Honest advice needed please...x

[Tiggy's Mum]

Thanks, I've had a read.  Still not sure I could cope though.  Currently thinking about taking on another FIV+ cat or one that's hard to home.  Will see how things go...

Not sure if you feel ready yet but if you're looking to adopt an FIV+ cat there's the beautiful Percy here:

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,37452.msg662701.html#msg662701

[CuteCats]

Thanks, I've had a read.  Still not sure I could cope though.  Currently thinking about taking on another FIV+ cat or one that's hard to home.  Will see how things go...

[Janeyk]

Hi    There's lots of advice about fostering here: http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,29568.0.html

[Gillian Harvey]

I started fostering nearly a year ago - I work as a groomer and cat sitter, so that can take me away from the house for several hours, although thats not every day. When I'm busy it can be difficult to fit in vet visits sometimes, but I just have to be organised lol! plus I've got 8 cats of my own (12 at the time I started fostering), so I have got a fairly good routine sorted. I've got 2 double pens (in theory, room for 2 cats each side - but have had 3 in one side) plus, like Steff, I converted my shed and attached a run for a cat who turned up here as a stray 

I found it quite stressful last year (also due to personal issues and illness and subsequent losses of 3 of my own cats  ) , but mainly because I couldnt say no whenever there was a desparate case and none of our other fosterers had room,  so ended up, at one point with 9 foster cats (inluding mum and 3 kittens) plus 4 weeks of handrearing 2 kittens  - which was too much and I hardly had time to do anything else. I have since learnt to say no lol!  and now have a 'comfortable' 3 foster cats 

I have got very attached to some of the cats and it IS hard to let them go, but, I've surprised myself at being able to do just that  - (well, Chico may be an exception, but he is hard to home and he's been with me nearly a year.......watch this space lol! It IS rewarding though, and its a lovely feeling when you know you've found the right home for a particular cat.

[CuteCats]

it is very hard to let them go, we have come to the conclusion we are not cut out for fostering as i get too attached. but i admire those people who can. it is very rewarding though and unless you try, how will you ever know?

I've thought about fostering too, but like you I soon get attached to cats.  Maybe I could "foster" or take on a cat that is difficult to home? 

[lau200]

it is very hard to let them go, we have come to the conclusion we are not cut out for fostering as i get too attached. but i admire those people who can. it is very rewarding though and unless you try, how will you ever know?

[snarf]

i work full time, live on my own and foster and i dont think my charity considers it a problem. It may limit/tailor the cats that are assigned to you- for example kittens or pregnant cats would be better suited to someone that is available round the clock.  I have found with some cats at certain points , it to be challenging to fit their regular vet appointments around work and you do find yourself with more emergency vet trips so an understanding boss is very helpful! In your situation, your partner being available when you are unavailable will make things easier.
as Angie has said warmth, shelter and regular food for most will be a substantial improvement, i think charities recognise this.  Youve not mentioned any pets of your own?  if thats the case i think you will be popular! some cats need a foster home to themselves which is hard to find.
ive only been fostering just over a year but ill echo steff - At times it can be stressful  and painful and its sad when they leave but the knowledge that youve played a part in saving a life/turning a life around and the feeling you get as their health and confidence improves makes it all worthwhile

[Steff - Petsearch Bedford HQ]

I would also say go for it and I'm sure most rescues would be more than happy to have you on board

I kind of took it upon myself to rescue a feral family a couple of months ago because all local rescues were full to bursting. I adapted my shed, caught two adults and had them neutered with the help of my local CP and still have the two kittens which I'm sucessfully taming I work full time 5 days a week but luckily only work round the corner so can pop home at lunch time. I have 3 of my own cats and a dog as well. I won't lie, at times it has been hard but the good far outweighs bad. Once these two go off to their forever home I have officially offered my services to my local CP and they are happy to have me on board.

Good luck

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

I would say go for it cos even if you foster just one cat, its one more cat safe and being looked after 

[Angiew]

Working all day is not ideal - however having said that most people have to work and have animals so there's no problem there really, I suppose as said it would depend on what sort of foster cats you had but it looks like there will be no problem there.

The thing to put into perspective is that your house and company for a few hours a day, in fact your house as shelter and even just regular meals is much better than the alternative of being homeless and having no food apart from what you can catch or find - and ultimately thats the choice.

This is something that you have to keep in mind at all times - especially after a foster cat has been with you for quite a time- or at least its what I have to tell myself having just rounded up my charges for the night!

[misshx]

Hello everyone!

I just wanted some advice regarding fostering.

I would really love to start helping needy cats in my area by fostering , i have been brought up around cats and other pets and me and my boyfriend have recently moved out into our own home and i have been seriously considering contacting my local rescue centre to register my name if they need help.

The only thing that is holding me back is the fact that i work full time and so does my partner. I work Monday-Thurs and my partner mainly works nights so is usually around in the day time.

I dont tend to go out when i am not at work, apart from when i do the food shop! So am around most of the time and my partner is around most of the time during the day.

Sometimes if i work till 7 and my partner has to leave for work at 6 the house is left empty for 1hr or 2 and obviously when he is on nights and has to go out there may be certain points in the day where the house is left empty.

I spoke to a lady from my local rescue who said it would be fine as long as the cats/kittens are not left alone alday everyday.

Might be a bit of a stupid question but if im going to do this i want to do it the right way and i thought you guys would be the best to ask!