This month, Jean Luc sat down with SPCA Florida Volunteer Sara C. to talk about what it’s like volunteering at Orlando Cat Café through SPCA Florida.
JL: Hi Sara and thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Do you mind if I keep my back to you for some of the time, so that it appears that I am ignoring you?
SC: Hi Jean Luc and yes, it would be an honor to have you pretend to ignore me.
JL: How long have you been a volunteer with the Orlando Cat Café?
SC: I’ve been volunteering at the Orlando Cat Cafe since July 2018. It has been a pawsitively wonderful experience!
JL: I can totally understand that! What do you enjoy the most about your job?
SC: Getting to see our cats and kittens find furever homes! I also enjoy meeting cat lovers from all over the world. I’ve met lots of folks from the U.K. (they certainly love their cats), as well as Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Japan, Canada, Puerto Rico and many others. #CatsWithoutBorders
JL: I love to ignore people from all over the world, too! What do you enjoy the least about your job?
SC: It’s sometimes difficult to manage young children who can’t wait to run and grab every cat or kitten they see (some are wonderful with the cats, but others not so much…).
JL: Yup…I’ve experienced that myself! And thanks for not saying “litter pans” because everyone says litter pans, but you know what, a cat’s gotta do what a cat’s gotta do. Do you know what I mean?
SC: Absolutely!
JL: Do you have any advice for people who want to work in the animal welfare arena?
SC: Always be willing to help wherever needed. There are a lot of tasks that need to be done to make the Orlando Cat Cafe successful. Also, remember the importance of great customer service. Being pleasant – even when reviewing the ‘rules’ with guests – is critical to making our visitors have a meowvelous experience. A smile and conversation go a long way.
JL: When you say there are a lot of tasks that need to be done, you’re talking about litter pans, aren’t you?
SC: I am afraid I am.
JL: What do you like to do outside of work?
SC: I enjoy art (especially cat art) of any kind. I also enjoy sewing and doing crafts, reading and going on walks.
JL: I enjoy walking ON sewing and also walking on arts and craft so we should definitely hang out sometime!
SC: I would love that!
JL: Last question before I let you go — Do you have any pets of your own?
SC: Yes! I have two sweet kitties – Maya and Lily. They are both girls and both 8 years old. They were born in California, but ‘retired’ with my husband and me four years ago when we moved to Florida. They are definitely sun-loving cats with unique purrsonalities – love them!
JL: Thank you so much Sara and thank you for doing all that you do for all the kitties at The Orlando Cat Café!
