I've Made a Decision About Something

that I've been thinking about for a while. Since I love ALL cats, and I only work 4 days a week, I have decided to start volunteering at a local no-kill cat shelter. I go in next Monday to look around and talk with the director. Now, I'm a little nervous, but very excited. I don't know what to expect or what this is going to involve. I just picture myself sitting in a sunny room, playing and loving on a multitude of cats!!! Of course, I know it's not going to be totally like that. A lot of you have motivated me to do this. I read all that you do for your cats and other cats that need help. I can't foster because Bella wold evict me and there aren't any feral colonies that I can find around here. So this is the way I am going to try and help. If anyone can give me any suggestions or clues on what to expect based on your experiences, I would appreciate it tremendously!!! My only concern really is that I get terribly attached to these precious furballs. My heart is so soft for cats.

Congrats! I hope you find the work fulfilling, even if it isn't all playing with kitties

At our rescue, people start out as pooper scoopers. It's not glamorous, but it's work that needs to be done Basically, we come in, scoop the litter boxes, clean the kennels, change out any bedding that is looking a bit icky (or puked on), sweep and mop the floors, refill food and water, and then when we're done, we get to play with the kitties.

No advise aside from have fun and enjoy your extended kitty time!

That's wonderful. I'm sure it will be a very rewarding experience, both for you and the cats. How lucky they are to have you as new friend!

At our rescue, people start out as pooper scoopers. It's not glamorous, but it's work that needs to be done Basically, we come in, scoop the litter boxes, clean the kennels, change out any bedding that is looking a bit icky (or puked on), sweep and mop the floors, refill food and water, and then when we're done, we get to play with the kitties.

Oh, that's not bad. I've got over 20 years experience scooping poop and cleaning puke Thanks. I can't wait.

The cats will appreciate your aura and I hope you meet nice interesting people



Knowing myself, I'd bring "cafeteria gloves" or "lunch lady/food court gloves" as an inner liner to any rubber/latex gloves they might provide. I'm not OCD or anything- I just don't like the feel of latex. In case you don't know what gloves I'm talking about, they are very thin plastic. .......I'm 99% sure the official name is "food service gloves". I use them to load the dishwasher, water houseplants, empty the bathroom trash, scoop litter, and so many other things - But especially as an inner liner if I need to use yellow gloves. Dollar stores (the good ones) have them and they're available on-line too.

Knowing myself, I'd bring "cafeteria gloves" or "lunch lady/food court gloves" as an inner liner to any rubber/latex gloves they might provide. I'm not OCD or anything- I just don't like the feel of latex. In case you don't know what gloves I'm talking about, they are very thin plastic. .......I'm 99% sure the official name is "food service gloves". I use them to load the dishwasher, water houseplants, empty the bathroom trash, scoop litter, and so many other things - But especially as an inner liner if I need to use yellow gloves. Dollar stores (the good ones) have them and they're available on-line too.[/quote]
Thanks for mentioning that--I have a pair of those gloves somewhere around here. It's little suggestions like that that I would never think of on my own.

Originally Posted by Bellaandme

Thanks for mentioning that--I have a pair of those gloves somewhere around here. It's little suggestions like that that I would never think of on my own.

Click to expand...

http://www.uline.com/BL_972/Poly-Food-Service-Gloves



A pair? They're disposable honey

The world needs more people like you and all the other posters.

My heart, like yours, is soooooooo soft for the cats!! They are going to love you!

Originally Posted by c1atsite

http://www.uline.com/BL_972/Poly-Food-Service-Gloves

A pair? They're disposable honey

Click to expand...

oops! The restaurant I work at did a catering job 4 months ago and I think I really do have an unused pair around here. I know that did sound odd though.

What a great idea! I bet the kitties will thank you for it!

Originally Posted by Bellaandme

I really do have an unused pair around here. I know that did sound odd though.

Click to expand...

It sure did. It'll last, oh, one whole day. Two max. Bless you for volunteering.

good on you for volunteering! I hope it's a rewarding experience for you, and I know all the kitties will appreciate you being there.

How wonderful that you are going to help sheltered kitties and eventually their new people. I hope you find it as fulfulling as I have.

At the shelter I worked at, one thing we noticed is that when patrons saw volunteers playing with, brushing and petting the cats it make those cats very adoptable!!! There are also kitties who are social eaters and eat much better when someone is standing nearby them talking to them and maybe petting them.

Instead of gloves I like to use a chemical glove - a product made for medical staff. Then I can wash my hands between touching each animal without totally ruining my skin. If you wear the same pair of gloves during your entire shift the gloves themselves are "contaminants".