Neighborhood spotlight: Volunteer keeps focus on helping cats
At the Carbon County Friends of Animals shelter, cats are the center of attention.
And with more than 200 cats sheltered, attending to their needs takes a full team effort.
An important part of that team is a man who gives his time to the animals and asks for nothing in return.
John Solt came to the Friends of Animals five years ago to donate some supplies. He’s been coming back ever since, volunteering to help with feeding, cleaning, and providing that much needed attention.
“I keep coming back because I know they’re out there, and they need help. If I have to, I’ll do it forever. I just enjoy doing it,” Solt said.
A 72-year-old retiree, Solt faithfully volunteers his time at least three days a week for five to six hours at a time. During the pandemic, he’s been coming even more because there are fewer volunteers available.
His main responsibility is feeding canned wet food to all of the shelter’s cats.
He’s not just a food delivery man, he’s a host and server. He makes sure each cat has their food. If a cat doesn’t show up for dinner, he will find them and make sure they’ve had a chance to eat.
He also cleans up after the cats, washes dishes and sweeps floors.
With the time he has left, he likes to spend time with the cats. He knows most of them by name.
“I like animals - sometimes I’m a little leery about people. I’d rather talk to the animals,” he said.
Solt says he’s drawn to cats because of their complex personalities. He realizes that some cats require more effort in order to open up to humans. He says treats also help.
Not surprisingly, he has cats of his own at home. He also fosters others before they are ready for adoption.
People abandoning cats has always bothered John. Several years ago he decided to do something about it. He started trapping stray cats in Palmerton and having them fixed. Neutering is a humane way of managing the number of stray cats.
“I can’t believe people can be so ugly, and throw out cats when they don’t want them,” he said.
Solt likes Friends of Animals because the staff have the same love for cats that he does. And he likes the facility because the cats aren’t confined to cages. He is happy to completely volunteer his time.
And the shelter greatly appreciates him. With only a handful of paid employees, it would be impossible for them to manage the load without volunteers. During the pandemic, that need has been even greater.
“Pretty much anything we ask him to do, he gives a hand with,” she said.
John is unique among the shelter’s workers and volunteers because he’s one of only a few men, and the oldest. But he’s always willing to step up for the shelter and its animals.
“John is an incredible person. He’s very helpful. And just so generous to donate as much time as he does to help us out,” Dunbar said.