Are you a self-described “crazy cat person?” Do you have natural “cattitude?” Do you tend to take in strays and love petting cats?
One veterinary cat clinic is hiring for a job that could prove to all of your cat-hating friends that there’s value in being a “crazy” cat person.
Just Cats Veterinary Clinic & Cattery in Dublin, Ireland, is hiring a professional “cat cuddler.” According to the clinic’s website, the perfect cat cuddler will be able to pet and stroke cats for long periods of time, be soft spoken, and can act as a “cat whisperer” to calm kitten nerves.
Extra points will go to applicants who are able to tell the difference in kinds of cat purring—though cats purr when content, they also purr when scared or in pain.
Aoife Caulfield, a veterinarian at the clinic, told HuffPost that they decided to hire a professional cat cuddler after researchers found that cats are often overlooked for veterinary care. Because the animals get stressed going to the vet, owners often hesitate to take them for non-emergencies.
“By helping the cat and the owner to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible when they come to visit, we give our patients the best chance of receiving high-quality health care and continuing to engage with us,” Caulfield said.
While “professional cat cuddler” may not be the employee’s official title, the job is estimated to pay between $22,000 to $28,000. Unsurprisingly, the clinic’s already received hundreds of applications from around the world, though the job listing states the candidate will need to have certifications recognized by the veterinary council of Ireland.
“We are considering a veterinary intern, a nurse position, or a nurse’s assistant and their title will be appropriate to their role,” Caulfield said. “However, the essence of the job is having a staff member that is responsible for ensuring that our patients and guests have a pleasant experience while receiving their healthcare.”
Even if you don’t get the golden ticket to pet cats on the reg in Dublin, volunteering as a cat socializer is totally a thing—and at least it’ll put some of your cat-targeted energy to use. And, should Just Cats’s vet theology take off, you’ll have experience under your belt by the time other vets follow suit.
H/T HuffPost