Hello, my name is Marie and I am a Foster Carer for Cats Protection Wales Cat Centre. When I first enquired I wasn’t sure whether I was doing the right thing. At the outset it was a bit of a whirlwind, with the training and information I received.
As a fosterer for Wales Cat Centre, I become involved with
cats before they are ready for adoption. Some cats come into the centre and are
made fit to home quite quickly once they reach the minimum vet standard. This
includes a full vet check, first vaccination, neutering, treatment for fleas
and worms, and being microchipped. However, many cats are not ready at that
stage. This can be for a variety of reasons, including health or behavioural
issues.
Many cats find the centre environment stressful and need the
help of fosterers to provide patience, time and care. That space and
understanding allow them to develop and, eventually, reach a stage where they
are ready to be adopted.
The training programme with Cats Protection is excellent.
Understanding why cats behave the way they do has been instrumental in helping
me to support and develop the cats in my care. The staff at the centre are
exceptional. There is always someone there to help and support me. All the
staff and volunteers are incredibly caring; they really are amazing.
When I started fostering, I wasn’t sure how I would manage
giving cats up after getting to know them and caring for them. It’s not always
easy. However, I have come to realise that there is a constant stream of cats
needing help. Sometimes it’s heart breaking, but most of the time it’s joyous to
see these little characters develop and grow.
One of the cats I fostered was Dotty. She was a fabulous cat
who came to me with no fur at all because she had a flea allergy. She was the
sweetest little girl, and it was rewarding to be part of her journey to
recovery.
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| Dotty, before and after |
It’s been a real privilege to meet and care for so many cats
that desperately need help.
One of those was Trixie, who came into the centre around
February or March 2024. She arrived with ulcerated eyes which, sadly, had to be
removed. Trixie came to me to help her adapt. There was a photo taken at the
centre when she first arrived which showed just how much pain she must have
been in.
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| Trixie had her eye surgically removed due to being badly ulcerated |
Despite everything, Trixie was the cuddliest of cats and it didn’t take her long to find her way around and adjust to her new surroundings. After a few weeks with me, Trixie was adopted to the right owner who understood her needs and she is now very happily settled.
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| Trixie happily settled |
