The Community Cats Podcast The Community Cats Podcast

Have you ever watched your cat move with less of its usual grace or hesitate before leaping onto its favorite perch? In this episode, understand the complex world of feline pain with Dr. Stacy McVicker. These whiskered companions are masters at masking discomfort, but Dr. McVicker's expertise, inspired by the stories of James Herriot, equips us with the tools to uncover what our cats cannot voice. We chart the journey from the veiled signs of pain in our feline friends to actionable steps that can significantly enhance their quality of life. 
Ferris, a community cat with hyperthyroidism and spine pain, becomes our case study in understanding the importance of a patient veterinarian. This episode isn't just about sad tales; it's about real solutions, including groundbreaking treatments like Solensia and simple yet effective environmental changes that can transform a cat's golden years. We also talk about the "lift the lid" strategy, which might just revolutionize how shelters and pet owners handle litter box challenges. 
The connection between pain and behavioral changes takes center stage as we share the stories of Zeno and Argo, two cats whose sudden aggression indicated deeper issues. From the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index Tool to cold laser therapy, we discuss the vast array of resources and treatments available to cat owners. This conversation with Dr. McVicker is a heartfelt reminder of our role in recognizing and treating our cats' silent suffering, ensuring they live full, comfortable lives within our loving homes.
In this episode, you will hear:
Exploring pain in animal behavior 
Recognizing pain in cats without x-rays
“Lift the lid” campaign benefits
Feline musculoskeletal pain index tool
Resources from this Episode
Animal Care Center of Castle Pines - http://animalcarectr.com
This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies556)
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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.
 

Brace your whiskers for a deep dive into the heartwarming world of community cat care as we reveal secrets to crafting the perfect winter shelters and share non-invasive tricks for keeping our feline friends safe and neighbors happy. Our guide through this chilly chapter is Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats. His expertise is just what we need to navigate the wintry challenges that face community cats. 
Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice on constructing winter shelters that not only provide warmth but also blend seamlessly into urban landscapes. Whether it’s crafting shelters from scratch or adapting readily available materials, his insights are invaluable. And it's not just about the physical structures – Bryan delves into the nitty-gritty of keeping peace with neighbors, non-invasive cat deterrents, and ensuring the overall health and well-being of the cats we cherish. 
From vitamin C supplements to cranberry extracts for urinary health, we cover all the essentials and even sprinkle in some wisdom on leveraging the community for support. Storms may howl and snow may fall, but with this episode's guidance, you'll have the tools to shield your community cats from nature's challenges. Discover the significance of proper shelter placement and the art of prepping a storm-ready haven to keep their tails wagging while giving you peace of mind.
In this episode, you will hear:
Tips for winter shelter building and cat management
Using Mylar blankets for cold climates
Cat-proofing garden and car
Nature's remedies for cat health
Community cat care and support
Funding and food for animal colonies
Resources from this Episode
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/maddies556) and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk).
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.

Unlock the secrets to managing a thriving community cat colony as we team up with experts Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats shares essential tips on maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and crafting secure feeding locations that benefit our feline companions. 
Prepare to enhance your caretaking skills. Learn how to keep mealtime peaceful and food safe from wildlife intruders. Join us for a deep dive into cat nutrition as we dissect pet food labels, revealing the necessity of meat-based ingredients for your colony's carnivorous diet. We demystify the grain vs. meat debate and serve up practical advice on delivering quality nutrition without breaking the bank. Whether you're navigating the aisles for wet or dry food options, we've got you covered with brand recommendations that strike the perfect balance between cost and the health of your colony cats. 
As the winter winds blow, we wrap up with vital strategies for adapting your care routine to the colder months. Discover how to keep water unfrozen and the importance of providing adequate shelter to ensure the comfort and safety of your community cats. Plus, we emphasize the role of responsible feeding practices and the significance of spay-neuter programs in humanely controlling cat populations. This episode is a must-listen for both seasoned caretakers and newcomers eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of community cats.
In this episode, you will hear:
Colony caretaking tips and tricks
Feeding patterns and wildlife management
Understanding cat nutrition and behavior
Spay-neuter advocacy and feeding stations
Feeding tips for cats in winter
Resources from this Episode
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/maddies555) and The United Spay Alliance (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/unitedspay).
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.

Today we wanted to share an episode of The United We Spay Podcast. It's a new monthly show from the United Spay Alliance and it's hosted by the one and only Stacy LeBaron. In each episode, they delve into the heart of a movement that’s changing the lives of animals and communities for the better with the mission to build awareness, educate, and empower. Their episodes are always interesting and there's a lot of crossover with Community Cats Podcast's favorite topics so we thought you'd enjoy their show as much as we do.
On this episode of United We Spay, they sit down with Esther Meckler and Dr. Phil Bushby, two trailblazers in the fight against pet overpopulation, to unravel the effectiveness of spay and neuter programs and how they align with animal care ethics. Esther, the founding force behind Spay USA and United Spay Alliance, shares her passionate journey towards advocating for the “fixed by five months” initiative. Dr. Bushby, with decades of veterinary experience, reveals the harsh realities of shelter euthanasia rates he saw in the '70s and champions spaying and neutering as the ethical response to this persistent issue.
In a heart-to-heart that's both enlightening and inspiring, they reflect on the successes of early spay and neuter campaigns, such as the Fixed by Five movement, and discuss the landmark meeting of veterinary minds in Orlando in 2016. This gathering marked a turning point, leading to a shift in the recommended age for these vital procedures. They also explore the tangible benefits of the “Feline Fix by Five” initiative, investigating the welfare improvements and the economic and time-saving advantages for veterinary practices. Esther and Dr. Bushby's dedication to these initiatives is palpable, and their stories are a powerful call to action for all of us to contribute to a future where every pet is wanted, loved, and cared for.
Join the conversation and hear how united efforts can forge a more compassionate world for our four-legged companions.
In this episode, you will hear:
Esther Meckler's path from Spay USA to United Spay Alliance Esther’s commitment to the “fixed by five months” initiative for reducing shelter overpopulation Dr. Phil Bushby's experience at ASPCA in the '70s with high euthanasia rates The need for early spay and neuter as an ethical solution to pet overpopulation A recap of the landmark Orlando meeting in 2016, where veterinary leaders considered changing the recommended age for spay and neuter procedures to five months Celebrating the Fixed by Five campaign's success with unanimous endorsement by National Veterinary Associations The “Feline Fix by Five” initiative's benefits, including time efficiency for veterinary practices and economic advantages The critical role of early spay and neuter interventions in preventing unwanted feline populations and reducing shelter euthanasia Why veterinarians and clinics should consider joining the "Feline Fix by Five" program to help ensure every pet has the opportunity for a loving home Resources from this Episode
Feline Fix by Five - www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five 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.
 

It’s the passion of people like Bonney Brown that fuels today's conversation on the vital role spay and neuter programs play in controlling cat overpopulation. We reminisce about the early days of trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and explore how her journey, from being inspired by her parents’ rescue endeavors to leading impactful animal welfare initiatives, underscores the importance of accessible veterinary care and community collaboration. 
Navigate the complex landscape of non-profit veterinary clinics, shedding light on how they operate financially and serve local communities with compassion and efficiency. We also discuss the nuances of staffing, from leveraging the expertise of retired veterinarians to creating supportive environments for part-time staff free from the pressures of upselling. Discover why these models cater so effectively to demographics in need, like senior citizens, and how they adapt to ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve. 
In this episode, you will hear:
Passion for community cat welfare Nonprofit vs. traditional veterinary practice Recruiting part-time veterinarians for nonprofit clinic Consulting services for animal welfare organizations Promoting podcast engagement and connection Resources from this Episode
Humane Network's Website - http://www.humanenetwork.org
Options Veterinary Care's Website - www.optionsveterinarycare.org
Find Humane Network on Instagram - https://www.facebook.com/HumaneNetwork
Find Options Veterinary Care on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OptionsVeterinaryCare
Bonnie's Previous Episodes - Episode 364 (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-364-bonney-brown-diane-blankenburg/), Episode 30 (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-30-bonney-brown/), and Episode 181 (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/episode-181-bonney-brown/)
This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies554), Urban Cat League (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/urban-cat-league), and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk)
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 a stray feline's journey through a Return to Field (RTF) program can lead it back home? This week, we continue our deep dive into the world of community cats, focusing on the pivotal steps from shelter intake to safe return, and the intricate assessments that ensure these whiskered wanderers thrive. Join in as we examine the critical information that shelters must gather and the art of interpreting feline behavior – a true detective story of piecing together each cat's past. 
Explore how shelters can best communicate with those who find stray cats and the creative solutions that can address community concerns, from sprinkler systems to cat-proof fencing. Deciding which cats qualify for RTF involves a blend of factors like health and temperament, and we debate whether it's a job for one or a task for a team. 
This segment offers a playbook for harmonizing the needs of community cats with those of their human neighbors. We also cover effective strategies for managing RTF and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, including a study that illustrates the significant impact these programs have on reducing shelter intake and euthanasia rates. 
In this episode, you will hear:
Return to field programs in shelters Evaluating cat health and safety Individual assessment in field programs Caring for cats in traps and cat release location considerations Community cat population trends over time FVRCP and microchipping in community cats Resources from this Episode
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/
And if you’re excited to start a return-to-field program and would like to connect with other Community Cats Podcast listeners to get more tips and tricks, to ask about issues you might run into, and of course to post pictures of your successful trapping, you can join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/communitycatspodcast/ 
This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies553) and The United Spay Alliance (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/unitedspay).
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.