Meet the Ward Family: Life as a Foster Family for Peterborough Cat Rescue

Are you considering becoming a cat fosterer? Wondering what it’s really like to open your home to cats and kittens in need? The Ward family – Fiona, Chris, Lucy, and Emily – share their heartwarming journey of fostering for Peterborough Cat Rescue, offering a real insight into the joys and rewards of being a cat foster home.

Who Are the Ward Family?

Fiona and Chris are both full-time teachers living in a busy household with their two teenage daughters, Lucy and Emily. Alongside the humans, the home is shared with Cassie the Springer Spaniel and their three beloved cats – Minxy, Pickle, and Cleo.

How Did They Start Fostering Cats?

The family’s fostering journey began thanks to Emily’s lifelong love for cats. As a child, she wanted to help raise money for animal charities but found she was too young to volunteer or collect donations. When a family friend and long-time fosterer, Julie, needed someone to temporarily care for two kittens, the Ward family stepped in to help. They transformed the girls’ playroom into a cozy cat haven, and after just one week with the kittens, they were hooked. That was over three years ago – and they haven’t looked back since.

What’s It Like to Foster Cats and Kittens?

According to the Wards, fostering cats is incredibly rewarding. There’s always a new furry friend ready for love, cuddles, and care.

In the summer months, their home is often filled with playful kittens, bringing endless entertainment. During the quieter winter season, they welcome older cats who are just as affectionate. Each cat has a unique personality, and discovering their quirks is part of the fun.

Peterborough Cat Rescue provides all the essentials – food, litter, cages, and vet support. As fosterers, the Wards focus on giving the cats a safe, loving environment until they find their forever homes. They also support the adoption process by meeting potential adopters and introducing them to the cats when homing days aren’t scheduled.

Over the years, the family has fostered more than 80 cats and kittens, keeping a little journal to track each one’s needs, appointments, and stories.

Isn’t It Hard to Say Goodbye?

Like many fosterers, the Wards are often asked: “How do you give them away?” While it’s never easy to say goodbye, the family finds comfort knowing the cats are going to permanent homes where they’ll be loved and cherished.

And there’s always something new to look forward to – a new arrival, a fresh personality, or even a friendly debate over what to name the next litter (even if the names are sometimes changed by adopters!).

Would They Recommend Fostering?

Absolutely! Fiona and Chris say fostering is “like having your own pets without the expense.” It’s a perfect option for families who want to make a difference and enjoy the company of animals, even with a busy lifestyle. With everyone pitching in to help, fostering has become a fun and fulfilling part of their family life.

Their advice?
“Give it a go! You won’t regret it.”