When we rescue a cat from the street, which is where most of our cats come from, they will need a temporary home whilst they are assessed and treated and they will need someone to show them the way. It is down to the fosterer to provide that home, take them to the vets and give them the treatment they need.

Easy! Simply fill out the contact form to let us know you are interested in joining our team and we will be in contact to carry out an assessment.

Every cat is unique, with their own personality and needs.

Some are used to living in a home, while others may need a little extra time and patience to get used to people. Some cats prefer a quieter environment, while others are more playful and full of energy.

Our assessment is simply there to help us find the best match for you and the cat. We want to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable, so each cat can settle in and truly thrive in their new home.

For example, a calm older cat may be happiest in a quieter home, while lively kittens might suit a household that can keep up with their energy.

Your responsibilities as a fosterer are straightforward, and the time involved will depend on the needs of the cat you’re caring for.

We will ask you to take your foster cat to the vet for check-ups, neutering, or microchipping. This is usually arranged early on, sometimes before the cat even comes to you, but there may be follow-up appointments. If we make the appointment, we’ll always try to book these at times that work for you, and all vet costs are covered by us. Once the cat is in your care, it will be up to you to arrange any appointments and aftercare with the vet at a time that suits you. We simply ask that you don’t take your foster to the vet without speaking to us first, unless it’s an emergency.

You won’t be expected to cover any costs. Food and litter are provided by us, either delivered or available for collection, and we can reimburse anything you need to purchase. You’ll just need to feed your foster cat regularly, keep their litter tray clean, and make sure they’re comfortable day to day.

All foster cats must stay indoors at all times for their safety.

Your main role is to give your foster cat a safe, calm environment and help them build trust. Some cats will want lots of attention, while others may take things at their own pace, we’ll guide you on what they need and won’t place a cat with you that needs more than what you are able to provide.

We’ll also provide essentials like bedding, toys, and scratch posts, just let us know what you need.

Ideally, it helps if you have a spare room where your foster cat can stay while they settle in. However, this isn’t essential. Some cats are comfortable being in the main living space, especially if you don’t have other pets at home. If you don’t have a separate room, it may just mean we match you with cats that are better suited to that setup.

If you do plan to introduce your foster cat to your own pets, we recommend waiting until you’re confident in your foster’s health and temperament. It’s also important to make sure your own pets’ vaccinations are up to date before any introductions take place.

In the early stages, crates can be really helpful. Many of our cats have been strays, so using a crate can help them settle, feel secure, and get used to using a litter tray before having more space. We’ll provide everything you need, including crates.

Fostering can range from just a few days to several months.

On average, it might take about four weeks for a cat to adjust to home life and be in good health. However, some cats may require longer, especially if they are very fearful or have medical issues that need to be addressed before they can be listed for adoption. We have also had cats in foster care that have only been there for a week or two! It really depends on the health and nature of each individual cat. Ultimately, as you will get to know the cat better than anyone else, we will be relying on you to let us know if the cat is ready for adoption or not.

This is almost certainly going to happen!

We rarely want to let them go and sometimes we don’t!! There are plenty of failed fosterers on the group. If you decide you want to keep the cat you have been fostering, then of course it is likely that he can stay. This would have to be discussed at the time.

Our admin team will take care of advertising your foster cat for adoption, but you’re also welcome to share posts yourself, we just ask that all enquiries are directed through Pippa’s Army.

All we need from you is some basic information about your foster and a few photos to help us create the advert.

Once the advert is live, our team will manage the enquiries and carry out initial checks to make sure each home is safe and suitable. We’ll then pass the application on to you so you can speak directly with potential adopters, after all, you know your foster cat best and can give a real insight into their personality and needs.

When it comes to adoption, you’ll usually be asked to help with the final steps, including completing the paperwork and taking your foster cat to their new home (unless there’s a reason you can’t). It’s a special moment, and many fosterers like to be part of it, they do become your little ones, and it’s nice to see them settled in the right place.