Cat–lovers are invited to welcome needy cats into their homes as new opportunities for volunteer fosterers across South Devon have opened up.
Cats Protection Teignbridge & Torbay is keen to hear from anybody who would like all the joy of caring for a cat in their lives without the long-term responsibility or cost. Volunteer fosterers take in homeless cats temporarily while they are waiting to be matched with a new owner. Cats can be any age and a stay can range from a couple of weeks to months depending on the cat’s needs.
Branch coordinator Barbara Ellis explains: “We would really like to hear from anyone who has affection, time, patience and care to give to cats who are down on their luck. Cats arrive with us through no fault of their own and our fosterers provide a loving transitional home-from-home while cats are given the TLC they need to ensure they are in the best position to find a forever family.”
Cats Protection provides training and everything a fosterer needs to support a cat towards its new life, paying for vet bills, providing litter, food, cat furniture and toys as well as feline welfare advice and guidance.
Barbara continues: “Fostering is a real privilege which temporarily brings cats or kittens into your life so that you can provide them with the gift of a stable environment while they receive vet care, learn to interact with humans or simply take a pause. You will meet cats with different temperaments, who have had different experiences in life and who need a range of support, but your goal is always to say goodbye and doing so allows more cats to find great homes.”
Cats Protection Teignbridge & Torbay covers postcode areas TQ1 to 14 as well as EX6 and 7. Fosterers can be based within or close to these areas and need a spare room in their home for their foster cat or garden space for custom built cat pens. Access to transport is needed to take cats to vet appointments and basic computer skills are required to be able to maintain the cat’s records.
Anybody wishing to find out more about fostering for Cats Protection Teignbridge & Torbay should visit and apply at www.cats.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/volunteer-with-cats or email Barbara on enquiries@teignbridge.cats.org.uk
