A Dorset charity is looking for people to foster homeless cats while they wait for their fur-ever homes.

The Blandford and Sturminster Newton Branch of Cats Protection is expanding and in order to facilitate the expansion, the team needs new volunteer fosterers to care for cats.

Area Branch Development Manager Nicola Parry said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the branch to help even more cats locally.

“The team has been supporting the area for many years and is looking to spread its wings a little further but can’t do it alone, that’s where new volunteer fosterers come in, fostering allows cat-lovers to enjoy giving hands-on care to cats without the long-term responsibility of pet ownership.”

Fosterers would be caring for cats in their own home until a new owner can be found, no special equipment would be needed but cat fosterers need to have a spare room - or in some cases the charity can provide a custom-built outdoor pen, where their foster cat can enjoy living safely in a home-from-home.

The branch takes in cats from all backgrounds and at all ages, meaning fosterers might be looking after a ‘senior kitizen’ first and then a mother with her new-born litter of kittens next.

The team are also keen to hear from people with knowledge of fundraising or cat welfare, who would be interested in supporting fosterers in a welfare team leader role.

Nicola said: “We’d also really love to hear from people with cat welfare or fundraising experience to help us support our cats and fosterers or to build the funds needed to back-up the expansion.

“Perhaps somebody with a background in either area who has retired and would like to keep their skills up to date. We can be really flexible and work out what works best for everyone.

“The branch volunteers are a friendly, welcoming group with a real love of helping local cats. Volunteering with them is a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and be part of a truly dedicated group.”

The charity provides everything needed to create a cats’ temporary home, from food, toys and litter to vet care and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at being a fosterer can be found here: http://bit.ly/BeingAFosterer

For more details about the current opportunities at the branch visit www.cats.org.uk/support-us/volunteeropportunities or call 01258 858644.