Every hour you give helps a cat in need.
Rescue is a huge job that involves so much more than fostering. Whether you can open your home, give a few hours of your time, or join in with our raffles, there are plenty of vital ways you can help the cats of Lancashire.
Fostering
Become a lifeline
Fostering provides a safe, warm and temporary sanctuary for cats and kittens. It means a life away from the cold, away from danger, and away from fear.
Fostering gives us the ability to save more cats – it is as simple as that. By opening your heart and your home, you provide a vital bridge between rescue and a cat’s forever home. Whether you are a seasoned cat owner or a first-time carer, we work closely with you to ensure a perfect match.
Tailored to you
Fostering can be as simple as providing food, water and affection until a cat is homed. If you have more time to give, we also have cats that need a little extra patience and socialisation. We match our cats to your lifestyle and experience.
Zero cost to you
You provide the love, and we provide the rest. We cover all expenses, including food, litter, toys, blankets, and any necessary medication or veterinary treatment.
Full support
We’ll do a friendly home check to make sure you’re set up for success, and offer ongoing guidance throughout your fostering journey.
A foster success story
Lilith’s Story
Lilith is a very special girl and a true little warrior who has overcome more than most. She survived FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, but sadly it left her with some permanent damage. Her pancreas was damaged and can no longer produce insulin, meaning Lilith is now diabetic and requires insulin injections twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. She is also a very fussy eater, so making sure she eats enough and keeping her diabetes under control takes careful management and dedication. She has even battled diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication.
Unfortunately, FIP also left lasting damage to her bladder. This means Lilith is prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Her litter tray habits need to be monitored closely so that any signs of infection or discomfort can be picked up quickly. Her daily care involves managing her food, insulin, monitoring her health and keeping a close eye on any changes in her behaviour or toileting. She needs regular veterinary attention and a consistent routine. Thankfully, Lilith has the most wonderful, dedicated foster mum who knows her inside out and makes sure all her needs are met.
What does fostering require?
As a foster carer, we ask you to provide a cat with dedicated care and help them adapt to domestic life. In return, you are quite literally saving a life.
Love and patience
Many of our cats have never been handled. Your calmness and TLC are what help them learn to trust humans.
Vigilance
The first few weeks are crucial. You will be our eyes and ears, monitoring their health, behaviour and unique personality quirks.
Regular updates
We rely on you for photos and information! These updates help us find them the perfect forever home.
The golden rules
To foster for EBC, you must adhere to our terms and conditions. A full list is provided when you get in touch, but our core requirements are:
Strictly indoors
Cats must remain indoors at all times, unless in a pre-approved, secure catio.
Essentials
Fresh food and water must be available at all times.
Hygiene
Keep litter trays, food bowls and living areas clean.
Healthcare
Stay up to date with flea and worm treatments and any prescribed medications.
Family status
Above all, care for and love your fosters as if they were your own beloved pets.
Common questions
Why must cats stay inside?
Our cats are often strays, feral-born, or have health issues. No matter how safe your garden feels, cats can be unpredictable – a loud noise or the scent of a rival cat can cause them to bolt. Because these cats are under the legal care of English Barn Cats, failure to follow this rule will result in the cat being moved and the fostering contract being ended.
Why do I need a spare room?
A spare room protects both the foster cat and your own pets. New arrivals may be ill, timid or defensive, and it gives them a “safe zone” to decompress. If you don’t have a spare room but are experienced with cats, please contact us to discuss your specific layout.
What if I have a dog?
If your dog is cat-friendly and has lived with felines before, you can certainly foster! We usually recommend kittens for homes with dogs, as they often adapt more quickly to a canine companion.
Can you offer a temporary home to a cat in need?
You provide the love – we provide everything else.
Volunteering
Join our volunteer team!
We understand that not everyone is in a position to take a cat into their home. If you have a bit of spare time and a passion for animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you! We’re currently looking for volunteers to help with:
Transport & logistics
If you have access to a car, we need help collecting food and equipment donations from supporters who can’t get to us, plus drivers for vet runs and delivering supplies to our foster carers.
Scanning & field work
Help us reunite lost pets or identify strays. We can provide a microchip scanner and the training needed to scan cats in the community to get them home.
Events & fundraising
Help us raise the vital funds needed for our work. We need friendly faces to run our stalls at car boot sales, tombolas and other in-person events.
Trapping support
Assist our experienced team in humanely trapping feral and stray cats for neutering and health checks.
Ready to make a difference? Fill out our volunteer form to get started. Every hour you give helps a cat in need!
Our raffle page
Weekly cash & prize raffles
We have a Raffle Page on Facebook called ‘English Barn Cats – RAFFLE PAGE’. On there we host raffles, products you can buy, and Furbaby raffles. You’ll also find posts for the weekly EBC lottery draw.
It’s a private group, so please request to join.
Some of the cats you help
