Wrexham Cats Protection Adoption Centre volunteers appeal

It's easy to assume a charity that needs volunteers for all manner of cat-related things, including kitten cuddling, would be inundated with offers of help.

Some of the units at Cats Protection Wrexham.

But Cats Protection Adoption Centre, on Bradley Road in Wrexham is appealing for more volunteers, as the cost of living crisis sees no let up in the demand for its service. One in every five cats that comes into the centre is linked to the rising cost of living

With growing numbers of owners having to give up their pets, the Wrexham charity is looking for more volunteers to help find forever homes for the neglected and unwanted cats and kittens in its care, as well as more cat foster carers. They would also like to encourage more men to volunteer.

Read more: Cost of living crisis impacts North Wales animal rescue centre

Cats Protection Wrexham manager Suzan Kennedy (centre) with staff Georgia Crocker and Zoe Darley.

One of the most popular, and cutest, volunteer roles at the centre is socialising kittens, so they become more comfortable around people and can be more easily adopted.

As well as spending time with the youngsters, getting them used to people, sounds are played to get them more accustomed to a life in a home. This includes every day noises such as the sound of children playing, a doorbell or vacuum cleaner, and even fireworks.

Jessie Nicholson with a new mum Cookie and her kittens.

Amy Roughsedge has been volunteering at the purpose-built centre for about five months, and she's a natural with the animals.

She adopted from the Wrexham team previously, and that led to her volunteering. She has adopted another kitten since then.

It's difficult to find someone at the facility who hasn't taken their work home, with almost all staff and volunteers being cat owners.

Volunteer Amy Roughsedge with one of the pregnant cats at Wrexham.

And it's easy to see why. With 46 cat pens housing 50 cats at site, and another 62 on the waiting list, they have their hands full.

The dedication of staff and volunteers sees the Wrexham site incredibly well organised and spotless but the work is constant. Making sure the place is clean and animals are fed and healthy, doesn't stop for holidays, bad weather or even a pandemic.

Food collected or donated is kept in variety and date order, the laundering of blankets and toys is immense. But it's getting to see that cats and kittens leave for their forever homes that makes it all worthwhile.

Cats Protection volunteers Ann, Diane, Hilary and Becca.

Ann has been volunteering for Cats Protection for 21 years.

She said: "It was to help the cats but it's good company, it's a very social centre.

"I've adopted many cats, my first was from the centre three months after coming here."

Looking to be adopted is Edith, one of the older cats at the centre, and the longest staying resident at more than 100 days.

Wrexham Glyndwr University student Becca has also volunteered on and off for several years, and is on placement during her course of animal welfare, behaviours and conservation. The experience is priceless, and she will be part of an event at the university's Northop campus on March 23, raising awareness of the work of Cats Protection.

Laura Healey with new arrival Luna.

Volunteer Hilary has been helping out for 16 months. As a former cat owner, she agrees the role is great experience for having cats.

Diane first did volunteering for Cats Protection in 2010, as her volunteering day from her job with M&S.

Blankets for adopters to take and help get their cat familiar with their scent.

She added: "I was made to feel so welcome, I've not stopped. I love it, it's like my therapy."

All volunteers get access to full training and learning, and the pride of being part of a positive team.

If you are interested in volunteering at Wrexham's Cats Protection Adoption Centre, phone 03000 120269 or wrexham@cats.org.uk

You can also checkout some available roles online at cats.org.uk/wrexham/volunteering