Volunteer Profiles: An Interview with Daily Care Volunteer, Lucie
We first met Lucie in 2018 when she adopted her first Catcuddles kitty.
Lucie has a soft spot for overlooked cats and anxious cats who need lots of love and patience to build up trust, so we were delighted when she joined the Catcuddles volunteer team in 2022.
Currently responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, and socialising routine at CCHQ once per week, she is also a member of our volunteer-led catsitting team.
In a recent interview, we asked Lucie to share what she has learned from her time at Catcuddles so far.
Visit this page for more information about volunteering for Catcuddles.
What inspired you to start volunteering for Catcuddles?
Adopting through Catcuddles is what led me to volunteering at the charity. I first came across Catcuddles when I was looking to adopt an indoor cat. Catcuddles champions all sorts of cats who for one reason or another need to live indoors, and we ending up adopting a beautiful FIV+ cat called Ketu.
Has volunteering differed from your expectations, and if so, how?
I have spent some time working at a cattery in the past, so I knew a little of what to expect being a daily routine volunteer at Catcuddles. Of course volunteering at a rescue there are often cats who have been in a bad way, who need a lot of TLC, so there's some learning around giving medications of different kinds, and patience interacting with very nervous cats. Volunteering at the charity gives a wonderful opportunity to watch the rescue cats grow in confidence and in health.
What is your favourite part of being a volunteer?
My favourite part of being a volunteer is getting to know all the different personalities of the cats who have been rescued. It's great to learn about each of their quirks and preferences, and to take pictures of them that are shared on Catcuddles’ social media to help them get adopted!
Is there any cat that you've met during your time at Catcuddles who was particularly special to you?
Since volunteering at Catcuddles I met a gorgeous ginger boy called Tevildo, who waited a long time for a home, despite being sociable, affectionate, and playful. He was a favourite of a few of the volunteers, and I was lucky enough to end up adopting him! He of course holds a very special place in my heart, and had I not started volunteering I most likely wouldn't have him with me at home now!
What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a daily routine volunteer?
If you're thinking about becoming a daily routine volunteer, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons! Of course you get to spend lots of time with absolutely lovely cats and kittens, but you also need to be prepared to spend the day outside in all weathers, to be responsible and meticulous about important elements such as giving out medications, and of course willing to clean up a lot of mess!