Cat Caretaker – Helping Cats Feel Safe, Seen, and Ready for Homes
Shelter life can be especially stressful for cats. Unfamiliar smells, loud noises, and constantly changing routines can make the environment feel overwhelming for animals that thrive on predictability and personal space. Some cats withdraw and hide, while others need time and patience before they feel comfortable enough to interact. That’s where our Cat Caretakers — proudly known as our “Cat Pack” — make a meaningful difference.
Members of the Cat Pack provide calm, consistent care that helps cats feel secure while they wait for homes. Volunteers help maintain clean, comfortable spaces by refreshing litter boxes, replacing food and water, and tidying kennels. But this role goes far beyond cleaning. Cat Caretakers spend time socializing with cats, helping them build trust with people and gain confidence in their environment.
Through quiet interaction, gentle play, and patient observation, volunteers help cats relax and begin to show their personalities. This is especially important for shy or fearful cats who may need extra support before they feel ready to meet adopters. Cat Pack members help these cats gradually build confidence so they can step forward instead of hiding when potential adopters visit.
Volunteers also help staff better understand each cat’s behavior and needs. By spending time observing cats in their space, Cat Caretakers often notice changes in personality, comfort level, and social behavior. Sharing these insights helps staff match cats with the right adopters and environments. Volunteers may also help update photos so cats’ profiles better reflect their personalities and help them stand out to potential adopters.
Ideally, we aim to have one Cat Pack member scheduled each day at each shelter location to provide consistent care and socialization for the cats. Henry’s Animal Campus is closed on Wednesdays, and Silcox Animal Shelter is closed on Tuesdays, so volunteers are most needed on the other open days. Even committing to one regular day each week can provide the stability many cats need to feel comfortable and confident.
This role is ideal for patient, observant volunteers who enjoy working quietly with animals and building trust over time. By creating stable, humane, and enriched environments, Cat Caretakers help cats thrive while giving shelter staff the time they need to focus on medical care, behavior support, and adoption coordination.
Before getting started, volunteers must complete Animal Health, Animal Handling, Animal Behavior, and Cat Caretaker Training to ensure they understand safe handling practices and the care routines used throughout the cat housing areas.
To view and complete our trainings - CLICK HERE
Volunteer duties, access, and privileges are valid only during the scheduled shift selected through the online volunteer scheduling system. A 15-minute grace period is allowed before and after each shift so volunteers can prepare for and wrap up their assignments.
With patience and consistency, Cat Pack volunteers help fearful cats grow braver, confident cats shine brighter, and every cat get one step closer to a home.
Sign up to volunteer as a Cat Caretaker:
Henry’s Animal Campus – CLICK HERE
Silcox Animal Shelter – CLICK HERE