133. Taking Care of Community Cats with Stacy LeBaron

What should you actually do when a stray cat shows up in your backyard, and how can everyday pet lovers help make a real difference for the animals in their neighborhood? In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino sits down with this week’s guest Stacy LeBaron, founder of Community Cats Central, to explore practical, community-driven solutions for cat welfare and overpopulation. Together, Angela and Stacy discuss how grassroots rescue efforts can unite neighbors, the simple "pet detective" strategies you can use to identify stray cats, and why addressing the root cause of overpopulation is so critical. They also dive into a helpful masterclass on household cat behavior, sharing expert tips on litter box setups, managing multi-pet aggression, and keeping your feline companions truly thriving at home.Episode Recap:Angela Ardolino introduces Stacy LeBaron, a compassionate feline rescue leader and cat advocate, Stacy shares how her journey into animal welfare began in 1994, when she joined a Massachusetts feline rescue after witnessing an overwhelming hoarding case. (00:00)Stacy explains her "Adam and Eve" philosophy regarding the rapid progression of cat overpopulation, emphasizing the vital importance of altering indoor-outdoor pets, it takes a community working together. (05:58)The conversation explores the cyclical nature of feral cat populations and how targeted, low-cost spay-neuter accessibility is far more effective and humane for communities than expensive animal sheltering models. (11:24)Stacy talks about starting the Community Cats Podcast as a way to continuously mentor rescue groups, sharing some tips about what to do if you are concerned about a stray cat in your community. (15:38)Angela emphasizes the community's duty to help local strays, and they talk about finding community in turn, through caring for the cats. (21:42)The discussion shifts to household cats, from tips on supporting your senior cats like uncovered litterboxes, to Stacy’s experience dealing with cat on cat aggression. (25:34)Stacy shares tips for preventing furniture scratching, such as providing sturdy, vertical scratching posts and early nail-trim training for kittens. (33:39)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Resources, including her How to Find a True Holistic for Your Pet and more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads Community Cats CentralCatch Angela’s episode, and more on the Community Cats podcastFollow Community Cats on Facebook, YouTube and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Angela@AngelaArdolino.com Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela ArdolinoVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook or join our Plants, Mushrooms & Holistic Pet Wellness Facebook Group.