Join us at Croatia's first cats-only rescue shelter in Rijeka, Croatia

Infos

• 

  Description

  Hello and welcome – Croatia's First Cat-Only Shelter!
  
  We are Croatia's first rescue shelter dedicated exclusively to cats. Our family-run non-profit organisation is based in the coastal city of Rijeka, where we take care for abandoned, injured, orphaned and vulnerable cats, provide veterinary care and rehabilitation, and help them find loving forever homes.
  
  The shelter is led by Daniela, who has devoted decades of her life to cat welfare and rescue. Together with her daughter Evelin, the small team of employees and volunteers, she manages the daily life of the shelter, coordinates veterinary care and adoptions. Together with local volunteers, veterinarians and community members, we help reduce the population of free-roaming cats through humane TNVR (Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return) programmes throughout the Kvarner region, while promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
  
  Although we are a small organisation, an incredible community has grown around us. Our extended "cat family" includes the team in Germany, who help with fundraising, marketing and international outreach, while volunteers, foster carers and collaborators from Croatia and Slovenia contribute their time, skills and experience throughout the year.
  
  Life at the shelter is never boring. Every rescued cat has its own story. Every day brings new challenges. Mornings begin with cleaning rooms, preparing food and feeding, caring for elderly cats and kittens, and helping frightened cats slowly to learn to trust people again. And repeat the cycle in the evening: cleaning, feeding, caring.
  
  Volunteering with us is much more than spending time with cats. It is an opportunity to become part of a small, passionate international community that believes compassion, responsibility and teamwork really can change lives. If you're looking for a meaningful experience, are willing to help change life of cats and would like to make a genuine difference, we'd love to welcome you.

• 

  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Bénévolat

  Projets DIY créatifs

  S’occuper des animaux

  Aide à la maison

  Petits travaux d'entretien
• 

  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Animaux de compagnie

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Animaux
• 

  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
• 

  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  We believe that everyone has something to teach and something to learn and that volunteering is a two-way experience. While you'll help us care for rescued cats, we hope you'll also feel at home, become part of our small international community and experience everyday life and culture in Croatia. From the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and beautiful Adriatic coast to local traditions, food and culture, we hope you'll discover what makes this part of Croatia so special.
  
  In return for your support, we're happy to share our knowledge and experience in animal rescue. You'll gain hands-on experience, practical skills, access to educational webinars, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced rescuers who are always happy to share what they've learned over the years. You'll also have the opportunity to learn Croatian language - we're always happy to help volunteers practise the language.
  
  Cats may be the reason people, but the friendships, knowledge, warm hospitality and shared purpose are often the reason they return.

• 

  Aide

  🐾 You Can Help us with your hands and heart
  
  The daily care of our cats is the heart of everything we do. Our volunteers help us with the essential tasks that keep the shelter clean, safe and comfortable for dozens of rescued cats every day. Although caring for cats may sound relaxing, shelter life is active, practical and sometimes physically demanding. Schedule is agreed upfront (usually morning shift is from 7-11 am, evening shift 18-21 pm).
  
  Your daily tasks may include:
  
  - Cleaning cat rooms and common areas (maintaining hygiene, mopping floors, cleaning and changing litter trays etc.)
  - Preparing food and fresh water
  - Feeding cats and kittens
  - Changing blankets, beds and towels
  - Washing bowls, blankets and laundry
  - Assisting with basic daily care and medication (when appropriate)
  - Socialising shy cats and kittens
  - Organising supplies, donations, etc.
  
  🐾 Do You Have Additional Skills?
  Every volunteer is unique, and we always appreciate people who would like to contribute beyond the daily shelter routine.
  
  Depending on your experience, languages and interests, you may also help us with:
  ✔ Communication & Creativity
  Photography, Video editing, Social media content, Graphic design (Canva, Adobe, etc.), Copywriting and storytelling
  ✔ Digital & IT
  Website improvements, SEO, Programming, Database support, Digital organisation
  ✔Shelter Improvement
  Gardening, Painting, Small repair projects, Organising storage, Building simple enrichment for cats
  ✔ We are open to your ideas :)
  
  
  🐾Who Will Enjoy This Experience?
  
  This opportunity is ideal for people who:
  
  - have previous experience living or working with cats
  - are reliable and responsible
  - are comfortable with cleaning and practical work
  - enjoy teamwork
  - are emotionally mature
  - respect animals, people and shared spaces
  
  We welcome everyone above 21 years old. You don't need any special knowledge, except a willingness to learn. However, if you are a veterinary student, veterinary nurse or technician, student of cat behaviour or future animal welfare professional, we are more than happy to offer you the opportunity to turn your knowledge into real-life experience.
  
  ⭐ A Small Note Before You Apply
  
  Thank you for loving animals and cats. But please, don't apply only because you love cats! Please apply if you're happy to help with everything that rescued cats need—including the less glamorous work to ensure a clean shelter, fresh food, clean litter trays and a calm environment.

• 

  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant
  Croatian: Courant

• 

  Hébergement

  We offer simple and comfortable accommodation with everything you'll need for your stay. Volunteers stay in an apartment that is on the 3rd floor, with no lift, located approximately 20 minutes' walk from the shelter (the walk to the shelter is uphill). A local bus is also available if you prefer public transport. If you're travelling by car, free public parking is available around the apartment building. As the parking spaces are shared with residents, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed.
  
  The apartment has one bedroom with two single beds, a TV, a kitchen, a bathroom, a washing machine, a wardrobe, storage space and Wi-Fi. A grocery store, bakery and other shops are all within walking distance.
  
  The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, allowing volunteers to prepare meals according to their own preferences and dietary needs. As shared meals are not available at the shelter, we provide a small weekly food allowance to help with grocery costs, making it easy for volunteers to cook for themselves during their stay.

• 

  Autres infos...

  Volunteer shifts usually take place in the morning or evening, leaving plenty of free time to explore Rijeka and the beautiful Kvarner region. Living in Rijeka means you'll be close to the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by mountains and just a short trip from the islands of Krk, Cres and Lošinj, with their beautiful beaches and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
  
  Sum up of relevant information:
  🐾 Please remember that this is a rescue shelter, not a cat café. Some days are full of cuddles and happy moments, while others can be physically demanding or emotionally challenging. Flexibility and a positive attitude are always appreciated.
  
  🕖 Punctuality matters. Our cats depend on a daily routine, so we kindly ask volunteers to respect the agreed schedule.
  
  🏡 We are looking for independent and responsible people. Once you've learned the daily routine, we trust our volunteers to work confidently and take initiative.
  
  🐈 Previous experience with cats is highly recommended. You don't need to be an expert, but you should feel comfortable handling cats and understand their basic behaviour.
  
  📅 Our preferred minimum stay is 4 weeks, as it allows volunteers to settle into the routine and make a meaningful contribution. Longer stays are always appreciated.
  
  ❤️ Most importantly... Come with an open mind and heart, a willingness to learn and clothes that you don't mind getting covered in a lots of cat hair. :)
  
  We look forward to welcoming everyone who genuinely care about animal welfare and want to make a positive difference—one cat at a time.

• 

  Informations complémentaires

  • 

    Accès Internet

  • 

    Accès Internet limité

  • 

    Nous avons des animaux

  • 

    Nous sommes fumeurs

  • 

    Familles bienvenues

• 

  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il aimait accueillir les digital nomads.

• 

  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

• 

  Mes animaux

  60+ cats in shelter

Sécurité du site