Return to Field with Neighborhood Cats, Part 1, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

Return to Field with Neighborhood Cats, Part 1, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

Author: The Community Cats Podcast November 18, 2025 Duration: 33:17

"Euthanasia is a dead-end policy. We've tried it for decades and the cats are still here."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In Part 1 of this informative workshop replay, Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats dive into the effective approach of Return to Field (RTF), reshaping how shelters manage community cats. As a key evolution of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), RTF empowers shelters to sterilize, vaccinate, and return healthy, unowned cats to their territories rather than euthanizing them. Bryan traces the roots of the movement back to Jacksonville, Florida, where an experimental collaboration between a spay/neuter clinic and the city shelter resulted in a 90% reduction in euthanasia. You'll discover how RTF improves shelter morale, increases public support, and significantly lowers intake over time. With deep experience in fieldwork and policy, Bryan and Susan bring practical wisdom and data-backed insights into why this method is saving lives—and reshaping entire communities.

Press Play Now For:

  • The critical difference between RTF and traditional TNR
  • How Jacksonville became a national model for RTF success
  • Proof that RTF leads to lower euthanasia and intake rates
  • Why euthanizing cats fails to control populations long-term
  • The "vacuum effect" explained—why removed cats are quickly replaced
  • How RTF changes shelter culture and staff wellbeing

Resources Mentioned:

Sponsor Links:

  • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies639)

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Tuning into The Community Cats Podcast feels like joining a thoughtful conversation with neighbors who share a deep concern for the feline lives intertwined with our own. This isn't just about admiration from afar; it's a practical, compassionate resource for anyone who has ever wondered how to help the unowned cat in their backyard or navigate the complexities of local animal welfare. Each episode builds a supportive environment through genuine dialogue, bringing together voices from the front lines-including caregivers, veterinarians, non-profit founders, and community organizers. You'll hear real stories and actionable strategies that blend the heart of family and pets with the necessary mechanics of business and non-profit work, making it accessible for listeners of all ages, including kids involved in community care. The education provided here demystifies everything from Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to colony management and public policy, empowering you with the information to make a tangible difference. This podcast recognizes that helping community cats is a multifaceted endeavor, and its discussions reflect that holistic view, fostering a sense of shared purpose and practical knowledge you can apply right where you live.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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