Foster a Cat

The biggest ask of our fosterers is that they stay with us, and let us home the cat that they no doubt have begun to love. Fostering is so rewarding but can be so so hard when it’s time to say goodbye. Hearts will be broken and many a tear shed. But then, a few weeks later, the next needy cat is ready for their next step and by remaining as a fosterer, you are giving another little soul such a huge chance.

You will welcome them into your home and the journey begins again. And what a journey that can be. Some cats may stay with you days and others months. You will learn exactly how different cats are, what works with one but doesn’t work with another. Every single cat that you care for will give you a little more knowledge and understanding, and you will become so tuned in with a cat’s body language, it’s easier and easier to understand how best you can help them.

The aim of fostering as we see it, is to bridge the gap from life in a cattery to life in a forever home.

Cats can behave so differently in the home environment. A timid cat can grow so quickly in a home environment, their confidence coming on in leaps and bounds; their adjustment to home life made so much easier because of your understanding and patience.

Kittens that spend their first weeks lovingly cared for in the cattery will never know the sounds of the household. Their first exposure to the noise of a kettle or vacuum cleaner can send them into a spiral of panic and stress. Some cats may never have experienced the feel of carpet underfoot, and I have seen cats skulking across a rug as if it were made of needles.

Cats can become utterly overwhelmed when exposed to all these new things and an unsure new cat owner may feel out of their depth.

Fosterers are patient and caring and will learn so so much about their little cat. Any strange quirks a cat might have, any triggers to aggression, or food issues you will face first.

You will face them and overcome them, learning how best to help the cat cope.

Of course many many cats don’t have aggressive tendencies once they are settled, but it is very good information to be able to pass on to a new owner – once again ensuring that they are armed with knowledge that will enable them to help their cat to navigate the first few weeks of their new surroundings.

We don’t have many cats returned to us as our homing team match the cats to their new owners so brilliantly. It also helps our homing team to understand what type of home our cats need when they have been in foster.