So, bit of an odd one
My wife has Young Onset Dementia / Alzheimer’s, we both love cats and dogs, but have always been “servants” to cats we have had over 30 plus years.
Our most recent cats passed away 2 years ago, about the same time that my wife got her formal diagnosis.
Currently we do not have any pets because of the added complexities involved whilst also caring for my wife.
But I have heard that you can apparently volunteer at cat shelters and similar places, to look after the welfare of and help the socialisation of the cats
My wife would love this and would make such a positive impact to her general welfare and mental health.
Does anyone have any experience of volunteering in this capacity ?
2 Likes
I think one of out members on here I have taged her to the thread @Alison_1970 , can you give some advice for @ENIGMA_OMEN ?
2 Likes
@ENIGMA_OMEN i don’t know where you live but I know some places they have cat cafes where you can go. Also you could put into Google the area you live and type volunteer cat shelters ,cat sanuctary you could also ring your local citizens advice and ask them about cat shelters in your area that you and your wife would like to volunteer. They could give you the names of places in your area.
Sounds like Cats Protection would fit the bill - they always need volunteers
From Cat Care (cleaning out the pens, helping at feeding time) to socialisation - especially with kittens and feral/semi feral cats.
Some years back I was volunteering as a cat care assistant loved every minute of it - only gave it up because I had nasty fall and ended up with 3 fractured vertebrae (not related to Cats Protection !).
My last 4 cats have all been adopted from Cats Protection - this is my latest, 14 year old Lily
3 Likes
I think the Bath Cats and Dogs home may do something like that. If you find your nearest RSPCA Cats and Dogs home, check their website or give them a call. Bath CDH used to welcome visitors to take dogs for walks at weekends as they then got longer walks and socialisation and it was great for families who could not have a dog full time. I recall them advertising for people to cat sit/cuddle as well.
1 Like
Hello our local Animal Rescue Redgate has opportunities where people can go in and help socialise kittens. I do know that with Ferals it is very important to get them used to being handled between the age of 2-7 weeks. Worth looking online for local charities. Also do you have a local Nextdoor? If so it is worth asking on there. I wish you and your wife every happiness.
2 Likes
@ENIGMA_OMEN I’m a patient care assistant at a vets. A job I love, but often find quite tiring. We have volunteers each year, usually young people studying Animal Care at college. I got my first job as a Student Vet Nurse after volunteering one day a week there for a year. At the time I was in my 40’s. I hope you find something suitable for your wife.
2 Likes
@susieq lovely photograph of lily .now what is she thinking. Don’t mess with me hehe,
2 Likes
Probably ! or “is it dinner time yet ?”
3 Likes