MARIE’S STORY
Why Foster
Many kittens are abandoned, orphaned, or born in colonies and need extra attention and care. Foster carers provide a safe and loving environment where these vulnerable animals can grow, develop, and prepare for their forever homes.
A Life-Changing Experience
One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering is watching frightened, fragile kittens transform into healthy, confident cats. Seeing a kitten learn to trust people, play, and thrive brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment and joy.
Helping Young Mothers and Their Kittens
Fostering also helps kittens born to very young mother cats who may not know how to care for their babies. Foster carers can provide the individual attention and support that helps kittens grow stronger and increases their chances of finding loving homes.
A Happy Goodbye
Although saying goodbye can be emotional, it is also a celebration. It means the kittens are moving on to permanent homes where they can enjoy happy, healthy lives. Knowing you helped give them the best possible start makes fostering a truly meaningful and fulfilling experience.
Every foster home saves lives.
LAUREN’S STORY
I loved fostering because it gave me the opportunity to help animals when they needed it most. Knowing that I could provide a safe, warm place for an animal to recover, relax, and prepare for their forever home was incredibly rewarding.
I had previously adopted a cat from the RSPCA myself, and the joy she brought into my life inspired me to give something back by helping other animals in need.
My most recent foster was a pregnant semi-feral cat. When she first arrived, she was frightened, hungry, and unsure of people. During her first few days she hid away and even tried to escape. With time, patience, and a consistent routine, she slowly began to trust me. Watching her transformation was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
She went on to give birth safely in my home, surrounded by comfort instead of uncertainty. Knowing that her and her kittens had a warm, stress-free environment, during such an important time was incredibly special. With so many sad stories of animals being born into difficulty, I’m glad her kittens never had to experience the hardships so many others face. She may never become a lap cat, but seeing her relaxed, healthy, and no longer struggling to survive on her own is a reward in itself. Even more importantly, her kittens were given the best possible start in life.
Fostering showed me how much of a difference one person can make. Providing food, shelter, and a little patience can completely change an animal’s future. While saying goodbye can be difficult, knowing that they are moving on to loving, forever homes makes it all worthwhile.
If you’re considering fostering, I would absolutely recommend it. You may be giving an animal a second chance, but they will give you just as much in return. You don’t have to change the world for every animal you just have to change the world for one.
MICHELLE’S STORY
My name is Michelle. I’ve been fostering cats and kittens with the roscommon spca for a few years now.
As a former veterinary nurse, volunteering with the Roscommon SPCA has been a really rewarding way to use my skills and help animals in need.
My role involved providing a safe and comfortable home environment, monitoring their health, helping them settle into a routine, and giving them the socialisation they needed to build confidence around people.
One of the most enjoyable parts of fostering was seeing nervous or frightened cats gradually come out of their shells. One or 2 may have stayed with me ! Some arrived stressed and unsure of their surroundings, but with patience, consistency, and plenty of care, they learned to trust again.
As a veterinary nurse, I was able to monitor their wellbeing closely, recognise any health concerns early, and support their recovery when needed.
A highlight for me is fostering these young kittens who where 5 days old and needing bottle feeding when they arrived, being able to watch them grow and see their characters grow over the last few weeks is such a joy.Watching the animals i foster go on to find loving forever home is incredibly satisfying and reminds me why fostering is so important.
Volunteering with the Roscommon SPCA has allowed me to teach my children passion for animals, their welfare and teach them valuable skills they’ll keep with them forever. My son is helping with feeding these little kittens and it is a very rewarding job for him.
