for Working Cats with Mary Scott, Director of the Working Cats Program, ASAP Cats

“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…” Listen to Episode #587 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat […]

November 26, 2024

Trap, Neuter, Write? Unraveling the Mystery of TNVR with Sharon Marchisello, Board Member, Fayette Humane Society

“Trap-Neuter-Return isn’t just a method; it’s a mission to bring community, compassion, and a little mystery into the world of cats.” Listen to Episode #588 Now 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 […]

November 27, 2024

From Farm to Trap and Back: A Photo Essay Exploring How TNR Saved a Feline Herd in Vermont

Article and photos contributed by Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby, for the Community Cats Podcast (and one heck of a trapper.) As the sun rose over picturesque mountains and farmhands led the cows to their stalls to be milked, a herd of cats scampered down from the hayloft and through the […]

December 3, 2024

How Meals on Wheels is Keeping People and Their Pets Together

“97 percent of Meals on Wheels clients say that this type of programming does help them keep their pets. So it is really impactful and we’re so grateful for that.” Listen to Episode #589 Now with with Morgan Hultquist, Senior Manager of Strategy & Impact, Meals on Wheels, and Dan […]

December 10, 2024

How Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Programs Protect Cats and Communities

“By creating this barrier to rabies between wildlife, pets, and people, it’s not just about the well-being of the cats—it’s about the well-being of the community.” Listen to Episode #590 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App. In this […]

December 17, 2024

Piecing Together the Cat Overpopulation Puzzle

“Trap-neuter-return is one piece of the puzzle. When it’s part of a strategic cat population management program, TNR becomes a powerful tool for addressing feline overpopulation.” Listen to Episode #591 Now Featuring Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats, International Cat Care This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. […]

December 24, 2024

From Dairy Farms to DIY: A Look Back at 2024 and a Sneak Peek into 2025

“Pick that project you’ve been dreaming of and dive in—you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish for your community’s cats!” Listen to Episode #592 Now Featuring Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby, Community Cats Podcast This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. This week, we’re pulling back the curtain […]

December 31, 2024

Strategic Planning for Community Cats and Their Caregivers in 2025

“My job is to figure out ways to get cats fixed. It’s about strategy, collaboration, and making humane care accessible to every community.” Listen to Episode #593 Now Featuring Stacy LeBaron, Founder & Host of The Community Cats Podcast in Conversation with Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League […]

January 1, 2025

The Scoop on Pet Food Expiration Dates

Today’s guest post comes to us from Krista Beucler, Marketing & Communications Intern at Community Cats Podcast. Pet Food Expiration – What You Need to Know You’ve found some pet food in your pantry past its “best by” date. You don’t want to waste it, but you also don’t want […]

January 7, 2025

Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 1

“Community cats are creatures of habit. By feeding them on a routine schedule, you’re not just meeting their needs—you’re building trust and making caretaking easier for everyone.” Press play and listen to episode #594 featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. […]

January 14, 2025

Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 2

“Every challenge in colony care has a solution. Whether it’s predators, pests, or even harsh winters, the key is preparation and creativity.” Listen to episode #595, now featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Get ready to take your colony caretaking […]

January 21, 2025

The Future of Non-Surgical Sterilization and Its Path to Ending Pet Homelessness

“The fatality rate for kittens is appalling, and the goal is to reduce their suffering while ensuring healthier, happier lives for the cats that remain.” Listen to episode #596, now featuring Gary Evans, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D). This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s […]

January 28, 2025

Declawing: The Cruel Practice Hiding in Plain Sight

“Empathy must guide us—if we truly feel for our feline friends, declawing wouldn’t exist.” Listen to episode #597 now, featuring Dr. Jennifer Conrad, Founder, The Paw Project. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Declawing might sound harmless, but what if it’s one of the most misunderstood and harmful practices […]

February 4, 2025

Creating Community Connections with TNR Advocacy and Cat-Friendly Business Models

“Fixing a colony is more than just spaying and neutering; it’s about creating healthier, happier lives for cats and fostering trust within the community.” Listen to episode #598 now, featuring Jenna Carr from Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith from Tipped Ears. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and […]

February 11, 2025

The Science Behind FIP: Every Cat Health Foundation’s Mission to Save Lives

“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them.” Listen to episode #599 now, featuring Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM, Veterinary Science Program Manager at Every Cat Health Foundation, and Vicki Fisher, […]

February 18, 2025

Fixing the Future: The Movement to Increase Spay/Neuter Access

“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them.” Listen to episode #600 now, featuring Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund […]

February 25, 2025

Tag! You’re Home! Simplifying Successful Reunification

“Over 80% of the tagged cats didn’t need to come into the shelter at all. This simple tool is keeping cats in their communities where they belong.” – Dr. Amy Dalrymple Listen to episode #601 now, featuring Nina Stively, Director of Loudon County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, DVM. […]

February 27, 2025

Learn to Fix Cats Fast at Frankie’s Friends: Transformative HQHVSN Wet Lab Training

Pittsburgh, PA — Mastering High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) is more than just refining a surgical skill—it’s an opportunity to transform veterinary practice, expand access to care, and save more feline lives. At Frankie’s Friends, a dynamic two-day training brought together veterinarians, technicians, and students eager to sharpen their efficiency, improve […]

March 4, 2025

Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care

“Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you’re going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable.” Listen to episode #602 now, featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. […]

March 11, 2025

Fixing Feline Futures

“We have to stop the endless cycle. Everyone loves kittens, but the goal should be to make sure they were never born into suffering in the first place.” Listen to episode #603 now, featuring Robin Post, RVT, Animal Fix Clinic. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this […]

March 18, 2025

Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging

“We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities.” Listen to episode #604 now, featuring Hanna Lentz the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for […]

March 25, 2025

Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective

“Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that’s when real change happens.” Listen to episode #605 now, featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management, International Cat Care. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s […]

April 1, 2025

Turning the Tide for TNR: Sioux Falls’ Game-Changing Ordinance

“We want to be the example that proves you should never give up. No matter where you are, if you keep pushing, you can make change happen.” Listen to episode #606 now, featuring Matt Tougas, Founder and President of Sioux Empire TNR This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. […]

April 8, 2025

Changing Lives for Cats Around the World

“You have to feel good about what you can do, even if you can’t help them all. Every small effort makes a difference.” Listen to episode #607 now, featuring Karen Menczer Founder of Animal Kind International This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron […]

April 15, 2025

Tackling Global Animal Welfare Challenges

“If you’re struggling to catch the last cat in your colony, you just haven’t figured out the right approach yet. Every cat is catchable with the right technique.” Listen to episode #608 now, featuring John Peaveler of Humane Innovations, LLC. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. From building […]

April 22, 2025

Innovating TNR Support with the Trapper Aid Initiative

“We all want to help, but without the right tools and resources, TNR can feel impossible. That’s why we need technology to bridge the gaps.” Listen to episode #609 now, featuring Alexa Kyler, Software Developer & Cat Advocate. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Trapping and caring for […]

April 24, 2025

Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action—Shall We?

At this year’s Humane World for Animals’ Animal Care Expo, Animal Welfare Idol—a high-energy, competition-style session inspired by American Idol—animal welfare professionals from across the country shared how data is changing the way we care for pets and their people. From field services to veterinary access, each presenter brought creativity […]

April 29, 2025

Fixing Cats, Feeding Communities: How One Woman Sparked a Movement

“If you can’t fix ’em, don’t feed ’em. You may think you’re being kind, but make sure you do the responsible thing and spay and neuter.” Listen to episode #610 now, featuring Wednesday Hugus, founder of Wednesday’s Community Cat and Kittens. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. What […]