Cat Care Manager
Location: Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, Barbados
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
The Cat Care Manager is responsible for the overall wellbeing, health, and management of the cats at Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary. With a catalog of 150+ cats, this role requires exceptional organizational skills, deep knowledge of feline behavior, and a genuine love for cats. The Cat Care Manager ensures that all cats receive proper healthcare, socialization, and daily care, while also overseeing adoptions, boarding services, and visitor engagement.
The ideal candidate is compassionate, proactive, and experienced in cat handling and medical care. They must be able to manage large-scale operations, communicate effectively with the CEO and team, and create a welcoming environment for both cats and visitors.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Cat Health and Welfare
- Manage bi-monthly preventative medication schedules for all cats.
- Observe cats continually to identify health issues or behavioral problems.
- Nurse sick cats, administer medications, and treat wounds, skin infections, or other ailments.
- Socialize feral cats and kittens when required.
- Bottle-feed infant kittens if necessary.
2. Daily Care and Environment
- Ensure the cat area is clean, tidy, and appealing to visitors.
- Ensure clean litter, feeding, and water bowls.
- Maintain a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for cats and visitors.
3. Orientation and Colony Management
- Manage orientation schedules for new cats, including acclimatization periods.
- Determine when cats can safely join the colony.
- Monitor colony dynamics and address behavioral challenges.
4. Boarding and Adoption Services
- Manage cat boarding services, including bookings and payments.
- Oversee adoptions, qualifying homes and adopters, and following up on adopted cats.
- Provide bios, photos, and videos for the website and social media to promote cats for adoption and be prepared to feature in photos and video as necessary.
- Meet visitors who come to socialize with cats and guide potential adopters through the adoption process.
5. Supplies and Team Support
- Advise on supplies, food, litter, and medication needs, ensuring timely orders.
- Cover for other staff when required, maintaining smooth operations.
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions with resilience and energy.
Skills and Qualifications Required
- Proven experience handling cats, including clipping nails, administering medications, and using traps.
- Strong knowledge of feline behavior and welfare practices.
- Experience managing large-scale preventative healthcare schedules.
- Ability to nurse sick cats and provide medical care.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Fit, energetic, and enthusiastic about working with animals.
- Familiarity with record keeping and filing systems.
- Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle for sanctuary-related tasks is not essential but a bonus.
Personal Attributes for Success
- Genuine love for cats and commitment to their welfare.
- Strong work ethic and “can-do” attitude.
- Compassionate, patient, and adaptable.
- Professional, calm, and composed under pressure.
- Reliable, proactive, and accountable.
- Excellent team player with a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
- Open-minded and willing to learn new skills.
Success in This Role Looks Like
- Cats are healthy, well-cared for, and thriving in a safe environment.
- Preventative healthcare schedules are maintained consistently for all cats.
- The cat area is clean, organized, and welcoming to visitors.
- Adoptions are managed smoothly, with qualified homes and successful placements.
- Boarding services are efficiently run, with satisfied clients and well-cared-for cats.
- Visitors feel engaged and supported, fostering donations and community involvement.
- The Cat Care Manager demonstrates leadership, compassion, and professionalism, ensuring the sanctuary remains a safe and beautiful place for cats and visitors alike.
