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 the practical side of RTF implementation—how to assess which cats qualify, how to safely house and return them, and what to do when friendly cats enter the system. With an emphasis on individualized outcomes, this session covers the real-world nuance of returning cats to their original locations while balancing public concerns, shelter capacity, and cat welfare. You’ll hear how shelters can handle complaints, use targeted TNR to reduce future intake, and avoid legal pitfalls. This is the roadmap for anyone serious about humane, effective community cat management.

Press Play Now For:

• How to assess a cat’s eligibility for RTF
• What to do when a cat seems friendly or may have been abandoned
• Legal lessons from the San Diego lawsuit on “friendly” RTF cats
• Why tracking, mapping, and post-release follow-up are key
• Combining RTF with targeted TNR for maximum impact
• How to navigate complaints and educate your community

Resources Mentioned:

• Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/)
• Return to Field Handbook (https://humanepro.org/return-to-field)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies640)

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