AN appeal has been launched to find kind-hearted people across Wirral who can play a vital role in helping cats get back on their paws.

Cats Protection's volunteer-run branches are currently seeking a transport volunteer, fundraising team leader, fundraising volunteers, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) volunteers and fosterers to join their team.

The transport volunteer will help move equipment and cats, effectively connecting the charity’s network of volunteers, sites, vets and donors.

The charity relies on donations so the fundraising volunteer roles are essential to ensure that the branch can continue to be #HereForTheCats during the current pandemic.

TNR volunteers will humanely capture feral cats, transport them to a vet to be neutered and then will release them back to their colony. Left unchecked, a feral colony can rapidly grow out of control as cats are prolific breeders.

Cat fosterers look after cats in their own home until a new permanent owner can be found. No special equipment is needed but fosterers do need to have either a spare room or an area in their garden where a cat pen can be housed.

Support will be provided and all out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

The branches are currently running a Hands-Free Homing scheme so cats can still be adopted within Covid-19 restrictions. Since launching Hands-Free Homing, Cats Protection has rehomed over 9,500 cats across the UK.

As well as finding new homes for unwanted and abandoned cats, the charity also offers cat care advice to the public and can help towards the cost of neutering.

Rob Hall, area branch development manager, said: "Volunteering for Cats Protection is a fun and rewarding experience.

"We work hard to match people's skills, interests and time availability to the roles on offer so if you have something to contribute, please get in touch.”

If you can help, email bsunorth@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 995 for more information.

A video about volunteering for Cats Protection can be found here: http://bit.ly/VolunteeringforCP