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Volunteer as a Cat Fosterer
Would you like the companionship of a cat, but not in a position to give long term commitment?
Here at Bluebell Ridge Cat Rehoming Centre, we have been rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted, stray and abandoned cats for 23 years. We'd now like to expand our team of volunteer fosterers so we can offer an alternative rehoming journey for those who don't cope as well in a cattery environment and would benefit from one-to-one behavioural or medical support.
Fostering a cat is such a rewarding experience, giving a needy feline the love and care they so deserve, and seeing them blossom. We'll give you the support and guidance you need along the way, and together we can improve the lives of cats in our care.
What's Involved?
You'll be temporarily caring for a cat or cats while they wait for their permanent home, although sometimes you might care for a cat who is not yet ready for rehoming. Cats may be unable to cope in the cattery or need behavioural or medical support. Cats will normally stay with you for between a few weeks and several months. In this time you'll be:
Taking care of their needs (feeding, providing fresh water, keeping their litter tray and living space clean, socialising and grooming them, and playing with them)
Monitoring their health and behaviour and keeping accurate records
Providing us with photos, videos and information to help us match them with their perfect forever home
Accommodating visits from potential adopters (who have passed our adoption checks)
Some cats may need medicating and taking to vet appointments
You might also wish to offer to foster pregnant females or mums and their litters
You don't need to worry about cost when you foster a cat from Bluebell Ridge. Food, litter, bedding, equipment and any veterinary treatment are covered by the Cattery
What you need to become a fosterer
Empathy and be able to adapt to the different needs of the cats in your care
Be over 18 years old
Ideally have experience caring for pets (but we do provide training and ongoing support ). If caring for pregnant females or mums with kittens, experience is essential. We'll carefully match a cat or cats to you.
Either own your own home, or have written permission from your landlord to foster cats
Have a good-sized room just for your foster cat to settle in to and have as their base camp. You don't need to have a garden, as our foster cats are to be kept secure.
A calm home, with no young children (as the type of cat who needs fostering will need peace and quiet)
Be local to the Hastings area, and ideally have use of a car to take your foster cat to veterinary appointments if and when needed
No other cats, or dogs in the home
Be openminded and have a willingness to learn and follow our procedures
Good communication skills
