Roice-Hurst Humane Society V-2 Cat Volunteer Class

Summary

Welcome to the Royce Hearst Humane Society's Level 2 Cat Class for volunteers. This training, led by Foster and Volunteer Coordinator Jenna Crutchman, covers essential cat behavior and body language to prepare you for success as a V2 cat volunteer. Learn how to socialize cats, handle them at adoption events, and assist with post-surgical recovery. After completing the video and quiz, you'll practice techniques with Jenna to become an official V2 cat volunteer, committing to at least two hours of monthly duties. Discover the importance of play, understanding feline aggression, and the natural cycle of hunting, eating, grooming, and sleeping. Engage with kittens to create positive human associations and consider additional volunteer opportunities like fostering or participating in the Grand Valley Cat Project.

Takeaways

• 🙋‍♀️ The video is a training for volunteers at the Royce Hurst Humane Society, emphasizing the importance of volunteers in socializing cats for adoption.
• 📹 New volunteers are advised to watch the orientation video first before proceeding with cat-specific training.
• 👩‍💼 Jenna Crutchman is the Foster and Volunteer Coordinator and can be contacted for further guidance.
• 📚 The training covers cat behavior, body language, and the basics needed for successful volunteering with cats.
• 📝 After the video, volunteers must take a quiz and then contact Jenna to schedule hands-on training.
• 🐾 V2 cat volunteers can perform tasks like cleaning, handling cats at adoption events, and assisting with post-surgical recovery.
• 🚫 Caution is advised with 'door darters' - cats that may escape when a door is opened; if this happens, alert staff and retrieve the cat.
• 🧼 Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections among the cats.
• 🔑 Understanding cat body language is fundamental for successful interaction and to ensure the cats feel safe and comfortable.
• 🎮 Playtime is vital for cats' physical and mental health, fulfilling their natural hunting instincts and reducing unwanted behaviors.
• 🚫 Avoid using hands or feet as toys to prevent cats from developing aggressive behaviors towards people's hands or feet.

Q & A

What is the primary role of volunteers at the Royce Hurst Humane Society?

Volunteers at the Royce Hurst Humane Society play a vital role in helping cats and kittens become well-socialized, adoptable, and ready for their new homes.

Who is Jenna Crutchman and what is her role at the shelter?

Jenna Crutchman is the Foster and Volunteer Coordinator at Royce Hurst Humane Society. She is the main contact for volunteers and coordinates their activities and training.

What is the first step for new volunteers before starting the cat class?

New volunteers should first watch the volunteer orientation video before moving on to the cat class.

What are the responsibilities of a V2 cat volunteer?

V2 cat volunteers are expected to help with cat-related animal care tasks, handle cats at adoption events, transport cats, and assist with post-surgical animal recovery on the mobile unit.

What is required after completing the cat class video?

After completing the cat class video, volunteers need to take a quiz linked in the video description and then email Jenna to schedule a time to socialize cats with her.

What is the minimum time commitment for a V2 cat volunteer?

A V2 cat volunteer needs to maintain at least two hours per month of V2C duties to keep their status.

What should volunteers do when they first come in to volunteer?

Volunteers should sign into the volunteer log in the break room before heading to the cat room.

Why is it important to wash or sanitize hands when entering or exiting the cat room?

Hand washing or sanitizing is crucial to prevent the spread of germs and upper respiratory infections among the cats, as they are susceptible to kitty colds.

What is the purpose of leaving some cage doors of under-socialized cats open?

The purpose of leaving some cage doors open is to allow under-socialized cats to wander and explore while still having a safe space to return to, aiding in their socialization process.

How should volunteers introduce themselves to a cat?

Volunteers should introduce themselves by offering their hand to the cat in a fist shape with the middle knuckle sticking out, allowing the cat to sniff them.

What is the significance of the 'Cat I Love You' technique?

The 'Cat I Love You' technique involves slow blinking to mimic the relaxed body language of a content cat, breaking direct eye contact and showing the cat that the volunteer is relaxed and non-threatening.

What is the recommended way to pet a cat and how can it prevent overstimulation?

Volunteers should be aware of signs of overstimulation such as a swishing tail, vocalization, or claws coming out. They should pet cats in areas they generally enjoy like behind the ears, under the chin, down the back, and at the base of the tail, and stop petting if the cat shows signs of overstimulation.

Why is it important to use toys instead of hands or feet when playing with cats?

Using toys instead of hands or feet prevents cats from developing bad habits of attacking people's hands or feet, which could make them less adoptable and lead to lifelong issues.

What is the cycle of the feline and how does it relate to a cat's well-being?

The cycle of the feline includes hunt, eat, groom, and sleep. This cycle is important as it satisfies a cat's hunting instinct through playtime, ensures proper nutrition, and promotes relaxation and sleep, contributing to the overall well-being of the cat.

How can understanding cat body language help volunteers?

Understanding cat body language helps volunteers to interpret a cat's emotions and intentions, allowing them to interact appropriately and safely, and to create positive experiences for the cats.

What are some additional volunteer opportunities mentioned in the script?

Additional volunteer opportunities include becoming a kitten foster to care for kittens in need, and participating in the Grand Valley Cat Project, which involves trapping, neutering, and returning community cats to prevent overpopulation.