From the comfort of her own home, Judy carefully handmakes beautiful blankets and toys for cats waiting at RSPCA’s Lonsdale shelter – helping them feel a little bit more at home themselves.

The keen crafter works full-time, so says she wasn’t able to commit time to volunteering in person at our Lonsdale shelter.

But, with two rescue cats of her own, Judy wanted to do her bit to help vulnerable felines desperately waiting to find their forever families.

That’s when she realised her crocheting skills could come in handy.

Hundreds of blankets keeping kitties winter warm

In two years, Judy crocheted over 100 blankets for cats and kittens in need.

Each colourful winter warmer takes her a few evenings’ work to create – a labour of love that Judy says is totally worth it for the comfort it offers so many kitties.

“I love being able to donate the blankets,” she says.

“It makes me feel that I’m part of a team effort to look after those little sweethearts, who rely on us in this intermediate stage of their lives, before going to a loving family of their own.”

Finding crocheting easier than knitting, Judy uses at least two strands at once to ensure her blankets are quickly finished and beautifully thick.

Each blanket is made in her spare time in the evenings after work.

“It’s a delight to call in at the shelter to drop off another bundle of blankets and see some of my previous works in use, and to be able to say hello to the other volunteers and cats,” Judy says.

‘It’s my way to provide care and comfort’

On top of the blankets, Judy also crochets hundreds of soft toys for RSPCA’s rescue cats, helping ensure they stay mentally enriched and happy while waiting for adoption at our shelters.

“It’s my way to provide care and comfort to those little darlings, even though I can’t be there with them,” she says.

“I find it extremely rewarding and I do hope I can encourage other people to jump in and start donating their talents.”

Volunteering is a hugely rewarding experience, with all volunteers like Judy making a lifesaving difference to animals in need. Can you spare time to help us save animals? Apply to volunteer now.

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