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Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 13 chart positions in 13 markets.
By chart position
- 🇺🇸US · Pets & Animals#34100K to 300K
- 🇬🇧GB · Pets & Animals#35100K to 300K
- 🇨🇦CA · Pets & Animals#1035K to 30K
- 🇯🇵JP · Pets & Animals#4130K to 100K
- 🇲🇽MX · Pets & Animals#8610K to 30K
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Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
129K to 401K🎙 Daily cadence·663 episodes·Last published yesterday - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
429K to 1.3M🇺🇸22%🇬🇧22%🇵🇭22%+10 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
172K to 534K
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
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Recent episodes
Ep 670: Bridging the Gap Between Vets and Community Cat Caregivers with Dr. Kevin Lynch, DVM, Veterinarian, Author, and Founder of The Moriches Hospital for Animals
Jun 23, 2026
Unknown duration
Ep 669: 10 Years of Community Cats Podcast: A Conversation with Stacy, Kristen, and Mike
Jun 16, 2026
Unknown duration
Ep 668: City Kitties: Inside New York's Bodega Cat Movement, with Dan Rimada, Founder of Bodega Cats of New York and Co-Founder of Cats About Town Tours
Jun 9, 2026
Unknown duration
Ep 667: Building the Prevention Layer Animal Welfare Has Been Missing, with BJ Adkins, Founder and Director of Animal Angels Foundation
Jun 2, 2026
Unknown duration
Ep 666: Holistic Health for Community Cats - What Nature Already Provides with Angela Ardolino Certified Cannabis & Fungi Clinician and Founder of MycoDog, MycoCat & CBD Dog Health
May 26, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/26 | Ep 670: Bridging the Gap Between Vets and Community Cat Caregivers with Dr. Kevin Lynch, DVM, Veterinarian, Author, and Founder of The Moriches Hospital for Animals | "That's my own formula — passion and compassion tempered by dedication and humor." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and Drop Traps: Beginning and Advanced Certification Workshop. After more than five decades behind the exam table, Dr. Kevin Lynch has treated thousands of pets, mentored generations of veterinary staff, and built one of Long Island's longest-running animal hospitals. His new memoir, Off the Leash: Tales From a Lifetime of Healing Pets and Wonder, traces that journey from a 13-year-old kid who talked his way into a part-time job at a local animal hospital to a veterinarian whose guiding philosophy is simple: treating the animal is only half the work, and tending to the person on the other end of the leash is the rest. Dr. Lynch and Stacy dig into one of the thorniest debates in animal welfare: the divide between "indoor-only" advocates and the realities of outdoor and community cat caregiving. Drawing on his own farm-cat memories from working summers on a dairy farm before vet school, he makes the case for listening over judging, and for meeting cat caregivers where they are instead of where a textbook says they should be. From there, the conversation turns practical: how should trappers and community cat program managers actually approach a veterinarian for the first time? Dr. Lynch's answer centers on intention, relationship-building, and showing up with a plan rather than a crisis. The episode also gets personal. Dr. Lynch opens up about compassion fatigue and burnout, a topic he says is as urgent in veterinary medicine today as it's ever been, and shares the daily habits, including a deliberately disciplined relationship with his phone, that keep him from burning out after 51 years in practice. He and Stacy also revisit one of the most harrowing chapters of his career: volunteering with search-and-rescue dogs at Ground Zero after 9/11, an experience he says revealed both the depths of tragedy and the best of human nature. Rounding out the conversation, Dr. Lynch shares a few of the stories from his book, including an unforgettable lesson in slowing down before attempting a DIY tick removal. He also talks about where listeners can find his memoir, his YouTube series The Pet Mindset Show, and the dental care device he invented for dogs and cats. Press Play Now For: How a 13-year-old's unpaid job at a Long Island animal hospital turned into a 51-year veterinary career Dr. Lynch's perspective on the indoor-only versus outdoor/community cat debate, and why he believes there's no one-size-fits-all answer His honest advice for trappers and caregivers on how to approach a veterinarian for the first time Why showing up with "a plan" rather than a crisis is the fastest way to build trust with a vet The role of compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinary medicine, and the daily habits that help him stay in the game His "physical mailbox" approach to managing phone use and protecting mental bandwidth A first-hand account of volunteering with search-and-rescue dogs at Ground Zero after 9/11 The story behind a Rottweiler named Big Shot, and the unexpected humanity he witnessed during that crisis Two unforgettable cat stories from his memoir, including a lesson in patience before attempting DIY pet care Where to find his memoir, his YouTube series, and the dental device he invented for pets Resources & Links Off the Leash: Tales From a Lifetime of Healing Pets and Wonder (Amazon) Dr. Kevin Lynch's website The Pet Mindset Show (YouTube) Plaque Be Gone dental device | — | ||||||
| 6/16/26 | Ep 669: 10 Years of Community Cats Podcast: A Conversation with Stacy, Kristen, and Mike | "We may not all be the same organization, but we all have a very similar goal, and that is a better world for cats ultimately." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and Drop Traps: Beginning and Advanced Certification Workshop. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron is joined by Kristen Petrie, Community Cats Central's Technical Tabby, and frequent guest/guest host Mike Phillips of the Urban Cat League in New York City. Rather than a traditional interview, this episode is a candid conversation about the podcast's journey, the evolution of the community cat movement, and what they see on the horizon. Press Play Now For: How the podcast launched with a five-day-a-week release schedule — and why that was, in retrospect, wildly ambitious The evolution from a podcast into a broader educational platform, including the TNR certification workshops that have now certified over 6,000 community cat advocates The Community Cat Pyramid — why it became a turning point for the podcast and the movement, and how it reframes the conversation around owned cats as the upstream source of community cat populations A frank look at the veterinary access crisis: why affordable spay/neuter remains the most critical variable in population management, and what's shifting in the private practice landscape (including the potential move away from corporate ownership back toward independent practices) The Community Cat Clinics in the Atlanta area as a model for independently owned, cat-focused veterinary practices — and how to connect with co-owner Rick DuCharme if you're curious about replicating it The cost equation: why trap-hold-euthanize approaches are far more expensive than upstream spay/neuter investment, and how to make that case clearly to decision-makers Advocacy strategy — including the elevator pitch, tailoring your message to your audience (a politician needs to hear "1,000 voters"; a neighbor who dislikes cats needs to hear about the vacuum effect), and the power of consistent, simple messaging The Georgia Whole Cat Workshop — bringing community cat players together for a full-day hybrid strategic session The Summerlee Sustainable Solutions Grant Program— an eight-week course through the University of the Pacific paired with $4,000–$8,000 in seed funding for pilot projects What the future looks like: less hierarchy, more collaboration, and community members stepping up to answer each other's questions Resources & Links Community Cat Pyramid Community Cat Calculator Paper Collar Template Community Cat Clinic — email stacy@communitycatscentral.com to connect with Rick DuCharme for a virtual or in-person tour Previous CCP episodes with Rick DuCharme: Episode 416 on YouTube | Episode 545 on YouTube Urban Cat League — including the Taming Toolkit with Mike's socializing feral cats video resources Voters for Animal Rights (New York) Summerlee Sustainable Solutions Grant Program — through United Spay Alliance United Spay Alliance | — | ||||||
| 6/9/26 | Ep 668: City Kitties: Inside New York's Bodega Cat Movement, with Dan Rimada, Founder of Bodega Cats of New York and Co-Founder of Cats About Town Tours | "You can both celebrate them and advocate for them at the same time." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and Drop Traps: Beginning and Advanced Certification Workshop. Dan Rimada didn't set out to start a movement. He just started noticing cats. During the stillness of COVID, when New York City slowed down enough to actually look around, he began noticing the cats living in the bodegas of his Fort Greene, Brooklyn neighborhood and photographing them on his iPhone. What began as a hyper-local Instagram project quickly grew into something much larger — a citywide archive, an advocacy platform, a walking tour company, and now a forthcoming book. Today, Bodega Cats of New York is the most detailed documentation of working cats in New York City corner stores ever assembled, built on four years of relationship-building across all five boroughs. At the heart of Dan's work is a real tension: bodega cats are beloved New York City cultural icons — neighborhood anchors, pest controllers, familiar faces — and they are technically illegal. Under current New York City Health Code, keeping a live animal in a food establishment can result in fines between $200 and $1,500. Dan's 14,000-signature petition changed that conversation. It led to City Council legislation that would eliminate those fines and fund spay/neuter and vaccinations for bodega cats — with Council Member Frank Morano now carrying the bill forward after Keith Powers was term-limited out. A parallel state-level bill, introduced by Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, goes further, establishing official care standards: designated cat zones, clean water, nutritious food, rest areas, and mandatory spay/neuter. The two bills are designed to work in tandem. Dan also co-founded Cats About Town Tours with cat historian Peggy Gavan, whose blog hatchingcatnyc.com and books on New York City's animal history made her the perfect partner. The tours run through Brooklyn Heights, the Lower East Side, and the Financial District, uncovering the hidden feline history of New York from the 1800s and 1900s — and every ticket sold triggers food donations to a 501(c)(3) cat rescue. His book, Bodega Cats of New York, featuring photography by Gulce Kilkis, arrives from Quarto Publishing in October 2026. Press Play Now For: How a COVID-era iPhone project in Fort Greene grew into New York City's most comprehensive bodega cat archive What a bodega actually is — and why working cats have been part of that culture for generations Why bodega cats are currently illegal under NYC Health Code, and what the legislation would change The two-pronged legislative strategy: the city council bill and the state-level Assembly bill, and how they work together How Dan's $7,400 fundraiser and 14,000-signature petition translated into real legislative action The spay/neuter and vaccination funding mechanism proposed in the city bill — and where the money could come from Why some rescue groups want an outright ban on bodega cats, and Dan's more pragmatic take The story behind Cats About Town Tours and the hidden cat history woven into New York City's streets What to expect from the Bodega Cats of New York book, coming October 2026 Resources & Links Bodega Cats of New York — Dan's archive, advocacy updates, and book waitlist at bodegacatsofnewyork.com @bodegacatsofnewyork on Instagram Cats About Town Tours — NYC's cat history walking tours, running April through November The Hatching Cat of Gotham — Peggy Gavan's blog on the history of cats (and dogs) in New York City | — | ||||||
| 6/2/26 | Ep 667: Building the Prevention Layer Animal Welfare Has Been Missing, with BJ Adkins, Founder and Director of Animal Angels Foundation | "With animal welfare, we're basically waiting till the roof falls in — when the animals are at the shelter, that's the roof falling in. We have to catch them earlier." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and The Kitten Conference. What if the animal welfare system stopped waiting for families to walk through the shelter door — and started showing up before they ever got there? That's the question driving BJ Adkins, disabled veteran and founder of Animal Angels Foundation (AAF), a prevention-first nonprofit serving seven counties in central Alabama. After years of fostering and watching intake numbers refuse to budge, BJ decided to stop patching the system and start rebuilding its missing layer. AAF isn't a rescue organization. It's prevention infrastructure: programs designed to solve the problems that force pet surrender before surrender ever becomes an option. Those programs include SNIP, a spay/neuter assistance initiative with a $100 stipend for income-qualifying owners; The Bridge, which addresses the financial and housing barriers that most often precede surrender; Finder-to-Foster; Adoption Boost; Landlord Partnership; and Sniff and Greet. Connecting it all is the Animal Welfare Resource Network (AWRN) — a shared technology platform that replaces organizational silos with real-time coordination across shelters, rescues, vet clinics, and community partners. Three participation levels and no cost to join means even change-resistant organizations can get on board. To measure what's working, BJ is partnering with a University of Tennessee researcher to build the evidence base for prevention-first animal welfare — while already fielding calls from Colorado, Tennessee, and the Canadian SPCA. The data is being collected. The network is growing. And if BJ has anything to say about it, the roof won't have to fall in anymore. Press Play Now For: Why BJ compares the current animal welfare system to waiting for the roof to fall in — and what "upstream" intervention actually looks like A breakdown of AAF's six core programs and how each one targets a specific point of failure before shelter intake How the Animal Welfare Resource Network (AWRN) replaces organizational silos with a shared, real-time coordination platform The SNIP program's $100 stipend model and why removing financial friction matters for low-income pet owners BJ's strategy for bringing change-resistant organizations into the network — with three levels of participation and no cost to join How AAF is partnering with University of Tennessee researchers to build a data-driven case for prevention programs Practical advice for new nonprofit founders: research first, build relationships, and find the gap nobody else is filling Resources & Links Animal Angels Foundation Website Animal Welfare Resource Network (AWRN) Maddie's Pet Forum (where Stacy and BJ connected) | — | ||||||
| 5/26/26 | Ep 666: Holistic Health for Community Cats - What Nature Already Provides with Angela Ardolino Certified Cannabis & Fungi Clinician and Founder of MycoDog, MycoCat & CBD Dog Health | "Mother Nature provides us with all the food and medicine that we need. Food is medicine — and it is the number one thing you can do for any person or animal to help them stay healthy and help their immune system operate." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and The Kitten Conference. What if the best medicine for your community cats isn't found in a bottle — but in a bowl? In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician with over 20 years of expertise in holistic pet wellness and founder of MycoDog, MycoCat, and CBD Dog Health. Angela's path to holistic animal care began with her own recovery from rheumatoid arthritis using plants, mushrooms, and diet — which led her to discover that every animal shares an endocannabinoid system, the body's master regulatory system. With no quality animal products on the market, she spent two years formulating and testing full-spectrum hemp extract and medicinal mushroom tinctures at her rescue farm before bringing them to the public. Stacy and Angela dig into the real cost of kibble — not just financially, but biologically — and make the case for real food, even in small increments, for both owned cats and colony cats. Angela also offers practical guidance on supporting senior and geriatric cats with full-spectrum hemp extract, how to spot trustworthy supplements (look for a COA), and why the endocannabinoid system is the key to keeping cats healthy from the inside out. Press Play Now For: Why kibble is the wrong foundation for feline health — and practical, budget-friendly alternatives for pet owners and colony caregivers alike How the endocannabinoid system works in all animals and why supporting it is key to preventing disease How to administer full-spectrum hemp extract to cats you can touch — and cats you can't Why 85% of supplements on the market (for pets and humans alike) aren't worth buying, and how to identify the ones that are When a cat becomes a "senior" vs. a "geriatric" — and why that distinction matters for their care The feline grimace scale, telehealth options, and emerging tools that help caregivers monitor cats without a vet visit A vision for mobile veterinary care that extends to colony sites, not just indoor pets Resources & Links Angela Ardolino's Website CBD Dog Health MycoDog Your Natural Dog Podcast Follow Angela on Instagram Follow Angela on Facebook Follow Your Natural Dog on Instagram | — | ||||||
| 5/19/26 | Ep 665: From One to Many: Building a Neighborhood-Based Community Cat Program with Tonya Cook, Community Cat Program Manager at Ohio Alleycat Resource | "When we look at things on a neighborhood level and we're noticing patterns, noticing new colonies — when something's predictable, it's preventable." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and The Kitten Conference. What does it look like to build a community cat program from scratch — not just logistically, but with real intention about how change happens in a neighborhood? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron speaks with Tonya Cook, Community Cat Program Manager at Ohio Alleycat Resource (OAR) in Cincinnati, about her remarkable journey from neonatal kitten foster to full-time community cat advocate, and what she's learned about scaling impact when you're a team of one. Tonya's path into animal welfare began in 2020 when she started fostering neonatal kittens with Cincinnati Animal CARE. Night feedings and fragile lives gave her a front-row seat to how many kittens were being born outside — and how few resources existed to stop the cycle at the source. That question drove her toward TNR and, ultimately, toward a complete career change. In 2022, she left behind 15 years as a professional photographer to pursue animal welfare full-time, gaining hands-on experience at UCAN and Cincinnati Animal CARE before joining OAR in 2025 to build its community cat program from the ground up. In its pilot year, that program has facilitated the TNR of over 400 cats — most of them trapped by Tonya herself, two days a week, before she recognized the limits of that approach. When burnout began to set in, she did something harder than trapping: she stepped back. That decision led to the creation of OAR's Neighborhood Cat Ambassador Program, which embeds trained volunteers directly into high-need zip codes identified through shelter and rescue data. Ambassadors walk their streets, distribute flyers with QR codes linking to a community cat census, connect caregivers to resources, mediate neighbor disputes, and trap for those who can't. The result is a program that feels less like a service and more like a movement — and one that's bringing neighbors together in the process. Tonya also shares an inspiring story from a mobile home park 20 miles outside Cincinnati, where she spent last spring trapping 58 cats. Earlier this year, the park reached back out — not to ask for help, but to learn how to do it themselves. They've since purchased their own traps, gone door to door, posted on social media, and started bringing cats in weekly. That's the long game Tonya is playing: not just TNR, but teaching communities to sustain the work themselves. Press Play Now For: How fostering neonatal kittens led Tonya to TNR — and a complete career change Why Tonya insisted on doing the work herself first before bringing in volunteers, and what she learned from that approach. The story of Sonny, the neighborhood cat who introduced a whole street of strangers to each other How OAR's Neighborhood Cat Ambassador Program works, who it recruits, and why ambassadors stay engaged longer than traditional trapping volunteers A mobile home park success story: from one organization doing the work to a community sustaining TNR on their own Why "when something's predictable, it's preventable" is the mindset shift that defines neighborhood-based cat management How to find common ground with neighbors who hate cats and neighbors who love them Resources & Links Ohio Alleycat Resource (OAR) — Website OAR Community Cat Program OAR on Instagram (@ohioalleycat) OAR on Facebook Tonya Cook on Instagram (@cincycatlady) | — | ||||||
| 5/12/26 | Ep 664: When the Uh-Oh Happens: Pet First Aid and CPR for Every Cat Caregiver with Arden Moore, America's Pet Health and Safety Coach | "If you wanna have a real superpower, learn cat first aid." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and Strategies to Reunite Lost Cats with Families Certification Workshop and Increasing Your Impact With Targeted TNR Certification Workshop. Cats are both predator and prey — and that dual nature means they respond to emergencies unlike any other animal. They have five weapons of mass destruction, a flexible spine, and no apologies. When the uh-oh happens, are you ready? In this episode, Stacy sits down with Arden Moore, bestselling author, host of the longest-running pet podcast on the planet, and founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, to talk about what every cat caregiver — whether you're a TNR volunteer, a shelter worker, a foster, or a pet parent — needs to know when a cat is in crisis. Arden draws on 15 years as a master certified pet first aid and CPR instructor to break down how to safely approach an injured or unconscious cat, the right way to perform two-handed CPR (and yes, even kitten CPR), how to transport an injured cat without spiking their fear and stress, and what to keep in your car and home to be truly safety-ready. Stacy and Arden also talk about why community cats present a unique challenge — and how many of the same skills transfer directly to TNR work in the field. You'll also hear about the surprising void in veterinary education around pet first aid, why even vets have frozen during a pet emergency, and how Arden's famous sidekick, Pet Safety Cat Casey — a shelter alum from San Diego Humane Society who stole the show at the Virginia Cat Festival with over 350 people in the room — makes learning these life-saving skills both practical and fun. Stacy and Arden are proud partners through the Community Cats Central e-learning platform, where group packages allow organizations to get their entire teams certified together. If your group of 10 wants to watch, learn, and get individually certified, this is the course for you. Less than 5% of pet owners have ever taken a pet first aid class. That's a big void — and this episode is your invitation to fill it. Press Play Now For: Why cats in emergencies are nothing like small dogs — and how to adjust your approach for their unique physiology and stress responses How to perform one- and two-handed CPR on a cat, including two-finger CPR for neonatal kittens The kitty Heimlich, safe towel-wrapping technique, and the right way to use a top-loading carrier for transport What to keep in your car and home for a pet first aid kit — and when to check it (hint: sync it with clock changes) Why TNR caregivers are uniquely positioned to respond to field emergencies, and why a transfer cage may be better than a carrier The ASPCA Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline as 24/7 resources for toxic ingestions Why you should always call ahead to the vet — and put your hazards on during transport How Arden's "Arden's Army" of 500+ certified instructors is spreading life-saving skills across shelters, rescues, vet clinics, and beyond How to become a certified pet first aid instructor yourself through the ProPet Hero instructor program How the Community Cat Central / Pet First Aid 4 U partnership works, including group certification packages Resources & Links Pet First Aid 4 U Arden Moore's Website Oh Behave! Podcast on Pet Life Radio ProPet Hero Instructor Training Arden Moore on YouTube Arden Moore on Instagram Arden Moore on Facebook ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435, available 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, available 24/7 | — | ||||||
| 5/5/26 | Ep 663: Kitten Season Is Coming: What the Data Says and What to Do About It with Tori Fugate, Director of SAC Communications for the ASPCA | "If we all came together to solve the problem, to solve the issue, and work together — those are the areas that we would see the most improvement." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and Strategies to Reunite Lost Cats with Families Certification Workshop and Increasing Your Impact With Targeted TNR Certification Workshop. The kittens are coming. We know it every spring, but this year, Shelter Animals Count has the data to prove exactly how big the wave will be — and which organizations will feel it hardest. If your shelter or rescue isn't already ramping up fosters, supplies, and community outreach, this episode is your signal to start today. Tori Fugate is the Director of Communications for Shelter Animals Count — now a program of the ASPCA — and she has spent more than a decade at the intersection of animal welfare and strategic communications. Before joining SAC, she was Chief Communications Officer at KC Pet Project, where she helped transform one of the country's most visible municipal shelters into a national model for innovative, lifesaving work. Tori joins host Stacy LeBaron to unpack the latest findings from SAC's 2025 Annual Data Report — including the striking reality that 59% of all cats entering shelters in 2025 were kittens under five months of age. They dig into how to use zip-code-level intake data to target foster recruitment and community outreach before the floodgates open, and why creative thinking — think paper collars with QR codes to crowdfund spay/neuter costs — may be just as important as resources and policy. They also tackle one of the industry's most alarming trends: only 23% of cats entering shelters in 2025 arrived already spayed or neutered, nearly 3% below pre-pandemic levels. Tori explains how SAC's groundbreaking Altered Status at Intake Report is helping organizations understand where access-to-care gaps are widest — and what shelter communicators can do right now to start closing them. Press Play Now For: Why cats and kittens are just as marketable as dogs — and why the most ridiculous cat names often drive the most adoptions The significance of 59% of all 2025 cat shelter intake being kittens under five months of age How government shelters and contract shelters are seeing disproportionately higher intake of kittens under eight weeks Why only 23% of cats entering shelters in 2025 were already spayed or neutered — and what that means for resource allocation SAC's Altered Status at Intake Report: five years of data showing a nearly 3% decline from 2019 pre-pandemic levels Creative approaches to community spay/neuter funding, including paper collar QR codes to crowdfund costs How shelters can use zip-code-level intake data to target outreach, neighborhood meetings, and foster recruitment Practical kitten season communication strategies: media outreach, foster spotlights, and targeted Amazon wishlists The importance of flexible, dynamic thinking when managing kitten surges — and how to support community members who can't bring kittens in right away SAC's publicly available dashboards including the National Animal Welfare Statistics Dashboard (10 years of data!) and state-level breakdowns Resources & Links Shelter Animals Count SAC 2025 Annual Data Report SAC Data Reports SAC Altered Status at Intake Report KC Pet Project PetHelpFinder.org Pets.FindHelp.com United Spay Alliance United Spay Alliance Spay/Neuter Locator Community Cats Central | — | ||||||
| 4/28/26 | Ep 662: Scaling Spay/Neuter, Systems Thinking, and the Future of Urban Animal Welfare with Will Zweigart, Executive Director of Flatbush Cats | "Rescue and adoption actually don't scale. It doesn't matter how many you do—you're not preventing more from showing up." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and The Community Cat Clinic. In this compelling episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacey LeBaron sits down with Will Zweigart, the visionary behind Flatbush Cats and creator of the investigative podcast Underfoot. Together, they unpack the "hidden cat crisis" affecting urban communities—particularly in New York City—and explore why traditional approaches to rescue and adoption fall short of creating lasting change. Will shares how his background in strategy and communications shaped a systems-level approach to animal welfare, leading to a bold realization: rescue alone doesn't scale. Instead, sustainable impact lies in increasing access to affordable veterinary care, particularly high-volume spay/neuter services. The conversation dives into the evolution from grassroots rescue work to launching a full-scale clinic, Flatbush Vet, which performed over 7,000 surgeries in a single year. This episode goes beyond storytelling—it's a blueprint for change. From addressing volunteer burnout to building scalable teams, advocating for municipal accountability, and reimagining the role of cities in animal welfare, Will outlines a transformative vision for 2035. Listeners will gain insight into how policy, funding, and public awareness intersect—and why nonprofits must often lead the charge in both service delivery and media storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned rescuer, nonprofit leader, or passionate advocate, this episode challenges you to think bigger, act strategically, and embrace solutions that create lasting impact for cats and communities alike. Press Play Now For: Why rescue and adoption alone cannot solve cat overpopulation The concept of the "hidden cat crisis" and why it lacks media coverage How scaling spay/neuter services creates measurable, long-term impact The transition from volunteer rescue work to building a veterinary clinic Practical strategies to prevent volunteer burnout through delegation and systems The role of municipalities—and why policy inaction is a key barrier A bold 2035 vision for animal welfare infrastructure in major cities How storytelling and media can drive awareness and systemic change Resources & Links Flatbush Cats Flatbush on Instagram Flatbush on Facebook Flatbush on TikTok Flatbush on YouTube Underfoot Flatbush Vet | — | ||||||
| 4/21/26 | Ep 661: From Stray Streets to Smart Shelters: Transforming Cat Welfare in Greece with Julie Kelley, Founder of Let's Be S.M.A.R.T. | "What's better than bringing home a life you saved instead of a souvenir that just sits on a shelf?" This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and The Community Cat Clinic. What does it take to transform a country's approach to stray animal care? In this inspiring episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron reconnects with Julie Kelley—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Let's Be Smart Greece—to explore how one vision is reshaping feline welfare across borders. Julie shares the story behind her move from the United States to Greece and how witnessing widespread stray populations sparked a mission rooted in education, community collaboration, and sustainable solutions. Through Let's Be Smart, Julie has developed a multifaceted model that blends Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), municipality partnerships, and innovative "Smart Yards" to create safer, more structured environments for community cats. Listeners will get an inside look at Julie's unique shelter concept—a home-like villa where cats live freely alongside volunteers from around the world. This approach not only improves feline well-being but also accelerates socialization and adoption success. Julie also discusses the organization's growing "adoption vacation" initiative, helping tourists responsibly bring Greek cats home after proper medical preparation. The conversation dives into recent legislative progress in Greece, the importance of youth education, and the evolving role of municipalities in animal welfare. Julie's long-term vision? A global shift toward more humane, integrated shelter models that treat animals as family—not inventory. Whether you're involved in rescue, advocacy, or simply love cats, this episode offers a powerful reminder: meaningful change happens when compassion meets strategy. Press Play Now For: How Let's Be Smart Greece is tackling the stray cat crisis through education and community partnerships The concept of "Smart Yards" and why structured feeding stations matter A behind-the-scenes look at a villa-style, home-based cat shelter model How international volunteers contribute to animal welfare efforts in Greece The rise of "adoption vacations" and how tourists can responsibly adopt abroad Why municipalities play a critical role in scaling TNR and veterinary access Julie Kelley's long-term vision for transforming global shelter standards Resources & Links Let's Be Smart Greece Julie Kelley at the Online Cat Conference 2022 Workaway Volunteer Program Nine Lives Greece (Acropolis Cat Initiative) | — | ||||||
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| 4/14/26 | Ep 660: From Skeptics to Advocates: Launching TNR in an Underserved Rural Community with TyAnn Sumpter, Manager of Shelter Support at Charleston Animal Society | "Community cats — it's really about the community. It brings the community together." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and the Feline Behavior Summit 2026. What does it take to build a community cat program from scratch in a rural, under-resourced area where nearly everyone — officers, residents, and administrators alike — is convinced it won't work? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with TyAnn Sumpter, Manager of Shelter Support at Charleston Animal Society, to walk through one of the most compelling TNR success stories in recent memory. TyAnn came to animal welfare from the business world, and it was that entrepreneurial mindset that helped her see past the resistance and build something lasting in Florence County, South Carolina. TyAnn shares how she designed and launched the region's first TNR initiative using existing call log data, enthusiastic volunteers, and animal control officers who already knew which neighborhoods needed help. What started as a one-year, grant-funded pilot ended up spaying and neutering 1,700 cats in year one alone. By year two, the shelter that had previously taken in roughly a thousand cats annually had dropped its intake to just 73. The ripple effects are just as remarkable. Neighboring Darlington County started calling to ask why they didn't have a program, and TyAnn helped them get set up. Florence County eventually hired its own dedicated community cat coordinator, purchased its own transport van, and secured permanent budget funding — all things that would have seemed unimaginable when TyAnn first walked through that shelter door. She also makes a compelling case for using complaint call reductions and cost savings to win over skeptical municipal administrators. Press Play Now For: How TyAnn built Florence County's first TNR program with no roadmap and no buy-in Why mining call log data was the key to finding the community's hidden cat advocates The dramatic shelter intake drop — from 1,000 cats per year to just 73 How the program expanded into neighboring counties and became permanently self-funded The role animal control officers played in identifying colonies and building community trust Making the financial case to county administrators using complaint call metrics How Charleston Animal Society handles high-volume TNR surgeries two hours away Why a nonjudgmental, community-first approach is the most powerful tool in TNR The unexpected expansions: pet pantries, low-cost owned-cat spay/neuter, and more Resources & Links: Charleston Animal Society TyAnn Sumpter on LinkedIn Best Friends Animal Society United Spay Alliance | — | ||||||
| 4/7/26 | Ep 656: Bridging the Gap in Access to Care with Claire Schuch, Associate Director of Research for University of Tennessee, Knoxville Center for Pet Family Well-Being | "We might think access to veterinary care is just an issue for low-income families—but the reality is, it affects people across income levels, for very different reasons." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, and the Feline Behavior Summit 2026. Access to veterinary care is one of the most pressing—and complex—issues facing pet families today. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with researcher Claire Shuch, PhD, to unpack the latest findings from a groundbreaking national study on barriers to veterinary care. Drawing from her work with the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Program for Pet Health Equity, Claire shares insights from the updated Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers and Insights from Pet Families report. This research builds on the foundational 2018 study and reveals how economic pressures, workforce shortages, and lingering pandemic effects continue to shape how—and whether—families can care for their pets. Listeners will discover surprising truths about who struggles to access care (hint: it's not just low-income households), why many cats remain unspayed or unvaccinated, and how logistical challenges like scheduling and clinic availability play a major role. The conversation also explores the broader "One Health" framework, highlighting how human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected. For community cat advocates, this episode offers valuable context on intake trends, stray adoption patterns, and opportunities for intervention through education and accessible services. Claire also paints a compelling vision of a more integrated future—where human and animal healthcare services are co-located or mobile, reaching underserved communities more effectively. Whether you're a rescuer, veterinarian, policymaker, or passionate cat lover, this episode provides both data-driven insights and hopeful possibilities for improving care access nationwide. Press Play Now For: Key findings from the latest national veterinary care access study Why affordability is only part of the access problem Insights into cat ownership trends and stray intake patterns The real reasons cats aren't always spayed or neutered How COVID-19 reshaped pet ownership and care challenges The growing impact of veterinary workforce shortages A practical introduction to the "One Health" model Innovative ideas for co-located and mobile care services How community programs can better support both pets and people Resources & Links Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers and Insights from Pet Families University of Tennessee Knoxville – Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) One Health Community Forum (Maddie's Fund) Original 2018 Access to Veterinary Care Study (AVCC) Episode Update! Since the recording of this episode, The Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) is now the Center for Pet Family Well-Being (CPFW). The links listed above and mentioned in the episode should forward you to the new, relevant information, but you can check out this article for all the details about the change. | — | ||||||
| 3/31/26 | Ep 658: The Cat Health Breakthrough No One Thought Was Possible with Steve Dale, Pet Journalist and Renowned Advocate | "I'm announcing that FIP is no longer considered fatal… and I looked up to see tears in the eyes of veterinarians around the world." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, OcuTrap, the Feline Behavior Summit 2026, and the TNR Certification Workshop. In this powerful and emotional episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with renowned animal behavior expert and advocate Steve Dale to explore groundbreaking advancements in feline health that are changing—and saving—lives. Steve shares the deeply personal story of his cat Ricky, whose diagnosis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) sparked a decades-long mission to fund critical research through the EveryCat Health Foundation. What began as heartbreak has led to hope, including the development of a promising drug that can reverse heart enlargement in cats when caught early. The conversation then turns to one of the most historically devastating feline diseases: FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). Once considered a death sentence, FIP is now treatable thanks to years of persistence, research funding, and global collaboration. Steve walks us through the science, the setbacks, and the stunning breakthrough that has saved countless kittens—and even contributed to antiviral treatments used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the science, this episode highlights the evolving human-cat bond, the importance of understanding feline behavior, and why we are truly living in the "era of the cat." Whether you're a shelter professional, foster caregiver, or devoted cat owner, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and hopeful about the future of feline welfare. Press Play Now For: The surprising origin story of a piano-playing cat that changed everything How one cat's diagnosis led to life-saving HCM research A clear, accessible explanation of FIP and why it was once always fatal The breakthrough antiviral treatments now curing FIP in kittens How feline research contributed to human COVID-19 treatment Why understanding animal behavior can prevent bites and build trust The growing momentum behind "The Year (and Decade) of the Cat" Resources & Links EveryCat Health Foundation Steve Dale's Blog & Newsletter Ask the Dog by Steve Dale FIP Warriors Zen By Cat | — | ||||||
| 3/24/26 | Ep 657: Feline Leukemia Explained: What Every Cat Lover Needs to Know About FeLV with Margaret Tompkins, Feline Leukemia Expert & Advocate | "No cat should be euthanized because it tests positive for a virus—period." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, Reduce Surrenders with Feline Behavior Support Certification Workshop, and The Community Cat Clinic. Feline leukemia (FeLV) has long been one of the most misunderstood—and often feared—diagnoses in the cat world. In this eye-opening episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes feline leukemia advocate and expert Margaret Tompkins to break down the myths, realities, and latest advancements surrounding this complex virus. Margaret shares her personal journey into the world of FeLV advocacy, sparked by a group of rescue kittens that changed her life. From there, she dives into the science behind feline leukemia, explaining how it differs from FIV, how it spreads, and why today's understanding of the disease is far more hopeful than it was just a few decades ago. Listeners will gain clarity on key topics such as progressive vs. regressive infections, the importance of spay/neuter in disease prevention, and whether testing is always necessary—especially in TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs. Margaret also tackles one of the most emotional questions caregivers face: what to do when a cat tests positive, and why euthanasia should not be the default response. The conversation also explores managing mixed households, vaccine advancements (including promising new mRNA technology), and how strong immune systems play a critical role in outcomes for FeLV-positive cats. Whether you're a rescuer, foster, veterinarian, or cat lover, this episode offers practical guidance, science-backed insights, and a much-needed shift in perspective. Feline leukemia is no longer a guaranteed death sentence—and with education, compassion, and proactive care, these cats can live meaningful, happy lives. Press Play Now For: The critical difference between FeLV and FIV—and why it matters How feline leukemia is actually transmitted (and common misconceptions) Why spay/neuter is the most powerful tool for disease prevention When testing is essential—and when it's not worth the cost Understanding progressive vs. regressive FeLV infections What to do if your vet suggests euthanasia after a positive test How to safely manage mixed households with FeLV-positive cats The latest breakthroughs in FeLV vaccines, including mRNA technology Why many FeLV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives Resources & Links Community Cats Podcast YouTube Library (FeLV Playlist) FIV/FeLV Positive Cats Facebook Group | — | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | Ep 656: Building a Culture of TNR with Chelsea Winter, Community Cat Program Manager at Street Cat Hub | "You can't possibly trap every cat. So we teach the community how to do it themselves — and give them the tools to fully sterilize entire colonies." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund, The Animal Rights Foundation, The Feline Behavior Summit, and The Community Cat Clinic. What happens when a community stops trapping two cats at a time — and starts thinking in entire neighborhoods? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron sits down with Chelsea Winter, Community Cat Program Manager at Street Cat Hub in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to explore how targeted, whole-colony TNR is driving measurable impact — including a 30% drop in kitten intake at the local shelter. Chelsea shares how her journey from bottle-feeding neonatal kittens led her to a deeper question: What's causing this constant flood of kittens? That curiosity turned into a strategic, data-driven approach to Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), focused on empowering community caretakers to trap entire colonies at once — not piecemeal. With more than 50,000 cats sterilized in the organization's history and 6,000 cats fixed annually, Street Cat Hub combines municipal contracts, mapping technology, community education, and high-volume clinic capacity to create sustainable change. Instead of working strictly from a first-come, first-served waitlist, the team targets "hot pockets" identified through shelter intake data, DOA mapping, and caretaker requests — maximizing impact in concentrated areas. Chelsea also shares practical insights on managing waitlists, engaging reluctant feeders, navigating mixed colonies, and building a culture where TNR becomes a shared community responsibility. If you're looking for a scalable, collaborative model that reduces kitten intake and improves live outcomes, this episode delivers both inspiration and a tactical roadmap. Press Play Now For: How Street Cat Hub reached 50,000 sterilizations Why whole-colony trapping is more effective than piecemeal TNR The strategy behind 3-day mass trapping events How mapping shelter intakes and DOAs guides targeted intervention What to do when caretakers won't pull food Managing an 800-colony waitlist without burning out How municipal contracts support sustainable TNR programs Why affordable spay/neuter for owned cats is essential Proof that focused TNR reduces kitten intake by 30% Resources & Links: Street Cat Hub Street Cat Hub on Facebook | — | ||||||
| 3/10/26 | 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: Orphan Kitten Club Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw) Hill's State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | 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: An Animal Shelter's Guide to Board Governance by Tim Crum Available at https://animalshelterguide.com Animal Shelter Services Tim's Previous Podcast Appearance: Community Cats Podcast Episode 611 | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | 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: Athens Area Humane Society Operation Catnip RedRover Shelter Animals Count Fix Georgia Pets BISSELL Pet Foundation - Fix the Future Georgia Pet Foundation | — | ||||||
| 2/17/26 | 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: FareVet.com | — | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | 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: Dr. Angie Krause's website: boulderholisticvet.com Podcast: Tails of Truth: The Truth About Veterinary Medicine (available on all major platforms + YouTube) Community Cats Central Paper Collar Template Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | 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: Feline Behavioral Ordinal Rating Scale Training (Free Course) Toronto Humane Society Dr. Ellis's research publications 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. | — | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | 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: ASAP Cats Working Cats Program Community Cats Central Shelter Animals Count 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. | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | 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: International Cat Care's Website ICAM Conference – Cat Management in the Urban City State of Singapore Previous episode with Harry Eckman: Episode 605 – Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective Harry Eckman on LinkedIn Harry's Published Research on Cat & Dog Welfare in Portugal | — | ||||||
| 1/13/26 | 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: Visit: www.pennyfix.org to apply for grants, donate, or join the Penny a Day campaign (http://www.pennyfix.org/) Learn about The Best Little Cat House in Pennsylvania (http://www.thebestlittlecathouseinpa.com/) Check out PennyFix on Facebook for updates (https://www.facebook.com/PennyFix2017) Listen to a previous episode about PennyFix (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-386-mikaela-fleisher/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies645) Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast) 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. | — | ||||||
| 1/6/26 | 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: Desmond's Law (https://harvardlawreview.org/forum/vol-134/desmonds-law-early-impressions-of-connecticutrsquos-court-advocate-program-for-animal-cruelty-cases/) Desmond's Army (https://www.desmondsarmy.org/) Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. (https://factssaves.org/) Find Joyce on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-glass-7708b1158/) Database - Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates, the Passage of Desmond's Law in Connecticut and Analysis of Animal Cruelty Cases and Attorney Advocate Appointments from 2016-2025 (https://www.desmondsarmy.org/_files/ugd/75ac3d_d9e4c424c5ca46e6a1d48548c9e8f12e.pdf) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies645) Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast) 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. | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
14 placements across 13 markets.
Chart Positions
14 placements across 13 markets.
