Read about what fostering cats means to one of our dedicated younger volunteers, and see if you could have the right skills and family circumstamces to try it yourself.

A Fosterer's Story by Marek Scott

"Being a fosterer means that I can get cats which can be anxious and nervous. When they first come to the house it is a new environment with new people to get used to. It is very important I build a bond with the cat and stay calm around it; this helps the cat to settle in. When they first come to me, I get into a routine for cleaning and feeding at about the same time each day, this also helps the cat feel more settled, generally.

When fostering a cat, I reassure it by stroking it as well as giving it lots of cuddles. For the more anxious cats, I will give them lots of strokes to get them used to human contact which is very important. It is vital that I don't rush the more anxious cats, taking it slowly and being patient with them. Some cats may want to play and it is my role to entertain them - string is one of the toys that some cats enjoy playing with. It gives me a lot of satisfaction seeing the cat happy playing. When I am looking after a cat I make sure its wellbeing is paramount and give it a secure place to be.

There are many benefits to fostering. If a cat is nervous you get to see the changes on a daily basis as well as long term and see how far they have come since the first day at my house - that gives me a lot of satisfaction. I give the cats confidence by helping them to socialise and they get a chance to be around different people. It is sad when they go to the homing centre, but I get to follow their story on because I see them on a Tuesday and Wednesday until they get that much deserved, loving, forever home.

It is an amazing and happy experience all round for the cat...and for me!"

If you feel that you could offer the same love, care and attention as Marek and would like to get involved with fostering, please call us on 01430 872612 and ask to speak to Rose.