Dear Editor,

Do you have what it takes to be an ICAN volunteer? Do you know what it takes to be an ICAN volunteer? Surely just a love of cats and a bit of spare time to play with the cats right?

Sure, we do spend a great deal of time playing with and loving the cats. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Every day the enclosures are cleaned and disinfected. This means scooping litter boxes, changing food and water dishes, sweeping and mopping the floors and changing bedding. The lawns and garden also have to be trimmed and kept looking presentable.

We administer vaccinations, medication, test for certain zoonoses and provide grooming on-site to ensure the animals in our care are in good health. Because we take on feral (wild) kittens as well as house cats and kittens, extra time and care has to be given to the ferals to socialize them and get them loving us as much as we love them.

Many volunteers give up their homes and a good night’s sleep to care for new kittens and cats that we either do not have room for at the shelter or who simply just need some extra TLC.

All monetary donations go straight to the companions whether it’s food, cat litter, vet bills, toys or even cleaning products. But we go through things so quickly we are often spending our own money to provide these necessities.

To date, ICAN has helped over 700 animals. There are so many different ways you can help ICAN. Volunteers are always needed, as are foster homes. Fostering is great for people who can’t take on a permanent companion. Donations, even if it’s just a bag of kitty litter or a tin of food, go a long way. We even collect Canadian Tire money, cans and bottles. Every little bit helps.

So do you have what it takes to be an ICAN volunteer?

Shani Allen

Invermere