In this episode of "15 Minutes with Paul Ward," join us as we explore the world of community cats with special guest Debbie Shaver from Feral Cat Support. Learn about the challenges and solutions surrounding community cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return (T.N.R) programs, the dedication of volunteers, and the financial aspects involved. Discover the process of trapping and spaying/neutering roaming cats, the lifespan of feral/community cats, and unique programs like the 'Barn Program.' We also discuss the role of homeowners in rehoming cats and the potential transition of feral cats to indoor living. Uncover the costs of cat sterilization and the significant contributions from a nonprofit thrift store. Learn about county involvement, volunteering opportunities, and the various ways to support this crucial work. Explore the broader efforts beyond spaying/neutering, such as caring for injured cats, and understand the importance of public education in addressing the community cat issue. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Debbie Shaver about Feral Cat Support and the impactful work being done to make a positive difference in the lives of community cats.Watch the full episode on Paul’s YouTube channel.  0:00 Welcome guest Debbie Shaver with Feral Cal Support 0:50 What is a “Community Cat?’ 1:33 Are Community Cats something to be concerned about and where do the cats come from? 2:15 How big is the problem outside of Ventura County? 2:44 What is T.N.R? 3:35 Is Debbie part of a group that does this kind of work? 4:20 ALL cats that are not fixed and are caught roaming the streets will be taken to get spayed/neutered 4:45 How are the cats trapped and what happens after they are caught? 6:05 Find out what happens if a cat with a collar is trapped and has not been spayed/neutered 7:00 How do they know if a cat has been caught more than once? 7:35 Is it common to catch the same cats time and time again? 8:00 What is the lifespan of a feral/community cat? 9:13 What is a ‘“Barn Program?” 9:55 Why would someone in the country want to take multiple cats when they are in need of rehoming? 10:17 Does the homeowner feed the cat and does that cause the cat to get lazy and not hunt? 11:02 Do some feral cats become indoor cats? 11:28 Let’s talk about the volunteers that Debbie works with 12:18 How much does it cost on average to get a cat fixed? Also learn about opportunities to get your cat fixed for less expensive 12:49 A Nonprofit Ventura County Thrift Store covers $8000/mth in expenses 13:30 Where does all the money come from to do this kind of work? 14:09 Can the cats be taken to the County to be fixed? 14:27 How many cats will the County fix per week? 15:00 When the Camarillo Shelter contacts Debbie and her group, they help trap cats for them too 15:35 How can you get involved? What the group needs most 16:00 Trappers needed! 16:26 What does a Transporter do? 17:10 Donations: How are they used? 17:48 What is being done for the cats besides getting them fixed? 18:20 Injured cats are picked up and taken to Ventura County Animal Services 18:54 CONTACT INFORMATION for Debbie and Feral Cats Support 19:42 The importance of educating the public 19:55 Thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow   How to Reach Debbie Shaver: www.feralcatsupport.com debbie@debbieshaver.com 805-312-5755   Related Episodes:Camarillo’s Commercial Beekeeper Larry PenderAll Dogs Rule: Russ AvisonHorse, Heart and Connection: Equine Facilitated Learning How to reach Paul:paul@homeandranchteam.com805-479-5004   Check out our featured listings as well as other properties for sale in the area: Homeandranchteam.com Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com A special THANK YOU to our sponsor! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of o