Thousands of cats pass through Ten Lives Cat Centre annually and in kitten season (Oct-March) it’s one every 30 minutes during our seven day a week operation. As a result, hundreds of cats require foster care each year. Fostering offers a normal environment to cats or kittens that may otherwise be confined to the Centre for long periods of time, and is often a lifesaving intervention that helps them find their forever home.

Foster carers volunteer to care for cats and kittens in their own home until they are ready for adoption, at which point they are returned to the Centre. Foster care benefits all cats, including adult cats who have been in the shelter for more than four weeks, mothers and kittens, unwell kitties, cats that are timid or shy or have behavioural issues, and young feral kittens that can be socialised and rehabilitated.

Ten Lives provides foster carers with information, 24-hour support, training, medicines and vet care and all basic items such as food, bowls, litter, trays etc, toys, blankets & beds.

In return we ask that you: • Provide a loving environment for the cat(s) • Contain the cat(s) inside at all times, unless in a fully enclosed cat run • Provide daily care for the cat(s) including food, water, litter, • Attend all appointments made for the cat(s) by Ten Lives • Take photos of and write a personality profile for the cat(s) • Administer medication and medical treatment if required • Contact Ten Lives or AHVEC immediately if the cat is sick, injured or lost • Make regular contact with Ten Lives to provide updates on the cat(s) in foster care • Return the cat(s) unconditionally and in a timely manner when requested.

You'll need: • Ability to provide a safe, loving, indoor, non-smoking home for a cat (permission from landlord if renting) • Own transport to allow travel to and from Ten Lives on a regular basis • Good interpersonal/communication skills • Reliability • Patience • Commitment to animal welfare

In return you'll get: • Animal care and cat handling experience • Knowledge of Ten Lives Cat Centre • Being a part of a not-for-profit organisation making a huge difference to feline welfare in Tasmania

Fostering is a wonderful experience which is extremely rewarding for carers. Caring for a cat or kitten and then seeing them find their forever home brings great joy and reward. Fostering is also a great way to spend time with cats for people who aren’t able to make the long-term commitment that adoption requires.