AN urgent appeal has been issued for more foster carers to “open up their homes and their hearts” to abandoned cats and kittens.
Cats Action Trust North & West Wiltshire, based in Melksham, desperately needs more volunteers to provide a temporary home for the animals until new owners can be found. A similar appeal was made last year but now the charity needs even more support due to growing demand.
The Trust is keen to dispel some of the myths surrounding foster carers and would particularly like to attract younger supporters. In return, it covers all related expenses and even provides a mileage allowance.
Trust spokesperson Lilian Wordley said, “We are really struggling at the moment because so many cats are being brought in, but we don’t have enough space for all of them to be given a home.
“Some of their stories are really heartbreaking, such as the lone kitten which was found cowering in a carrier bag after being dumped behind some bins. We’ve also cared for cats who have been left traumatised due to accidents or neglect. Thankfully we have a dedicated team of volunteers who provide a loving environment while nursing them back to health. We currently have nine carers who are aged from their 40s to their 70s and come from a wide variety of background but they all share a passion for animals. However, we’d really like to increase the number of volunteers so that we can provide even more homes – especially as the kitten season is upon us.”
The Trust covers all expenses including food, litter, electricity and veterinary bills, including blood tests to reduce the spread of diseases and neutering to reduce the number of unwanted animals.
Following a trial period where potential foster carers look after a cat in a spare room, they are offered an outside pen although some prefer to continue housing them indoors. They are also offered a mileage allowance for undertaking related journeys.
Lilian added, “Fosterers don’t need a large garden, just enough room for a pen if they want to keep the animals outside. Our own fundraising covers all of their expenses, so all they need to do is provide the loving care and attention that these cats so desperately crave. We’d particularly like to attract some of the younger generation so that we can continue to offer support when our older volunteers retire.
“It’s incredibly rewarding and worthwhile work – by opening up their homes and their hearts, people can give these animals a second chance at a happy life.”
Call (01380) 850406 or email catsactiontrust@ gmail.com. View the animals available for adoption at www.catsactiontrust.org. uk or find the charity on Facebook and Twitter.
Food donations can be left at collection points in Sainsbury’s, the Beeches veterinary centre in Semington Road, PamPurredPets in Leekes and the charity’s own shop in Bath Road.
