Kristen Petrie, Author at The Community Cats Podcast

December 16, 2021

A Community Cats Grants Program Update: Group 13 Seized the Moment!

We are very proud to share that another group of organizations has successfully completed their fundraising in order to receive a matching grant from Community Cats Podcast! Finding new fundraisers can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Community Cats Grants Program provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help organizations brainstorm […]

December 21, 2021

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Colony Care Taking Tips and Tricks Part 1

“The bond that is formed between the cats and their carer is all about food… The cats learn, pretty quickly, who is feeding them, and the attachment forms from there.” Listen to Episode #435 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. In part one of […]

December 28, 2021

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Colony Care Taking Tips and Tricks Part 2

“Once you’ve listened and once you’ve empathized [with neighbors] you’ve diffused the situation and most, 90%, of people are not going to be angry.” Listen to Episode #436 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network and Doobert.com. In Part 2 of 2021 Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, […]

December 30, 2021

It’s never too late to set goals. Here’s to 2022!

Happy New Year! Well, almost. I hope everyone has been able to take some time off to just rest and breathe a bit. As many of you know, I begin thinking about goals for the next year in early November. It is never too late to set goals. Back in […]

January 4, 2022

Aaron Hancox, Documentary Filmmaker of Running Wild: the Cats of Cornwall

“Until the average person understands the implications of putting a cat outside —whether it is owned or not — and how there can be this huge ripple effect, we’re not going to get anywhere.” Listen to Episode #437 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s […]

January 11, 2022

Blending Holistic and Traditional Veterinary Care for Cats with Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM

“Now there’s a lot more thought put into what the animal’s experience is.” Listen to Episode #438 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. This week, Stacy checks in with the very accomplished Dr. Gray Richter. Dr. Richter is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and […]

January 13, 2022

A Community Cats Grants Program Update: Group 12 Saved the Day

An elderly woman who regularly feeds 8 cats. A disabled resident with dozens of cats on their property. An abandoned warehouse, known as a site for abandonment, with more than 40 cats. Suburban homes. Urban apartment buildings. Mobile home parks. Crowded commercial areas. They are stories we all know so […]

January 18, 2022

Beverly Means, LMSW, Founder and Executive Director of Transitions Pet Care

“When people are facing these major illnesses…they are unable to get the support they need to care for their pet and they’re not ready to rehome them either…they count on that comfort.” Listen to Episode #439 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. Turning […]

January 25, 2022

Michael Bricker, Chief of Engagement of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity™ (CARE)

“For anything – as far as animals are related – to be completely sustainable, it has to happen in the community, it has to happen the community.” Listen to Episode #440 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. Mike Bricker has spent years in […]

January 27, 2022

The Language We Use Matters More Than You Think

Guest post by Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst for Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States World events over the past two years have rippled into animal welfare in many ways: pandemic pets and virtual adoptions, shortages of veterinarians and canned cat food, a focus on […]

February 1, 2022

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program, Part 1

“…are you going to serve the majority who likes the cats there, or at least the majority that’s suggested by the data that we have, or are you going to throw in your lot with the others?” Listen to Episode #441 Now This episode is sponsored in part by […]

February 8, 2022

Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond, Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program, Part 2

“The door is always open to work together.” Listen to Episode #442 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. In part two of the Return-to-Field & Targeting: The Community Cat Program webinar Bryan Kortis explores what fears people have prior to starting a return-to-field and […]

February 10, 2022

10 Myths & Facts About Spaying & Neutering Your Cat

Written by Cristin Bates, Edited by Brianna Lovell Myers As a loving pet parent, you want your cat to have the best life possible. Spaying (a female cat) and neutering (a male cat) are procedures that prevent them from reproducing. Spay/neuter provides many benefits and makes life better for you […]

February 15, 2022

Feline Behavior with New Zealand’s The Cat Counsellor, Molly Kelsey

“I wanted to focus on keeping not just cats happy but owners happy with their cats and reducing owner surrender and things like euthanasia due to problem behaviors.” Listen to Episode #443 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. Meet Molly Kelsey, a former […]

February 22, 2022

Building a Community with Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Jae Kennedy & Adrienne Lefebvre

“We have learned so much about how to enrich our cats’ lives. Whether that means diet, nutrition, supplementation. But even more so, the environmental things that they need like vertical space.” Listen to Episode #444 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. In this […]

February 24, 2022

Staff Burnout, a Mobile Clinic for Rent, and The Veterinary Shortage

Written by Esther Mechler, President & Founder of United Spay Alliance Interested in hearing the latest about Staff Burnout? The impact of Covid-19 on spay/neuter clinics, or the need for collaboration in dealing with the backlog? How to run small-scale spay/neuter wet labs to train more vets in your area? […]

March 1, 2022

Talking to Cats with Jessica Evans, Cat Communicator and Founder of Feline Ascension

“It’s really important for us to be aware of our energy. Because the imbalance that we’re currently experiencing as a collective is now translating into our cats.” Listen to Episode #445 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie’s Fund. Jessica Evans […]

March 8, 2022

Fill Your Toolkit with Amy Davila Sanchez, Marketing Manager for Strategic Initiatives at Best Friends Animal Society

“It’s really about expanding the amount of resources that we can give to these caretakers, to these volunteers that day in and day out go out to the field to help these cats.” Listen to Episode #446 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, […]

March 10, 2022

Litter Box Locations for Apartments and Small Spaces

By Rachel Geller, Ed.D. Certified Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist Like what you’re reading? Hear her speak! Join us for Dr. Geller’s session during Online Behavior Day on April 9. Learn more and register here. If you live in an apartment, small home, or other shared space, you already know […]

March 15, 2022

Cat Cinema and Speech with Tracie Hotchner, Author, Animal Wellness Advocate, and Founder of The Radio Pet Lady Network

“When people use negative words, we need to help correct them. People might speak ill of cats because they don’t understand them.” Listen to Episode #447 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy talks to Tracie Hotchner, author, podcaster, animal […]

March 22, 2022

Fixing Programs and Cats with Jonathan Howe, Public Defender and New York’s 14th Congressional District Candidate

“Seeing the way that people make this [TNR] their priority, make doing something good for their community a priority, was really inspiring.” Listen to Episode #448 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy speaks to Jonathan Howe, who is a […]

March 24, 2022

Four Ways to Set Your Cat Up for Litter Box Success

By: Tabitha Kucera RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP, Owner of Chirrups & Chatter Like what you’re reading? Hear her speak! Join us for Tabitha’s session during Online Behavior Day on April 9. Learn more and register here. Cats going to the bathroom outside of their litter boxes is a common complaint among […]

March 29, 2022

Discussing Feline Behavior with the CCP Behavior Day Dream Team

“We’ve advanced so much in terms of understanding cat behavior but yet, we still have so far to go. We need more days like this.” Listen to Episode #449 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy interviews […]

April 5, 2022

Lost and Found Pets with Kat Albrecht-Thiessen, Pet Detective and Founder/Director of The Missing Animal Response Network

“It’s important for TNR groups who trap cats to realize the same “feral” behavior you see in [true] ferals, may be a sign of a scared cat and not necessarily a feral cat.” Listen to Episode #450 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, […]

April 7, 2022

Why does my friendly cat suddenly attack?!

By Allison Hunter-Frederick, Cat Behavior Consultant, Trainer, & Educator at Allison Helps Cats Like what you’re reading? Catch Allison’s interview with Stacy on Episode #427 of the podcast here. Survey responses are needed! If you’ve ever experienced non-recognition aggression as discussed in this blog post, Allison would like to […]

April 12, 2022

Documenting the TNR Experience with Photographer Erica Danger

“By being able to document [TNR] with photo and video . . . you can get those conversations started and start educating people why TNR is great, why it’s so helpful for everybody.” Listen to Episode #451 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Buzz to the Rescues, […]

April 19, 2022

Extra Credit with Carla Betlem, Instructor and Senior Staff Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology & Founder of the Student Club Caring Hearts for RIT Cats

“If people know what you’re doing, they will come out of the woodwork. If the commitment’s there and you really want to do it, it’s definitely possible.” Listen to Episode #452 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy speaks with […]

April 21, 2022

Ideas for Celebrating Earth Day with your Cat

By Rachel Geller, Ed.D. Certified Cat Behavior & Retention Specialist Earth Day is April 22, so let’s look at ways we can celebrate by going green with your cat! First of all, recycle everything that you can. If you feed your cat canned food, buy the biggest cans. It’s more […]

April 26, 2022

Taking Care of Both Ends of the Leash with Jon Geller, The Street Dog Coalition

“They have cats for companionship to give them company because they’re so isolated. There are so many stigmas attached to people who are homeless.” Listen to Episode #453 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy chats with Dr. Jon Geller, […]

May 3, 2022

Supporting Animals and Their People with Joe Elmore, Charleston Animal Society

“There’s a person behind every animal and we’re trying to translate that person’s care and concern for the animal into action.” Listen to Episode #454 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Joe Elmore has served as the President and CEO of Charleston Animal […]

May 5, 2022

CCP Goes to HSUS Animal Care Expo

Last month, Community Cats Podcast’s own Technical Tabby, Kristen, packed up her car and made her way from Massachusetts to Florida, bound for the 2022 HSUS Animal Care Expo. Here’s what she had to say about her experience: After two years of virtual gatherings, it was refreshing to see the […]

May 10, 2022

Doing Our Best Work for Animals with Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM

“There’s so much noise in the world that really holds us back from doing our best work. We should just be kind to each other and work together.” Listen to Episode #455 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Dr. Sara Pizano returns to […]

May 17, 2022

When Pets Fly with Marta Negro, Founder of Help the Dog Fly

“So I think it’s really important when you start something that you really feel part of it and you have the feeling that you really want to talk about it all of the time.” Listen to Episode #456 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s […]

May 19, 2022

Feline Sterilization at 5 Months Accepted as New Normal

Written by Philip A. Bushby, DVM, MS, DACVS | Previously published on March 3, 2022, by DVM360.com Foreword & Afterword by Esther Mechler, President, and Founder of Marian’s Dream and United Spay Alliance Foreword For decades, shelters were overrun by enormous numbers of unplanned, unwanted litters of kittens. The phenomenon even […]

May 24, 2022

A Small Organization Making a Big Impact with Linda Chitwood, Volunteer Director, Homeless Animals Relief Project

“The good thing about spay/neuter is one cat fixed: thousands saved. So you get one done, you can feel really good that night about what you’ve done. You don’t have to have these big huge numbers to make a difference in your community, in your neighborhood.” Listen to Episode #457 […]

May 31, 2022

Special Episode! Trappers’ Tips & Tricks Part 1 with Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats

“What about the ones where you do all the basics – you do the feeding pattern, you withhold the food, you use the good traps, and all that – but they just won’t go in?” Listen to Episode #458 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and […]

June 2, 2022

You’ve Come a Long Way, Kitten!

Contributed by: The National Kitten Coalition Get your kitten-fix during the Online Kitten Conference, June 10-12! Proudly presented in partnership with The National Kitten Coalition. Learn more and register here. For all of you in animal welfare, especially those caring for kittens, THANK YOU! Despite the seemingly never-ending line of […]

June 7, 2022

Special Episode! Trappers’ Tips & Tricks Part 2 with Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats

“This is for when you’re really desperate to get the tomcat.” Listen to Episode #459 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Drawing from over 20 years of experience working with feral cats, the folks at Neighborhood Cats have gathered together their favorite ways […]

June 14, 2022

Stress in Pets with Kristen Levine, Nationally Acclaimed Pet Expert and Influencer

“I think we probably overthink it sometimes. And sometimes it’s just a matter of trying different things to see what the cat seems to prefer or what eliminates the behavior that we’re trying to eliminate.” Listen to Episode #460 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and […]

June 16, 2022

Computers Are Good For More Than Cat Memes

Contributed by Valerie Benka, Director of Programs at Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D) Computers, specifically computer modeling, can save the lives of free-roaming cats (FRCs). Despite the increasing popularity of TNR, there are still limited real-world data on what makes a TNR project most successful in terms […]

June 20, 2022

Handling Costly Surprises with Edwin Plotts, Director of Marketing at Pawlicy Advisor

“Just to make people aware: pet insurance is a very helpful tool; veterinary financing is a very helpful tool. When they’re combined, it creates a unique situation where they really piggyback and help each other.” Listen to Episode #461 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and […]

June 27, 2022

Strategy and Collaboration with Cameron Greig, Community Cat Coordinator for the Humane Society of Huron Valley

“Really my big thing in TNR is education and awareness; I want as many people to know about TNR as possible so that they can help save the cats.” Listen to Episode #462 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy chats with Cameron […]

June 30, 2022

Cats and Fireworks

Contributed by Rachel Geller, Ed.D. Certified Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist Cats find fireworks, with their loud noises and bright lights, stressful. Fireworks loudly go off at irregular intervals, and your cat has no way of knowing when the next loud bang will happen or how long the noise will […]

July 5, 2022

Pump Up the Volume with Dr. June Long, Happy Pets Housecall

“These techniques are successful because they focus on what’s essential in the procedure . . . and [this] allows the surgeon to work more effortlessly and therefore more efficiently.” Listen to Episode #463 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy chats with […]

July 12, 2022

Just Give TNR a Try with Joe Federico, Co-Founder & Director of Stray Paws Animal Haven

“We’re trying . . . [to] demonstrate that this can be done, done effectively with great results, and . . . exemplify this to every town, because my ultimate belief is that there should be TNR in every town.” Listen to Episode #464 Now This episode is sponsored in […]

July 14, 2022

A Shift in Sheltering? FeLV Vaccines and Adoption

Contributed by Devon Smith, Executive Director, League for Animal Welfare, and panelist for Real World FeLV Success during Online Feline Leukemia Day, this Saturday, July 16, 2022 Want more FeLV content? Register for Online Feline Leukemia Day on July 16. You’ll hear from Devon and so many others who are […]

July 19, 2022

Together We Trap with Angéline Fahey, Community Cat Program Manager at Humane Society of Southern Arizona

“I think it all comes from being compassionate and coming to them from a place of empathy [and] understanding.” [on dealing with community members] Listen to Episode #465 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy speaks with Angéline Fahey, who is the Community […]

July 26, 2022

Same Team with Sterling Davis, Atlanta’s “Trap King”

“It’s important that we learn to work together or learn not to work against one another.” Listen to Episode #466 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, “Trap King” Sterling Davis returns to the show to share some of the projects […]

July 28, 2022

What To Do If You Find Kittens

Contributed by Cristin Bates Have you ever come across stray kittens outside and wondered what you should do? You might be surprised to learn that leaving them where they are is oftentimes the most helpful thing you can do. From birth to eight weeks, mother cats provide their kittens with […]

August 2, 2022

A Drop Trap Master Class with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

“Because they (cats) are less afraid of drop traps, you don’t need them to be as hungry to trap them… ” Listen to Episode #467 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. This week, The Community Cats Podcast is excited to bring you a special […]

August 9, 2022

Part 2 – A Drop Trap Master Class with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

On trapping in tight locations…“We put a spotter up on the slope who could watch the whole thing and give us a signal when to drop the traps.” Listen to Episode #468 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. This week, The Community Cats Podcast […]

August 11, 2022

How to Make Your Cat a Better Traveling Companion

Contributed by Aaron Smith When people travel often and want a pet to keep them company, they usually turn to a canine companion. But dogs need a lot of attention and can’t be left alone for long periods. Cats, on the other hand, can be quite independent when they are […]

August 16, 2022

Habitats for Cats with Mario Arbore, Founder and Owner of Square Paws

So if you’re doing something where they’re feeling engaged with that fun, I think it’s a better experience for people to bond with a cat.” Listen to Episode #469 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Mario Abore returns to the […]

August 23, 2022

Pack Up Your Cat and Travel with Emily Miethner, Co-founder Travel Cat

“I think it’s great to bring that lens of diversity and inclusion to anything you’re working on.” Listen to Episode #470 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. Stacy speaks with Emily Miethner, who is the co-founder of Travel Cat, which produces products used […]

August 25, 2022

Mass Trapping Success: Here’s What You Need to Know

Contributed by Dawn Benefiel, Executive Director of Indy Neighborhood Cats When a colony exceeds 20 cats, setting up your project can be a challenge. We know that in order to make a dent in a large unaltered colony, we need over 90% of the cats to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, ear […]

August 30, 2022

Emotional Support Animals with Daniel Maigler, LCSW, Mental Health Advisor for Paws for Patrick

“[Pets] are empathy machines, and they can sense how we’re doing without us having to say anything. Often our pets will know how we’re doing before we do, and they’ll connect in that way.” Listen to Episode #471 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s […]

September 6, 2022

Community Communication with Caitlin Quinn, Director of Operations at HeARTs Speak

“Let’s ensure that we’re starting the conversation from that place of all of the things we have in common and real compassion and understanding for why community members might be confused around these issues.” Listen to Episode #472 Now This episode is sponsored in part by CARE, Doobert, and Maddie’s […]

September 8, 2022

Six Tips on How to Prevent Your Cat From Getting Pregnant!

This is a blog post that I honestly thought I would never write, but here we are. We are living through an unprecedented period where I am frequently hearing statements like: In terms of access to affordable spay/neuter resources in a timely manner, we are set back 20 years! Families […]

September 13, 2022

Romance, Suspense, and Trapping with Angela Campbell, Best-Selling Author, The Psychic Detective

“It’s very important to try to be diplomatic and to try to understand their point of view. . . . You have to be understanding.” Listen to Episode #473 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Dr. Pussum’s Cat Nip, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats […]

September 20, 2022

Pedaling and Paws with Caleb Curtis and Marilyn Monroad, Founder(s) of Calico Cycles

“Keep following your dreams. Keep following your heart. Keep going to where you’re led to go because it’s a life worth living when you’re following your heart.” Listen to Episode #474 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Dr. Pussum’s Cat Nip, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. After dropping out […]

September 22, 2022

How to Winterize Those Feral Cat Shelters

This week, we are taking a look at past blog posts that will give you all the tips and information you need to refresh and ready your cat colonies for winter weather: Prepare for Winter and Prep Community Cat Shelters (2016) Time to Think About Winterizing Feral Cat Shelters (2017) […]

September 27, 2022

Reducing Cats’ Distress with Mikkel Becker, Leader Trainer for Fear Free Pets and Fear Free Happy Homes

“Fear free is all about educating people to understand their cat’s emotional needs, which are deep and complex.” Listen to Episode #475 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Mikkel Becker, a certified trainer and behavior consultant, […]

October 4, 2022

Thinking Vertically with Melody Kwan of MeloCat

“I always tell everyone, ‘Even if you don’t like animals, you can still help. If you don’t have what it takes, you can still help.’” Listen to Episode #476 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Melody […]

October 6, 2022

9 Steps to Ethical Storytelling

Contributed by Caitlin Quinn, Director of Operations at HeARTs Speak Has anyone outside of the field of animal welfare ever said to you, “I could never do what you do, I care about animals too much.” That sentiment seems to reflect the frequent assumption that our work is primarily about […]

October 11, 2022

Contraception for Cats with Valerie Benka and John Boone from Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs

“We do, in those two worlds, share some goals. We can recognize that there might be suspicion or assumptions or disagreements about how well TNR works to manage populations but by working together, those two worlds can certainly make it better.” – John Boone Listen to Episode #477 Now […]

October 14, 2022

Special Episode! Forward-Thinking Fundraising with Chris Roy, Doobert Forward – Better than Amazon Smile For Fundraising

“How do we give tools to organizations so that they have revenue coming in on a regular basis?” Listen to Episode #477B Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Doobert.com’s Chris Roy returns to the show to share some of […]

October 18, 2022

One Less Thing To Worry About with Janice Cobb, Founder of ZInzie Pie

“They are love engendering machines. They are love giving machines of an unconditional nature. That’s all they want to do, is love you.” Listen to Episode #478 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Janice Cobb, the […]

October 20, 2022

Feral to Friendly: Tips for Socializing Shy Kittens and Cats

Contributed by Allison Hunter-Frederick, Cat Behavior Consultant, Trainer, & Educator at Allison Helps Cats If you foster cats, you may be asked to socialize feral kittens. My husband and I first faced this challenge in 2020. I’ve also worked with fearful cats of all ages at our local shelter for […]

October 25, 2022

Letting Gato Be Gato with Winter Miller, Author of Not a Cat

“And, so I wrote a book that is for all of those people out there who just want to be who they are.” Listen to Episode #479 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Winter Miller, an […]

November 1, 2022

Part 1 of Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats

“It starts off as you’re their feeder but overtime they form a special relationship with you…” Listen to Episode #480 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. This is a special audio presentation of our free webinar Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks presented […]

November 3, 2022

Keeping a Cat Safe and Warm Inside

Contributed by Dr. Rachel Geller, Certified Cat Behavior & Retention Specialist As summer turns to fall and then winter, we humans can throw on a sweater or a blanket to stay warm. We may wear layers to save money if we have drafty windows or we don’t want to put […]

November 8, 2022

Part 2 of Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats

“I’d prefer to have cats in my yard instead of vegetables but other people might, justifiably, feel differently and that’s perfectly fine…” Listen to Episode #481 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Kensington Books, Doobert, and Maddie’s Fund. *A Quick Note from the Production Team – There is […]

November 15, 2022

Help When Animal-Loving Humans Have It Ruff with Marisa Hernandez, Director of Operations & Co-Founder Ruff Haven

“We really believe in collaboration, not just in animal welfare but in human welfare.” Listen to Episode #482 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie’s Fund. On today’s episode, Stacy chats with Marisa Hernandez, one of the co-founders of Ruff Haven, an organization that helps people encountering […]

November 17, 2022

What I’ve Learned About FIP: Question’s Legacy

Contributed by Andrea Dorn, CVT, Vice President of Cat Writers’ Association You may have heard of a disease referred to as FIP. It usually brings up fear in cat owners’ hearts and thoughts of losing their cats. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is the mutated form of a coronavirus. When a […]

November 21, 2022

Picture Perfect Cats with Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, Frame Your Feline Founders

“Once you get one cat, you can’t stop getting cats. It’s an addiction like none other.” Listen to Episode #483 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie’s Fund. Meet Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, stand-up comedians and entrepreneurs based in Los Angeles. The pair grew weary of […]

November 29, 2022

How to Reunite Pets and Owners with Corinne Bourgoin, Operations Coordinator, MSPCA Boston Adoption Center

“Nothing feels better than helping a pet get back to their family that loves them.” Listen to Episode #484 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Corinne Bourgoin, who serves as the Operations Coordinator at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center. […]

December 1, 2022

Dealing with Neighbors Who Don’t Like Cats

Contributed by Sheila Massey, Founder of Hard Hat Cats What do you do when a neighbor says, “I hate cats!” or, “the cats are killing the birds,” or, “just get rid of the cats!” Do you try to convince them to like cats? Do you argue and say the cats […]

December 6, 2022

Justice, TNR, and Not-So-Crazy Cat Ladies with Esmerelda Alvarez, TNR Advocate

“I think the best way to rescue the most cats is through TNR.” Listen to Episode #485 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert and Maddie’s Fund. Meet Esmeralda Alvarez, a TNR advocate and cat foster who performs TNR on a weekly basis. Her efforts began back in 2015, […]

December 13, 2022

Open to the Possibilities with Dr. Kelly Deihl, Senior Director of Science and Communication at Morris Animal Foundation

“I would tell people: stay open, learn, [and] keep learning.” Listen to Episode #486 Now This episode is sponsored in part by TevraPet and Maddie’s Fund. On today’s episode, Stacy chats with Dr. Kelly Deihl, the Senior Director of Science and Communication at Morris Animal Foundation and a prior […]

December 15, 2022

A Sneak Peek at 2023

Contributed by Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat at Community Cats Podcast The Community Cats Podcast has had an incredible year, and I want to thank everyone for joining us and turning your passion for cats into action. I can’t wait to finalize our programs for 2023. Much of our theme this […]

December 20, 2022

Training Tomorrow’s Trappers with Bryan Kortis, Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

“There’s still a disconnect between the grassroots groups (that are primarily doing trap-neuter-return) and the larger shelters (that are involved in return-to-field) and we need to get to a point where those two parts of the system are working together.” Listen to Episode #487 Now This episode is sponsored […]

December 27, 2022

Honoring Our Best Friends with Cheryl Richardson, Author of How to Survive the Loss of a Pet

“There were so many ways that this little being helped to bring us closer together, to teach us about love, to teach us about unconditional love.” Listen to Episode #488 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Cheryl […]

December 29, 2022

Best of The Community Cats Podcast 2022

Contributed by Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat at Community Cats Podcast Wow, what a year it has been. When asked to share my highlights for the last year, I just didn’t know where to begin. During 2022 many of us returned to work and in-person events. The Community Cats Podcast started […]

January 3, 2023

Anger Drives Change with Anne Levin, Executive Director of Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition and Founder of the Brooklyn Cat Cafe

“Shar[ing] our skills and work[ing] in the best way that we individually can with our skills has been really helpful in allowing us to help more animals.” Listen to Episode #489 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy connects with […]

January 10, 2023

Cats at Play with Dr. Mikel Delgado, Co-Owner of Feline Minds

“I’m hoping by changing people’s perspective on what play looks like and giving them really concrete suggestions on how they can improve their play technique that more cats will get the play they deserve.” Listen to Episode #490 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie’s […]

January 12, 2023

Ten Ways to Care for Community Cats

Contributed by Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat at Community Cats Podcast At the Community Cats Podcast this year we are going to focus on giving you (both organizations and individuals) actionable tips and tricks to ensure that you have the tools necessary to help any cats in need in your community. Below […]

January 17, 2023

Working Cats with Molly DeVoss, Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions

“Because they’re so territorial, it’s hard to introduce a new cat regardless of where they came from into a new cat household.” Listen to Episode #491 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com and Maddie’s Fund. In this special episode, Stacy chats and co-hosts with Molly DeVoss, […]

January 24, 2023

Amplifying Your Fundraising Efforts with Sally Williams, Founder and President of Mission Meow

“There are so many possibilities for organizations where this money could go.” Listen to Episode #492 Now This episode is sponsored in part by TervaPet, Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Sally Williams, the founder, and president of Mission Meow and former guest of the show […]

January 31, 2023

Teaching, Inspiration, and Black Cats with Anne Montgomery, Author and Former Television Sportscaster and Teacher

“I think we need to teach young people more that animals need to be treated with the same respect you treat a person.” Listen to Episode #493 Now This episode is sponsored in part by TervaPet, Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. Meet Anne Montgomery, former sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, […]

February 7, 2023

The Purrfect Job for Cats with Sheila Massey, President and Founder of Hard Hat Cats

“The presence of cats is really beneficial to humans and that especially holds true in an urban setting where you have a lot of rats.” Listen to Episode #494 Now This episode is sponsored in part by TervaPet, Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy speaks with Sheila Massey, […]

February 9, 2023

Six Months is Too Late – Fix Before Five!

Contributed by United Spay Alliance. Special thanks to Brettt Albren for sharing his story with us! February is Feline Fix by Five month! All month long, we’re asking everyone we know to get those kittens fixed before five months. You can help! Find simple ways to get involved on our […]

February 14, 2023

Racing for Rescues with Laurren Darr, Author

“I thought about it from a small business . . . [or] nonprofit standpoint of here are some of the basics to help you at least upstart and continue marketing, especially if you’re on a shoestring budget.” Listen to Episode #495 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, […]

February 21, 2023

Your More Efficient Future with Dara Sklar, Founder of Synced with Dara

“You save yourself a lot of administrative time by being organized up front by setting up a system and a space to be organized.” Listen to Episode #496 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy talks with Dara Sklar, the […]

February 27, 2023

Saving the World One Cat at a Time with Rachel Geller, President of All Cats All the Time

“Often times, providing people with the necessary items, the support, the kindness, [and] the caring – that can be the very important difference between a person keeping the cat and surrendering the cat.” Listen to Episode #497 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In […]

March 7, 2023

Banishing Stress and Fear in Cats with Tabitha Kucera, Owner of Chirrups & Chatter

“If anything, we should be doing more to address the anxiety, fear, and stress [of community cats]” Listen to Episode #498 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy follows up with Tabitha Kucera, a registered veterinary technician, certified cat behavior training […]

March 9, 2023

It all started with Adam and Eve: Going back to basics

Contributed by Head Cat, Stacy LeBaron. Last week, I presented Strategies to Reduce Cat Overpopulation as a free webinar to Community Cats Podcast listeners. I received quite a few comments after the session that reminded me how important it is that we all focus on fundamental basics. If we strive […]

March 14, 2023

Cats Generating Awareness on Social Media with Harris Baker, Founder of Catfluence

“There’s definitely a lot of good . . . that I’ve seen from the cat community on social media.” Listen to Episode #499 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Harris Baker, founder of Catfluence, a social media platform […]

March 21, 2023

A Mountain of Veterinary Conversation with Dr. Jeff Young, Founder of Planned Pethood and star of Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet

“I’ve always tried to make a difference. . . I want to make a difference in the long run.” Listen to Episode #500 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. On this special 500th episode of Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is joined by Dr. Jeff […]

March 27, 2023

Bringing Home a New Kitten: What You Need to Know to Make Your Baby Cat Feel Safe, Happy, and Comfortable in Their New Home

Contributed by Allison Hunter-Frederick, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant & Trainer Are you thinking about adopting a new kitten? My husband and I have raised a kitten of our own and fostered almost 40. This article will cover the basics of how to prepare your home for a new kitten and how […]

March 28, 2023

The Animated, Illustrated Cat with Marlene Sharp, TV and Film Writer and Executive and Proprietor of Pink Poodle Productions

“I’m glad that there are organizations that . . . dispel the myth [about black cats].” Listen to Episode #501 Now This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com, and Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Marlene Sharp, a TV and film writer and executive and proprietor of […]