Tackling Feline Overpopulation and Caring for Your Neighborhood Cats with Stacy LeBaron

Stacy LeBaron Community Cats

By Angela Ardolino

Updated on July 2, 2026

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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:

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About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino Your Natural Dog PodcastAngela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere. 

About Stacy LeBaron

stacy lebaron community catsStacy LeBaron has been involved in animal welfare for over 20 years. She spent 16 years as president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society and currently hosts the Community Cats Podcast (CCP), interviewing cat welfare experts and others involved in helping cats around the country and the world. Since starting CCP in 2016, Stacy has recorded over 350 episodes and published an equal number of blog posts. CCP has assisted over 100 community cat groups around the country through its fundraising mentorship and matching grants program. CCP also holds two virtual conferences annually, plus other online training opportunities. An expert in her field, Stacy provides consulting services to individuals and groups looking to improve effectiveness and efficiency.