The Community Cats Podcast

"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
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"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

"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.

"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.

"Helping that one cat is incredibly valuable... but it also represents a new behavior, a new calling, as to how we are addressing cats in our community."
This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.
As 2025 draws to a close, host Stacy LeBaron takes the mic solo to share heartfelt reflections, bold vision, and a rallying cry for cat advocates everywhere. In this special year-end episode, Stacy unveils Community Cats Central, a transformative evolution of the Community Cats Podcast, designed to deepen education, networking, and support for cat lovers turning their passion into action.
This isn't just a look back—it's a forward march. Stacy encourages each listener to embrace their leadership potential, set attainable goals for 2026, and build stronger bonds within their communities. With stories like the Newburyport case study and a touching tribute to her late friend Betty Bro, this episode bridges the personal and the strategic, reminding us that every cat saved starts with a connection, a plan, and a little courage.
Whether you're new to TNR or a seasoned advocate, this episode is your invitation to step into leadership and create lasting change.
Press Play Now For:
A preview of the 2026 vision for Community Cats Central
Tips to set realistic goals and avoid burnout in rescue work
Why YOU are a leader—even if you don't feel like one
The power of positive connections in advocacy
Sneak peeks at new on-demand TNR courses and January events
A moving tribute to cat champion and what she teaches us about legacy
Resources Mentioned:
Community Cats Central (http://communitycatscentral.com)
Newburyport TNR Case Study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5704110/)
TNR Certification Workshop – Jan 3 (https://communitycatscentral.thinkific.com/courses/tnrcert-january-2026)
The Cat Conference – Jan 24–25 ()
Community Cat Program Management Course – Starts Jan 26 ()
All About Animals Rescue – Michigan ()
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.