Photo: Steve Worth, volunteer, S Cave

Do you love cats and have a few hours to spare each week? We are currently looking for new volunteers to help out mainly at our cattery in South Cave, although there are also regular opportunities at our Homing Centre in Market Weighton. The charity needs people who are available weekdays or weekends to help care for the cats.

Volunteer Steven Worth (pictured above with a rescued mother and her four-week-old kitten) first started with the charity in 2000 as a teenager, and now volunteers regularly at the South Cave cattery.

Rose continued: "We are looking for motivated people with a mature outlook, who are confident around cats, and are able to cope with animals that are sometimes very timid or frightened of people. Cat socialisation and rehabilitation are important aspects of the role, and for me are the most rewarding.

“The more mundane side of the work includes cleaning the pens and litter trays which is moderately physical, and involves bending down. So people must be prepared to muck in. But training will be provided on all responsibilities of the role. To start with we invite people to come along and try it out for a couple of weeks and see how they get on. We provide as much support as people require until they feel confident to do the job on their own.”

Marlene Haste, a volunteer since 2004, added: “I love my time at the Market Weighton homing centre.
I became a volunteer on retiring, when I thought my people skills and administration experience could be put to good use in a voluntary role. As I love animals too, Caring for Cats seemed the ideal fit for me. I started out as a carer, and over time I gradually became more involved in other aspects of running the charity. Everyone is very friendly, people of all ages and abilities are welcomed.”

Volunteering gives a real sense of achievement, and becoming involved in your local community can also make a positive impact on your life. Whether you want to meet new people, learn new skills, or just feel good about yourself, a volunteer opportunity could change your life for the better.

Volunteers at the main foster unit in South Cave need to be confident with cats as they may be working with 'ferals' and sick animals and will need to administer medications.

The charity also needs volunteers who can foster cats, help at fundraising open days or collections at supermarkets, or provide items to sell in their shop. Anyone interested should call the Homing Centre on 01430 872612, or just drop in for a chat during opening hours, between 11am – 5pm, Tuesday - Sunday and pick up an application form.

Photo below: Mother and kittens in an isolation pen, South Cave cattery, being looked after by Steve Worth