Guide To Fostering Cats

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Fostering cats gives a great deal of satisfaction. One of the best gifts you can give a homeless animal is a safe, loving home. Fostering a cat is a great way to enrich a pet’s life. While also helping your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue.

Even if it’s not the ideal time to acquire a new furry buddy.

 

Cat in a new home
Cat in a new home

Why Do Cats Need Foster Care?

Every animal in need of assistance cannot always be taken in by shelters. 3.2 million cats visit American animal shelters each year. Making it clear how crowded these facilities may get.

There’s a cat breeding season, which typically runs from March through October. It adds to the problem of overpopulation.

Fostering has a role in this. Volunteers help shelters temporarily house some of these animals. This frees up space for them to keep more acceptable animals. If they need additional space, some organizations may even permit fosterers to take multiple pets. Cats that are fostered are also socialized and prepared for their forever homes. Many of these cats and kittens have never met people. So giving them a loving home helps acquaint them with people and family life.

 

 

What Does Fostering a Cat Mean?

The health of the cat and giving it the resources it needs to thrive in its new home should come first. This is when you decide to take care of an adoptable cat.

You should care for the animal as if it were your own pet during the fostering phase. This can last anywhere between two weeks and several months. Learning about a kitten’s or cat’s personality while they are in foster care will be helpful.

Additionally, you must isolate the foster cat away from your other pets in a secure space that cannot escape.

Your animal companions should be well-vaccinated and, ideally, have calm dispositions. Adoptable cats shouldn’t be matched with jealous or hostile pets.

Especially if the feline is wary of other animals or hasn’t spent much time among them.

Expect to transport the foster cat for routine exams to their shelter or rescue.

What Sets Fostering Cats and Adoption Apart?

Adoption can be the preferable option if you want to give a furry buddy a forever home and have the time to do so. You will have the choice of several cats. Allowing you to carefully select the ideal canine family member. Additionally, adopting a cat permanently frees up a slot at the shelter or rescue for another animal.

On the other side, fostering is a more adaptable technique to assist an adoptable animal. This option is extremely cost-effective. Because many shelters and rescues cover vet costs. Plus they don’t charge fosterers to bring pets home. Fostering can help those who have never owned a cat learn about pet care. And determine whether having a cat will fit into their long-term goals.

However, you might not get to choose which cat you want. And it might be difficult to say goodbye if you’ve grown attached emotionally. Therefore, if you’re thinking of cat fostering, you need to be in the appropriate state of mind.

Are You Ready For Fostering Cats?

Although you might be enticed to begin fostering right away, it’s crucial to make sure you’re ready to welcome a new cat home. Take into account:

Family members Everyone living in your home should help in cat fostering. Ensure that your entire family is on board with this commitment and ready to welcome a kitten. Supplies

 

Before bringing a foster pet home, you’ll need to buy a number of things.

Including food, snacks, toys, a blanket, kitty litter, and a litter box, a water bowl. A feeding bottle, a scratching post, and a carrier.

As was already mentioned, your foster cat will require their own room to eat, sleep, and play. Make sure there is enough space for the cat and your other pets.

 

Time

All pets require love and care. Particularly foster animals. So make sure you have enough free time to take care of all the furry members of your household. Additionally, make sure the duration of the fostering time works with your schedule.

Patience is a virtue because your new cat will probably require some time to figure out how to use a litter box and what habits are appropriate. Consider the virtue of patience!

Next steps in fostering cats

You need to contact your neighborhood shelter or rescue as soon as you determine it’s time to foster a cat. You will be required to complete a fostering application for this organization. Which may include your contact information. If your application is accepted, you can begin fostering right away!

The shelter or rescue will provide assistance in selecting the ideal cat for your residence and will provide information on the length of the fostering term. They inform you of any particular obligations you have, such as taking the cat to the vet on a regular basis.

 

fostering cats
A fostered cat

What Other Ways Can I Help Animals That Need Homes?

There are other ways besides adopting an adult cat or kitten to assist animal welfare. To find out about volunteer opportunities, and other fantastic ways to help.

Follow your local shelter on social media and pay attention to their profiles. Point out a local rescue group where a friend or relative can adopt a new pet if they are thinking about getting one. Of course, getting a cat yourself is a fantastic way to help a stray animal!

The hardest aspect of fostering a cat may be saying goodbye. People frequently decide to adopt the cat they’ve been caring for, and many shelters are happy to do so. Whatever your route, fostering will provide you the chance to contribute to the happy, healthy, and satisfying life of a loving animal.

 

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