Cat charity needs your help

Photo: Rochdale Online

Manchester cats need your help

A local cat charity is appealing to people across Greater Manchester to join the charity.

Cats Protection’s Manchester and neighbouring branches, including Rochdale, is in desperate need of volunteers to help expand cat welfare work in the local area and invites people to enquire about a wide variety of roles.

Hannah Wong, who volunteers for the charity as a 'trap neuter and return (TNR) team leader', worked on a case earlier this year involving a feral colony of cats.

She said: “I had just started my role as a TNR volunteer when we were called to the St George’s Island area. After a few visits, a total of eight cats were trapped, neutered and returned to the area.

“During the winter months there wasn’t much daylight so it was hard to see which cat had gone in the trap and whether it needed neutering."

Hannah continued: “Since starting my role, it’s made me realise the importance of neutering to help reduce the number of feral cats. So many people still don't understand how neutering is good for their cats or even the area that they live in.

“Until I started volunteering for Cats Protection, I wasn't aware of the extent of the stray/feral populations in our cities and while we can't help every cat, every one that we do is one healthier cat out there.”

Caroline Burden, Cats Protection’s area branch development manager, said: “There are many varied roles available, from fosterers, who help care for the cats and kittens while permanent homes are found, fundraisers, who help plan and deliver varied fundraising events, transport volunteers, who have the vital role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and donors and TNR work, helping to trap, neuter and return feral cats to their colonies.”

No experience is needed as the charity provides full training.

For more information ot to volunteer, cobntact Cats Protection:

bsusne@cats.org.uk

01825 741 995