Kristen Petrie, Author at The Community Cats Podcast

November 5, 2024

Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

“It’s important to understand that nothing else works. There’s no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.” Listen to Episode #585 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent […]

November 12, 2024

Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

“It’s important to understand that nothing else works. There’s no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.” Listen to Episode #586 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. If you missed Part 1 of this episode click […]

November 19, 2024

Building a Safe Haven for Working Cats with Mary Scott, Director of the Working Cats Program, ASAP Cats

“Working cat programs historically have been programs of last resort… I like to think of the working cats program as really going beyond that, where every cat has the possibility of a live outcome…” Listen to Episode #587 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat […]

November 26, 2024

Trap, Neuter, Write? Unraveling the Mystery of TNVR with Sharon Marchisello, Board Member, Fayette Humane Society

“Trap-Neuter-Return isn’t just a method; it’s a mission to bring community, compassion, and a little mystery into the world of cats.” Listen to Episode #588 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron […]

November 27, 2024

From Farm to Trap and Back: A Photo Essay Exploring How TNR Saved a Feline Herd in Vermont

Article and photos contributed by Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby, for the Community Cats Podcast (and one heck of a trapper.) As the sun rose over picturesque mountains and farmhands led the cows to their stalls to be milked, a herd of cats scampered down from the hayloft and through the […]

December 3, 2024

How Meals on Wheels is Keeping People and Their Pets Together

“97 percent of Meals on Wheels clients say that this type of programming does help them keep their pets. So it is really impactful and we’re so grateful for that.” Listen to Episode #589 Now with with Morgan Hultquist, Senior Manager of Strategy & Impact, Meals on Wheels, and Dan […]

December 10, 2024

How Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Programs Protect Cats and Communities

“By creating this barrier to rabies between wildlife, pets, and people, it’s not just about the well-being of the cats—it’s about the well-being of the community.” Listen to Episode #590 Now This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App. In this […]

December 17, 2024

Piecing Together the Cat Overpopulation Puzzle

“Trap-neuter-return is one piece of the puzzle. When it’s part of a strategic cat population management program, TNR becomes a powerful tool for addressing feline overpopulation.” Listen to Episode #591 Now Featuring Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats, International Cat Care This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. […]

December 24, 2024

From Dairy Farms to DIY: A Look Back at 2024 and a Sneak Peek into 2025

“Pick that project you’ve been dreaming of and dive in—you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish for your community’s cats!” Listen to Episode #592 Now Featuring Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby, Community Cats Podcast This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. This week, we’re pulling back the curtain […]

December 31, 2024

Strategic Planning for Community Cats and Their Caregivers in 2025

“My job is to figure out ways to get cats fixed. It’s about strategy, collaboration, and making humane care accessible to every community.” Listen to Episode #593 Now Featuring Stacy LeBaron, Founder & Host of The Community Cats Podcast in Conversation with Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League […]

January 1, 2025

The Scoop on Pet Food Expiration Dates

Today’s guest post comes to us from Krista Beucler, Marketing & Communications Intern at Community Cats Podcast. Pet Food Expiration – What You Need to Know You’ve found some pet food in your pantry past its “best by” date. You don’t want to waste it, but you also don’t want […]

January 7, 2025

Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 1

“Community cats are creatures of habit. By feeding them on a routine schedule, you’re not just meeting their needs—you’re building trust and making caretaking easier for everyone.” Press play and listen to episode #594 featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. […]

January 14, 2025

Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 2

“Every challenge in colony care has a solution. Whether it’s predators, pests, or even harsh winters, the key is preparation and creativity.” Listen to episode #595, now featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Get ready to take your colony caretaking […]

January 21, 2025

The Future of Non-Surgical Sterilization and Its Path to Ending Pet Homelessness

“The fatality rate for kittens is appalling, and the goal is to reduce their suffering while ensuring healthier, happier lives for the cats that remain.” Listen to episode #596, now featuring Gary Evans, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D). This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s […]

January 28, 2025

Declawing: The Cruel Practice Hiding in Plain Sight

“Empathy must guide us—if we truly feel for our feline friends, declawing wouldn’t exist.” Listen to episode #597 now, featuring Dr. Jennifer Conrad, Founder, The Paw Project. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Declawing might sound harmless, but what if it’s one of the most misunderstood and harmful practices […]

February 4, 2025

Creating Community Connections with TNR Advocacy and Cat-Friendly Business Models

“Fixing a colony is more than just spaying and neutering; it’s about creating healthier, happier lives for cats and fostering trust within the community.” Listen to episode #598 now, featuring Jenna Carr from Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith from Tipped Ears. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and […]

February 11, 2025

The Science Behind FIP: Every Cat Health Foundation’s Mission to Save Lives

“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them.” Listen to episode #599 now, featuring Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM, Veterinary Science Program Manager at Every Cat Health Foundation, and Vicki Fisher, […]

February 18, 2025

Fixing the Future: The Movement to Increase Spay/Neuter Access

“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them.” Listen to episode #600 now, featuring Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund […]

February 25, 2025

Tag! You’re Home! Simplifying Successful Reunification

“Over 80% of the tagged cats didn’t need to come into the shelter at all. This simple tool is keeping cats in their communities where they belong.” – Dr. Amy Dalrymple Listen to episode #601 now, featuring Nina Stively, Director of Loudon County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, DVM. […]

February 27, 2025

Learn to Fix Cats Fast at Frankie’s Friends: Transformative HQHVSN Wet Lab Training

Pittsburgh, PA — Mastering High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) is more than just refining a surgical skill—it’s an opportunity to transform veterinary practice, expand access to care, and save more feline lives. At Frankie’s Friends, a dynamic two-day training brought together veterinarians, technicians, and students eager to sharpen their efficiency, improve […]

March 4, 2025

Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care

“Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you’re going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable.” Listen to episode #602 now, featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. […]

March 11, 2025

Fixing Feline Futures

“We have to stop the endless cycle. Everyone loves kittens, but the goal should be to make sure they were never born into suffering in the first place.” Listen to episode #603 now, featuring Robin Post, RVT, Animal Fix Clinic. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this […]

March 18, 2025

Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging

“We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities.” Listen to episode #604 now, featuring Hanna Lentz the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for […]

March 25, 2025

Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective

“Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that’s when real change happens.” Listen to episode #605 now, featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management, International Cat Care. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s […]

April 1, 2025

Turning the Tide for TNR: Sioux Falls’ Game-Changing Ordinance

“We want to be the example that proves you should never give up. No matter where you are, if you keep pushing, you can make change happen.” Listen to episode #606 now, featuring Mat Tougas, Founder and President of Sioux Empire TNR This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. […]

April 8, 2025

Changing Lives for Cats Around the World

“You have to feel good about what you can do, even if you can’t help them all. Every small effort makes a difference.” Listen to episode #607 now, featuring Karen Menczer Founder of Animal Kind International This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron […]

April 15, 2025

Tackling Global Animal Welfare Challenges

“If you’re struggling to catch the last cat in your colony, you just haven’t figured out the right approach yet. Every cat is catchable with the right technique.” Listen to episode #608 now, featuring John Peaveler of Humane Innovations, LLC. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. From building […]

April 22, 2025

Innovating TNR Support with the Trapper Aid Initiative

“We all want to help, but without the right tools and resources, TNR can feel impossible. That’s why we need technology to bridge the gaps.” Listen to episode #609 now, featuring Alexa Kyler, Software Developer & Cat Advocate. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Trapping and caring for […]

April 24, 2025

Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action—Shall We?

At this year’s Humane World for Animals’ Animal Care Expo, Animal Welfare Idol—a high-energy, competition-style session inspired by American Idol—animal welfare professionals from across the country shared how data is changing the way we care for pets and their people. From field services to veterinary access, each presenter brought creativity […]

April 29, 2025

Fixing Cats, Feeding Communities: How One Woman Sparked a Movement

“If you can’t fix ’em, don’t feed ’em. You may think you’re being kind, but make sure you do the responsible thing and spay and neuter.” Listen to episode #610 now, featuring Wednesday Hugus, founder of Wednesday’s Community Cat and Kittens. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. What […]

May 6, 2025

Build Better, Fund Smarter

“Our industry is full of people with big hearts — but running a shelter takes more than heart. It takes structure, strategy, and systems.” Listen to episode #611 now, featuring Tim Crum, Fundraising and Operations Consultant. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Whether you’re running a grassroots cat […]

May 13, 2025

In Hot Pursuit: Community Cat Care in Miami

“Stop treating cats like dogs—when we see them for who they really are, the right solutions start to emerge.” Listen to episode #612 now, featuring Dr. Mat Toscano, Executive Director and Chief of Surgery at Street Cat Clinic, and Tia Williams, Director of Cat Solutions 305. . This episode is […]

May 20, 2025

Building a TNR Movement Part 1: The Roots of a TNR Revolution

“Success attracts donors and grantors, and just provides that foundation for expanding into the wider community.” Listen to episode #613 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part 1 of this recorded webinar, “From the Backyard to the […]

May 27, 2025

Building a TNR Movement Part 2: The Tactics That Make TNR Stick

“You’re not trying to make the situation perfect. You’re just trying to improve it.” Listen to episode #614 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Part 2 of “From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement” […]

June 3, 2025

Better Together: TNVR and Public Health

“Vaccinating community cats creates a barrier to disease between wildlife, domestic animals, and people.” Listen to episode #615 now, featuring Dr. Bob Weedon, DVM, HQHVSN Veterinary Surgeon. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this special webinar replay edition of the Community Cats Podcast, Brianna Lovell Myers of […]

June 10, 2025

Rural and Underfunded but Still Making It Work: How to Lead Local Change

“Everybody has a role, and if we open up the conversation just a little more, we can help change the numbers—and the lives of these animals.” Listen to episode #616 now, featuring Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In […]

June 17, 2025

The Quiet Power of Listening To Cats and the People Who Love Them

“Outdoor cats don’t have behavior problems—they just have behavior. It’s when we bring them inside that we need to understand how to meet their needs.” Listen to episode #617 now, featuring Stephen Quandt, Founder of Feline Behavior Associates. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this enlightening and […]

June 23, 2025

Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 1

“Sometimes the best tip is just not skipping the basics.” Listen to episode #618 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Community Cat Clinic. In the first half of this special two-part webinar replay, Bryan Kortis of […]

July 1, 2025

Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 2

“Every single cat was easily trained to go into a drop trap with a roof on it. It’s just about giving them time.” Listen to episode #619 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Community Cat Clinic. […]

July 8, 2025

Let Meowt! How Rikers Island Is Saving Its Cats

“My biggest challenge is making sure the welfare of these cats is taken care of. I’ll never desert these cats. Never.” – Gloria Murli Listen to episode #620 now featuring Gloria Murli of Rikers Island Cat Rescue and Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League. This episode is sponsored-in-part by […]

July 15, 2025

Is Return-to-Field the Future? Insights from Expo

“They’re not homeless. They know exactly where their home is, and they’ve chosen to be there. We’re literally returning them home—vaccinated and spayed—so it’s a win for the cat, the shelter, and the neighborhood.” – Karen Little Listen to episode #621 now featuring Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and […]

July 22, 2025

Grassroots & Grit: Building TNR Success in Small-Town Indiana

“I’m giving people the really good traps now. The ones that make their lives easier—because the cats shouldn’t be the ones who suffer when we don’t have our act together.” Listen to episode #622 now, featuring KerryAnn May, founder of Animal Outreach of Shelby County. This episode is sponsored-in-part […]

July 29, 2025

Fiscal Sponsorship for Feline Good: The Chappy & Friends Way

“I’ve always just had a goal of helping as many animals as possible.” Listen to episode #623 now, featuring Robert Bills, founder of Chappy & Friends. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. For passionate individuals and grassroots organizations working tirelessly in the […]

August 5, 2025

Saving Scotland’s Wildcats: A Conservation Comeback

“Whether it’s a pet cat, a feral cat, or a wildcat—they all deserve care and respect. TNVR isn’t just about controlling populations; it’s about preserving a legacy.” Listen to episode #624 now, featuring Lara Semple, Field Team Member at Saving Wildcats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and […]

August 12, 2025

Healing at Home: How PAD Home Pet Services is Transforming Feline Healthcare

“You have to earn a cat’s love and respect—and when you do, you have it forever.” – Dr. Nicole Liebman Listen to episode #625 now, featuring Dr. Nicole Liebman, DVM, and Ron Coughlin, Co-Founders of PAD Home Pet Services. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue […]

August 19, 2025

Municipal Shelter Innovation: No-Kill Success in Small-Town Mississippi

“I envision Horn Lake being the hub of North Mississippi when it comes to animal welfare. I want my animal shelter to be the place that people model their strategies after.” Listen to episode #626 now, featuring Glen Andrews, Director, Horn Lake Animal Shelter. This episode is sponsored-in-part by […]

August 26, 2025

Scaling Spay/Neuter: How One Foundation Is Disrupting Access to Care

“If you love cats, you should be concerned about trying to help bring those numbers down so animals don’t suffer because this is why we do this. We don’t want animals suffering, having unwanted litters of cats and having to have them suffer.” Listen to episode #627 now, featuring Cathy […]

September 2, 2025

Building Professional Community Cat Programs: From Strategy to Implementation

“A community cat program does not just help cats. You think you’re going in there to help cats and you turn out really having more impact on the people in that community.” Listen to episode #628 now, featuring Elizabeth Finch, Educator, Author, and Community Cat Program Consultant. This episode […]

September 9, 2025

From Founder to Ambassador: Building Sustainable Community Cat Programs

“We want to turn cat haters into cat toleraters, and that has worked so well. Even the people who say ‘I hate cats.’ Okay, that’s fine if you hate cats. But don’t wish them dead. We’re gonna work to keep them out of your yard.” Listen to episode #629 now, […]

September 16, 2025

Revolutionizing Kitten Care: The Kitten College Model

“A cat that is well socialized is highly adoptable. A cat that is not well socialized sits in the shelter. It’s an important part of your fostering responsibility to get them ready to live outside. Before it was just saving their lives. But now we know better.” Listen to episode […]

September 23, 2025

Building Bridges: International Lessons for Community Cat Programs

“What we do in Mexico is my dream for Minnesota. We provide free spay neuter to both owned and street animals every single week.” Listen to episode #631 now, featuring Maia Rumpho, Founder of Pet Project Rescue. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. In […]

September 30, 2025

Revolutionizing Animal Fundraising with Furlanthropy

“We are a unique charity, very innovative in this space. What you’re really doing is you’re inviting people to touch your mission. The number one reason anyone gives to any charity or any cause is to fulfill something within themselves, within their own heart.” Listen to episode #632 now, featuring […]

October 7, 2025

Achieving 40% Reduction in Cat Intake Through Targeted TNR in Sunnyvale

“I think just the nature of having a shelter that’s supportive and animal control has really expedited this as a success…And I think that made a big difference in the city.” Listen to episode #633 now, featuring Vanessa Forney, Founder & President of Bay Area Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part […]

October 14, 2025

Managing Greece’s Largest Cat Care Project on Island Paradise

“Our goal here is really to work from the bottom up and help change the mentality, help the groups to negotiate better fundings with the municipality. We are only here for a limited time, right? So we wanna make sure that we are building a lasting, sustainable system.” Listen to […]

October 21, 2025

Building Political Power for NYC Community Cats

“Imagine if you told New Yorkers, ‘Well, you want someone to take your trash away from your block? Oh, you’re gonna have to find a volunteer to do that.’ That’s exactly what’s happening here. But with animal care.” Listen to episode #635 now, featuring Allie Taylor (Allie Feldman Taylor), Founder […]

October 28, 2025

Beyond the Box Trap: A Better Way to Catch Elusive Felines

“It’s better to miss than to mistime the drop—because once they learn it’s a trap, they won’t come back.” Listen to episode #636 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this first installment of our Drop Trap Workshop, we’re […]

November 4, 2025

Drop Traps, Stubborn Cats & DIY Hacks: Level Up Your TNR Game

“If they won’t go hungry, feed them into the trap. We don’t just wait—we adapt.” Listen to episode #637 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part 2 of our Drop Trap Workshop, we move beyond the basics into […]

November 11, 2025

Building a United Voice for Michigan’s Animals

“One of the worst things is to have a passion to do something, but no idea how or where to start. That’s where we come in—we’re a resource. You’re not floating out there alone.” Listen to episode #638 now, featuring Courtney Protz-Sanders, Founder of Paws for Life Rescue and Board […]

November 18, 2025

Return to Field with Neighborhood Cats – Part 1

“Euthanasia is a dead-end policy. We’ve tried it for decades and the cats are still here.” Listen to episode #639 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part 1 of this informative workshop replay, Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond […]

November 25, 2025

Return to Field with Neighborhood Cats – Part 2

“The goal is simple. Do what’s best for this individual cat—not what’s easiest for us.” Listen to episode #640 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part 2 of the Return to Field training, Bryan Kortis walks us through […]

December 2, 2025

Beyond the Bottle: A Smarter Way to Save Kittens

“We are dedicated to making sure the kittens that we take in are the last kittens born in that colony.” Listen to episode #641 now, featuring Jackie Noble, Executive Director of Orphan Kitten Club. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. What do neonate kittens, a chance wedding conversation, and […]

December 9, 2025

Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck (Part 1)

“You don’t need to fix all the cats to make a difference—you just need to fix the right ones, in the right places, at the right time.” Listen to episode #642 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part […]

December 16, 2025

Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck (Part 2)

“Knowing where the cats are is only half the battle—knowing how to reach the people who care for them is what makes targeting truly work.” Listen to episode #643 now, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part 2 of […]

December 23, 2025

From Greece to Global: Transforming TNR with Passion and Purpose

“Taking that first step is going to change your life—but it’s also going to change the lives of so many animals.” – Alex Ricard Listen to episode #644 now, featuring Adele Louise and Alex Ricard, Founders of Saaving the Streets Podcast, Travel Animal Rescue, and Saaving Lives This episode is […]

December 30, 2025

Leadership, Legacy & A New Chapter for Community Cats

“Helping that one cat is incredibly valuable… but it also represents a new behavior, a new calling, as to how we are addressing cats in our community.” Listen to episode #645 now, featuring Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat for Community Cats Central This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the […]

January 6, 2026

Justice for Animals and the Legal Fight to End Cruelty

“One person can definitely make a difference. Don’t be afraid to be the first voice—sometimes the biggest cases start with one person speaking up.” Listen to episode #646 now, featuring Joyce Glass, Attorney, Joyce M. Glass, P.C. This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Underfoot Podcast. In this […]

January 13, 2026

The Power of a Penny to End Pet Overpopulation

“It’s not what we think they need—it’s about what they actually need. And sometimes, that’s just food and space to be left alone.” Listen to episode #647 now, featuring Carrie Weber, Board Member at PennyFix This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Underfoot Podcast. In this inspiring episode […]

Kristen Petrie

We are on it...