Volunteer Cat Caregiver – The Ruffian Foundation

Location: Burgaw, NC

Organization: The Ruffian Foundation (501(c)(3))

Commitment: Flexible weekly or biweekly shifts

Role Type: On‑site, direct animal care

About The Ruffian Foundation

The Ruffian Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing lifelong sanctuary, medical care, and nourishment for displaced, endangered, and unwanted feral and community cats. Founded in 2004, the organization operates a peaceful 22‑acre sanctuary where cats—many of whom cannot be adopted out—can live safely and comfortably. The Foundation also supports humane population management through Trap‑Neuter‑Return (TNR).

Volunteers are essential to ensuring every cat receives the daily care and stability they depend on.

Volunteer Role

Volunteer Cat Caregivers help maintain the daily routines that keep our sanctuary residents healthy, comfortable, and stress‑free. This includes supporting our Special Needs Unit (SNU), where cats with medical conditions, dietary requirements, or extra‑care needs live in a quiet, structured environment.

General Sanctuary Care

• Feeding cats and refreshing clean water stations
• Light cleaning of catios, shelters, and feeding areas
• Offering enrichment, calm companionship, or gentle socialization (as appropriate for each cat)
• Observing cats for any changes in behavior or health
• Helping maintain a safe, quiet, and respectful environment for feral and community cats

Special Needs Unit (SNU) Care

• Feeding cats with medical or dietary needs according to their individual routines
• Providing fresh, cold water throughout the day
• Scooping litter boxes and maintaining clean, sanitary spaces
• Sweeping and mopping SNU rooms to ensure a healthy environment
• Noting any changes in appetite, mobility, or behavior and reporting them promptly

What We’re Looking For

• Compassion, patience, and respect for cats of all temperaments
• Dependability — the cats rely on consistent routines
• Comfort working independently after training
• Willingness to follow specific care instructions, especially for SNU residents
• Comfortable working outdoors and indoors in various weather conditions
• No prior experience required; all training is provided

Time Commitment

• 1–3 hours per shift
• Weekly or biweekly availability preferred
• Morning or early‑evening shifts available

Why Volunteer With Us

• Make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of feral, semi‑feral, senior, and special‑needs cats
• Learn about sanctuary operations, TNR, and feline behavior
• Join a compassionate, mission‑driven volunteer community
• Gain hands‑on experience in animal welfare and nonprofit work

How to Get Started

Click “I’m Interested” on Idealist or contact us to schedule a brief orientation. We’ll introduce you to the sanctuary, walk you through the SNU and general care areas, and help you find a volunteer schedule that fits your availability.