A Story from the Association’s Volunteer

It’s a pleasure to meet Buzzy. She used to live in Dubai, but now calls Riga home, where she volunteers with Cat Care Community, fostering and caring for homeless cats.

Buzzy believes that a cat can bring as much joy to our lives as we bring to theirs when we rescue them and give them shelter.

Cat Care Community asked her a few questions about her relationship with cats.

1. How long have you been helping stray cats?

I’ve been helping abandoned cats for as long as I can remember. My whole family loves cats, my mum even volunteered with the SPCA in the African city where we used to live. One of my earliest childhood memories is bottle-feeding tiny orphaned kittens.
Before I moved to Riga, I volunteered with a cat rescue organisation in Dubai.

2. What inspired you to start volunteering?

When I arrived in Riga, I noticed many of my Latvian friends had cats they adored. I started asking if there were any local cat rescue groups, thinking there must be people here who would happily give cats a good home.
After all, in a city where cat statues are part of its architectural landmarks, there must be plenty of cat lovers, right?

3. What do you hope to achieve by helping cats?

I love cats — I think they’re truly special creatures who aren’t meant to live outdoors.
Helping a stray is my way of making the world just a little bit better, and maybe even saving a life. And who knows, maybe the ancient Egyptians were right, and the cat goddess Bastet will bring me good luck. 😉

4. What does a cat mean to you?

For me, nothing is more comforting than the sound of a purring cat. Studies have even shown that purring can have healing effects.
During the pandemic, I was thousands of miles from my family and couldn’t see my friends for a long time. The cats I fostered helped me more than I can say — they kept me company and lifted my spirits, just as I helping them.

5. Have you had a cat of your own before?

I grew up with lots of cats, and I’ve had two very special ones of my own. But because I used to travel so much, I didn’t think it would be fair to have a cat permanently until I had a stable home.

6. What advice would you give to someone thinking about adopting a cat?

• Make sure you’re truly ready to commit to giving this special animal a home for life.

• If you already have a dog or another pet, be certain they’ll accept a new feline family member before bringing one home.

• Be patient. We don’t always know what kind of experiences a rescued cat has been through. They’ll need time to trust you, to realise they’re safe, and to adjust to their new home and routine.

• Make time for your cat every day — not just to feed and groom them, but to play and bond.

• Most importantly, enjoy the journey of getting to know their unique personality. This is the start of a friendship that could last many years.

7. Why did you decide to help Pumpkin, and what makes him so special?

A Latvian friend of mine saw a Facebook post about Pumpkin, who was living outside in Lucavsala during the cold months. His story was heartbreaking — his owner had passed away in the summer, and although some kind neighbours fed him, he didn’t have a home. As winter set in and the temperature dropped, my friend shared his story with me.
When I saw that sweet little face in the snow, I knew I had to help. The people feeding him managed to catch him and bring him to me.
Pumpkin is a special boy — he loves treats and a good scratch. He’s been through a tough recovery, with endless pills and eye ointments, but he’s remained patient and affectionate. He’s also very clever — he can escape from his carrier, and I still don’t know how he does it!

Who knows, maybe the Egyptians were right, and the cat goddess Bastet will bring me good luck.