Role Profile - Cat and Kitten Fosterer
Role Profile – Cat and Kitten Fosterer Do you love getting hands on with cats? Are you caring, but not overly sentimental, with a good working knowledge of cat welfare? Are you not afraid to get your hands dirty, happy to deal with the public, to maintain national standards, and do you understand that cats in care can need attention outside of normal hours?
Yes? Then maybe you could help as a Fosterer! This very rewarding role isn’t just about stroking cats, its about looking after them night and day, and includes showing cats to the public, talking to potential owners about cat welfare, keeping up to date records, and transporting cats to the vet as and when required. Fostering is normally done in a purpose built cat cabin (which will be provided) in your own garden, though spare rooms can be adapted for indoor fostering.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Provide a high standard of care for all cats and kittens in line with the charity’s Cat Care Standards under the direction of the branch’s Welfare Officer and Homing Officer
- Ensure that sufficient quality time is spent with foster cats to ensure that they are adequately stimulated
- Have a good working knowledge of basic cat care, and to provide new owners with sound basic advice about cat care as well as background details about the cat they are adopting
- Provide new owners with Homing Packs containing Cats Protection leaflets provided by the branch
- Present a professional image of Cats Protection to potential new owners and members of the public
- Transport cats to the vets for health checks and treatment as required
- Keep accurate records of cats fostered and re-homed and liaise closely with the Welfare Officer & Homing Officer
- Complete necessary branch paperwork including Fostering & Equipment Agreement and Homing Forms
Equipment that will be provided:
- Cat Care Standards, CP Rules, CP Byelaws
- Fostering Notes, Acceptance Forms, Homing Forms
- Veterinary Treatment Checks Form
- Cat Cabin (outdoor fosterers only) and Cat Carrier(s)
- Bed and Bedding, Heat Pad(s) (outdoor only)
- Food dishes, forks, bowls, Litter Trays
- Cleaning Equipment
- Washable Toys, Disposable Bags
- Food and Litter
FAQQ: Can I foster if I have my own cats?
A: Due to the stress foster cats experience coming into care, the potential stress to resident cats and the need to segregate cats, it is not possible to indoor foster. It is possible to foster if you have a garden space which could take a cat cabin.
Q: Do I need to be able to drive/have access to transport?
A: Yes, as cats in care can get stressed being transported to one of our designated vets and your own transport is required.
Q: Do I need to pay for anything?
A: No, all equipment and food/litter is provided. Vet visits are charged directly to the branch, so there are no costs.
Q: What training is given?
A: There is an initial one to one 2 hour training session to get you up and running as a fosterer. Fosterers are fully supported throughout the process. There are mandatory online training units to be completed in order to comply with DEFRA.