FOR anyone considering adopting a cat, this cattery in Darlington is the perfect place.
However, for some unfortunate felines, this can be their home for months before finding the right home.
Approximately 30 cats are currently living at the RSPCA Cat Re-homing Hub in Darlington and as soon as one is adopted, another takes its place.
Unsurprisingly, kittens and young cats are snapped up quickly by people looking to adopt a furry friend.
However, plenty of older cats can be just as loving, and depending on their past experiences, may appreciate an owner’s love even more.
Although some cats have experienced mistreatment and therefore may not be initially very trusting, the majority of these cats were either strays, had been abandoned, or for whatever reason their previous owner could no longer look after them.
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Each cat has its own ‘pod’ with a transparent door in the re-homing centre, this is so potential new cat-parents can have a look at which cat they might be interested in adopting.
These pods are surprisingly spacious and contain comfy beds and cushions for each cat.
The pod also has a small door at the back which leads to a larger space for playing and this is also where litter trays are kept.
Usually, cats are adopted pretty quickly after coming to the Cat Hub, however, sometimes older cats can stay there up to six months before a permanent home is found.
The role of a cat socialising volunteer is to help felines that may need a bit of encouragement in feeling more comfortable and confident around people.
This involves playing with the cats and being in their space, reassuring them that interacting with a human is not (always) scary.
Sophie Moran-Barker, re-homing coordinator said: “They’ve all been health-checked, they’ve been screened by vets, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped and wormed, but if you go to a pet shop you don’t really know what you’re buying.”
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Jonathan Reay who has volunteered at the Cat Hub for the last three years said his favourite part of the job was playing with the kittens, while the hardest part was watching some cats stay at the centre for months without being adopted.
He said: “I’m aware this is very much a nicer aspect to what the RSPCA does. I couldn’t work in the rescuing side of things and seeing animals in distress after being mistreated, I’d rather be on this side of things.”
Sophie and Jonathan stressed that they do not currently have capacity for more cat socialising volunteers, however, they are always keen to hear from people interested in fostering and community fundraising.
They are also interested in hearing from drivers who will be responsible for transporting cats from the cattery and foster homes to vet surgeries, collecting prescriptions from vets and to pick up donated goods including cat litter and food.
For more information on these roles, please email Sophie at sophie.moran-barker@rspca.org.uk
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