✨ Episode Snapshot
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Marge Goldin, a clinical social worker, lifelong animal lover, and the powerhouse behind Tender Loving Cats — a foster-based rescue making a huge impact across Long Island.
This conversation shines a light on:
🐾 How a small rescue is saving lives without a shelter building
🐾 A brilliant fundraiser: Recycling for Rescue — a partnership with adults with disabilities that’s raised $40,000… in nickels!
🐾 Why TNR matters more than most people realize
🐾 The emotional (and often overlooked) realities of outdoor cats
🐾 How everyday cat parents can spot when a community cat needs help
🐾 Ways YOU can start similar community projects in your area
🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn
🐱 Marge’s Own Cat Family
– Two senior siblings, Leo & Roxy (14.5 years!)
– Bootsy, a “single kitten syndrome” foster fail
– And the seven former colony cats living safely in the family’s custom-built catio + basement room
🏡 What Makes Tender Loving Cats Unique
– Fully foster-based — no building
– A strong foster/foster-finder model
– The Kitten Companion Project (kittens visiting nursing homes, schools, and assisted living facilities)
– Community connection at the heart of every program
♻️ Recycling for Rescue: The Program Everyone Should Know About
– Adults with disabilities volunteer to collect and redeem bottles/cans
– A program that gives purpose, community, and joy
– Over $40,000 raised to support spay/neuter
– Expanded to cover all of Long Island
🐈 Why TNR Saves Lives
– Outdoor females can have 2–3 litters per season
– High kitten mortality outdoors
– Males travel far distances and often end up injured, sick, or killed
– Ear-tipping = essential identification
– Failing to TNR always leads to more suffering down the road
📣 The Biggest Gap: TNR Resources
– Many towns do not support TNR
– Voucher programs run out of money
– Rescues try to pick up the slack, but funds disappear fast
🙌 One Simple Step Listeners Can Take
“If you see something, say something.”
A single community member speaking up is often the difference between one stray cat… and three litters the following spring.
📘 Marge’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
Even though Marge’s work focuses on community cats, she shared several powerful insights every cat parent should know:
1️⃣ Learn to spot an ear-tip
A missing left ear tip = the cat is already spayed/neutered.
A pointed left ear = they likely need TNR.
2️⃣ Don’t ignore the “mystery cat” in your yard
If a new cat appears:
→ Take a picture
→ Ask local groups
→ Reach out for help
Small actions prevent big problems later.
3️⃣ Support your local TNR organizations
They’re almost always underfunded, overwhelmed, and filling gaps that towns should cover.
4️⃣ Donate cans/bottles if you’re on Long Island
Recycling for Rescue is an incredibly easy way to support spay/neuter.
5️⃣ Remember: outdoor cats have hard lives
High kitten mortality, dangerous territory fights, and nonstop reproduction cycles.
TNR is kindness.
🔗 Where to Learn More
Tender Loving Cats Website:
🌐 https://tenderlovingcats.org
Key links on the site:
– Recycling for Rescue (Fundraising tab)
– Prevent a Litter (Programs tab)
– Kitten Companion Project
– Events & Fundraisers (including their 2026 calendar + holiday gift baskets)
Social Media:
📸 Instagram: @tenderlovingcatsny
📘 Facebook: Tender Loving Cats
🐾 Final Thought
This episode reminded me of something I see again and again in the cat world:
Cat welfare isn’t just about cats. It’s about people, community, kindness, and creativity.
Marge took something as simple as redeeming bottles and turned it into:
✨ Purpose for adults with disabilities
✨ A community movement
✨ Cleaner neighborhoods
✨ Tens of thousands of dollars for lifesaving spay/neuter
None of it required celebrity funders, giant facilities, or massive teams.
Just heart… consistency… and one person willing to say, “I can do something.”
And that’s really the message here:
You don’t have to do everything — but you can always do something.
And when you do, cats (and communities) thrive.
