FOSTERING
Fostering cats and kittens is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It is hard work, and not without challenges, but it makes a huge difference to the futures of the animals you care for, and genuinely saves lives.
If you’ve fostered cats and/or kittens before, and would like to do so again, please jump right to our application form! Otherwise, if you are new to fostering, here are some Q&As to help you work out if it’s for you.
I already have cats, can I foster?
Yes! Almost everyone who fosters cats and kittens has cats of their own. It is advised to keep your fosters separated from your own cats wherever possible, so a separate room your cats cannot access is ideal. It is obviously important that your own cats are fully vaccinated, of course.
What equipment do I need?
The basic equipment required would depend upon the type of cat you are fostering, but would typically include a litter tray, cat litter, food/water bowls, blankets, and some toys (especially if fostering kittens). We can provide anything you do not have.
We do ask that fosterers provide their own food, unless a special diet has been recommended by the Vet. We can also provide the loan of a large dog crate to keep the cat/kittens contained if required.
You should have your own means of transport, in order to collect the animals, take them for veterinary appointments, etc.
What type of cat can I foster?
We typically take in kittens of all ages, pregnant females, and occasional friendly adult cats who can be rehomed. Most of the cats we foster would be friendly, but we do also take feral pregnant females and kittens, so please indicate whether you would be comfortable with this.
How long would I have the cat/kitten?
It depends. All fostered cats and kittens have a two week quarantine period, following which they are fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered, before going to their forever home. This process takes around a month after the quarantine period, so the minimum time commitment would be around six weeks. In the case of newborn kittens, the total time is around 10 weeks.
How much does it cost to foster?
Very little. As stated above, we do ask that fosterers provide food, but everything else is provided by us. All veterinary costs are fully covered (subject to prior agreement).
Do you provide training?
We will provide training for basic skills such as giving a tablet or bottle feeding orphaned kittens (if required). In most cases, however, no special skills are required – just love and a little time.
We do run a short induction session for all new fosterers, which covers everything you will need to know, and the skills you may need.
I am scared I would bond with the cat/kitten, and not be able to hand it over for adoption!
This is a VERY common fear amongst people thinking of fostering, and it does happen. If you don’t find yourself bonding with the cat, fostering is probably not for you! However, knowing that they are going to a loving forever home, and making another family complete means it’s actually easier than it sounds to say goodbye. And once you have waved your beloved foster cat off to their new life, you will have the space to save another cat!
What happens if there is an emergency?
You will be assigned a foster coordinator, who you can reach out to at any time if you need advice, or feel your foster cat/kitten is in crisis. We will also provide numbers for out of hours veterinary services for dire emergencies.
It would be a lie to say fostering is always smooth. Sometimes your foster cat or kitten may get sick, and sometimes no one can save them. This is by far and away the hardest part of fostering. It is devastating, but thankfully not a common occurrence. We have all experienced this however, and will offer all the support we can should this happen to you.
So, would you like to foster for us and help save lives?
Fill in the application form and we’ll be in touch!
Useful Resources on Fostering