CATS PROTECTION

The Newcastle Branch of Cats Protection are still in urgent need of people willing to foster adult cats or kittens, so I am going to try and tell you more about fostering with CP in the hope that one of two of you will read it and say ' Yes, I could do that!'

A fosterer needs to a certain type of person, and you wouldn't be reading this if you were not that kind of person. They need to care, thats the main qualification that anyone needs to be a fosterer for Cats Protection.  Either no cats of your own, or a spare room where your foster cat or kittens can remain independent of your own cats is the next thing that is needed. Why? well, when a cat comes into care we often know little or nothing about its background, so we need to be sure it is free of any illness, and as a virus usually shows itself within a 14 day period, keeping the animals separate ensures no cross contamination occurs.

Observation and Flea and Worm treatment is the next stage, usually 48 hours will give you an idea of any health problems that may be going on. You will have the constant support of the Homing and Welfare Officers, who will guide you through this, so this is nothing to worry about.

The cat then goes to see the Vet for its Health Check, neutering, chipping and vaccinations.

As fostering isn't a 9 to 5 job, you can often be asked to take in a cat or kitten when the Vets are closed, so again, isolation is important. Plus as most of you know, it can take several weeks to introduce a new animal into the household, and it wouldnt be fair on your own pets, nor your foster cat to do all this and then move it on to another home.

Access to a car would be beneficial, because if a foster cat or kitten shows signs of illness, then a visit to the Vet has to be done as soon as possible, kittens especially can go down very quickly indeed, and time wasted can cause loss of life. But we hope to have a team of drivers available so, transport isn't essential.

'But I go out to work' I hear you say, well, we have fosterers who work full time, yet still manage to care for a foster cat or older kittens, and give them that special love that only an real animal lover can give.

Many people are scared of the commitment needed, and of course the responsibility of it all, but, there is no need to worry, we are right behind you every step of the way.

So, what kind of people make good fosterers? all kinds, there are many older people out there who would like a companion but are hesitant to take on a cat for financial reasons, but what more perfect answer to this is there ? a foster cat can give you love, in fact most do, but, you don't have the financial worry of feeding it and Vets bills, as we sort all that out.

Anyone who loves cats can be a fosterer providing they meet the criteria mentioned above. Yes, many of you say, but parting with them must be hard, yes it can be, but knowing they are going to a home where they will be special and loved soon helps dry the tears.  You can face hardships, when a cat or kittens dies, and thats emotionally draining, and I often get asked why do you put yourself through all that, well, I do it because I know I have made a difference, and that cat or kitten has known love for once in its life, and that brings me the peace of mind I need to pull myself together and get ready to help the next one coming through the door.

So please, think of all I have said, and ask yourselves and your families, 'What do you all think about fostering for Cats Protection?' because it isn't so much us that needs you, its the cats and kittens the supply of which is endless....

Please, if you think you could handle this role, fill in the form, by clicking the link below, and someone will arrange to visit you and discuss fostering, or you will be invited to one of our meetings, where you can meet us all and again, discuss this valuable role.

http://www.cpnewcastle.co.uk/volunteerform.htm