Frome volunteers named as finalists in National Cat Awards

Volunteers from Cats Protection’s Frome & District Branch are celebrating after being announced as finalists in the National Cat Awards 2019.

The team is one of three contenders in the ‘Star Team’ award, recognising the dedication of volunteers that helps improve feline welfare. The volunteers were nominated after organising an innovative new collaboration with Bath College to increase the number of cats they can help.

Previously, cats in the branch’s care were all looked after by volunteers in their own homes before they found a new owner. But after exploring ways to increase capacity, the branch approached staff at Bath College’s Somer Valley campus.

After months of planning and training, volunteers have now positioned a four-pen Cats Protection unit at the college, with students from animal care courses providing day-to-day care. 

Cats Protection’s Frome & District branch homing and welfare officer, Mandy Wescott said, “We’re always looking for ways to help more cats and one of our volunteers had the idea to approach Bath College, which teaches a number of animal care courses.

“It took a lot of planning and hard work, but we now have a fully-fledged cattery at the college where up to eight cats can be cared for until they find new homes.

“We provide on-going training and guidance, as well as organising admissions, vet checks and rehoming. The students provide the daily hands-on cat care, under the supervision of their teachers.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone – we’re able to help more cats and the cats themselves enjoy plenty of care and attention from a large number of capable students. The students themselves benefit not only from the experience of providing hands-on care, but also from working with Cats Protection on feline welfare.”

The team now needs to wait until Thursday 8th August when winners will be announced and trophies presented at an awards ceremony at London’s Savoy, an event attended by celebrities including entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, former England goalkeeper David Seaman and his wife, and Dancing on Ice star Frankie Seaman.

Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said, “The commitment of our volunteers is truly inspiring and has a hugely positive, long-lasting impact on cat welfare. It’s a privilege to hear their stories and celebrate such amazing achievements.”

Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards, organised by the UK’s largest cat charity and sponsored by PURINA®, is an annual celebration of the real-life stories of heroism, loyalty and companionship in the feline world.