June is Foster a Cat Month: The Just Cats Foster Experience
It’s no surprise that kitten season has already begun! Here at Just Cats, we have been seeing a bunch of very cute kittens come in for their very first exams! This year, our Just Cats affiliate Kathy S. brought a special surprise to our clinic when she visited with feral kittens that she had trapped and rescued. These kittens were in need of much care, love, and of course, a happy home where they could be socialized and tamed.
Just Cats Assistant Grace E. stepped up to the plate when she volunteered to foster two of these kittens. In this blog, she talks about her experience and what it takes to be a foster parent.
“A cat foster parent was something I always wanted to be,” Grace says. She grew up on a farm where she raised many kittens, and always loved to see them grow into big, happy, and healthy cats. “It was no question that I was going to be caring for some of these little kitties when I first saw them. They stole my heart and I knew in an instant that I wanted to help them grow into healthy young cats that would make the perfect addition to someone’s family.”
Grace has been dedicating hours a day to her foster kittens to care for them. From feeding them to cleaning their pack-and-play home, to socializing them, and even getting them accustomed to her adult cat, it is clear a lot of work goes into being a foster parent. “The kittens are always on the prowl for either food or toys. It’s very cute. When I am home to supervise them, I let them out of their pack-and-play to run around and play with my own cat. They all get along great!”
If you are considering being a foster parent to any cat, big or small, Grace offers some advice based on her experience so far:
If you don’t know cats, get to know them! Do some research on how cats socialize, play, and all around live their life. Always have your foster cat checked out by a veterinarian before they go home with you to make sure they are up to date on necessary vaccines, are healthy, and have access to any medical care they may need while in your home.
Give your foster cat their own space, away from stressful household activities and other pets. If they are young and tiny kittens, be sure to keep them in a small closed off space such as a pack-and-play in a quiet room (like the bathroom). This will give them room to stretch their legs until they are ready to explore bigger spaces such as the bedroom or living room.
At first, keep introduction to other people or pets limited. Start with yourself and slowly work in new voices and people. If you have other cats at home and want to eventually introduce them and socialize them, start by putting items that smell like the new cat (such as blankets) in your own cat’s area. Do the same with your cat’s items. Then, slowly introduce them through the door and/or pack-and-play. Never force them to interact if they don’t want to! Give it time.
Handle your foster as much as possible. Get them used to being picked up, handled for medications, and of course, lots of pets and cuddles. Always be ready to play with them!
Use food as a positive association. A cautious foster who steps into a new area should be rewarded. A skittish foster who lets you pick them up should be given a small treat! Food = good.
Make sure you have the time and resources to properly care for your foster. If you are fostering through an organization, always be aware of how to get needed supplies such as food, medications, and litter.
Have connections! Your goal is to give this foster a great temporary home until they can find their forever home. If you are working with an organization or adoption agency, be sure that you have ways to find potential adopters for when your foster is ready!
Never push a foster cat. If you don’t think they are ready for their forever-home, then chances are they are not. Take your time and make sure that they are thoroughly prepared. You will know when they are ready!
Do your best not to fail! It is extremely hard to not get attached (I know)! Think of yourself as a helper to your foster and not their owner. Separate yourself when needed and avoid naming your fosters if they aren’t named already. Nicknames are very helpful! Remember, you can love them and know when to let go at the same time.
Grace hopes that if you are considering being a foster parent to some kitties that her advice will help you in your journey. She has loved the experience so far and is very excited to see what new things come from it.
“I would foster again in a heartbeat,” Grace says. “It is so wonderful to be a part of these cats' lives knowing that they will be going to their forever homes with the proper care and socialization that each cat needs and deserves.”
- - -
Both kittens have been adopted! Thank you for sharing our social posts!
Photo by: Jung Maeng / jung@sajinlife.com
