Cat socials are a vital part of the adoption process at the Charlotte County SPCA (CCSPCA).
Florence Small, the shelter ambassador, handles all volunteering opportunities at the shelter. She said the socialization helps with the cat’s boredom, but also helps them get exposure to people.
“I’ve seen some cats get more comfortable around people,” she said. “When they first arrive they’re quite nervous or they’re stressed because it’s a whole different environment.”
She said people can apply to cat socials on the CCSPCA’s website. Volunteers can also pick their own time slot on the website.
When a volunteer comes to the shelter, Small said she takes them through the shelter, then brings them into the cat’s room and explains the cat’s personality.
“Whether it’s a really nervous cat that just needs some help getting more comfortable, or to put your hand out first and let them sniff you, or where to find treats to get them to trust you,” Small said.
During Small’s interview with The Courier, a black cat named Baxter was walking around the room playing with our camera cord and headbutting the microphone.
“Some of them, like Baxter here, are just super chill and just want someone to hang out with,” she said.
Black cats like Baxter and the other cat in the room, Dobby, are the hardest cats to adopt out due to the stigma associated with their fur colour, according to Small.
Dobby has been at the CCSPCA for over a month, she explained.
She said the main goal is to build the cat’s confidence.
“You just see them flourish,” said Small. “A little more of their personality comes out, they come out of their shells.”
She said the CCSPCA is mainly looking for help with fundraising activities currently, but they’re always open to new volunteers who want to spend 30 minutes with cats, either playing with them or simply sitting in the room.
She said demands on volunteers change based on the amount of animals at the shelter.
She said the CCSPCA is also looking for dog walkers, individuals to transport animals between the shelter and the veterinarian’s office, and general help around the shelter.
The CCSPCA is always looking for donations, according to Small.
“Sometimes we will put out a call, let people know if they’re shopping and they want to buy us a bag of food,” she said. “Please do. And sometimes treats.”
The shelter also has initiatives like Casey’s cupboard, Low Income SNAP, and Happy Tails Fund which all help individuals who may be struggling financially to make sure pets don’t go without food and other necessities, including spay and neuter services.
Small also said the shelter is in need of foster homes.
“Then they don’t have to deal with stresses they might experience here at the shelter,” she said. “Cat socials help a lot with the cats that are in the shelter, but fostering really really helps the animals.”
Small said she loves to hang out with the cats.
“I can just be around them … it’s quite enriching for humans as well.”
