Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care

"Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that's when real change happens.”

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

Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care, joins host Stacy LeBaron for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in managing unowned cat populations worldwide. With over 25 years in animal welfare, Harry has worked on everything from stray population management to ending the dog and cat meat trades. In this episode, he shares his journey into animal welfare, the realities of life for unowned cats across different regions, and innovative solutions to improve their welfare.

Harry sheds light on his latest project, a three-year initiative backed by the Battersea Global Enabler Fund, focusing on cat welfare strategies in five countries: the UK, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Australia. He emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions, the role of cat feeders as unsung heroes, and the systemic challenges—including veterinary shortages—that impact cat welfare globally.

From integrating social services into feline welfare to normalizing trap-neuter-return (TNR), Harry and Stacy discuss what it takes to build sustainable, community-led programs that truly make a difference.

Press Play Now For:

• How Harry Eckman transitioned from pastry chef to global cat welfare leader
• The harsh realities faced by unowned cats around the world
• Why effective TNR is more than just sterilization—it’s about strategic planning
• The importance of integrating cat welfare into existing community services
• How veterinary shortages are impacting cat population management globally
• The role of cat feeders and why they are key to humane population control
• A groundbreaking international project aimed at improving feline welfare

Resources & Links:

• International Cat Care – Learn more about their mission and projects (https://icatcare.org)
• Find Harry Eckman on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-eckman-45b9a847/)
• Harry’s Published Research on Cat & Dog Welfare in Portugal – Read it here(https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2024.0029)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies605)

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