What do I need in order to foster?

A big heart, space and time.

What does fostering entail?

• Providing a safe, nuturing environment for a cat/s while they await their forever home.

• Being able to give them food, water, play and somewhere to sleep etc.

• If possible, transport to any vet appointments (this is not a deal breaker, though).

• Being able to collect supplies can also be a big help.

Do I pay towards the foster cat?

No, we provide everything: food, bowls, litter, litter trays, scratch posts, flea and worm treatments. If you feel you need anything else, please reach out and let us know.

What is the difference between fostering and long-term fostering ?

A fosterer will hopefully be short term (until a home is found).

Whereas, a long-term fosterer will generally look after a cat until it passes over rainbow bridge. Long-term cats are generally cats with medical issues and there may be medication that needs to be given. All training will be given on this.

How do I become a fosterer?

If you would like to foster for Minnie's Haven, please fill in this form.

We will be in touch as soon as we can. This may be; to have a chat, or arrange a home visit.

What if my situation changes and I can no longer foster (temporarily or permanently)?

If there are periods when you are going on holiday or cannot foster, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make other arrangements.

If you decide you no longer wish to foster, please let us know as soon as you can and you will be expected to return all charity equipment and supplies.

Is there anything else I need to know about fostering for Minnie's Haven?

• Foster cats must NEVER be given access to outdoors, they MUST remain within your household at all times, with the exception of veterinary appointments

• You cannot have open windows around foster cats. Please read our window safety article here. (You can request a window safety lock from trustees).

• You must be mindful and extra careful of opening doors or entering & exiting the home to prevent escapes.

• All foster cats are the legal property of Minnie’s Haven until an adoption has been completed. All veterinary and rehoming decisions are made by the charity trustees. You may share your opinion but be aware that to final decision would be made by the trustees.

• The animal will not, under any circumstances, be used for breeding, research, or the purposes of financial gain whilst under the care of its foster carer.

This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the cats you are looking after.

What is expected of me as a fosterer?

We expect everyone fostering our cats to provide high quality levels of care. The cats should always have access to clean water, food should be provided either all the time or at regular intervals, and the cat should have somewhere safe and warm to sleep. Providing the cat with enrichment opportunities such as play help them thrive better. Some cats may require grooming, we will advise you as best we can. The cat should not be left alone for long periods of time.

For veterinary appointments, the cat/s must be held in secure containers to and from the appointment.

We require you to send updates about the foster cat and pictures for our posts and website. We endeavour to rehome cats as quickly as we can and you play a massive part in us assessing the cat. The information you can provide about the cat helps us to rehome it to the most suitable home.

Fostering FAQ

& what to expect

Do potential owners visit the cat at my house?

Let us know whether you feel comfortable (or not!) with potential owners visiting the foster cat at your home and/or you completing the adoption process (handing the cat over to the new owners. The paperwork must always be done prior to the cat being handed over – you will not be expected to sort the paperwork).

What do I do if I have any problems whilst fostering?

If you notice anything untoward with the cat medically or behaviourally you MUST notify us immediately.

What our (incredibly kind) fosterers say...

”I fostered for Minnie's Haven Cat Rescue for the first time last year, having fostered for many other rescues over the years. The support offered in terms of practical help and emotional support was second to none. From the very beginning I had confidence that if I needed anything, it wasn’t a problem, from respite if I needed a break, to vet checks if I was worried about the kittens I was looking after. Nothing was too much trouble. The team members are approachable, sensible and really good at helping to make what are often difficult decisions. If you’re going to foster for any charity, I would rate Minnie’s Haven so highly. Don’t hesitate to help!"

- Sue

”I only recently started fostering for Minnie’s Haven however we have adopted 2 boys from the charity.

We initially fostered a pair of young cats who came on brilliantly and they are now in their forever home being spoilt!

We soon realised the pressure on rescues to help cats of various ages and conditions.

Unfortunately we have seen a cat too young to mother kittens she is not able to provide for. Every avenue was explored however trying the babies on another new mother was the last option. One baby died the next day and we saved the other little baby for another 25 days before she passed. The babies didn’t deserve this. They were showered in love in the short time we had them. It is heartbreaking seeing some of the poorly and neglected cats but also heartwarming when you see progress. Even the tiniest step in the right direction is celebrated!

Fostering is so rewarding, get in touch with the charity if you have space in your home and your heart to bring a cat on so they are ready for their forever home!

My only message is to neuter your pets. Kittens are cute but when they are so weak they pass away in your hands it’s too cruel! Please consider the costs associated with keeping a cat happy and healthy for its entire life.”

- Leanne

”I first came across Minnies through social media posts asking for fosterers because so many cats urgently needed temporary homes. I remember thinking it was sad there was such a big problem, but as someone who wasn’t really a “cat person”, I didn’t imagine I’d ever get involved. At the time, I was far too busy trying to keep a 4 year old alive to even consider adding anything else into the mix.

Then that same 4 year old started asking for a pet. A dog was a definite no. A hamster… absolutely not. That’s when I remembered the posts about fostering and realised it might be the perfect middle ground, almost like a “try before you buy” without the long‑term commitment. Minnies made the whole process feel supported and manageable from day one. They’re always there with advice, reassurance, and a sense of community that makes you feel like you’re never doing this alone.

Fostering is hard work. There’s no sugar‑coating that. These cats come with stories, some of them heartbreaking, and you feel the weight of wanting to make everything better for them. But the moment they start to trust you, even just a little, something shifts. You realise you’re giving them more than food and shelter. You’re giving them safety. You’re giving them a chance to start again.

We’re now on our fourth placement since August, currently fostering three wild little ginger boys, and honestly, I can’t remember life BC (before cats). The house is louder, messier, and somehow softer all at once. Each cat arrives carrying whatever they’ve been through, and watching them slowly relax, play, and show who they really are… it’s emotional in a way I never expected.

One of the most beautiful parts has been watching our daughter grow through this. She’s learned how to be gentle, how to be patient, how to respect an animal’s boundaries. She’s learned that love isn’t just cuddles, sometimes it’s giving space, sometimes it’s cleaning up, sometimes it’s sitting quietly so a nervous cat feels brave enough to come closer. She’s also learned so much about responsibility and empathy, and seeing her bond with each foster has been really special.

Fostering with Minnies has brought so much into our home: chaos, cuddles, laughter, and the satisfaction of knowing we’re helping change the lives of animals who truly deserve better.

If you’re even slightly considering it, I’d say give it a go. You don’t have to be a cat person — I wasn’t — but you might just find, like we did, that your home feels a little fuller (and furrier) in the best possible way. It’s shown us how much difference an ordinary family can make. These cats don’t need perfection, they just need someone willing to open the door and say, “You’re safe now.” And with Minnies behind you every step of the way, you’ll never feel unsupported. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made, and I’m grateful for every little paw that’s passed through our door.”

- Emma

”I was aware of the amazing work done by Minnie's Cat Haven through a friend and I followed them on social media for a while. In October, I lost my beautiful 16 year old cat Uncle Bob to renal disease. A couple of months later, while still not ready to adopt a new cat, I saw a call-out for fosterers on Minnie's Facebook page and responded.

The first cats I had were Rosie and Rory. It was lovely to have cats in the house again. Minnie's provided everything they needed and I got to see them gradually become more confident and loving. They accepted my dog and slept with my teenage girls at night. They're now settled in their forever home and I hear are doing well.

My current foster is Melody. She arrived as a beautiful, very young, friendly pregnant queen. I feel so privileged to have been able to care for Melody and see her kittens come into the world, all with constant support from Minnie's. It was sad to see a cat so young go through so much, unnecessarily due to neglect, and there were some challenges as a result. However, she and two kittens are doing well. The kittens and Melody are an absolute joy and we shower them with love.

Fostering has been incredibly rewarding. I do expect to adopt again, but I will continue fostering. I absolutely recommend giving it a go. You will be well supported and matched with a cat or cats that fits with you and your situation. The Minnie's community have been welcoming and so helpful when I've had questions or concerns. If you think you might be able to help a cat in need, please do get in touch.”

- Jackie

”I’ve been fostering for Minnie’s for eight months now. At first, I was a bit worried since I already have two cats of my own, but the team has supported me every step of the way. The foster cats stay in a separate room, and the only one my cats have met is my “foster fail,” who has now become a permanent member of our family.

Contrary to what I initially expected, keeping them separate has actually been a really positive experience. It gives the foster cat time to decompress, and it allows you to build a strong bond of trust and friendship with them, without taking anything away from your own pets.

The team is always just a message away and provides everything your foster cat might need. Saying goodbye to your first foster is definitely the hardest part, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see them thriving in their new home.

Fostering has been such a fulfilling experience, especially after a long or busy day at work. It’s truly lovely to foster for Minnie’s, and with so many cats in need, you can see firsthand the difference you’re making in their lives, they really do appreciate it. There’s nothing better than opening the door and being greeted with their excitement to see you.”

- Alessandra

”I chose to foster because I love cats, but can't afford one myself at the moment. Fostering with Minnie's means that I can have daily cat cuddles, whilst they very kindly take care of all the costs. The team are fantastic and help with any questions or concerns, no matter how small. I've fostered 20 cats now, and I absolutely love it. It's become a huge part of my life.”

- Rachel

”I've always loved cats and spent my childhood trying to force my aunties Siamese cats to love me whenever I visited. That was before I realised cats set the rules.

I got my first cat Minnie during COVID and a couple of years later much to her dismay her sister Roo joined us. When we lost Minnie suddenly last summer I was devastated and although they weren't bonded Roo seemed quite depressed too. I knew I wanted a friend for Roo but couldn't bear the thought of 'replacing' Minnie so soon. I'd thought about fostering before and when I came across Minnie's Haven it seemed like fate, what better way to remember my Minnie than by helping other cats in need.

I fostered my first cat in September 2025 and since then I've helped 9 cats, including Phoebe who we adopted, we knew from day 1 she was staying, although with each foster cat there's a little bit of me that's thought we could just keep them if they don't find a home. I've had a lot of the older cats,who deserve a new home just as much as the cuddly kittens, and make such good company, they usually just want to sit on your knee and cuddle. I use my home office as my foster room, they never meet my own cats, but invariably they know each other are there. It means I can spend my working hours with the foster cat, they get used to my presence, hear my voice and can engage with me if they want.

Not all foster cats come ready to be adopted from day one, sometimes they are poorly or have wounds that need to heal, quite often their emotions need regulating, they can love you one minute and hate you the next. The nervous, scared ones may go into hiding for a few days and then it's an anxious wait until they eat sometimes or use their litter tray Sometimes it can take an age to find a good they like eating or a treat or toy that will finally coax them down from a safe hiding spot. But when they curl up on your knee or make biscuits on your chest and fall asleep purring it's a wonderful thing and I love them like they are my own, whether they are with me for a week or a few months.

The support and dedication from everyone at Minnie’s Haven is truly inspiring. The team celebrates every success, whether it’s a cat finding their forever home or simply taking their first steps toward trust. They also carry the emotional weight together when things don’t go as hoped, always ensuring that every cat experiences love and care, no matter how long they are with us.

Fostering has given me the opportunity to make a real difference, not just in the lives of the cats, but in my own life too. It’s not always easy, there are challenges, and sometimes it feels like there is always more to be done, but it is always worthwhile.”

- Suzanne

Interested in Fostering?

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Registered charity: 1207158

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