DORSET CAT-LOVERS NEEDED
Source: Yahoo News (Extract)
Posted: February 5, 2023
Cats Protection is calling for more volunteers with cat welfare experience to help them look after an increasing number of sick moggies.
In Weymouth, the demand for staff to help look after the cats which are taken in has increased and the centre needs more help to care for forgotten felines.
Volunteer Gloria Ashwell, who runs the Weymouth branch of Cats Protection, has noticed an increase in cats being given up for financial reasons over the past year and is expanding the provision for local cats to cope with expected demand.
In the past year, 20 per cent of cats who arrived in the branch’s care were given up for financial reasons, a steep rise compared to just 8 per cent in the previous five years.
Gloria said: “We’ve seen that people are really starting to struggle since the cost of living crisis began and not only are people finding it increasingly difficult to cover day-to-day costs but also vet care, so cats are arriving in need of more treatment before they can go to their loving homes.
“We therefore need help, especially from anyone with cat welfare expertise, which will enable us to support and rehome more local cats.”
One recent admission was 15-year-old Jiminy who had been living in the garden of a neighbour for three years since his owner died, with only a plastic igloo for shelter.
The situation for Jiminy was becoming desperate as advanced age, freezing weather and an irregular supply of food were beginning to take their toll on him.
Gloria said: “We lost no time in making emergency arrangements for Jiminy who was admitted to my care at the end of November and after a vet check and first vaccination was ready to rehome. He was quickly adopted to a perfect home in early December and now he and his owner are very happy.”
Gloria is seeking volunteers and is keen to hear from anyone with an interest in helping local cats.
People with cat welfare experience or who would like to help with hands-on cat care are encouraged to get in touch as she is looking to recruit a Cat Welfare Team Leader as well as fosterers.
Fosterers will be caring for cats in their own homes until a new owner can be found. No special equipment is needed but cat fosterers do need to have a spare room.
Welfare Team Leaders support and nurture the fosterers and need to have a background in cat welfare.
To contact Cats Protection to volunteer visit cats.org.uk/support-us/volunteeropportunities or contact Gloria on 01305 262737 or email at weymouthcatsprotection@gmail.com
