Cat Fosterer (Felledge Animal Centre, County Durham)

Can You Offer a Safe Haven For a Cat in Need?

We are looking for passionate cat and kitten fosterers to provide a loving temporary home for the animals in our care.

Many cats waiting for their forever homes find cattery life stressful and thrive much better in a quiet home environment. Others are part of ongoing RSPCA investigations and need a safe haven while their legal cases progress. While we cannot always predict how long these cases will take—and in rare instances, a court may rule that a cat must return to its owner—providing a stable home is incredibly vital to their well-being.

Whether a cat is recovering from medical issues, working through behavioral challenges (like extreme nervousness), nursing a litter, or simply too young for adoption, being in a home environment does wonders for their welfare.

Your Role as a Fosterer

As a cat fosterer, you will play a crucial role in preparing these cats for the future. By providing a safe space, regular feeding, and plenty of patience, you will help them build the socialization skills needed for a successful rehoming. You will also handle routine vet visits, with all veterinary costs fully covered by the RSPCA.

By opening your heart and home, you aren't just helping one cat—you are freeing up space in our centers so we can rescue even more animals in need.

What You’ll Need:

Experience: We are looking for experienced cat lovers who understand feline behavior and needs.

A Dedicated Space: A spare room at home specifically for the foster cat (they must remain indoors).

Vaccinated Pets: Any resident cats must be neutered and fully vaccinated within the last 12 months.

Transport: The ability to bring the cat/kittens to the center at least once a month.

Time & Patience: Plenty of love and understanding to give an animal who might be feeling overwhelmed.

Note: All necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care are fully supplied and funded by the RSPCA, and our team is always on hand to support you.

How to Apply:

Fostering is an incredibly rewarding but responsible role, so our application process is very thorough. The form takes about 30 minutes to complete, so we recommend grabbing a cup of tea before you start!

If successful, you’ll join our foster team database, where national centers and local branches can match you with a cat that fits your specific skills. You’ll receive full access to online training, wellbeing resources, and ongoing support.

The RSPCA celebrates diversity. We welcome and respect the unique qualities, skills, and experiences that every individual brings to our team.