Shelter appeals for kitty carers

FUR-FILLING and frequently hilarious is the way Pam and Andrew Edwards describe their role as long-term feline foster carers.

The Ballarat Animal Shelter is calling on Ballarat residents aged over 18 to open their hearts and homes to kittens in need by becoming foster carers.

With kitten season well underway and shelter space limited, good foster homes are urgently needed to give young cats the best possible start in life.

“Our Animal Shelter team work incredibly hard to care for vulnerable animals across our city,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves.

“But they simply can’t do it all on their own. Foster carers play a crucial role in helping us give kittens the care, space and individual attention they need.”

Cr Hargreaves said fostering directly supports the shelter’s ability to help more animals.

“By opening your home for even a few weeks, you’re helping free up space at the shelter and giving a kitten the best possible chance to thrive,” she said.

“It’s one of the most practical and rewarding ways the community can get involved.”

Long–term local foster carers, the Edwards know this impact better than most as over the years they have cared for more than 250 kittens, helping shy little scaredy-cats bloom into confident, adoptable cats.

“Who else can say they have never–ending kitten cuddles all year round?” Pam Edwards said.

“We’re often asked how we can afford it and it all comes down to the incredible support from the shelter staff. They provide everything, from food and litter to veterinary care and medication.”

She acknowledged that fostering kitties isn’t always glamorous, but she said it is always worthwhile.

“It’s often messy, smelly, frustrating and, at times, devastating. But it’s also really fulfilling and often hilarious.

“The phrase ‘herding cats’ is truly accurate in our house, and we love that.”

Andrew Edwards said fostering cats is very flexible.

“If life gets busy or we go away, the shelter takes the kittens back with no pressure and no judgement,” he said.

Anyone interested in putting their paw up to become a foster carer is encouraged to contact the Ballarat Animal Shelter for more information.