Cattery Assistant

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Can you help us provide high levels of care to our cats? We are looking for reliable volunteers to help the cats in our small cattery by keeping them fed, watered, and clean, and providing them with vital socialising and human contact while they are waiting to be rehomed. You will enhance your animal care skills and have the satisfaction of making our cats very happy whilst they wait for their forever home.

Overview of the role

As a volunteer Cattery Assistant, you will play a vital role by providing daily care and attention to cats who are waiting to be rehomed. As well as the essential tasks of feeding the cats and cleaning the cattery pens, you will also spend some quality time engaging in play and cuddling the cats. 

Many of the cats in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home, so this plays a vital role in bridging the gap until they find their forever home. 

This is a physically demanding role and requires someone who really cares about cat welfare. Full online and onsite training will be provided, and you will be supported by the Volunteer Cat Co-ordinator and other volunteers.

Volunteers need to commit on a set morning each week starting between 8am and 9am for a two hour session and be available for a minimum six month commitment. The role is not suitable for people who can only attend occasionally.

What you will be doing 

• Preparing and providing food and water for the cats in the cattery, as per the instructions for each cat.
• Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining the cattery to a high standard of cleanliness, making our cats are as comfortable as possible.
• Following the health and safety procedures and ensuring that they are always observed.
• Complete observation forms, so that we can monitor the progress and welfare of each cat. 
• Inform the volunteer Cat Co-ordinator about any changes in behaviour or health concerns. 
• Adhere to any other guidelines and notices about the welfare of the cats in the cattery. 
• Groom and socialise the cats, being mindful that each will have their own temperament and character.
• Spend time with cats in the cattery pens - playing, grooming, encouraging mobility, and providing those essential cuddles. Always being mindful that each cat will have their own temperament and character.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• Experience of cats and caring for them. Able to understand and show sensitivity to their behaviour. You may have gained this as a cat owner or through a professional or volunteer cat-caring role. 
• Can carry out demanding, physical tasks. Cleaning the pens is hard work and you will need to bend and stretch to reach all areas. You must be able to lift containers of cat feed and litter. 
• Must be comfortable cleaning up cat faeces, urine, and vomit. Always following the bio-security procedures. 
• The site is outdoors in a garden. There is no toilet on-site but there is access to outdoor hot and cold taps for handwashing.
• Being highly committed and able to volunteer for a couple of hours on a set day each week is essential. The cats will be relying on you to care for them. 
• Able to complete the daily observation forms. 
• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 
• Has a level of resilience as you will see the result of neglect at first hand.
• A patient and understanding nature. 
• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.
• Must be able to complete comprehensive online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. You will need to have access to a mobile phone and be willing to be part of the team’s Whatsapp group which is used for sharing information and updates about the cats.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• An extremely rewarding opportunity and a chance to make a direct impact on the welfare of cats. You will have improved cat welfare and made them happy whilst they are waiting for their forever home.
• A way to meet new people in your local area.
• Enhance your existing cat care skills and learn new skills to add to your CV.
• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• Be part of a supportive team of volunteers in a similar role.

If you are interested in helping us with this special role, we would love to hear from you.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period.