Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.
We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
A bit more information about this role and the team
🐾 Become a Cat’s Hero – Foster with Cats Protection! 🐾
Do you have a space in your home and heart for cats in need? A little time and a whole lot of love to give? Then you could be the purr-fect person to help a cat in need!
At Cats Protection, we’re on a mission to give every kitty the chance of a brighter future – and our fosterers are the real stars behind the scenes. Whether it’s a confused stray, a shy abandoned moggy, or a new mum with tiny toe-beaned kittens, you’ll be there to provide the TLC they need to get back on their paws.
What’s involved?
🐱 Giving daily care, cuddles and comfort to cats and kittens
🧼 Keeping their environment clean and safe
🍽 Feeding, grooming, and maybe the odd game of "chase the string"
💊 Administering basic medication (we’ll show you how)
🎾 Enriching their lives with play and affection
Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover or just starting your feline journey, we’ll give you all the training and support you need. You’ll be part of a passionate team of volunteers who share your love for all things whiskered.
What’s in it for you?
🌟 A chance to make a real difference to cats who need you
📚 Learn new skills and grow your confidence
💬 Make new friends who love cats as much as you do
😺 And of course… all the purrs!
If you’ve got patience, empathy, and a big heart, we’d love to hear from you!
We aim to respond to all applicants within five working days. If you haven't heard from us within this timeframe, please check your spam or junk folder, as our email may have been filtered there. If you still haven't received a response, feel free to reach out to us at: volunteering@nwengland.cats.org.uk and we'd be happy to assist you
What we need from you
- A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
- Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
- A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
- Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
- You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
