Fostering FAQs
1. Can you foster if you already have pets?
Yes! Most of our fosterers have other cats and/or dogs. All you need is a room where you can keep your foster cats separate from your pets and you are good to go.
2. Can I foster if I live on a busy road?
Yes! Our foster cats aren’t allowed outside due to the short time they are with us, so fostering is perfect for people living in places where a permanent cat wouldn’t be appropriate.
3. Can I just foster kittens?
Yes, we take your preferences into account. You can foster when you want and chose the times you want to foster and if you only want to take kittens or adult cats that’s totally fine.
4. Is there an application process?
We ask you to fill in an application form (not qualification based) for the protection of the public and the cats. Then we would have a chat with you to answer any questions you have and give you a more in-depth idea of what to expect from fostering.
5. I’d love to foster but I couldn’t give the cats up.
Everyone thinks this and it is very hard sometimes with your first foster cat or ones you build a special bond with, but it’s so rewarding to see them go on to good homes and you can have a new foster cat in as soon as the next day if you wanted, so there isn’t too much time to be sad.
6. What type of room do I need to foster?
A pet free room, preferably not carpeted (though there are ways around this) is all you need. Some of our fosterers foster in the kitchen so the cat is at the heart of the house, some foster in their spare bedroom, some foster in their utility room and some foster in their conservatory.
7. Can the foster cat have the run of the house?
Due to the risk of spreading disease when you have multiple cats coming in one after the other, we try to keep foster cats in one room and give it a thorough clean after each cat leaves.
8. Does fostering cost?
No, it shouldn’t cost you a penny. We provide everything needed for the cat and if you need to buy anything you can claim it and we will pay you back.
9. Do I need experience with cats to foster?
No, we can support you in what you need to know when starting out. We have online training courses and you can attend fully funded training days. You pick things up very quickly when fostering!
10. What if I get a difficult cat?
We would never want you to foster any cat you didn’t want to and if a cat’s temperament doesn’t suit you or your home we will move them out as soon as possible
11. I work full time, can I still foster?
Yes, some of our fosterers work full time, some work part time and some don’t work at all.
12. How much time does fostering take up?
It’s up to you really. Minimum is keeping the room clean, feeding and watering the cat/s and giving them a bit of a fuss and a play. That might take under an hour a day. Some of our fosterers spend a lot of time with the cats, especially if they need to be socialised or brought on, but some are so busy that they just do the basics. The cats we rescue are just grateful for warmth and food and a bit of a fuss and so anything you can do is fantastic.
13. Do you get paid to foster?
No, it’s a voluntary role but you do get all your expenses paid so you aren’t at all out of pocket. And the chance to look after rescued cats and kittens – what could be better!
14. How long do cats normally stay in foster?
It varies massively. Sometimes they can get adopted after a few days and some don’t get adopted for a couple of months.