Fostering is a great way to have a cat in your life, without taking on one full time. We'll cover all costs and support you every step of the way.
Is your home right for a foster cat?
To foster cats with us, you'll need:
- No other pets in your home
- Live within an hour's drive of one of our sites: London (Battersea), Brands Hatch (Kent) or Old Windsor (Berkshire)
- No more than four hours a day when foster kittens would be left alone (adult cats can be left for a working day)
- A spare room, for adult cat fostering
- No children under 13 in your home for adult cats, or under 8 for kittens
- Willing to complete our online training
Foster cats can't be left unsupervised with anyone under 18.
What kind of cat will I foster?
We foster cats whose welfare is affected by stress or medical needs in a cattery, or who are too young to stay in a cattery environment. Not every cat needs fostering, so we prioritise those who'll benefit most from a home setting.
You won't choose your foster cat from our website. Our team matches you with a cat suited to your experience and home, and you're never asked to take a cat that you’re not comfortable fostering. Over time, you might foster many different types of cat. We encourage every foster carer to see past stereotypes and get to know each cat as an individual.
How to become a cat foster carer
1. Apply
Fill in our application form.
2. Home check
Send us a video of your home so we can check it's safe and find the right match for you.
3. A chat with our team
We'll follow up by email or phone to ask about your application and answer any questions.
4. Induction
We'll invite you to our online inductions.
Cat fostering FAQs
Feeding, general care and taking your foster cat to appointments. We'll match you with a cat suited to your experience and support you throughout.
Yes. We'll give you the training and guidance you need. Carers who've looked after cats with additional needs before are especially welcome, though it isn't required.
No. We're only able to accept pet-free homes for cat fostering, as demand for pet-free placements is high. Smaller pets may be considered case by case, kept securely away from your foster cat. Homes with existing pets may wait longer for a match.
Adult foster cats can be left for a working day. Foster kittens need company and care throughout the day and shouldn't be left more than four hours.
Yes. Let us know your dates in advance and we'll plan around them. If something comes up unexpectedly, tell us as soon as you can and we'll arrange alternative care.
It helps, especially if you live further from a site, but it isn't essential. If you don't have transport for your first collection, we can arrange a taxi. If you're fostering for Old Windsor or Brands Hatch, you'll need your own transport, as both sites are rural.
It depends on the cat. Most stay from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, until they're rehomed. Foster cats do best with consistency, so we look for carers who can offer more than just a few days. Kittens stay on foster until they’re 9 weeks old.
Fostering isn't intended as a route to adoption. If you’re ever interested in rehoming a foster cat, please speak to your Fostering Officer.
You can consider dog fostering which has slightly different requirements. You can also support our cats by sponsoring a cabin with a monthly donation.
