The Cats Protection Isle of Wight are looking for volunteers to foster a cat.
Find out more below:
Interested in fostering and want to know more?
We’ve listed below some of the most commonly asked questions, but please do give us a call on 03000 120 251 if you would like more information after reading this document.
Why do some cats require foster care? Common reasons include the following:
- They are recovering from an operation or short term injury or illness
- They have longer-term medical issues which require additional care before they find a home
- They are pregnant or have young kittens which are too young to go to a new home
- They are very shy or finding cattery life very stressful and need extra TLC and special care before rehoming
What type of things will I be doing as a fosterer?
- Feeding and grooming the cats and spending quality time with them including play, exercise and stroking
- Cleaning the litter tray and ensuring the cat’s environment and equipment are clean and safe
- Administering medication (where necessary)
I don’t have any experience – will that matter?
All anyone really needs to become a fosterer is a safe home, some patience, a love of cats and time to care for them. Don’t worry, you won’t be going it alone. The Rehoming and Welfare Assistants are always on-hand to provide you with any support and advice you may require. And if you try it and decide it’s not for you, that’s fine too. We will never put pressure on you to take on anything you can’t manage.
Are there any restrictions to becoming a fosterer?
You must be over 18 years of age, although other members of your household of any age are welcome to be involved in the process. You must also own your home or have permission from your landlord to keep a cat at the property.
Do you provide support and training?
Yes we do! Our team of staff and volunteers are all here to support and guide you all the way through your fostering experience. There are also fabulous online resources full of interesting information for you to do at your own pace – you can even do them at the adoption centre using our computers.
Do I need a large house and garden?
Foster cats will require one room which can be shut off from the rest of your home to give your foster cat a safe place to settle in, where it will be able to access all the essentials – food, water, a litter tray, toys and somewhere to rest; a quiet area where the cat won’t be regularly disturbed would be ideal. All our foster cats must be kept indoors, so no garden is required.
I work the whole day away from home, will this be a problem?
Some cats are fine being left for long periods alone, however you will need to commit to spending some quality time with your cat each day to socialise them. Kittens however will need a lot more ‘interaction’ time during the day in order to prepare them for the outside world, and are therefore not suited to being left alone for long periods. We will always advise you on the most suitable fostering options for your lifestyle.
I have other pets. Will that be a problem?
No, providing you can keep your foster cat in a separate room away from other pets, that will usually be fine. We do ask however that all you pets are fully vaccinated.
Will I have to pay for anything?
We cover all costs. All food, litter, toys and equipment are provided for you, and all vet’s fees are handled and paid for by our Centre (including travel costs)
Do I need a car?
It is preferred as the cats under your care may require regular vet visits; it is also more useful in the event of an emergency, or if you need to stop by the adoption centre for food or litter supplies.
What happens if I need to go away?
You don’t have to foster continuously. You can have breaks and take holidays whenever you like. All we ask is you give us some notice so we can make alternative arrangements.
Can I still foster if I have young children?
Yes, however certain cats may not be suitable for a busy environment. We do ask however that for the safety of both the children and the cats that children are always accompanied when interacting with the cats and are never left alone with them.
What happens if a potential adopter wants to adopt the cat?
We will either bring the foster cat back to the Centre prior to their adoption, you the foster volunteer can deliver the cat on an arranged day and time, or if you are comfortable with it the new adopter can come to collect the cat from your foster home. The staff will manage the paperwork part of the adoption process and keep in touch with you to ensure everything is running smoothly.
What is the recruitment process?
Just download and fill in the application form, and then either email Emma (our Volunteer Team Leader) on volunteering@isleofwight.cats.org.uk or post the completed form back to us.
Once we’ve received the application form, we will give you a call for a chat or send you an email.
If fostering is right for you, then we will carry out a home visit to ensure that we choose the right cat for you to foster, and also advise on how best to create the best fostering environment for you and the cat.
