Martin has been a volunteer with Lort Smith since 2019. After initially starting in the laundry, he moved into the adoption centre, alternating between the cattery and kennels each week.

Martin starts his shift by cleaning the cat enclosures – making sure cats have fresh water and food, and a clean litter tray. He then prepares the Adoption Centre for the day by sweeping and mopping the floors, and transferring over any animals from the hospital who are ready to be adopted. Our volunteers do this for cats, but also some other furry friends housed in the cattery, like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets!

“The other side of the role is giving the cats all the love and attention they deserve,” explains Martin. “Socialising them and getting to know their individual personalities is my favourite part of the role.”

A data analyst in his work life, Martin enjoys a change from desk-based work and interacting with animals.

“It’s great to be able to do something a bit more physical, and really I just want to help in any way that I can!” he says.

Like many of our volunteers, Martin finds adoptions the most rewarding part of volunteering. He recalls one particular case, Smoosh, who came to Lort Smith after another shelter couldn’t rehome him.

“Smoosh was this beautiful soul who I spent quite a bit of time with. He had a bit of a rough start to life and had to have his ears amputated due to cancer, and was deaf too,” recalls Martin. Smoosh also tested positive to feline immunodeficiency virus while at the animal hospital, as he had been attacked multiple times over the years.

“He had all these health issues but his personality really showed through. He would always yowl at you like he was trying to have a conversation, it was endearing!” remembers Martin.

Smoosh was adopted into a home with two other cats, who immediately welcomed him, and now the three live together happily.

“It’s animals like Smoosh, who need a bit of extra love, that make it that bit more special when they are adopted out,” says Martin.

Martin has two cats himself, Finn and Fiona. They’re a brother and sister duo that Martin adopted a few years ago, who both love a bit of attention!

When he’s not volunteering with Lort Smith, Martin is continuing his studies in data analysis and data science, and is interested in psychology, exercise and nutrition.

We are so incredibly grateful for Martin and his passion for animals, and will be celebrating him along with all of our volunteers this National Volunteer Week!