Shelter Stories

Posted on May 2, 2024

The first time I volunteered in a cat shelter, I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I wanted to help in any way possible. I had been in an animal shelter many years ago when my family was looking to adopt a dog. I remember the dogs and cats being in cages, all barking or meowing for someone to pick them and take them home. This was the visual I had in my head while I was preparing to volunteer at a local shelter in Northeastern, PA.

This shelter was very different from most of the shelters in my area. The cats were not confined to cages, and they were free to roam around a house. Most of the cats will live out the remainder of their lives there, so the owner wanted to make it as comfortable as possible. In addition, many of the cats that were rescued did not have homes or had been crated. This setting makes it easier for a cat to transition to a home setting once adopted. It also makes the adjustment a bit easier if they came from a home.

There is always work to be done in a shelter. Something always needs to be cleaned. The cats need to be fed and watered. Litter needs to be scooped and wow was there a lot of scooping! As I started to go to the shelter, I learned more about the cats that were there. I was introduced to Fiona. Fiona had been at the shelter the longest and was clearly the female cat in charge. She was also the smartest cat there. When I started to teach the cats high fives, she picked up on this very quickly.

Mr. Meow-meow was another cat I met and subsequently took to the vet for neutering. Mr Meow-meow had been very timid and shy when he first arrived at the shelter. He did eventually come out of his shell. Now, he likes to chase a laser pointer and eat treats.

As I got to know more about the other cats, and observe their personalities while I was there, I started to make it a point to spend some time with them at the end of my shift. Some liked to be brushed and petted while others liked to have treats. However, all of them wanted attention. Some just wanted to be held. I also had an opportunity to train them how to do a high five and jump through a hula-hoop. I have become a regular and most greet me at the door for “pets” upon arrival.

In addition to training the cats, I also learned the ins and outs of running a cat shelter. Sometimes, daily visits to multiple vets are necessary. Meds are given to many of the cats daily. Volunteers are extremely valuable. Fundraising and grants are also key. Sadly, an abundance of calls come in daily from people in and outside of the community looking to surrender a cat or kittens to an already full shelter. All shelters are so full and as much as one wants to help, sadly, due to staff shortages, funding, and space they are turned away.

This is and continues to be a very rewarding experience for me and I feel I make a difference by volunteering. Spending time with the cats gives them physical and mental stimulation as well as social interaction with one another and a human. I encourage more people to volunteer at animal shelters. The need is very great as shelters nationwide are filled and volunteers are overworked. Even if it is a few hours each week to clean or spend time with the animals, every little bit helps.