Thank you to our partners whose support makes our work possible

Should I

foster a cat?

Yes, it will enrich your life

Fostering a cat is one of the most compassionate and impactful things you can do. Some animals thrive much better in a home environment than in a shelter, especially when they need extra care, comfort, or time to heal.

Why fostering matters

Types of fostering situations

Fostering can take many forms depending on the cat’s needs. Here are some common situations where foster care is essential:

A nursing mother with kittens

A quiet, secure home is essential for a mother cat to raise her kittens until they are weaned and ready for adoption.

A litter of kittens without a mother

These kittens require bottle-feeding, warmth, and socialisation until they can eat solid food and be rehomed.

A single kitten

Single kittens often need social interaction and care while waiting to be vaccinated or tested before adoption.

A cat with medical conditions

Cats recovering from surgery or living with chronic conditions may need regular medication and rest in a calm environment.

Permanent fostering (for an older cat, or a healthy Fiv+ cat)

Older cats or healthy FIV+ cats who may never be adopted often just need a safe, loving home for the rest of their lives. They make wonderful, low-maintenance companions.

About FIV in Cats

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) affects a cat’s immune system but doesn’t prevent them from living long, healthy lives. FIV+ cats can thrive in homes without other cats, or with other FIV+ cats, and often do best in permanent foster situations.

FIV in cats

Fostering FAQ

Who do I contact if I need more supplies for my foster kitten?

You’ll be given the contact details for the Cats Foster coordinator and the Cattery manager at PAWS-PATAS when you sign up to foster. You can also choose to join our fostering WhatsApp group to stay connected and informed.

What if I can no longer be a foster carer?

We understand that circumstances can change and aim to provide whatever support is needed. If you're no longer able to care for your foster cat, please get in touch with our Fostering Coordinator or Cattery Manager, and we will do our best to make alternative arrangements. If you're only going away for a short break and need temporary care for your foster animal(s), we can help arrange another foster carer as well. Please reach out through our website’s contact form to discuss the options available.

What if my foster cat becomes unwell?

If your foster cat requires veterinary care, please contact the Fostering Coordinator or Cattery Manager immediately to discuss the situation. If you’re unable to reach them and it’s an emergency, contact the designated PAWS-PATAS veterinary clinic to arrange an urgent appointment. Be sure to update the PAWS-PATAS Cat Team as soon as possible so we can support you and keep track of the situation.

Do I need experience to become a foster carer?

Not necessarily!
If you have the enthusiasm to help our cats and some time to spare, fostering could be a wonderful option for you. We do our best to provide all the information and support you’ll need along the way.

How do I become a foster carer?

You'll need to complete a foster carer application and undergo a home check. If you have any questions before signing the foster contract, feel free to get in touch with one of our volunteers through the contact form on our website — we’re here to help you get started!

What is expected of foster carers?

Foster carers are a vital part of our rescue network. Here’s what we ask of you:

Provide a safe and nurturing environment

Ensure your foster cat is comfortable, secure, and healthy. Contact us promptly if any health issues arise.

Help us find their forever home

Share regular updates, photos, and notes about your foster cat’s behaviour and personality. This helps us match them with the right adopters.

Attend veterinary appointments

We’ll coordinate any necessary vet visits and provide guidance throughout.

Be available for adoption events or meet-and-greets

If needed, help your foster cat attend events or meet potential adopters.

Understand the nature of fostering

Fostering is a temporary commitment — unless you join our permanent foster scheme for older or hard-to-adopt cats.

Cats

Dogs

People

Contact us

Cats

Dogs

People

Contact us

Cats

Dogs

People

Contact us

Thank you to our partners whose support makes our work possible

Should I

foster a cat?

Yes, it will enrich your life

Why fostering matters

Types of fostering situations

Fostering can take many forms depending on the cat’s needs. Here are some common situations where foster care is essential:

A nursing mother with kittens

A quiet, secure home is essential for a mother cat to raise her kittens until they are weaned and ready for adoption.

A litter of kittens without a mother

These kittens require bottle-feeding, warmth, and socialisation until they can eat solid food and be rehomed.

A single kitten

Single kittens often need social interaction and care while waiting to be vaccinated or tested before adoption.

A cat with medical conditions

Cats recovering from surgery or living with chronic conditions may need regular medication and rest in a calm environment.

Permanent fostering (for an older cat, or a healthy Fiv+ cat)

Older cats or healthy FIV+ cats who may never be adopted often just need a safe, loving home for the rest of their lives. They make wonderful, low-maintenance companions.

About FIV in Cats

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) affects a cat’s immune system but doesn’t prevent them from living long, healthy lives. FIV+ cats can thrive in homes without other cats, or with other FIV+ cats, and often do best in permanent foster situations.

Fostering FAQ

You’ll be given the contact details for the Cats Foster coordinator and the Cattery manager at PAWS-PATAS when you sign up to foster. You can also choose to join our fostering WhatsApp group to stay connected and informed.

Not necessarily! If you have the enthusiasm to help our cats and some time to spare, fostering could be a wonderful option for you. We do our best to provide all the information and support you’ll need along the way.

You'll need to complete a foster carer application and undergo a home check. If you have any questions before signing the foster contract, feel free to get in touch with one of our volunteers through the contact form on our website — we’re here to help you get started!

What is expected of foster carers?

Foster carers are a vital part of our rescue network. Here’s what we ask of you:

Provide a safe and nurturing environment

Ensure your foster cat is comfortable, secure, and healthy. Contact us promptly if any health issues arise.

Help us find their forever home

Share regular updates, photos, and notes about your foster cat’s behaviour and personality. This helps us match them with the right adopters.

Attend veterinary appointments

We’ll coordinate any necessary vet visits and provide guidance throughout.

Be available for adoption events or meet-and-greets

If needed, help your foster cat attend events or meet potential adopters.

Understand the nature of fostering

Fostering is a temporary commitment — unless you join our permanent foster scheme for older or hard-to-adopt cats.

What we provide

To help you care for your foster cat, PAWS-PATAS will supply:

Food

Enough for the duration of your foster placement.

Blankets and a bed

For comfort and warmth.

Medication

If needed, with clear instructions.

Food and water bowls

For daily feeding.

A travelling crate

For safe transport when needed.

About us

All animals

Contact us

Login

Not necessarily!
If you have the enthusiasm to help our cats and some time to spare, fostering could be a wonderful option for you. We do our best to provide all the information and support you’ll need along the way.