One-to-One
Fostering

Shy & Introverted Cats - Such cats find it very difficult to thrive in a busy cattery environment and often spend all their time hiding away in corners. This does not help them get chosen for homing quickly and can contribute to behavioural problems.

Aggressive Cats - Some cats may be fine with people but will barely tolerate other cats. These cats do not enjoy being in a busy cattery and make like miserable for other cats. They are normally better-off being fostered individually where possible.

All that is asked is that you give some quality time and affection to the fostered cat or kitten for a brief period. This may be from as little as 2 weeks to up to 3 months. The ideal fostering environment is one free of other pets. If other animals are present within the home then a seperate room would be better to avoid any cross contamination risks and to help the cat relax more quickly. We can pay for cat food, litter and veterinary costs.

I found fostering feral kittens is a very rewarding job, though challenging it may seem at first, I would not change anything I have done as it brought a whole new aspect to my life.  Seeing the helpless creatures petrified of humans can be a heart-wrenching sight.  However, with time, patience and love I have seen even the most terrified come around, making beautiful and affectionate cats and kittens.  Without having to make a life-long commitment to any one particular cat, it is more than a reward to be able to bring many, in need, to the point of re-homing and all because of just a few weeks or months spent on helping them.  I feel that they deserve the chance so many don’t get.  Now having kept one or two I have tamed myself I have seen the rewards first hand as they settle into domestic life and respond with lots of head-rubbing and affection, becoming like your shadow.  Having been given a second chance they will always remain loyal to those who care for them.  I would recommend to anyone to foster a kitten or cat for some one-on-one care, so that as many as possible can eventually be homed where they can receive the love they deserve.

Laura.

DR/ 06/02/09/A - Ronan

Ronan is a black & white neutered male. Ronan is a nice natured cat on the whole, but from time to time can be a little tempremental towards other people and the other cats. This is possibly due to him suffering from skin problems.

We are looking for a temporary foster home away from other animals and without children in order to assess whether Ronan will settle down and become more relaxed.

• Handing is best done frequently for periods of at least 20 minutes at a time to allow desensitisation.

• Small bits of ham, turkey or chicken offer ideal little treats to work with. Giving a little reward straight away helps the kitten to associate handling with positive experiences.

• If the kitten is too wild to be directly handled, the kitten may still benefit from being kept close to the fosterer, as this will help familiarise the kitten to the presence of people.

• Begin straight away. Time is of the essence when trying to domesticate feral kittens, the older they get, the more entrenched the fear of people becomes and the harder it is to overcome.

• It is much easier to work on semi-feral kittens individually than to be overstretched and have to divide your input.

• Once trust is established with the fosterer, the kitten will benefit from positive exposure to other people and background activities.

• You know you are winning when you can get them purring!