The Community Cats Podcast The Community Cats Podcast

"Understanding a cat's socialization history can be the key to determining the best outcome for community cats in shelters." 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In this episode, Dot and Stacy discuss how feline behavior training has evolved, moving from outdated methods to humane, science-based techniques.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:
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“We were trying to rescue our way out, which is never going to happen.” 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.

“Without dreaming big and showing people what we think is needed, we’ll never get that dial changed and we need that to change mightily.” 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.

“Everybody that I speak with, I just emphasize that we are the answer. We are the solution and they need to be part of the solution.” 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.