Flint Cat Sitting 
It's no secret that animal shelters are often overwhelmed and face challenges in accommodating every cat in need of assistance; This is particularly evident during kitten season when numerous unwanted cats are left pregnant and abandoned. The kittens must remain with their mother for the first few months until they are old enough to receive vaccinations and be spayed or neutered. The initial months of a kitten's life are crucial for their development and future well-being.
It is essential for them to be exposed to various people, sounds, scents, and experiences during this period so that they can adapt to living happily and confidently in the human world. Kittens are more likely to have positive early experiences in a home environment rather than in a rescue facility. Through fostering, Sarah Walker, the owner of The Cat Butler in Flintshire, provides young families with a safe and nurturing environment, allowing the kittens to socialise and learn by interacting with her family and the human world until they are ready for their fur-ever homes.
Sarah said:
"After losing our 19-year-old cat, Humbug, a few years ago, my family decided not to get another cat due to health concerns in the family. We had been without a cat for some time, but I missed the companionship they offer. After researching online, I learned about the need for foster carers to help ease the burden on animal rescue centres. Since we didn't have a cat at home and had spare room, I was in the perfect position to apply to become a foster parent."
"My fostering journey began with a call to North Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR) in Trelogan, Flintshire, North Wales. A kind lady provided me with all the necessary information about fostering. Following that, I had a home inspection to ensure that the space for the foster cats was suitable. A few days later, I went to NCAR to pick up my first foster family - proud mom Cadbury and her 7-week-old kittens, Curly Whirly and Picnic. Cadbury had arrived at the centre pregnant a few months earlier. She was unchipped and presumed to be a stray. The vet predicted she was about to give birth, but she delayed and eventually had three kittens - two boys and a girl. Unfortunately, the female kitten didn't survive, but Cadbury proved to be an excellent mother to her sons."
"The cats were transferred to my home, looking confused and nervous. I was informed that Cadbury was friendly, but the kittens were cautious and needed time to trust us. NCAR provided everything necessary to care for them and we loaded up the car. During the drive home, there was complete silence from the carrier. Once we arrived, we prepared the room for the new arrivals. The cats initially hid behind a large vase, observing cautiously. We gave them space to explore and gradually spent more time with them, helping them feel comfortable. As they realised we meant no harm, they became more relaxed."
"Cadbury, the mother, is sweet and affectionate, very friendly, and loves attention and being groomed. The kittens exhibit a playful and curious nature, seizing each chance to investigate their surroundings and gain knowledge through play. Within a mere week of being in our care, the family has displayed increased confidence and comfort in our presence."
"In a few weeks, when Curly Whirly and Picnic are ready for neutering and vaccination, I will have to bid farewell to the little family. It will be a difficult moment, but I recognise that saying goodbye is an essential part of fostering. When the time comes, I will take comfort in knowing that I have positively impacted these animals' lives and equipped them for adoption into caring and loving homes. Moreover, through fostering, I am creating space in the rescue centre to assist other cats in need. I would recommend anyone who has the patience, love, and a spare room in their home to consider fostering and give cats a chance in life."
North Clywd Animal Rescue is a registered animal welfare charity and they exist solely to support and care for and rehome unwanted animals and animals whose owners can no longer keep them. There has never been a greater need for their services. Hard times for humans in the current economic situation mean hard times for pets too. NCAR receive NO government funding and can only continue our work with animals in need due to the people who generously donate, volunteer and work hard at fundraising.
Find out how you can support North Clywd Animal Rescue and help our feline friends in need - Support Us - North Clwyd Animal Rescue (ncar.org.uk)
The Cat Butler
Marconi Way
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL4 0JG
