"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

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.

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.

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.

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In Part 2 of this dynamic webinar, Brian Kortis of Neighborhood Cats returns to guide us through the nuts and bolts of implementing a targeted TNR program. If Part 1 was the "why," this episode is the "how." Learn how to identify where to focus your resources using data such as shelter intake, complaint calls, and community insights. Brian explains how to structure your outreach—from yard signs to door knocking—and how to overcome challenges like uncooperative caretakers or underestimated cat populations.

Through real-world case studies and expert recommendations, you'll understand the importance of spatial continuity, microtargeting, and setting achievable sterilization goals, even when resources are tight. You'll also explore tools for measuring program success—whether you're tracking shelter intake, complaint reduction, or cat population decline through on-the-ground censuses.

Whether you're targeting an entire city or a single block, this episode equips you with strategic tools to design and execute efficient, high-impact TNR campaigns.

Press Play Now For:

• How to use data to pinpoint high-need areas
• Estimating cat populations using human-to-cat ratios
• Outreach methods that work: flyers, billboards, boots on the ground
• Who should do the trapping—and why you can't always rely on caretakers
• The importance of measuring results and how to adapt on the fly
• A new frontier: Microtargeting based on real-time shelter data

Resources Mentioned:

• Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/)
• Additional Training (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/conferences-and-events/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies643)

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.

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In Part 1 of this two-part webinar, Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats, breaks down the power of targeted TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and why it's essential for managing community cat populations effectively. Hosted in partnership with the Community Cats Podcast, this episode dives deep into the theory behind concentrating resources in high-need areas and why traditional, scattered approaches often fall short. Using real-world case studies and expert insight, Bryan illustrates how geographic targeting, colony-level focus, and an understanding of carrying capacity and the vacuum effect can dramatically increase the impact of your spay/neuter efforts.

You'll also discover how strategic targeting has successfully transformed neighborhoods from overrun to manageable, with results that include reduced shelter intake, lower euthanasia rates, and fewer cat complaints. If your organization has limited resources and big goals, this session is your roadmap to making the most of every dollar—and every surgery.

Whether you're running a spay/neuter clinic, a grassroots rescue, or a municipal program, Bryan offers scalable advice that adapts to any community size. Learn how to prioritize, structure, and execute a targeted TNR program for maximum effect.

Press Play Now For:

• Why targeting is essential when resources are limited
• The concept of carrying capacity and why colonies don't explode endlessly
• How the vacuum effect can undo your hard work—and how to prevent it
• The difference between colony-level and community-level targeting
• Case studies from New York, Tampa Bay, and Newburyport

Resources Mentioned:

• Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/)
• Additional Training (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/conferences-and-events/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies642)

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.

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

What do neonate kittens, a chance wedding conversation, and a global mission to stop kitten overpopulation have in common? Jackie Noble.

In this lively episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Jackie Noble, Executive Director of the Orphan Kitten Club, to dish on all things kitten rescue, and the bold vision to end the cycle once and for all. With a career that began thanks to a wedding guest and a little wine, Jackie now leads one of the most impactful organizations in the kitten welfare world.

You'll hear how Jackie and her team are flipping the script on kitten rescue with their "Full-Circle TNR" approach. Because saving one kitten just isn't enough when you know there's a whole colony behind it. From identifying "kitten hotspots" to preventing disease outbreaks, Jackie reveals how data, partnerships, and smart strategy are reshaping how we help our tiniest feline friends.

Plus, discover why spay/neuter isn't just a vet visit, it's a movement, how research is saving kittens' eyes and lives (literally), and why every trap, foster, and grant dollar counts.

Press Play Now For:

• A wedding story that launched a career in kitten care
• The magic behind Full-Circle TNR (it's smarter than it sounds)
• How foster parents are becoming frontline changemakers
• Why "feral" might not mean what you think
• Inspiring collaborations that actually move the needle
• How one group saved an entire colony—and every kitten's eyesight
• Why the Orphan Kitten Club is going big in 2026 (and how you can help)

Resources Mentioned:

• Orphan Kitten Club (https://orphankittenclub.org/)
• TNR Certification Workshop (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/the-neighborhood-cats-tnr-certification-workshop-mar-2022/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies641)

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.