CAT FOSTERING INDOOR ONLY POLICY

At Out of the Woods Rescue Melbourne Ltd (OOTW), the safety and wellbeing of our rescue cats are paramount. All cats in foster care must be kept strictly indoors only, with no free-roaming outdoor access permitted.

Why indoor-only for foster cats?

  • Safety from injury and death: outdoor environments expose cats to risks such as road traffic, attacks from dogs or other animals, poisoning, and accidents
  • Disease prevention: outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting diseases such as FIV, FeLV, and parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms, which can be passed to other animals in care
  • Biosecurity and quarantine: many of our foster cats are in quarantine or have unknown health histories. Keeping them indoors is essential for controlling disease spread within the foster network
  • Local wildlife protection: cats are natural hunters and pose a significant threat to native wildlife, especially birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
  • Legal responsibility: foster carers are responsible for any damage or injury caused by cats in their care. Indoor housing reduces liability risks.

Permitted outdoor access

  • Enclosed cat runs/catios: secure outdoor enclosures attached to a home or freestanding are permitted if they fully prevent escape or contact with other animals. Foster carers will be asked to provide photos of their outdoor enclosures during their initial application to foster with OOTW.
  • Harness and leash supervision: Cats may be taken outdoors on a harness and leash, under strict supervision and in a safe, enclosed area.

Non-compliance

Foster carers found to be allowing cats unsupervised outdoor access will be in breach of their foster agreement. The following actions will be taken:

  • all OOTW cats will be immediately removed from the foster carer’s home
    the foster carer will be placed on probation
  • the foster carer may present their case to the board at the next scheduled board meeting if they wish to continue fostering
  • the case will be heard and voted on by the board to determine if the individual can remain part of the OOTW.

This policy exists to ensure the safety of our cats and maintain the highest standard of care within our rescue.

Approved by OOTW board: 12/06/2025
Policy last updated: June 2025