Ten Lives Cat Centre is on the hunt for 100 new foster carers to join what it is calling the “A Team”.
The Hobart charity launched the drive this week ahead of the busy kitten season when its need for carers peaks.
Ten Lives CEO Noel Hunt said the ‘A Team’ are foster carers prepared to go the extra distance for cats and kittens that need a little more care.
“The A Team are fantastic people who can make a big difference for cats and kittens that need a little extra care,” Hunt said.
“This might include cats with flu or other treatable illnesses, behavioural or toileting issues.”
“Ideally, they will have no other cats or pets or have an area where foster cats can be safely separated.”
Hunt said the charity wants more than 200 foster carers in total across the year, but the first call is for 100 to join the A Team.
He said carers are fully supported and do not need to do it alone.
“This includes full training and support, food, supplies, medication and all veterinary care,” Hunt said.
Foster carer Stevhen Brain knows the value of the work.
He fosters through Ten Lives because he works full-time and cannot keep pets of his own, but can offer a quiet home where surrendered cats settle in.
His current foster, Husky, needed anti-anxiety medication for the first couple of days before relaxing and coming out of his shell.
Brain said people should not be put off by the idea it takes special skills.
He said you do not need to be a vet nurse or bottle-feed kittens every two hours – sometimes a quiet home is enough.
Applications are open through the Ten Lives website.
