Day 7 - Our final introduction this week is our wonderful foster mum, Louise Q: What made you want to become a cat foster mum? A: Cats have been in my life since I was 2yrs old, and since following TCWG and seeing the demand for loving foster homes I just wanted to provide a little support Q: Do you remember your very first foster cat/kitten? Tell us about them A: I'm a new foster mum and my first fosters joined me just over 10 weeks ago now - a mummy (Willow) and her two 5 week old babies Maggie & Ivy Q: What does a typical day look like for you when you're fostering? A: Up at 7am for meds, my 2 kittens have complex eye defects so need 2hrly eye drops to help moisturise and protect their eyes from deteriorating. Breakfast, top up water fountain, cleaning litter tray, sweeping up the endless amounts of litter that get everywhere, mop floor, completing medical records, more food, cleaning food plates etc. My favourite time of day however is when I get off work and can spend even more time with them, loving and playing and soaking up their incredible purrs Q: What's your favourite thing about fostering cats? A: Knowing that they have a temporary, safe, nurturing home in which they can hopefully be made well if needed and generally prepared for a better future as so many have not had a great start for various reasons Q: What's the most challenging part of fostering for you? A: Being new to this experience, I personally haven't yet had to deal with anything more challenging than saying goodbye when my mummy foster cat went to her new home. I'm sure there will be challenges ahead though, but I know that I'm surrounded by an experienced, supportive team Q: Do you have any funny or heartwarming stories from fostering? A: Honestly, every day is heartwarming. Walking into their dedicated foster room is an instant serotonin boost (I am not a morning person!) but they make me so happy when I see them first thing especially Q: How do you feel when one of your foster cats goes off to their forever home? A: Just experienced this for first time 2 weeks ago. It's bittersweet. You're thrilled that they've got a loving home to go to but naturally sad to say goodbye as you build bonds really quickly Q: Do you have any 'foster fails' (cats you couldn't let go and adopted yourself)? A: Give me time, I know it will happen 😄 Q: How do your family, friends or other pets feel about you fostering? A: My immediate family have been incredible. Particularly my husband who has fully immersed himself in socialising our fosters. I have 2 of my own cats - my 20yr old is oblivious to the fact they are here(dementia) and my 8yr old can smell them and just looked confused 😁 Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about fostering, what would it be? A: Don't underestimate the amount of time needed to provide the care required. Even if they have no meds or are ill they still need and deserve as much time and love as you can give to ensure they are happy, well socialised and ready to integrate into a new home Q: How do you prepare for a new foster cat/kitten? A: Thinking ahead to when my 2 move on to their forever home, it will no doubt be tears first, then a really good deep clean, ensure well stocked with everything you could possibly need for new arrivals (food, bedding,meds, cleaning products, toys etc all supplied by the charity), plug in the pet remedy to release those calming smells to help anxious/stressed cats and wait for the inevitable contact Q: What's one misconception people often have about fostering cats? A: Perhaps that it's easy or someone else will do it Q: What's the most rewarding moment you've experienced as a foster mum? A: I was worried how the kittens would feel when mum left for her new home, but the transference of the love to their human 'mum' is so amazing it just makes my heart burst 💓 Q: How has fostering changed you or your perspective on cats and rescue work? A: It's just strengthened my desire to help as many cats and kittens as I am able to. It's cemented my knowledge of just how much more education is needed into what it means to be a responsible cat owner and it doesn't start with opening your local newspaper and falling in love with the prettiest kittens!! (fb)

***LOOKING FOR OWNER*** If you recognise this lovely girl please contact Heathside vets directly on 01489 607001 (fb)