This month Jean Luc sat down with long time SPCA Volunteer Chris S. to talk about cats, volunteering, and the joys of scooping litter.JL: Hi Chris – it’s so nice to see you again!
CS: Hi Jean Luc, you are looking well and it’s a pleasure to be doing this interview with you.
JL: Do you mind if I sit on this chair and you can sit on the floor?
CS: Sure…that would be ok.
JL: So you were involved with the Orlando Cat Café since before we were officially open! I remember seeing you when I was just an intrepid reporter!
CS: That’s right! I was involved with the initial set up and opening of the Café and have been here since opening day in September 2016.
JL: You really don’t look a day older than you did back in 2015 when we first met! I think that working with cats keep people young! What are your duties as a volunteer?
CS: As a volunteer I welcome visitors to the Café’s Cat Play Area and I also assist with cat care and socialization of the cats.
JL: It sounds like a lot of fun! What’s your favorite part of being a volunteer?
CS: I enjoy being around the cats and meeting guests from all over Florida and really all over the country as well as guests from so many foreign countries that visit the Café. I also like to see so many adoptions and cats finding their fur-ever homes. I really love it when someone comes in and isn’t necessarily planning to adopt and then falls in love with a wonderful feline and they become part of their family. Cats pick their people!
JL: That is really the truth. One of the greatest cat fallacies is that people are in charge of their cats, when it’s really the other way around. Do you have any advice for people who maybe want to be a volunteer or get involved in animal advocacy?
CS: Be realistic. Not every cat is going to be a success story. There are chronic illnesses and sometimes a “failure to thrive” with young kittens. It’s sad, but I try to stay focused on the positive and the adoptions. Plus, the fact that our cats have a wonderful, interactive and stimulating environment at the Cafe as they wait for their fur-every homes. Jean Luc…Jean Luc?
JL: Oh sorry – I was just looking at some new toys that just came in and I got distracted. Where were we?
CS: Stimulating environment.
JL: Exactly! What do you like to do outside of your volunteer work at Orlando Cat Café?
CS: Outside of my volunteer work at the Café, I enjoy yoga, including Yoga with Cats at Orlando Cat Café, reading, photography, walks in nature, and traveling with my husband and best friend. I am retired now and am really enjoying this chapter of my life.
JL: Nice! It sounds like all roads lead back to kitties! Do you have a kitty of your own?
CS: I do! Jake is my tabby cat and is 5 years old. We found him as a result of a “free kitten” sign and he is the best cat ever! I’ve been a cat owner since my early teens and living at home. They bring so much joy and companionship to your life. I can’t imagine not having a cat in my home.
JL: I think it’s cute that you think you found Jake when in reality it is Jake that you found you! Have Jake’s people call my people and maybe we can do lunch sometime!
CS: I think he would like that.
JL: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me and also, thank you for allowing me to sit in this comfortable chair during this interview.
If you are interested in becoming part of the dedicated volunteer at Orlando Cat Café, you can get more information here. Who knows, you may get the chance to be interviewed by Jean Luc himself!
