Can I Talk About Big Cats? And Domestic...

[gaogier]

hello

A little detail about myself first of all. I am autistic, about medium functioning, and one of my obsessions are all felines. I am known by people in my family, their friends and family as the cat man, as all I do is research cats.

I am not much of a talker, and my intelligence is low, but I am knowledgeable in the cat world, now I want to expand and do this with big cats like lions.

I am trying to get in touch with my local zoo, I know someone who is in politics from school who maybe able to pull some strings, but I don't really know her.

My plan if the zoo allow it, is to observe daily life's of felines, their eating habits, maybe be able to give them the food, when sedated and they have their physical by the zoo vet, I could be there, maybe touch them, and see how soft the fur is. If have any cubs that are hand milked I would love to give that a try. Talking of cubs, maybe be there when mum gives birth and watch.


My other plan is to interact with house cats via no kill cat protection re home shelters, from feeding, to playing and cuddling/socialising the cats to trust humans.

What do you think, how could I get to do this? Any advise on approach to these charities and zoo's

 

[LTS3]

I think what you want to do is volunteer your time to help with some basic care and just observe. Many zoos and shelters offer volunteer opportunities. Just contact them and ask. I'm not sure if the austism would be a concern for a zoo or shelter. They certainly want to keep volunteers safe to avoid any liabilities caused by injury or something but they also can't discriminate someone for having a medical condition. You'll have to talk to the person who coordinates volunteers about your interests and what you are able to do with minimal supervision and what training is provided to minimize the risk of injury.

 

[gaogier]

I am hoping that I could observe, not be left alone to do things, maybe assist at best. It would have to be an hour here, an hour there as I also have physical difficulties/disability’s which restict me. I am they should support my needs if I can observe.

I didn’t know zoo’s allow this type of “volunteering” hopefully the girl from school can point me to the right person at the local zoo.

 

[neely]

I think this is a wonderful idea and I applaud you. I would suggest talking to your school counselor and perhaps he or she can put you in touch with the person you mentioned in politics at your school. Since you said you are not much of a talker you can start by an e-mail if you prefer. The school I work at is very supportive and we help to get our students involved in all types of special interests, many of the students are autistic such as yourself so don't let that hold you back.

However, it may be easier to volunteer at a no-kill animal shelter. They could benefit from your love and devotion to cats. There are shelters that are exclusive to cats only and you might want to look into that as well. Best of luck, please keep us posted on your success. Fingers crossed all goes well.

 

[gaogier]

I am not at school, I am 29 and left school after graduating in 2005 - standered timing for 16 year olds I know the girl from school as she was in one of my classes. She like everyone else from school don’t know I am autistic, only my teachers knew.

I can’t drive, so rely on my mum or sisters, so they would be coming with me as my carer and the cat protection is something I have asked about but they said no. I Can’t randomly pop in and play with them, socialise with them I have to be scheduled, but I did not tell them about my autism or disabilities. Maybe I should, but would this change the outcome?

 

[neely]

My apologies, I did not realize you had graduated school. I'm not sure where you live but in many parts of the U.S. bus service is provided for people with disabilities by the RTA (Regional Transportation Authority), or the ADA Paratransit Service. I'm not sure if you would require the assistance of your mom or sister at the animal shelter but perhaps one of them would consider making a few calls on your behalf. Did they say no to you helping/volunteering at a zoo or a no-kill shelter?

 

[gaogier]

No worries, I am from the uk.

I used to get the bus to college, but they changed the routes, I also now have physical disabilities so there is no way to get there without them. I am going to email the zoo as soon as I know who to email.

 

[neely]

I am going to email the zoo as soon as I know who to email.

Look on the zoo's website, there should be a link to volunteer or even a contact name to e-mail. Good luck!
My other thought was an animal sanctuary for the big cats. Here's one in Kent: About Us - The Big Cat Sanctuary

 

[LTS3]

Maybe our UK members such as Columbine would know of resouces that helps diabled people with volunteer opportunities? Or animal related organizations where the OP could at least talk to about volunteering?

 

[gaogier]

I have looked at the website, and here is what they say "We aren't recruiting for casual roles at the moment but please do check this page for opportunities soon"

If I want to volunteer they only accept in summer months, they do have work experience for students who attend a specific college and course but only for 2 weeks or if your a vet student. They also are not accepting people until 2019, so I have to wait 18 months and join a full time college course.

 

[Columbine]

I don't know of any resources of the type LTS3 mentions, I'm afraid.

It will likely be easier to get volunteer time of the type you'd like with small cats rather than their big cousins. I don't know where you are, but I'd start by searching for local rescues, and call or email them about volunteering opportunities. You lose nothing by asking, even if they're not advertising vacancies.

If your heart really is set on working with the big cats, I'd call or email that organisation too (or have a family member do it on your behalf if you struggle with that kind of thing). It never hurts to ask, after all, and as the kind of thing you're wanting to do doesn't really fit into the roles offered, it's well worth a try.

I don't know what your home situation is, but something else to consider might be fostering cat for a local shelter. Shelters are almost always in need of foster homes to help get cats ready for adoption. Your family would have to be on board with this, and you'd need to fulfil the shelter's criteria, but it's something to think about. You'd be doing these cats an enormous service by doing this too...the hardest part is being able to let the cats go when the time comes (a fair number of TCS members are 'failed fosters' - where they were unable to part with the foster kitty and adopted it themselves!).

I'm so sorry I can't be of more help. I hope you can find a volunteering opportunity that you enjoy.

 

[denice]

I think volunteering at a small cat rescue would be more doable as well. I know here anyway most of the volunteers at zoos or legitimate big cat rescues don't work directly with the big cats. They do things like the gift shop, cleaning up the grounds, or giving directions. The people that volunteer and work with the big cats are people with training and also spend quite a big of time around the big cats. The big cats become acclimated to those specific people that way. Domestic cats actually have many of the same behaviors as their big cousins, just dialed back a lot and we call it play.

I know the largest no kill cat rescue here even encourages people just to come in and spend time with the cats. Just playing with them and holding them.

 

[gaogier]

The cat protection wants me to have a seclude. Of which I can't do, no sure how to get around this.

I have a full house with 5 cats, we rent and not allowed more, unless my cats have kittens which is impossible.

Yeah, I am hoping my school buddy knows who to contact but can anyone help write a email not her, explaining about autism too?