Cats
Louise McCormick, a Fosterer with our North London Adoption Centre, explains why she volunteers for Cats Protection…
I’ve always considered myself a cat lover. I don’t remember not having a cat around as I was growing up, so it seemed completely natural to start visiting my local Cats Protection adoption centre in Archway as a ‘cat socialiser’, which involves popping in to play with the cats that are awaiting new homes. After hearing rave reviews of fostering from friends, the socialising soon led to the desire to foster cats and to play a more active role in rehoming. So, on 13 January 2011, I went to pick up my first foster cat, an eight-month-old beauty called Ruby and never looked back.
In the past eight months, I have fostered a total of seven cats, which have come to us in various states, needing various levels of care. The most extreme illness I’ve dealt with is hyperthyroidism, which is a problem that affects older cats. If left untreated, it can be fatal and the symptoms are very poor health and a haggard appearance.
Fortunately, the adoption centre works with some excellent local vets and, with the right treatment, cats can be cured. One of the most memorable cats I fostered was Blackie, a 12-year-old scruffy little thing who, along with her brother Ginger, stayed with us for three months. Blackie was on daily medication to reduce her production of thyroid hormones, until her levels were low enough for an operation to remove her thyroid gland. After the operation, she was quickly on the mend, ready to find a new family in an exciting new home.
Cat fostering is extremely rewarding – I feel as though I’m playing an active role in improving cats’ lives, before they are sent off to new loving families. Whether a cat is with me for a few days or a few months, they get the same level of attention and I take great pride in seeing a new cat settle into my flat and make him or herself at home for the duration of their stay.
A question I find myself regularly met with, is “do you get upset when you have to give them back?” Surprisingly, the answer is no, because I know they’ll be joining a new loving family soon enough, who can offer them the happy life that they deserve. Admittedly, I bawled my eyes out when I handed Ruby back, but it became a lot easier as time went on, and I was recently inspired to keep a blog for all of the cats that have been a guest at my flat – http://catfosterer.wordpress.com
I would recommend fostering to anyone who loves cats and wants to help out with the rehoming process. If you’re prepared to make vets visits, sacrifice that extra weekend away and feel happy in the knowledge you’ve made a difference to a cat’s life, speak to your local Cats Protection and see how you can help.
Did you enjoy reading our latest post? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
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Cats Protection branches don’t have physical locations and are run by volunteers who carry out their roles from their own homes. So we rely on fosterers to care for cats in their own homes too, giving cats in need a temporary home, love, care and affection...
- Cat Fosterers Needed In London
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- Emergency Operation Saves Cat And Kittens
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Cats
Why I foster for Cats Protection
Louise McCormick, a Fosterer with our North London Adoption Centre, explains why she volunteers for Cats Protection…
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| Louise and Nando |
In the past eight months, I have fostered a total of seven cats, which have come to us in various states, needing various levels of care. The most extreme illness I’ve dealt with is hyperthyroidism, which is a problem that affects older cats. If left untreated, it can be fatal and the symptoms are very poor health and a haggard appearance.
Fortunately, the adoption centre works with some excellent local vets and, with the right treatment, cats can be cured. One of the most memorable cats I fostered was Blackie, a 12-year-old scruffy little thing who, along with her brother Ginger, stayed with us for three months. Blackie was on daily medication to reduce her production of thyroid hormones, until her levels were low enough for an operation to remove her thyroid gland. After the operation, she was quickly on the mend, ready to find a new family in an exciting new home.
Cat fostering is extremely rewarding – I feel as though I’m playing an active role in improving cats’ lives, before they are sent off to new loving families. Whether a cat is with me for a few days or a few months, they get the same level of attention and I take great pride in seeing a new cat settle into my flat and make him or herself at home for the duration of their stay.
A question I find myself regularly met with, is “do you get upset when you have to give them back?” Surprisingly, the answer is no, because I know they’ll be joining a new loving family soon enough, who can offer them the happy life that they deserve. Admittedly, I bawled my eyes out when I handed Ruby back, but it became a lot easier as time went on, and I was recently inspired to keep a blog for all of the cats that have been a guest at my flat – http://catfosterer.wordpress.com
I would recommend fostering to anyone who loves cats and wants to help out with the rehoming process. If you’re prepared to make vets visits, sacrifice that extra weekend away and feel happy in the knowledge you’ve made a difference to a cat’s life, speak to your local Cats Protection and see how you can help.
Did you enjoy reading our latest post? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
- Diary Of A Teenage Fosterer #6
This post has been written by Tristan Goodway-Sims who is supporting his mum with fostering for a Duke of Edinburgh award In my previous blog post, Honey and her kittens were returned to CP's Bridgend Adoption Centre and I am happy to report that...
- Tortie Tashie Finds A Home
Long-stay cat Tashie was brought in to our Wrexham & District Adoption Centre after falling pregnant with her second litter. She spent nearly six months in our care waiting for that special person to come along and offer her a loving home. Her story...
- Fancy Fostering Cats?
Cats Protection branches don’t have physical locations and are run by volunteers who carry out their roles from their own homes. So we rely on fosterers to care for cats in their own homes too, giving cats in need a temporary home, love, care and affection...
- Cat Fosterers Needed In London
A guest post from volunteer Louise Wright As you’re reading this, hundreds of cat fosterers around the country have a little furry lodger enjoying the care and comfort of their home. Without these volunteers Cats Protection just wouldn’t be able to...
- Emergency Operation Saves Cat And Kittens
Veterinary staff at Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre have saved the lives of a pregnant cat and her four kittens after she had difficulties giving birth. The team at CP’s centre in Chelwood Gate, East Sussex, performed an emergency...