“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 p ..read more

“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 Indiana ..read more

“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 commu ..read more

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

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 prepare ..read more

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 an ..read more

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 beyon ..read more

When Muffin, a little ball of fur with mischievous eyes, first claimed a corner of my heart, I never imagined where that love would lead. Now I'm joined by Kim Lengling, whose story mirrors the transformative power of companionship, not just with our four-legged friends but with those who share our human journey.  Kim, a vocal supporter of veterans and advocate for cats, delves into her life's narrative that wove together the threads of animal love and the resolve to aid those battling PTSD. Her poignant experiences, beginning with a childhood feline friend and extending to her advocacy f ..read more

Join us as we continue our exploration of the transformative power of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs in the second part of our series with Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats. He shares invaluable insights on adapting TNR initiatives to various community sizes, the balance between grassroots efforts and expert approaches, and the essential steps for involving community members.  Listen in as we discuss the journey from awareness to action for local caretakers and the strategic expansion of TNR efforts that embrace the entire community. We take a deep look at what makes an effective TNR ..read more

Unlock the secrets behind the transformative Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) movement with Neighborhood Cats' Bryan Kortis as we take you on a riveting two-part adventure. Dive into the grassroots story of New York City's cat population control, discovering how targeted TNR projects and collaborative community efforts led to a dramatic reduction in euthanasia rates. Be inspired by the model colony's success, where cat numbers plummeted through strategic interventions and the passionate involvement of local caretakers.  This week, we're not just talking TNR; we're showcasing the strategic mastery ..read more