At this year’s Humane World for Animals’ Animal Care Expo, Animal Welfare Idol—a high-energy, competition-style session inspired by American Idol—animal welfare professionals from across the country shared how data is changing the way we care for pets and their people. From field services to veterinary access, each presenter brought creativity and passion to the stage. Among them was Stacy, who took a poetic approach to advocate for one transformative goal: 95% of owned cats spayed or neutered. This figure is based on a study out of England that found when 95% of owned cats are spayed or neutered, the free-roaming cat population begins to decline as well. Her performance blended rhyme, wit, and a deep call to action—earning her a spot in the top three finalists. Here’s her powerful poem in full:
95%—what is that, you say?
95%—is it a goal I have for you today?
What could this goal be?
If you know me, it has to have something to do with fixing cats… right?
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
95% is where we need to be for our cats in our communities.
95% is the way to make the world right for cats.
95% is the way to make it so cats don’t spray, fight, and populate.
95% ensures Adam and Eve don’t make babies.
But you say this is crazy—crazy talk?
“Stacy, what is 95%?”
Wait, wait, I’m getting there—but there’s more…
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
95% will feel like taking a huge weight off your shoulders.
95% empowers you to be who you want to be for cats in the community.
When 95% of owned cats are s/n, the need for TNR is drastically reduced.
We know this is for sure—because it happened in the United Kingdom.
We know this is for sure—because it’s happening in pockets of the United States.
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
You all love different kinds of animals—why talk about cats today?
Did you know that as your income level goes down, the number of cats you have goes up?
Did you know that cats are really good at having litters of kittens?
Did you know that kittens suffer the most when born outside?
“Stop, stop,” you say, “I don’t want to hear more—this makes me too sad!”
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
95%—the only way we can get there is by working together—collaboratively.
95%—where are we now?… It isn’t great.
Numbers shared are 74–77% for cats four years and under.
What are we to do? What are we to do?
Oh—I forgot—you still don’t even know what I’m talking about…
Stay with me—I’m getting there…
But lean into the Community Cat Pyramid and the Community Cat Calculator.
Tuck that into the back of your brain…
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
We are at the end of the tail.
“What is this crazy 95% about?” you ask.
95% is our goal to get our owned cats fixed in our communities.
95% is our goal to reach families and their cats.
(Sounds like Access to Care, right?)
We shall commit to not leave one cat or kitten behind.
Think Adam and Eve—our source.
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
“95%—how do we get there, Stacy? What’s the plan?”
This could be a whole other story, but the short version is:
It’s about spay/neuter, baby!
Think like a funder—make every dollar count.
This is how we get to 95%.
Let’s Turn Your Passion for Cats Into Action!
As Bob Barker famously said at the end of every Price Is Right show:
“Please spay/neuter your pets.”
Who will be the next Bob Barker or Betty White?
Just saying!
95%, baby! Don’t forget: empower, partner, collaborate to make this happen.
That is the world we see at the Community Cats Podcast.
Stacy’s performance struck a chord with attendees, blending heart and humor with a data-driven message: if we reach 95%, we change everything for cats and their families. Her poem reminds us that real impact starts with a clear goal, collaborative action, and a little creativity. Let’s all take her rallying cry to heart—Let’s Turn Our Passion for Cats Into Action!
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