Charity in appeal for foster carers

The Canterbury and district branch of Cats Protection is appealing for foster homes so that it can help more neglected cats. The charity has been swamped with requests by owners to rehome their cats – often due to health problems, bereavement, marital breakdown or the loss of a job.

But many pets are also in desperate need, having been starved, neglected, abandoned or injured.

As the district branch does not have its own shelter, it finds needy cats a temporary foster home.

The branch’s welfare officer Angela Powell said: “If you love cats but can’t commit to the responsibility and expense of owning one, this is an ideal way to have one in your life.

“All you need is a love of cats, a desire to help them and the time and patience to help them to trust humans again.

“Fostering costs nothing, because we provide food, litter and pay the vet’s bills. All that is needed is a safe, quiet room and lots of affection.”

Paula Evans, from Regent Street, Whitstable, has seen lots of cats blossom in her care and go on to loving new homes in 10 years of fostering for the branch.

She said: “It’s lovely because you have company and a focus but none of the negatives, such as large vet bills or the responsibility of caring for one cat for a long time.

“And I can take holiday breaks when I want.”

Pat King, a volunteer with the branch, added: “The sad fact is that we are unable to help as many cats as we would like because we simply don’t have enough fosterers.

“We need at least four to six new fosterers and, as autumn turns to winter, there will be many stray or abandoned cats who need to come in out of the cold.

“It’s heartbreaking not to be able to help more cats.”

For more information call 01227 266838 or the charity’s rehoming officer on 01227 360432.

FM2768640 This foundling is brighter-eyed