My Journey: Experience & Learning
From studying animal care to hands-on conservation experiences, my journey with felines has shaped who I am today. Here’s how my passion has turned into action.
Studying Animal Care at Nescot College
My foundation in animal care started at Nescot College, where I spent three years immersed in learning about welfare, behaviour, and conservation. This experience shaped my approach to working with animals and built the skills I use today.
Key Skills Gained:
Animal Health & Welfare: Learning how to provide proper care, nutrition, and medical attention for different species.
Behavioural Observations: Studying animal behaviour to understand body language, stress signals, and enrichment techniques.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: Techniques for aiding injured or orphaned wildlife.
Ecology: Understanding the relationships between animals and their environments.
Zoo Management: Insights into the operation and management of zoological facilities.
the practical sessions at Nescot's Animal Care Unit allowed me to handle and care for a diverse range of animals, from small mammals to larger livestock.
Although I had not yet discovered my passion for working with felines specifically, my time at Nescot played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of animal care and conservation.
Work experience
During my time at Nescot College, I gained valuable hands-on experience in both catteries and veterinary clinics. These placements provided me with foundational skills in animal welfare and allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of feline care.
Cattery Experience
In the cattery, I developed my skills in feline care and welfare. My main duties included:
Feeding and providing fresh water according to individual dietary needs.
Cleaning and maintaining cattery facilities, including litter trays and sleeping areas.
Monitoring cats for signs of illness or behavioural issues and reporting concerns.
Providing enrichment activities to promote physical and mental well-being.
Ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for both the cats and staff.
Additionally, I was entrusted with transporting cats to the vets for routine vaccinations, health checks, and treatments. While I sometimes accompanied the cattery manager, I was often responsible for handling these trips independently.
Veterinary Clinic Experience
During my time at the veterinary clinic, I had the opportunity to observe and assist in a variety of tasks, primarily focused on maintaining hygiene and observing medical procedures. My main duties included:
Cleaning and disinfecting examination rooms and equipment.
Observing consultations and medical procedures, including watching a castration and spaying.
This brief experience helped me develop a basic understanding of veterinary procedures and solidified my passion for working with animals in a healthcare setting.
Volunteering experience
As a volunteer at my local Cats Protection charity shop, I contribute to the organisation’s mission by assisting with the day-to-day running of the store. My responsibilities include:
Customer Service – Greeting and assisting customers, answering questions, helping them find items, operating the cash register, and handling payments.
Stock Sorting & Display – Sorting through donated items (clothes, books, toys, household goods, etc.) to ensure they are in good condition. Pricing and labelling items, organising stock on the shop floor, and maintaining a tidy and appealing shop layout.
Donation Handling – Receiving donations from the public, thanking donors, and explaining the donation process. Sorting and checking donations to ensure quality and suitability for sale.
This role has provided valuable experience in customer service, retail operations, and fundraising, all while supporting an organisation dedicated to feline welfare.
Conservation experience
In December 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in India, one of the most well-known tiger conservation areas in the world. Witnessing Bengal tigers in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience that deepened my passion for wildlife conservation.
Highlights of My Visit:
Wildlife Observation – seeing tigers roam freely in the wild was an incredible moment that reinforced my dedication to protecting these endangered cats.
Immersing in Nature – The vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich biodiversity of Ranthambore made it clear how crucial protected reserves are for the survival of big cats.
A Deeper Appreciation for Conservation – Experiencing these magnificent animals in their natural environment strengthened my commitment to raising awareness and advocating for their protection.
Future Experiences & Ongoing Learning
I am committed to continuing my journey in the feline world, always seeking new opportunities to expand my knowledge and passion. Whether it’s visiting conservation sites, engaging with experts in the field, or gaining hands-on experience through volunteering, I want to immerse myself in all aspects of feline welfare. From understanding the behaviours of domestic cats to supporting global conservation efforts for big cats, I strive to learn, advocate, and contribute in any way I can. Every experience brings new insights, and I look forward to discovering more ways to make a meaningful impact in the future.
Every experience I’ve had has brought me closer to my goal of advocating for felines and educating others about the importance of conservation. I am constantly learning and growing, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me in the future. There’s so much more to come!