We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Hall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Over the course of my rescue career, I have worked with multiple different agencies. There were always a like mindedness of basic ideals but when you got down to the nitty gritty of community cat care, there were always differing opinions. It was always just trying to survive and maintaining the status quo. There were never future plans to help improve the lives of community cats, just conducting Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR). What about working with other agencies? Getting the local government involved? Involving the community to help increase impact? There are so many human aspects to TNVR that have to be addressed to make a lasting change in the community.

After parting ways with the last rescue group, I felt at a crossroads. Do I step away, being so dissuaded from my experience with other groups? Can I step away, even if I wanted to? I knew the answer to that question was NO. It was my love of cats that kept me tethered to the rescue world. I thought about my next steps and what the best way forward was.

After much debating, Cat Trap Fever was born. I was taking a huge risk to start my own TNVR group with only a small board of directors joining me. Running a rescue is different that being a volunteer for one. I don’t get days off. All decisions fall on my shoulders. I know the burnout that can happen from overworking yourself.

But I’m glad I took the risk. It feels right. I feel like I’m doing what I was put on this earth to do. I know there is more to TNVR than just trapping cats. I am finally doing something about it and that feels great! I learn something new everyday and get to meet so many wonderful people.

Jennifer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I moved to Cumberland County, Tennessee in the spring of 2015. I immediately noticed the large free roaming cat population everywhere I went: stores, empty lots, houses, everywhere! Being allergic to cats (and dogs) made it to where I couldn’t volunteer at an animal shelter. I learned about Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate -Return (TNVR) and realized that is how I can help. No touching of the cats means my allergies were completely manageable. I worked with multiple animal rescue non-profit organizations and individuals between 2015 – 2024, growing my knowledge, skills and networking with the community. In 2024, I launched Cat Trap Fever to advance welfare for community cats in Cumberland County.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Having open communication with each team member is paramount to maintaining high morale. Support each team member, ask if they have suggestions on how better to do something. And most importantly, thank them for everything they do! Always try to stay positive.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Anything that the Community Cat Podcast publishes is well worth its time to read and or listen. They have a wealth of information. Alley Cat Allies is my second go to for information and templates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cattrapfeveroftn.org
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/cattrapfeveroftn