The $40,000 Nickel: How One Rescue Is Saving Cats and Empowering Adults With Disabilities

✨ Episode SnapshotIn 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 OwnersEven though Marge’s work focuses on community cats, she shared several powerful insights every cat parent should know:1️⃣ Learn to spot an ear-tipA 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 yardIf a new cat appears:→ Take a picture→ Ask local groups→ Reach out for helpSmall actions prevent big problems later.3️⃣ Support your local TNR organizationsThey’re almost always underfunded, overwhelmed, and filling gaps that towns should cover.4️⃣ Donate cans/bottles if you’re on Long IslandRecycling for Rescue is an incredibly easy way to support spay/neuter.5️⃣ Remember: outdoor cats have hard livesHigh kitten mortality, dangerous territory fights, and nonstop reproduction cycles.TNR is kindness.🔗 Where to Learn MoreTender Loving Cats Website:🌐 https://tenderlovingcats.orgKey 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 ThoughtThis 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/neuterNone 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. Get full access to Golden Whiskers at www.goldenwhiskerslove.com/subscribe