We’d like you to meet Mike. Mike has been a Shelter Associate at Cat Adoption Team for nearly two years, and first got involved as a volunteer at one of our offsite adoption centers. A cat-lover for as long as he can remember, he shares his home with five unique critters. Read on to see what superpower Mike would choose and how he winds down after an busy day at the shelter.
CAT: What’s your role at CAT and how long have you been involved with us?
Mike: I volunteered at Tanasbourne Petmart for most of 2023 before coming to the shelter as an ACA (adoption counselor assistant) for a few months, then finally joining the staff in April, 2024.
CAT: Do you have any pets?
Mike: We have cats…5 of them: Oreo, Kula, Clover, Mittsy, and Mango. Most of them are sweet and the other is Mango, who is a CAT cat. Kula, also a CAT cat, is my spirit guide.
CAT: Besides a cat, what’s your favorite animal?
Mike: I have a soft spot for llamas.
CAT: What advice would you give to somebody interested in getting involved in animal welfare?
Mike: It’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done, but it’s also physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Make time for self-care. Splurge on something, and not necessarily a material thing. Feed your soul.
CAT: What do you enjoy most about your role at Cat Adoption Team?
Mike: Working with this amazing group of people that has become part of my family.
CAT: If you could have any super- power what would it be?
Mike: Flying.
CAT: What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Mike: Always read the instructions twice before building something.
CAT: If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?
Mike: The importance of self-awareness.
CAT: Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?
Mike: Neither, as those are extremely difficult roles to reliably play. I’ll just be happy to be in the room with people smarter and funnier than me.
CAT: What is your go-to karaoke anthem?
Mike: I would never subject anyone to my singing.
CAT: If you could instantly learn any language, what would it be?
Mike: Portuguese
CAT: Share a weird or wild fact you know.
Mike: El Paso, Texas is closer to Los Angeles, California than it is to Houston, Texas.
CAT: What’s your favorite (work-appropriate) joke?
Mike: I am not funny.
CAT: If you suddenly had a day off, what would you do with your time?
Mike: Car projects and maybe a long drive.
