The Community Cats Podcast

• Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care

  "Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that's when real change happens.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care, joins host Stacy LeBaron for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in managing unowned cat populations worldwide. With over 25 years in animal welfare, Harry has worked on everything from stray population management to ending the dog and cat meat trades. In this episode, he shares his journey into animal welfare, the realities of life for unowned cats across different regions, and innovative solutions to improve their welfare. Harry sheds light on his latest project, a three-year initiative backed by the Battersea Global Enabler Fund, focusing on cat welfare strategies in five countries: the UK, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Australia. He emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions, the role of cat feeders as unsung heroes, and the systemic challenges—including veterinary shortages—that impact cat welfare globally. From integrating social services into feline welfare to normalizing trap-neuter-return (TNR), Harry and Stacy discuss what it takes to build sustainable, community-led programs that truly make a difference. Press Play Now For: How Harry Eckman transitioned from pastry chef to global cat welfare leader The harsh realities faced by unowned cats around the world Why effective TNR is more than just sterilization—it’s about strategic planning The importance of integrating cat welfare into existing community services How veterinary shortages are impacting cat population management globally The role of cat feeders and why they are key to humane population control A groundbreaking international project aimed at improving feline welfare Resources & Links: International Cat Care – Learn more about their mission and projects (https://icatcare.org) Find Harry Eckman on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-eckman-45b9a847/) Harry’s Published Research on Cat & Dog Welfare in Portugal – Read it here(https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2024.0029) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies605) 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 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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  31:38
• Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging, Featuring Hanna Lentz, the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change)

  "We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. How can storytelling and messaging shape the future of animal welfare? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Hanna Lentz, executive director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change). With two decades in animal welfare, Hanna shares how SPARC is reshaping narratives to improve collaboration, reduce divisiveness, and create meaningful change for animals and people. From hands-on shelter work to strategic messaging, Hanna discusses her journey and words' powerful role in shaping perceptions, policies, and practices in animal welfare. Whether you're involved in TNR, rescue, or advocacy, this episode will challenge you to rethink how we talk about the work we do—and why it matters. Press Play Now For: The role of messaging in shaping animal welfare strategies How community members can support pet owners in crisis The power of empathic listening in advocacy and rescue work Breaking down divisive issues like "No-Kill" and community cat management How SPARC is helping organizations refine their language for maximum impact Why collaboration between social services and animal welfare is crucial Resources & Links: Learn more about SPARC (http://www.sparcinsight.org) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies604) 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 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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  32:21
• Fixing Feline Futures: Featuring Robin Post, RVT, of Animal Fix Clinic

  "We have to stop the endless cycle. Everyone loves kittens, but the goal should be to make sure they were never born into suffering in the first place." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Robin Post, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and the 2023 recipient of the Linda Markland Outstanding RVT of the Year Award. With a career spanning shelter medicine, spay/neuter clinics, and fieldwork in underserved communities, Robin shares her deep insights into feline welfare, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), and the importance of accessible veterinary care. Robin’s journey from shelter veterinary assistant to leading Animal Fix Clinic, a high-volume spay/neuter and urgent care facility, underscores her commitment to helping both community cats and pet owners. She dives into the challenges of managing feral cat populations, the necessity of spaying mother cats to prevent the endless cycle of unwanted kittens, and how her clinic is implementing Fear Free practices to minimize stress for cats undergoing surgery. Stacy and Robin also discuss the ongoing veterinarian and technician shortages, the increasing demand for TNR services, and the role technology—such as tracking devices and colony management tools—plays in improving feline welfare. Whether you're a seasoned TNR advocate or new to community cat care, this episode offers invaluable guidance on spay/neuter best practices, post-surgery recovery, and the evolving landscape of feline rescue efforts. Press Play Now For: How Robin’s experience in shelter medicine led her to a passion for community cat care The life-changing impact of spaying mother cats—not just their litters Understanding Fear Free practices in high-volume spay/neuter clinics How the Animal Fix Clinic is tackling emergency surgeries for underserved pets The biggest challenges facing TNR efforts today—and what’s needed to move forward Why keeping community cats in good body condition matters for their survival Tips for trappers on when (and when not) to bring a cat to a vet clinic The growing role of technology in managing community cat colonies How to collaborate with veterinarians to ensure TNR remains a priority Resources & Links Animal Fix Clinic (http://www.animalfixclinic.org) Community Cats Podcast TNR Certification Workshop (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/) Fear Free Certification (http://www.fearfreepets.com) Community Cat Calculator (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-calculator/) Sponsor Links Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies603) 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 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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  44:45
• Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care, Featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine

  "Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you're going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. How can we ensure the next generation of veterinarians is equipped to handle the unique challenges of community cats? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, to discuss her innovative approach to veterinary education and the vital role of high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) training. Dr. Goetz shares insights from her week-long elective course that immerses students in hands-on community cat care, teaching everything from surgery techniques to navigating legal and ethical considerations. With support from local organizations and shelters, students gain real-world experience treating up to 50 cats per day. The course not only strengthens surgical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of public health, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), and the complex relationship between communities and outdoor cats. Tune in to learn how this groundbreaking program is shaping the future of veterinary medicine, why community cat care should be a core part of veterinary training, and how local clinics can get involved in expanding spay/neuter access. Press Play Now For: How veterinary students are trained in high-volume spay/neuter technique The importance of community cat care in veterinary education How to balance shelter medicine with private practice veterinary work The role of community partnerships in expanding spay/neuter access Why MASH-style spay/neuter clinics could help solve the capacity crisis Strategies for integrating TNR services into private veterinary practices How veterinarians can get involved in hands-on community cat programs Resources & Links: University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine: http://vetmed.arizona.edu Contact Dr. Nellie Goetz: [email protected] Humane Society of Arizona: http://hssaz.org Pima County Animal Care: http://webcms.pima.gov Merck Animal Health: http://merck-animal-health.com Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies602) The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga) 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 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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  26:17
• Tag! You’re Home! Simplifying Successful Reunification, Featuring Nina Stively, Director of Loudon County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, DVM

  "Over 80% of the tagged cats didn’t need to come into the shelter at all. This simple tool is keeping cats in their communities where they belong." – Dr. Amy Dalrymple This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. What if a simple collar could help keep community cats out of shelters and reunite them with their families? In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Nina Stively, Director of Loudoun County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, veterinarian and shelter medicine specialist, about the Tag! You're Home! program—a groundbreaking approach to identifying and returning outdoor cats to their rightful homes. With traditional shelter methods resulting in low return-to-owner rates for stray cats, Tag! You’re Home! offers a humane and data-driven alternative. Nina explains how her shelter equips found cats with collars bearing a simple question: “Am I your cat?” The results speak for themselves—over 80% of tagged cats never needed shelter intake, and 31% were confirmed to have been reunited with their owners. Dr. Dalrymple discusses the research behind this initiative, the benefits for both shelters and communities and how this concept can be applied beyond municipal programs, including TNR efforts. Tune in to discover how a small intervention is making a huge impact on cat welfare and how you can bring this idea to your community. Press Play Now For: A simple and effective method to reunite lost cats with their families How the Tag! You’re Home! program keeps community cats out of shelters The surprising statistics behind stray cat reunifications Why traditional shelter systems often fail lost cats How this program bridges the gap between TNR groups and shelters The importance of changing public perception about stray and outdoor cats How you can implement similar initiatives in your own community Resources & Links: Learn more about Loudoun County Animal Services: http://loudoun.gov/animals Contact Nina Stively: [email protected] Journal of Shelter Medicine & Community Animal Health (https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/98) Community Cats Podcast Paper Collar Template (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/paper-collar/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies601) The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga) 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 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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  23:57

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