Description

The GTHS Cat Care Team reports to the Cat Care Coordinator. Whereas other morning Cat Care Team Members are assigned a specific room (an Adoptions Room or a Quarantine / Isolation Room), this Cat Care Team Member will provide all-round Cat Care support, based on day-to-day needs. This volunteer will be assigned to Quarantine / Isolation Room 4 (which is used sporadically for cats who are sick and aren’t quite ready for adoption), but may be directed to assist in Room 3 if no cats are in Room 4. When no assistance is required in either Quarantine / Isolation Room, this Team Member will support volunteers in the Adoption Rooms. Responsibilities include providing nutrition, as well as mental and physical stimulation or interaction, to the feline residents in Room 4 and/or other areas they are assisting within.  All Cat Care Team Members are responsible for sweeping and mopping the floor, dishes, laundry, and maintaining clean and organized litter, feeding stations, kitten / cat kennels and communal areas.

Time Commitment

Under 3 hours per week (from 8am until approximately 10.30am). A minimum commitment of 6 months is required (unless approved for student / community hours).

Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintain clean and organized litter, kennels, counter tops and communal areas (shelving, windows, etc.)
• Disinfect toys (loose and in kennels), scratching posts, wooden boxes, climbing apparatus, etc.
• Feed cats / kittens wet food (as appropriate), provide fresh water and maintain feeding stations
• Wash up any dirty animal dishes
• Perform laundry tasks (gather dirty laundry and assist with washing, drying and folding linens)
• Dispose of garbage and recyclables
• Wipe all surfaces after use
• When not working out of Room 4:
• Assist in Room 3, upon assignment by Cat Care Coordinator
• Liaise with Adoption Room Team Members to assist where needed
• Assist the Cat Care Coordinator with ad hoc needs
• As required / upon request:
• Place cats ready for ‘moving up’ into carriers
• Carry cats in carriers to the appropriate room / kennel
• Weigh cats with assistance from the Cat Care Coordinator
• Clean floors in the Animal Kitchen
• Interact with cats for socialization and enrichment purposes
• Stimulate and interact with cats (includes grooming, play and snuggles)
• Reduce cat stress and improve their overall wellness
• Provide cognitive stimulation and encourage curiosity
• Provide places for cats to hide and perch, as appropriate
• Stimulate cats’ hunting instinct
• Make enrichment items (food puzzles, cat cabins…)
• Identify and report any behavioural concerns
• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

Qualifications

• 15 years of age minimum
• Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
• Experience working with or handling cats
• Strong work ethic
• Dependable, self-motivated and energetic
• Works well unsupervised, alone and in a team environment
• Adaptable and versatile; comfortable not having a set routine for each shift
• Willing to approach and assist staff / fellow volunteers to complete the morning’s Cat Care activities
• Exercises patience
• Good communication skills
• Reads and follows directions, and follows protocol

Working Conditions:

• Must be physically able to complete the tasks listed above (will involve bending, kneeling, lifting, walking, mopping)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. gloves, gowns and booties MUST be worn when volunteering in Room 3 and/or in Room 4.
• Gloves are always to be worn when cleaning litterboxes, stools or vomit.