A day at the PAWS-PATAS cattery in Los Gallardos in Almeria

A day at the PAWS-PATAS cattery in Los Gallardos in Almeria

SOCIAL SKILLS: All PAWS-PATAS cats receive personal attention Photo credit: PAWS-PATAS

RAIN, sunshine or national holiday, it’s all the same to the cats and kittens at the PAWS-PATAS shelter in Los Gallardos.

The same could be said of the dedicated and passionate volunteers who care for them, assisting Cattery manager Fiona.

“They start at 9am and the good news they all want to hear is that no kittens or cats have been abandoned at the shelter gates,” said PAWS-PATAS collaborator and fundraiser Chrissie Cremore.

There are litter trays to clean, food and water bowls to wash and replenish, floors to mop and special diets or medication to administer before playtime starts.

The kittens enjoy major socialising, which thankfully tires them out so they need a nap. The teenagers have usually “helped” throughout the cleaning and take a siesta.
The older cats are now ready for calm, personal cuddles and affection. Individual needs are adhered to, as they have waited so long to be chosen that Fiona and the volunteers know all their quirks.

Shy and nervous cats need extra time to become relaxed, which improves their chance of being homed, Chrissie explained.
There are vet runs to organise, as many of the abandoned cats and kittens are very sick.  Shift planning can be a juggling act with too many cats and kittens and too few volunteers, as it is vital to minimise cross-infection.

The cats’ bedding must be washed and dried, home checks organised and food, medicines, bedding and litter – the cattery gets through 30 bags a week – put away. Outside vegetation has to be kept under control, too. 

“With no statutory funding, PAWS-PATAS relies heavily on the wonderful and supportive public. Vet bills and medication are incredibly expensive and extra food is needed if our fantastic donations have not arrived from Holland,” Chrissie said.

As their stint at the cattery comes to an end,  Fiona and her volunteers finally tear themselves away from their bundles of love and enjoyment, who patiently wait and live in hope of finding their “furever” homes.

For more information and to volunteer, adopt, foster or donate, visit the www.paws-patas.org website or write to the cats@paws-patas.org email address.

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Written by

Linda Hall

Originally from the UK, Linda is based in Valenca and is a reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering local news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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