Fostering with CP Bridgend!

Hello, I am Marie, I have had the privilege of fostering cats for Cat’s Protection Bridgend Adoption Centre for three years. I could use all the usual superlatives and say how rewarding it is etc., and it is, but it is also a bit scary and emotional at times. 

 As a fosterer you are not alone. The Centre staff and Volunteer Coordinator are incredibly supportive and go above and beyond for cats in their care and for you as a foster volunteer. Even the smallest thing is never a problem, the staff are always there at the end of the phone, or just an email away. The training is incredibly thorough and fascinating, both at the induction stage and ongoing with developmental workshops. You may have looked after cats all your life but I can honestly say, you know nothing! But as long as you care then fostering is for you. 

When people find out that I foster cats the usual comment is’ how can you let them go, I’d get too attached?’. Well yes, I do get attached, that’s human, and there is always a grieving process once a cat in my care has been homed. However, I know that it’s found it’s forever loving home and there are always so many other cats who are waiting to be helped. Moving on is just a part of the process and a reward in itself, I really wouldn’t change it. Being a foster carer is the best experience ever. 

One of my foster cats in Rainbow, the first time I met Rainbow was after I’d received a phone call to ask if I would be willing to foster a cat who needed to lose weight but it would be on a longer term basis. I arrived to collect her from the Bridgend Adoption Centre and I knew immediately she was a special girl when all the staff came to say an emotional farewell to her. This was understandable as Rainbow had been at the Centre for nearly six months, receiving all the TLC and care she needed to begin her on her weight loss journey. Rainbow had Already lost 2.5 kilos, falling from a dangerous 12.7 kilos to 10.2 kilos.

Being the gentle and trusting soul she is, it didn’t take Rainbow long to settle in. However, it was impossible for her to display any of the natural cat behaviours such as playing or chasing because of her obesity. She was unable to walk more than a short distance or even jump up onto the settee without help. As she gradually lost weight exciting milestones were reached that began to transform her life. Her pain medication was gradually reduced to nothing, she became more alert and responsive. A video of her playing was a must when she started chasing her baby toy mouse across the floor, it became easier for her to jump onto the settee with less and less effort. 

Small things but a massive achievement for Rainbow. When her weight eventually dropped to just over 8 kilos she was assessed as ready to be homed and her health was in less danger because of her size. It was a thrilling and exciting moment for all those involved in Rainbow’s care. Her weight loss now meant that she was able to live a more normal cat life.  I will never forget you Rainbow, well done, and thank you for all the joy you gave us getting to know you. 

Rainbow has since been adopted and is happily settled with her new family and has continued with her weight loss programme. Sarah and Matthew, her new owners have said: 

“We took her to the vets on Friday for another check-up and weighing. The vets are so happy with her progress so far and we are so pleased that she has lost more weight again, she is now 7.1KG! We know she has a lot of loose skin now but so far this is not affecting her moving around at all…. she’s even running down the stairs when she knows it’s breakfast time! 

Rainbow is grooming several times a day now, she’s got several favourite sleeping spots around the house and she’s so cuddly, just loves chin tickle, resting her head on our hands with me and matt fussing over her…. which we do A LOT she’s just so adorable! She still loves her fish puzzle feeder and she has several Cat nip toys which she loves cuddling into. 

We think she loves her crinkle matt the best though as she is always lounging around on this. We just love her so much, I know we’ve said this before but it feels like she has always been a part of our family and we can’t thank you all enough for giving us the honour of looking after her and giving her, her furever home.

To find out more about fostering or to apply to be a fosterer please click here