Fostering is an essential and integral part of ARC's welfare work. Without the dedication of our fosterers, we would not be able to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome so many unwanted animals. We have been very fortunate in gaining several wonderful rabbit and guinea pig foster homes over the past year, but have found it much more difficult to find willing foster homes for cats and kittens. As a result we have had to refer quite a few adult cats to other charities. We would obviously like to redress the balance and this year we will be advertising for more cat carers.

The main problems we encounter are that most cat lovers already have cats, the majority of which, would not accept any temporary lodgers! Also, a lot of people do not have the space to have a separate area, where they might be able to settle their new arrival.

We are looking for people who would love to care for a cat, but for one reason or another, find they are unable to have one permanently, i.e. somone who might have to travel occasionally or an older person who cannot take on the full-time responsibility. There are various caring people out there who are simply not in a position to have the full-time commitment, but have so much to offer a temporary lost soul.

Also, we are looking for those people who may have their own animals, but they feel they have more time to offer others in need. Maybe they have a comfortable, warm and safe spare room, if their own animals could not cope with the constant contact.

Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience if you love animals and you gain great pleasure in caring for them. It is not necessary to 'own' an animal to develop those feelings of compassion and pleasure that nurturing them brings. Just knowing that your care has allowed this unfortunate animal to feel wanted again and seeing him start his new life with a loving family is extremely fulfilling.

It's not to do with how sad we feel when they go, it's all about how they feel. There is a lot of giving, but you get it all back when you know how happy they are going to be.

Best of all there's the anticipation of the next little visitor to need your help!

ARC offers all the veterinary care, food & supplies and support throughout. If you know anybody who might be interested in fostering cats or kittens, please call Becky on 020 8894 4508 or contact us online (Please note: it is essential for foster homes to live locally within the Richmond Borough).