This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Humane Canada's Summit for Animals.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dot Baisly, a certified behavior consultant with a rich background in animal welfare. Dot shares her story of growing up with cats and how her experiences led her to a career in feline behavior. With roles at IAABC and various shelters, she has a wealth of knowledge to share.

In this episode, Dot and Stacy discuss how feline behavior training has evolved, moving from outdated methods to humane, science-based techniques. Learn about the role of behavior consultants in shelters, their collaboration with veterinarians, and the importance of behavior assessments in TNR programs. Dot explains how understanding a cat's socialization history can determine the best outcomes for community cats.

Dot also sheds light on the challenges facing the animal welfare industry, from staff burnout to the need for standardized education. She emphasizes the importance of shelter behavior programs and the benefits of hiring certified professionals to ensure the mental health and well-being of animals.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of feline behavior and discover how collaborative efforts can enhance the lives of cats in shelters and communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in animal rescue, behavior consulting, or shelter management.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Evolution of feline behavior training
• Role of behavior consultants in shelters
• Insights on TNR programs and behavior assessment
• Challenges and solutions in animal welfare

Resources:

• Find IAABC on the web at iaabc.org
• Email Dot Baisly at director@iaabc.org
• Email Membership Director at membership@iaabc.org
• Find Tabitha Kucera on the web at chirrupsandchatter.com

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. Simply 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.

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Tomahawk Traps.

Step into the world of Brandi Sherman as she shares her remarkable journey from a rural upbringing surrounded by vulnerable cats to leading Fresno TNR— an initiative dedicated to controlling and caring for community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return.

In this episode, Brandy reveals how her childhood observations of animal hardship fueled her commitment to change and ignited a mission to save lives through spay and neuter programs. Brandi discusses the logistics of organizing large-scale spay and neuter operations, collaboration with local entities, and the public education efforts necessary to foster a community supportive of feral cat welfare. Through her story, listeners will gain insight into the powerful impact of community-driven initiatives.

Enjoy this session, filled with heart, wit, and grit as we uncover what a community can accomplish together, such as more than 6700 cats spayed and neutered in just a year’s time. Acquire understanding on how you, too, can fuel efforts in your own community and turn personal commitment into community leadership.

This discussion is not just about a few individuals saving cats; it's about fostering a compassionate community ethos that recognizes the dignity and worth of every feline life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Brandi’s inspiring story from childhood to change-maker
• The impact of community cooperation in TNR
• Behind-the-scenes look at running a volunteer-driven initiative
• Expanding reach beyond Fresno

Resources:

• Find FresnoTNR on the web at fresnotnr.org
• Follow Fresno TNR on Facebook: @FresnoTNR
• Contact Fresno TNR at info@fresnotnr.org

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. Simply 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.

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and Tomahawk Traps.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dawn Benefiel, founder of Indy Neighborhood Cats, as she shares her journey from encountering stray kittens to orchestrating an essential shift in community cat management. This episode delves into how Dawn's initial act of kindness led to the creation of a strategic plan aimed at remodeling animal welfare in Indianapolis. Through her story, we explore the challenges and breakthroughs in shaping a city-wide approach that not only addresses immediate needs but also sets a sustainable path forward for cat welfare.

Discover how Indy Neighborhood Cats, under Dawn’s leadership, has developed advanced programs to comply with local ordinances while significantly improving the lives of thousands of cats through trapping, neutering, and vaccinating. The conversation also highlights the organization’s strategic responses to the pandemic’s impact on animal welfare, showcasing how thoughtful planning and community engagement can lead to impactful results.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Reimagining animal welfare through community-centric programs
• Pandemic impact on animal services
• Effective community outreach
• Strategic planning for increased capacity

Resources from this episode:

• Indy Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.indyneighborhoodcats.org/
• Indy Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/indyneighborhoodcats

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. Simply 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.

Episode #567

When Tracy Dean left her advertising career to dedicate herself to the welfare of community cats in Reno, she embarked on an unexpected and redefining journey. This episode is not merely a conversation; it is a vivid narrative about Tracy's profound engagement with the world of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and her leadership at Community Cats of Reno. Her story is a testament to how a single person's passion can evolve into a major force for community change and animal welfare.

In this earnest dialogue, Tracy shares the evolution of her commitment—from discovering the urgent needs of community cats to spearheading collaborative solutions. We delve into the daily challenges and victories in the life of feral felines and the dedicated people who strive to bridge the gap between needs and solutions. Discover the barriers Tracy dismantles and the insights she offers.

This episode is a celebration of the tireless efforts of those in the field and a call to action for everyone who believes in making a difference. Discover how the power of community and dedicated advocacy continues to brighten the landscape of animal welfare, one cat at a time.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the passion-fueled world of community cat care, where every small action sparks a larger movement towards a compassionate future for all.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Emotional insights from the field of feline welfare
• Collaborative solutions for community cats
• The impact of local support in animal welfare
• Facing obstacles and resource challenges

Resources:

• Community Cats of Reno website: communitycatsofreno.org
• Contact Tracy Dean: communitycatsofreno@yahoo.com
• Paper Collar Template for identifying potentially owned cats: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/paper-collar/

This episode is sponsored in part by:

• Maddie’s Fund: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies567
• The Community Cat Clinic: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga
• Tomahawk Traps: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk

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. Simply 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.

Our mission is to provide education, information and dialogue that will create a supportive environment empowering people to help cats in their community.

How can you outsmart even the wariest of community cats? Join us for the second part of our conversation with expert trapper Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats, where he unveils advanced strategies for trapping elusive felines. Learn the art of camouflaging traps with natural materials like burlap, and discover innovative baiting techniques using food boats and duct tape. Bryan shares his wisdom on the dowel trick for cats that step over trip plates and the value of experimenting with various baits such as herbal options and fried chicken. Don't miss his crucial advice on always being prepared with sheets to cover traps immediately after a cat is caught.

We also spotlight the indispensable services of the Community Cat Clinic in Woodstock, Georgia, where TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) techniques go beyond the basics. Explore how tools like headlamps, laser pointers, and clear rear doors can transform your trapping success, especially when dealing with mother cats and kittens. You'll hear about the advantages of cellular trail cameras for real-time trap monitoring and gain practical tips illustrated by the heartwarming story of Lulu. From using sunshade netting to baiting with sardines, and employing laser pointers and YouTube videos of kittens meowing, discover the creative methods that led to her successful capture.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Camouflage techniques to trap cats

• Effective baiting strategies

• Catnip and sound for cat traps

• Trapping stray cats and kittens

• The fate of cats from fire area

• Achieving 100% cat rescue success

Resources from this Episode

For the Full Recording and Downloadable Handouts - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tnrtraining

Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.neighborhoodcats.org

Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcats/

Neighborhood Cats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nbrhoodcats/

The Everything TNR Playlist - https://communitycatspodcast.com/everythingtnr

Visit TNR Workshops and Community Cat Care Training for more webinars like this - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies566) and The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga).

Follow and 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. Simply 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.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

What if you could turn the most elusive feral cat into a successfully trapped and cared-for community member? Join Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats as he brings extensive experience to the forefront in this special two-part audio presentation. Learn effective cat trapping techniques, established feeding patterns, and the use of various traps such as roundhouse and drop traps.

Get ready to explore the nuts and bolts of using the uniquely designed roundhouse trap to catch feral cats. We'll discuss why having a variety of traps is crucial and offer practical tips for transferring cats and selecting the right bait. The episode also covers the best practices for trap placement, making sure you maximize your capture success rate, especially for those tricky, hard-to-catch felines. Additionally, you’ll discover cost-effective methods like using trap mats for a more comfortable and effective trapping experience.

Finally, hear the riveting story of rescuing cats after a fire and the innovative techniques that emerged from this crisis. Learn about the development of the tunnel trap and auto drop trap – two game-changing innovations that are set to become new standards in cat rescue. Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about cat rescue and want to stay updated on the latest trapping technologies.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Cat trapping tips and tricks

• The intricacies of using the roundhouse trap for catching cats

• Trap mats and catching cats with drop traps

• Rescuing cats after a fire

• The basics of trap training for community cats

• Feral cat trap preparation

• Trap innovation for cat rescue

Resources from this Episode

For the Full Recording and Downloadable Handouts - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tnrtraining

Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.neighborhoodcats.org

Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcats/

Neighborhood Cats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nbrhoodcats/

The Everything TNR Playlist - https://communitycatspodcast.com/everythingtnr

Visit TNR Workshops and Community Cat Care Training for more webinars like this - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies565), Tomahawk Traps(https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk), and The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga).

Follow and 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. Simply 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.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever wondered how treating a nonprofit like a business can unlock millions in funding? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Mathers, a passionate animal welfare advocate and skilled grant writer, who has transitioned from the world of education to founding Grants for Animals.

Stephanie’s journey began with the adoption of her first cat, Shakespeare, and led her to significant involvement in TNR programs in Michigan. Overcoming numerous challenges, she has since secured over $2 million in funding for animal-related nonprofits, profoundly impacting TNR initiatives and beyond.

Discover the essential steps to getting your nonprofit grant-ready, from solid financial systems to maintaining an up-to-date board member list. Stephanie highlights the importance of building an active online presence and cultivating relationships with grant-giving entities like corporate and community foundations. Learn how understanding their specific grant cycles and requirements can dramatically increase your chances of securing necessary funding. We also discuss various platforms for finding grant opportunities and the significance of treating your nonprofit with the same rigor and professionalism as any thriving business.

Marketing and outreach are crucial, and Stephanie shares effective strategies for animal welfare organizations. Stephanie offers best practices for grant writing, including researching foundation histories and building relationships with funders without compromising your mission.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Funding trap neuter return programs

• Grants for community cat care

• Preparing for grants with necessary documents

• Finding funding for animal welfare organizations

• Prospecting foundation money for cats

• Grant readiness importance for nonprofits

Resources from this Episode

Grants 4 Animals Website - http://www.grants4animals.com

Grants 4 Animals Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/grants4animals

Grants 4 Animals Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grants4animals

Grants 4 Animals YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@grants4animals

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies564) and The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga).

Follow and 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. Simply 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.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.