Cat Chat Feline Forum

Dear all,

Me and my partner have decided that adopting our own cat is not a suitable option for us both at the moment due to possible changes of circumstance. I am a student and he works full time and we would both love a cat. I am thinking of the possibility of fostering as we can offer a knowledgeable loving home, but it gives us flexibility if our circumstances change - these are only circumstances such as if I go on placement it may be unfair on the cat etc. I am aware that there would be attachment issues but am prepared that I can handle this given that I will keep in mind the fundamental work being done by whichever charity we may choose to help.

So now I am doing a lot of reading around/contacting charities etc to find out more. We possibly have a spare room but could not keep outside due to restrictions on land use (we already have a shed which takes up the maximum floor space allowed by the council). Does fostering mean the cat/s must stay in a cage/secure home while being fostered or can they be integrated into the household as a normal pet cat? We have no other pets except 5 outdoor guinea pigs (well used to cats) and no children.

Is there any recommendations on charities for fostering? We live in north Leeds.

Thank you in advance.

Hi Hannah

every rescue has its own set of rules, so I can only suggest you contact those in your area - you'll find them listed on the main CatChat site - and discuss what you can offer, and go from there

good luck

Good on you for considering fostering - I'm sure there will be a charity in your area that can use your help.

Charities usually ask for foster cats to be kept separate from other pets, but as you only have outdoor guinea pigs I can't see there would be a problem. You might still be best off using your spare room though, so as to minimise the chance of an escape. Have a chat and be guided by the charity, as Kay says they are all different.

I started fostering just over a year ago and I've not regretted it once. Good luck!

Thank you! I have had success contacting the Leeds Cat Rescue who are encouraging that the cat/s live within the household rather than separate. So we would have a room spare for isolation periods or for any reason the cat/s should need to be kept enclosed.

I am very excited about this but we are going to take it very slowly and if all goes well hopefully have a cat to foster into the new year.

That's great, I'm so pleased for you. It is sad when you have to let them go, but you have to think of the fact that they will have a proper forever home of their own, and you will then be able to help another cat in need. I have had some lovely updates from the new families of some of the cats I have fostered, it makes it all worthwhle. I wish you all the very best with it. xx

We're so happy to say that we have been in lots of contact with Leeds Cat Rescue and will be fostering our first cat in just over a weeks time! Unless she is rehomed over the next week or so, Flora will be coming to stay with us! She was a stray found under a hedge in the rain with a new litter of kittens. She is part Manx and has no tail but her heart is fine. Very exciting!

That's great news, I can imagine how excited you are! Wishing you all the very best, and keep us posted. xx