Foster with NCCR

Which kind of foster carer are you?

Kittens, seniors, shy cats or a bed for a night. Pick what fits your life and we’ll match you with the right cat. NCCR covers all vet costs and can help with food and litter.

Foster carers are the heart of the rescue. The more homes we have, the more cats we can say yes to.

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Ways to foster

Kittens

Most needed Usually 4–8 weeks

Feeding, play, litter training and lots of handling so they grow up confident.

Suits
People who are home a lot
You’ll need
A kitten-safe room, about 2 hours a day.
We cover
Vet bills, plus food, litter and essentials if needed

Mums & litters

8–10 weeks Usually 8–10 weeks

Mum does most of the work. You keep things calm, fed and clean, then help socialise the kittens.

Suits
Homes with a spare room
You’ll need
A closed room away from other pets.
We cover
Vet bills, plus food, litter and essentials if needed

Seniors

Low energy Usually open-ended

Older cats who want routine, a soft bed and a lap. Some take a little longer to be adopted.

Suits
Quiet homes and first-time carers
You’ll need
Patience and a sunny spot.
We cover
Vet bills, plus food, litter and essentials if needed

Shy cats

Patience Usually 1–3 months

Letting a nervous cat come to you at their own pace, with our tips on building trust.

Suits
Calm homes, no small children
You’ll need
A quiet room and no pressure.
We cover
Vet bills, plus food, litter and essentials if needed

Medical & recovery

We train you Usually 2–6 weeks

Simple medication, keeping an eye on wounds and taking them to vet check-ups we book.

Suits
Organised people near a vet
You’ll need
A small room to keep them resting.
We cover
Vet bills, plus food, litter and essentials if needed

Emergency stays

Days, not weeks Usually 1–7 nights

A safe bed while we find a longer-term foster home.

Suits
People who can say yes at short notice
You’ll need
A carrier-ready spare space.
We cover
Vet bills, plus food, litter and essentials if needed

Kitten season: spring brings litters. We need extra foster carers for the next few months, even for a few weeks at a time.

How it works

Five steps to your first cat

  1. Send your details

    Use the form. It takes a minute.

  2. Complete a questionnaire & have a chat

    We’ll send you a short questionnaire to complete, then arrange a friendly chat to get to know you better.

  3. Home visit

    Two of our team pop round and help you set up.

  4. Kit and cat arrive

    We deliver initial supplies and your foster cat.

  5. We stay in touch

    A named contact, vet care and backup when you’re away.

Questions

Foster FAQs

Does fostering cost me anything?

NCCR covers all veterinary costs and can provide food, litter and other essentials if needed. If you’re able to contribute towards everyday supplies, we’d be incredibly grateful!

How long will I foster a cat?

Every cat is different! Some may need a few weeks, while others need a little longer. We’ll discuss the expected timeframe with you before placing a cat in your care.

Do I need experience with cats?

Not at all! A love of cats, patience and a willingness to learn are what matter most. We’ll provide guidance and support along the way.

Can I foster if I already have pets?

Absolutely! Having pets doesn’t automatically rule you out. We’ll discuss your household and help determine whether fostering is a good fit. Foster cats will need their own separate space initially.

Do I need a spare room?

Ideally, yes. A quiet, secure room gives your foster cat somewhere safe to settle, particularly during their initial quarantine and adjustment period.

Can I foster while renting?

Yes, with your landlord’s OK. We can give you a letter explaining how fostering works.

What if I work full-time?

That’s perfectly fine! Many cats are happy spending time independently. We’ll help match you with a cat whose needs suit your lifestyle and availability.

Can I choose which cat I foster?

We’ll work together to find the right match. We’ll consider your experience, home environment and preferences, alongside each cat’s individual needs.

Can I foster kittens?

Yes! Depending on your experience and availability, you may be able to foster kittens, adult cats or cats needing extra care. We’ll discuss what’s suitable for you.

Can I foster just one cat?

Definitely! You don’t need to foster multiple cats to make a difference. Even opening your home to one cat can change their life.

What support will I receive?

You’re part of the NCCR family! We’ll provide ongoing guidance, answer questions and support you throughout your fostering journey.

What happens if my foster cat gets sick?

Contact us straight away. We’ll coordinate veterinary care and cover approved veterinary expenses. You’ll never have to manage a medical concern alone.

What if fostering doesn’t work out?

We understand that circumstances can change. Just talk to us! We’ll work together to find a solution that puts both you and the cat’s wellbeing first.

Can I take a break between foster cats?

Absolutely! Foster at a pace that works for you. Whether you can help regularly or occasionally, every foster placement makes a difference.

Will I have to find my foster cat a home?

No. NCCR manages the adoption process, including applications and finding suitable forever homes. You can help by sharing photos, stories and insights into your foster cat’s personality.

What if I get too attached?

It’s one of the hardest and most beautiful parts of fostering. Saying goodbye can be emotional, but knowing you’ve helped a cat find their forever home makes it incredibly rewarding.

Can I adopt my foster cat?

Of course! Sometimes foster families fall in love. If you decide you’d like to adopt, we’ll guide you through our usual adoption process.

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