CATS Protection Frome are looking for new volunteer fosterers who can offer a temporary home to forlorn felines.
Covering Frome, Westbury and the surrounding areas, the volunteer-run branch of the national feline welfare charity has found new homes for almost 70 cats this year and helped many more through its lost-and-found work, neutering voucher provision and information and advice. It needs more fosterers to support its rehoming, as well as event volunteers to help raise the funds needed for vital cat care.
Area branch development manager Nicola Parry explains, “The branch has been supporting the area for over 20 years and is now increasing its capacity to meet the needs of local cats and owners as demand continues to increase – but can’t do it alone.
“We’re looking to take on new volunteer fosterers who have the exciting opportunity to provide hands-on care to cats without the long-term responsibility of pet ownership. For those who would prefer to be less directly involved with the cats, but would like to raise the funds to fuel everything the branch does, our events volunteers are real ambassadors for the charity out in the community. This is a great time of year to join as we’ll be taking part in autumn markets and festive fairs, which are always great fun.”
Fosterers care for cats in their own home until a new owner can be found. No special equipment is needed but cat fosterers do need to have a spare room, or in some cases the charity can provide a custom-built outdoor pen, where their foster cat can enjoy living safely in a home-from-home. It is also vital that fosterers have IT skills and internet access to enable them to keep details of their cat’s stay up to date. The branch takes in cats from all backgrounds and at all ages, meaning fosterers might be looking after a ‘senior kitizen’ first and then a mother with her new-born litter of kittens next.
Just one cat who was homed recently by the branch was six-year-old all black Binx, a stray who had been living on the streets for about 18 months before he arrived in branch care. He was extremely nervous and fearful, but gradually came out of his shell. Having tested positive for FIV, a virus similar to HIV in humans, Binx needed to be an indoor cat.
This made him an ideal match for an older gentleman who had sorely missed feline company since the loss of his own cat. Within 24 hours of being in his new home, Binx started following his owner around and sitting next to him on his sofa, the duo were perfectly suited, with both greatly benefitting from their new life together.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at being a fosterer can be found here: www. youtube.com/watch?v=VWMqxvdbbDI and the charity provides everything needed to create the cats’ temporary home, from food, toys and litter to vet care.
Events volunteers will be holding stalls at local events, meeting and greeting members of the public and selling a variety of new and donated goods including cat-themed Christmas cards and gifts.
Nicola adds, “The branch volunteers are friendly and welcoming, with a real love of helping local cats. It’s a great time to join, especially if you are able to share fundraising or event expertise or offer your home to a moggie while it waits to meet its new family.
“We support all our volunteers with training and guidance, plus volunteering with the branch is a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and be part of a truly dedicated group.”
To find out more about the branch visit www.cats.org.uk/frome or for more details about the current opportunities at the branch visit www.cats.org. uk/support-us/volunteeropportunities alternatively, call 07733 390 345 or email fromecp@gmail.com.
