Build Better, Fund Smarter
May 6, 2025
“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.
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This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund.
In this dynamic episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron is joined by two passionate advocates making waves in Miami’s cat welfare scene: Tia Williams, Director of Cat Solutions 305, and Dr. Matt Tano, Executive Director and Chief of Surgery at Street Cat Clinic. Together, they’re addressing South Florida’s year-round kitten crisis and pushing the boundaries of collaboration in feline-focused care.
Miami-Dade County faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to its large urban population of free-roaming cats. Tia and Dr. Tano offer an inspiring blueprint for what’s possible when dedicated individuals and municipal support align. With a shared mission to change the narrative for community cats, their approach goes beyond simple trap-neuter-return (TNR). They’re building systems, fostering partnerships, and creating a community-driven model focused on long-term impact.
You’ll hear how Street Cat Clinic is designed with trapper convenience in mind—from 24/7 drop-off access to hurricane-proof infrastructure—and how Cat Solutions 305 bridges the gap between feeders, trappers, and fosters. The conversation dives into the real-life logistics of operating a high-volume clinic and the vital role of empathy, flexibility, and data-driven strategies.
Press Play Now For:
- Why Miami’s climate makes cat overpopulation especially challenging
- The importance of treating cats as a unique species, not like small dogs
- How community collaboration fuels success in TNR efforts
- What it takes to run a high-volume, trapper-friendly spay/neuter clinic
- Creative problem-solving in veterinary deserts
- A sneak peek at what it means to build a “super clinic”
Resources & Links:
- Street Cat Clinic (https://streetcatclinic.org/)
- Cat Solutions 305 (https://www.catsolutions305.com/)
- Contact Tia: catsolutions305@gmail.com
- Mentioned leaders: Bryan Kortis (Cat Stats – https://www.catstats.org/), Rick DuCharme (Community Cat Clinics – https://communitycatclinic.com/)
Sponsor Links:
- Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies612)
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