The Island’s cat adoption centre is on the prowl for fans of felines to care for unwanted and abandoned cats while they wait to find a new owner.
Cats Protection’s Isle of Wight Adoption Centre is looking to expand its team of cat fosterers who can offer a temporary home to one or more cats while they get back on their paws. Fostering is hands-on cat welfare work looking after needy moggies on a short-term voluntary basis and taking care of all their daily needs.
Mel Read, Adoption Centre Manager, explains:
“Cat fosterers play a vital role in our charity by caring for cats in their own home until a new owner can be found.
“Fostering is a really flexible way to enjoy caring for a cat in your own home without the commitment of cat ownership. Our fosterers come from every walk of life, lead busy or quiet lives, and live in houses or flats. We can always find a good match and it gives you the joy of having a cat around when it suits you.
“We take in cats from all backgrounds and at all ages. You might be looking after a mature moggie first and then a mum with her new-born litter of kittens and we will support you all the way.
“No special equipment is needed but cat fosterers do need to have a spare room and, of course, a love of cats.
“Offering a temporary home to a cat in need can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and becoming a volunteer for Cats Protection is a great way to meet new friends – both human and feline!”
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Fosterers Kevin and Claire have been volunteering for the centre since May 2018 and to date have cared for 9 mother cats and 55 kittens.
Claire explains:
“Over the years, our own cats have brought so much joy into our lives that we wanted to give back to cats and fostering is our way of doing that. Being in a position to help cats and kittens turn into healthy and happy cats who go on to find loving forever homes is so rewarding – and spending lots of time playing with kittens is not so bad!”
Cats Protection provides fosterers with all they need to look after the cats and kittens in their care, including veterinary treatment, food, litter, bedding and toys. The centre’s cat care work is kindly supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
For a glimpse of what it’s like to be a volunteer fosterer visit http://bit.ly/BeingAFosterer. As well as finding new homes for unwanted and abandoned cats, the charity also offers cat care advice to the public and can help towards the cost of neutering.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer fosterer for Cats Protection’s Isle of Wight Adoption Centre please email [email protected] or call 03000 120 251 to find out more.
