Did you know that Ten Lives Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers? We currently have over 70 volunteers in various roles helping us achieve our mission—to save homeless, abused, and abandoned cats by providing veterinary care, rehabilitation services, and then placing them into loving adoptive homes.
Cate has been a vital Ten Lives volunteer for over three years. She is a foster who takes in a variety of cats, ranging from kittens to our Forgotten Felines, and is always willing to help our other fosters out with transportation to and from vet appointments when needed. Cate’s resident pets include her dog Emerald, a 60 pound, 10-year-old Catahoula mix, and her cats Bungo, a 19-year-old Tuxedo, Mina, a 9-year-old orange tiger, and Moxie, a 9-year-old tortoiseshell. Cate also recently fostered a mother cat and her five kittens—three of the kittens have recently found their forever homes!
1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?
I had been volunteering for another rescue for a year, but was drawn to Ten Lives Cat Rescue because of their Facebook page and very clear and informative website. When I saw on Facebook that they had a need for someone to foster two cats that were an owner surrender, I responded and have continued fostering since then!
2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?
The first undersocialized cat I fostered was a six month old kitten that came from a very busy and loud house. He hid under his bed for a month, and I wondered if he would ever warm up to me. One day, he gave me signs of wanting to come out of the crate, so I left the door open to see what he would do. He never went back in the crate, and decided to trust me practically overnight. He became the most loveable, cuddly cat, and went to a home where he is cherished!
3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?
I have learned patience, patience, patience! All cats progress at different rates, and I have learned to respect their timing. I have also learned so much about cat illness, vetting procedures, and how essential Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is to humanely reduce the population of cats!
4. What do you wish other people knew about us?
I wish that people knew that you can volunteer as much or as little as you are able. It doesn’t have to be an involved thing if you don’t have a lot of time. There are many little things that you can contribute to help make the rescue successful.
5. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I love vegetable and flower gardening, and I love to kayak and take photos. I am a retired Massage Therapist, and now just give friends and family massages.
6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?
I really hope that we can make a dent in the population of cats in RI by TNR’ing.
7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?
Ten Lives Cat Rescue is a great group of people that really care about cats. They are very supportive to new volunteers.
8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?
I have gained many new friends and a sense of satisfaction when we can find loving homes for most of the cats we rescue.
9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?
I believe that I have made a very good impact. I am passionate about rescue work, but it is the collective of people working together that makes this rescue have a great impact in the community!
Are you interested in volunteering with Ten Lives Cat Rescue? Fill out a Volunteer Application, become a foster, sponsor a Forgotten Feline, and purchase needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist!