Mat the Cat Guy Took Up a TNR Torch in South Dakota and He’s Not Stopping with Matt Tougas Founder and President, Sioux Empire TNR

"I didn’t want to start another rescue that was going to fill up."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Mat Tougas, also known as "Mat the Cat Guy," founder of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition in southeastern South Dakota. Mat shares his unexpected journey from fostering wiener dogs to becoming a fierce advocate for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, despite ongoing legal hurdles in Sioux Falls.

He highlights how a stray kitten sparked his love for feline welfare and how his organization is now leading the charge to reduce cat overpopulation through TNR efforts.

With over 275 cats spayed and neutered in their first year, Sioux Empire TNR is making remarkable strides, even without legal backing in some areas. Mat talks about the challenges of securing affordable spay/neuter services, building community support, and overcoming public misconceptions about TNR. Tune in to hear about Mat’s mission to bring humane cat management to South Dakota and his hopes for the future. If you're passionate about saving cats, you’ll want to press play on this one!

Press Play Now For:

• Mat’s transition from fostering wiener dogs to rescuing cats
• The uphill battle to legalize TNR in Sioux Falls
• The importance of affordable spay/neuter services in rural communities
• Matt’s advice for small rescue groups navigating early-stage challenges
• Insights on the growth of TNR efforts across South Dakota
• How to balance rescue work with local politics and advocacy
• The vital role of education in overcoming opposition to TNR

Resources Mentioned:

• Sioux Empire TNR – Learn more about Mat’s organization and how to get involved.
• Community Cat Calculator – A tool to estimate the number of cats needing TNR in your area.