Cat Fostering Saves Lives with Deborah Felin Magaldi Ep 202 Artwork

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Grounded in Maine

Cat Fostering Saves Lives with Deborah Felin Magaldi Ep 202

June 09, 2026 • Amy Bolduc (Fagan)

0:00 | 55:23

I know I've said this before, but being asked if cat overpopulation was a conversation I'd be interested in was an easy yes for me! I'm so happy to share this conversation I got to have with Deborah Felin Magaldi. Deborah works with Helen Sanders Cat Paws in the Los Angeles area, where they're making progress, and have learned a lot to be able to teach others (us).

Deborah met Helen Sanders back in 2001, and Cat Paws became a legit non-profit in 2010; they've rescued/fostered around 5,000 cats and kittens, and if you think about how many might have reproduced, that number could be so much larger. She once took in 29 cats and newborn kittens! The numbers and stats she shares are hard to hear, but also are empowering. Fostering can be so rewarding if you have the right opportunity, and knowing that you're helping someone who is completely dependent on you gives all the warm fuzzies.

Helen Sanders Cat Paws says that fostering cats and kittens has the highest impact for homeless cats, and that accessible spay/neuter is the single most powerful tool communities have to stop the cycle. They also have a "kitten kit" for rescuing newborn kittens with formula, bottles and instructions. On their website they show you how to DIY, which I thought would be a great group activity to have handy in communities. Deborah says that equipping communities makes everyone a first responder. She also said that we can help by lobbying to our local municipalities about ending backyard breeding.

I'm really grateful for Deborah's experience, and that she's sharing what she's learned so freely. I'd love to foster some animals someday now. Have you fostered or rescued pets? tell me all about it, please!

Learn more about Helen Sanders Cat Paws, and get the DIY Kitten Kit instructions at their website: https://helensanderscatpaws.com/

Their YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/@CatPAWSRescue

Their Instagram page is here: https://www.instagram.com/helensanderscatpaws/

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