My name is Leyla and I work as the Cat Foster Coordinator at Mayhew so I am very familiar with all the processes of Fostering here! I have worked in the Animal Rescue Industry for just over 6 years now, and still my admiration grows for all the work, love and dedication that Fosterers put into these animals. I have hand-reared kittens throughout the years, and each time it never fails to be an absolute joy. Yes, it’s hard work. And yes, it can be a challenge. But what better challenge (and cuter challenge!) than helping these babies in their first critical stages of life?

My most recent Fostering experience was when we had a litter of kittens who came in early February and were sadly being rejected by their mother. They came from a multi-cat household and it was a difficult start in life. As I am the person who always appoints Fosterers to our cats, I was on the search for someone to take them. Unfortunately, at the time, all our hand-rearers were not available. I knew straight away that I had to take them home with me. Without a doubt, this is one of the most rewarding and joyful experiences I’ve had! Seeing their little personalities shine through whilst also helping to socialise them in their earliest stages has an undeniable impact on them for life- and to be a part of that journey is a beautiful thing. They went from barely walking and waddling around to having the zoomies every day! From having to be syringe and bottle fed to lapping up any of the food in their bowl. From walking over to you curiously to wanting to cuddle up in your arms and on your lap. From not knowing who you are to greeting you with a run and meows of excitement! There is nothing more rewarding than forming bonds with cats and seeing them trust and love you back. The hardest part about Fostering is saying goodbye- but just knowing that you have made that difference is something you will take with you for life (and they will too!).

Being in very close contact with the Fosterers, I see so many different cats going into Foster. From old cats needing more medical care, to mums with kittens, to hand rears and then cats who are not coping in the Cattery with behavioural requirements. The daily work and love that I see the Fosterers put into these little beings gives me faith in humanity and is such a privilege to witness! I have witnessed cats who are too timid to approach anyone here becoming lap cats in their Foster Home, and mum cats having the comfort of being able to give birth in a home rather than a Cattery. It’s not an easy job, but it’s well worth the reward- and if you love cats, there’s no better love to give than changing their lives for the better.