Around 90% of Cats Protection's work is carried out by volunteers – many of whom have full-time jobs - who give up their spare time to support their local branch.

It's thanks to their dedication and tireless efforts that we are able to help around 170,000 cats, nationally, each year. In 2000 alone, we found new homes for around 70,000 cats and kittens – that's an average of 200 per day.

• Fund-raising - All branches are self-sufficient, relying solely on fund-raising to help the cats in their care. We are looking for people who are bursting with innovative ideas and are great events organisers. If you fit the bill, come and talk to us! Or if you want perhaps you are taking part in a sponsored event and you would like to do it for us? Contact us and we may be able to help with sponsorship forms etc.
   
• Put pen to paper - Fancy yourself as a news hound? We need people who can write in a witty and informative style to help out with the Branch newsletter. If you have a PC or the use of one, then even better!
   
• A good ear - If you're patient and have a sympathetic ear, we'd love you to help us answer our phones. Dealing with the public in a firm and pleasant manner, you'll be expected to provide advice on a wide variety of topics – from "my cat is stuck on the roof" to "my mum's moving to a nursing home, can you take her cat?".
   
• In the public eye - Put Cats Protection in the limelight! Branches need to publicise their good work in the local area. So if you like talking to people or have contacts with the local media – press, TV or radio – why not give it a go!
   
• Fostering - We often need people to foster cats or kittens on a short-term basis. This could mean erecting a cat pen in your garden or giving up your spare room for a mum and her kittens.
   
• Shop stop - Many of our Branches have a permanent local charity shop or are able to lease one temporarily. Helpers are always needed to keep the shop running smoothly – from sorting and pricing goods to serving behind the till.
   
• Home visits - Before any of our cats are re-homed a home visit must be carried out. This ensures the new home and owners are suitable for the chosen cat. If you are a good judge of character and have a tactful nature, why not join us as a home-visitor.
   
• Hit the road - Do you own a vehicle? The cats in our care often need to be taken to the vets or transported to their new home. If you can spare a little time and your car, we'd love you to help us.
   
• Office duties - Unfazed by piles of paperwork? A whizz with figures? We're looking for people to help keep Branch bookkeeping and paperwork up-to-date; from checking that re-homed kittens have been neutered to ensuring annual accounts are in on time.

How to Volunteer

If you're tempted to join us, you can either print off and complete our Volunteering Form, link to cpl volunteer form and send it to your local Branch. Or simply give your Branch a ring. They will be delighted to hear from you.

HONITON, DEVON
www.honitoncats.eclipse.co.uk
01404 45241
Desperately seeking volunteers; call them and make their day!

EAST DEVON
www.eastdevoncats.com
Go on, you know you want to! Full details on the site.