Cats Protection launches appeal to help sick pets

Cats Protection launches appeal to help sick pets

31 March 2021

CATS Protection Downpatrick has launched an appeal to find kind-hearted people who can play a vital role in helping cats get back on their paws.

Cat lovers with some spare time are invited to find their purr-fect roles by volunteering the local charity which fosters cats and kittens until they can find their forever home.

The branch is currently seeking a branch team Leader, welfare team leader, neutering team leader and cat fosterers. No previous experience is necessary and the charity will provide plenty of assistance and support.

Cat fosterers look after cats just like Bradford, a fun and loving two-year-old cat currently in the care of fosterer Andrée Brown who lives near Ballynahinch.

In Bradford’s case, he’s diabetic and requires insulin administered daily by syringe. Fostering cats with health problems like Bradford can sometimes be a difficult task but it is extremely fulfilling.

Andrée explained: “Being a fosterer for Cats Protection is a very rewarding experience. I have been fostering for six years and have homed over 400 cats and kittens. When the cat comes into our care, this is the start of the journey in finding them a forever home.”

The branch team leader supports volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure they are happy, confident and observing best practice. They will also act as an ambassador for Cats Protection and oversee the branch’s financial stability.

A welfare team leader coordinates and supports volunteer fosterers and home visitors, providing advice and guidance to ensure the branch is able to help more cats and kittens in need.

The neutering team leader oversees neutering volunteers, responds to enquiries from members of the public, promotes the benefits of neutering and ensures cats are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies.

Cat fostering involves looking after cats in your own home until a new owner is found. No special equipment is needed but fosterers need to have either a spare room or an area in their garden where a cat pen can be housed.

Claire Eakin, area branch development manager, said: “Volunteering for Cats Protection is a fun and rewarding experience, particularly if you have a skill that would benefit the charity or would like to develop new skills by taking on a fresh challenge. Our volunteers gain a great deal of satisfaction helping cats get a second chance in life.

“We work hard to match people’s skills, interests and time availability to the roles on offer so if you have something to contribute, please get in touch.”

Anyone interested in the volunteer roles should email ni.volunteering@cats.org.uk or call Laura on 07827 271546 for more information.