“Couch time,” you say to yourself as you plop down and get comfortable.
Naturally, that also means phone time, so you whip it out and start scrolling. One of the first things you see is a post from Ten Lives. There’s a photo of cute kittens, and before you know it, you’re reading.
Foster Carers Needed. Is your heart as big as your home? The kittens are here and we’re recruiting for more fabulous foster carers to join the Ten Lives team!
“They need more, huh?” you say to no one, and you keep reading.
Foster carers volunteer to care for kitties in their own home until they are ready for adoption. Help these kitties find their forever homes!
You struggle to scroll past the post, because now you’re thinking perhaps you could help. You love cats, after all. You already have one, a friendly tabby named Mr Binky, and there’s a spare room that would be perfect. Plus, you and your partner often work different days, so there’s usually someone home.
The more you think about it, the more right it feels. Later that day, you chat to your partner, who’s just as excited about the idea. More cats in the house and helping them find forever homes? Sounds amazing.
But you still have questions. So, a few days later, you drive to the Ten Lives Cat Centre and speak to one of their friendly, knowledgeable receptionists. You explain you’re interested in fostering and have a few things you’d like to know. The conversation goes a little like this:
Q: Why is foster caring important?
A: Our foster care program is an essential part of our work. A calm, loving home environment helps shy cats come out of their shell, gives kittens room to grow, learn and play, and is the ideal space for recovering from surgery or illness. It helps them on their journey to adoption.
Q: Once I start, do I have to foster all the time?
A: Not at all. We’re happy to work with your availability. Even short-term fostering helps enormously.
Q: What if I don’t have any experience?
A: All foster carers are professionally trained by us. We teach you what to do, what to expect, what to look out for, and how to feel confident caring for the cat in your home.
Q: What do you provide?
A: We provide everything you need to care for a cat or kitten in your home, including food and bowls; litter and trays; toys, blankets and beds; medicines and vet care.
Q: What exactly do I have to do?
A: Your job as a foster carer is to provide a loving environment to a kitty, care for them in line with vet advice, and keep notes in a foster diary. Fostering is a truly rewarding experience for you and lifesaving for the cats or kittens you care for. You’ll experience a range of emotions and have a lot of fun.
Q: What if my foster cat becomes sick or injured?
A: You’ll bring the cat or kittens to us for their regular vet check-ups, and you’ll have access to 24-hour vet support. During training, you’ll learn what to look for and what to do in different situations. And if you’re ever unsure, you can contact us.
Q: I already have a cat at home, will that be a problem?
A: We tailor each placement to your household and level of experience. If you have kids or already have a pet at home, that’s not a problem, we’ll find a kitty that works for you.
Q: What if I fall in love with my foster cat and want to adopt it?
A: If your foster cat fits into your home and you want to adopt it, that’s okay! The term is ‘foster fail’ but really, it’s a success; a cat has found a loving home, and that’s what we want.
With your questions answered, you feel ready to start your new adventure. You can’t wait to open your home to a cat or kitten and experience the emotions, humour, and connection that comes with it.
You register now at tenlives.com.au/foster/
Ten Lives is your local animal charity, here for the cats and community who count on us. If you’re able, please support us at tenlives.com.au/donate