Fostering Animals: The Benefits for Cats and Kittens in Your Community
Hey Y’all,
You are probably reading this if you have read my book, Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens. Or maybe you came across a fun infographic I shared on social media and you wanted to learn more information about fostering. Thank you for being here to learn more about our cat community and how you can make a difference. I focus on cats in my blog, because my books are about cats. Fostering can be about many kinds of animals.
Terri
“‘Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens’ is a beautifully written story about the impact fostering kittens can have on everybody involved. This story is a wonderful way to explain the fostering process to young children and is filled with fun information and delightful pictures.”
What is fostering animals?
“Fostering is volunteering to provide temporary care for a pet in need. You may be most familiar with fostering as something people do for a shelter or rescue organization, but you can also volunteer to care for the pets of other people, such as friends and neighbors.”
Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
Fostering animals is a vital and heartwarming practice that involves temporarily caring for animals in need until they can be permanently placed in a forever home. This selfless act provides a safe and loving environment for animals who may be:
too young
sick
injured
in need of socialization
By taking in a foster cat, you are providing a safe and loving environment for a vulnerable animal that may have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Fostering not only saves lives but also helps to reduce overcrowding in shelters and gives animals a better chance at finding a loving family.
What is the difference between fostering and adopting?
Fostering animals is temporary. Anything from a few days to a few months. Sometimes you have a definite end date if someone has already committed to adopting the animal but can’t do it until a certain date, but the shelter needs the space. Or sometimes, they have a transport vehicle scheduled to take a group of animals to a different city for a variety of reasons and the animals need a temporary stay until that scheduled date.
Adopting animals is permanent. For the rest of the animal’s life. Adopting can be a result of fostering (nicknamed foster fail) but is often from seeing the animal online or in the shelter.
The ultimate goal of fostering is to find each animal a loving and permanent adoptive home.
What are the benefits of fostering animals?
Lessen the Overcrowding of Shelters
Socialization and Behavioral Training
Health and Wellness Care
Building Trust and Bonding
Smooth Transition to Permanent Homes
Lessen the Overcrowding of Shelter
Overcrowding in animal shelters is a serious issue that can lead to stress, illness, and even euthanasia of animals due to lack of space and resources. Fostering is a win-win situation for both the animals and the shelters.
Socialization and Behavioral Training
Foster families introduce these cats to household routines, human interaction, and other animals, helping them to adjust and become more comfortable with their surroundings. They also work on behavioral training, such as teaching cats to use a litter box and scratch on appropriate surfaces.
Health and Wellness Care
This includes providing regular meals, grooming, administering medications if needed, and monitoring for any signs of illness or other issues. Foster families help ensure that the cats are in good physical condition and receive any necessary veterinary care before being adopted.
Building Trust and Bonding
By providing affection, attention, and playtime, foster families show cats that humans can be loving and trustworthy companions. This helps the cats become more social, affectionate, and ready to form new relationships with their adoptive families.
Additionally, fostering helps to reduce the stress and anxiety that cats may experience in a shelter environment. Cats are territorial animals who often feel overwhelmed in a busy shelter setting. By placing them in a quiet, home environment, fosters can help these cats relax, heal, and build their confidence, making them more adoptable in the long run.
Smooth Transition to Permanent Homes
The ultimate goal of foster families is to prepare cats for adoption and help them transition smoothly into their new homes. Fosters also provide valuable insights that can help match the animal with the perfect adoptive family. Fostered cats are more likely to adapt quickly to their new environment, exhibit positive behaviors, and form strong bonds with their new families.
Education and Awareness
By sharing your fostering journey on social media or with friends and family, you are able to shed light on homeless animals and the impact that individuals can have in making a difference. Through your advocacy, you may inspire others to consider fostering or adopting from shelters, ultimately contributing to the larger goal of reducing the number of animals in need of homes.
“I think the biggest benefit of foster programs is that the organizations is able to engage with their community in a really meaningful way, which leads to better animal care, more positive outcomes for pets, a stronger supporter base, and a more connected community.
Over the last hundred years, advances in science have made it obvious that institutionalization, in all its forms, just doesn’t work for humans. There’s been a massive movement away from institutions like orphanages and hospitals. Industries are moving toward home-based and patient-centered models of care that considers each person as an individual with unique needs and wants.
What we’re learning is that institutionalization also doesn’t work for animals either. Moving toward a system that relies more heavily on foster care is not only possible, but safe, more humane, and less costly.”
Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
Plus, for selfish reasons, fostering helps you too!
Fostering cats can have numerous emotional benefits for the fosterer. Studies have shown that interacting with animals, such as cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Caring for a cat can provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which can improve mental well-being.
One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering cats is witnessing their transformation and growth. From scared and traumatized cats to confident and loving companions, seeing the positive impact of their care and attention can be incredibly fulfilling.
Involving children in the car of animals increases their compassion for animals. They are more likely to take on more responsibility when they are involved in the decision process.
Fostering allows people to experience the joys of pet ownership without the long-term commitment, making it an ideal option for those who may not be ready for a permanent pet.
How to start the fostering process?
Begin by researching local animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area. Many of their websites have the fostering details including requirements and the application process.
Many shelters and rescue organizations require potential foster caregivers to attend an orientation session and training to familiarize them with the fostering process, basic cat care, and any specific protocols or guidelines. This can vary greatly depending on each organization.
Your home usually won’t dictate IF you can foster, just which animal you can foster. A smaller apartment with no yard can handle a litter of kittens (which don’t require much space), as opposed to a large dog. Most shelters and rescue organizations have a range of pets in need and can help you find the perfect animal for your needs.
How to become a successful cat foster parent?
As a cat foster parent, you have the opportunity to give a temporary home to cats in need, help them heal and ultimately find their forever homes. However, being a successful cat foster parent requires dedication, knowledge, and compassion.
1. Understand the Responsibilities
Fostering a cat involves providing food, water, shelter, socialization, and any necessary medical care. Additionally, you may need to attend adoption events, take the cat to veterinary appointments, and communicate regularly with the rescue organization.
2. Prepare Your Home
Create a safe and comfortable space for the foster cat in your home.
Create a safe, quiet, dedicated area with a sturdy food dish, water dish changed daily, and a cozy bed. The litter box should be in the corner and scoop it daily. It is recommended to have one litter box per cat, plus even one extra.
Providing a stimulating environment will help the cat adjust and thrive in your care. A variety of cat toys, a scratching post, and a cat tree are good to have, as well as a hiding spot like a cardboard box that they can retreat to.
Ensure that your home is cat-proofed to prevent any accidents or escapes.
3. Establish a Routine
Cats thrive on routine, so it's essential to establish a schedule for feeding, playtime, grooming, and cuddling. Consistency will help the cat feel secure and encourage good behavior. Stick to a regular feeding schedule and provide mental and physical enrichment to keep the cat happy and healthy.
4. Socialize and Bond
Building a strong bond with the foster cat is key to their well-being and successful integration into a permanent home. Spend quality time with the cat, engage in interactive play, and provide affection and attention. Socializing the cat with people and other animals, if appropriate, will help them become more adaptable and adoptable.
5. Monitor Health and Behavior
Look out for signs of illness, stress, or behavioral issues, and consult with a veterinarian or behaviorist if needed. Regularly groom the cat, trim their nails, and check for any changes in appetite or litter box habits. Providing preventive care and addressing any concerns promptly is essential for the cat's well-being.
6. Communicate with the Rescue Organization
Update them on the cat's progress, any health or behavior concerns, and any potential adoption interest. Ask for guidance or support when needed and follow their guidelines for adoption procedures.
Like in my book, Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens, you should take regular pictures and write updates on your fosters to help their info get out there so they can get adopted.
7. Be Prepared for Goodbyes
Goodbyes can be bittersweet. Be prepared for the emotional aspect of fostering and take comfort in knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of the cats you have cared for. Celebrate their successful adoption and be open to fostering more cats in the future.
How are orphaned kittens unique?
In Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens, the family fosters three orphaned kittens. I couldn’t get into all of the details in a picture books, so I wanted to include more detailed information here.
Without a mother to care for them, tiny orphaned felines require special attention and care to ensure their survival and well-being.
1. Physical Needs
Kittens cannot regulate their body temperature effectively when they are young, so it is essential to provide them with a warm and cozy environment. A heating pad set on low, a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, or a snuggly blanket can help keep orphaned kittens warm.
Young kittens require round-the-clock feeding every 2-3 hours, including throughout the night. It is crucial to feed them a kitten milk replacer formula that is specially designed for their nutritional needs. Proper hydration is also essential, as dehydration can quickly become a life-threatening issue for orphaned kittens.
https://animalpath.org/homemade-kitten-formula/
2. Emotional Needs
Orphaned kittens may experience feelings of fear, confusion, and insecurity due to the sudden loss of their mother. Providing them with comfort, love, and security is crucial for their emotional well-being. Hold and cuddle as much as you want..
Socialization is also vital for orphaned kittens to develop into well-adjusted and sociable cats. Encourage gentle interactions with humans and other animals to help orphaned kittens build confidence and trust.
3. Health Needs
Orphaned kittens are more susceptible to health issues due to their fragile and underdeveloped immune systems. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their growth and development and address any health concerns promptly. Orphaned kittens may require additional vaccinations, deworming, and parasite prevention to ensure their optimal health.
Proper hygiene is also essential to keep orphaned kittens healthy. Regularly clean their living space, litter box, and feeding utensils to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. It is essential to monitor their eating habits, bowel movements, and overall demeanor to detect any health problems early.
Conclusion
Understanding the needs of orphaned kittens is crucial for providing them with the care and support they require to thrive. By addressing their physical, emotional, and health needs, we can help orphaned kittens grow into healthy, happy, and well-adjusted cats. With proper care, attention, and love, we can give orphaned kittens the second chance they deserve in life.
“Nursing kittens are one of the most vulnerable populations in a shelter for several reasons. Their immune systems haven’t fully developed yet, so they’re more susceptible to illnesses they may encounter in a shelter. Shelters are stressful for pets, and stress can further inhibit their immune systems. Nursing kittens need to be fed every few hours depending on their age, and not all kittens come into the shelter with their moms. Since most shelters are only staffed during the day, these kittens must go to foster homes in order to receive the care they need. Additionally, young kittens are in a critical period of their social development, when they need to be getting accustomed to handling by humans and life in a home, not experiencing life in a kennel.”
Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
What about fostering cats with medical issues?
Cats with medical issues often require additional care, attention, and resources to thrive, but with the right support and dedication, they can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Special needs cats encompass a wide range of conditions, including chronic health issues, physical disabilities, behavioral challenges, and emotional trauma. Some common medical issues that special needs cats may face include diabetes, kidney disease, mobility impairments, blindness, and neurological disorders. These cats often require specialized care, such as medication administration, regular veterinary visits, and assistance with daily activities like grooming and feeding.
Tips for Fostering Special Needs Cats:
1. Educate yourself about the specific needs and requirements of the cat you are fostering, including their medical condition, dietary restrictions, and recommended care protocols.
2. Create a safe and comfortable environment for the cat, with easy access to food, water, litter boxes, and any necessary accommodations for their mobility or disabilities.
3. Develop a routine for feeding, medication administration, grooming, and playtime to help the cat feel secure and supported.
4. Consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance on managing the cat’s medical issues and addressing any behavioral challenges.
5. Be patient, compassionate, and understanding with the cat, recognizing that they may require extra time and support to adjust to their new environment and build trust with their caregiver.
Challenges of Fostering Special Needs Cats:
a commitment to providing tailored and consistent care, as well as the willingness to accommodate the cat’s specific needs and limitations
the financial costs associated with medical treatments and veterinary care
the emotional challenges of supporting a cat with ongoing health issues
Benefits of Fostering Special Needs Cats:
provide them with the love, attention, and support they need to thrive, while also experiencing the profound joy of seeing them overcome obstacles and flourish in a caring environment
give the specialized care and attention they need to thrive, increasing their chances of being successfully adopted in the future.
What are the costs of fostering animals?
Fostering animals can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both the foster parent and the furry friend in need. However, while the emotional benefits are priceless, there are certain costs associated with fostering animals. From food and medical expenses to basic supplies and grooming, the financial aspect of fostering should not be overlooked.
While some foster programs provide absolutely everything (food, toys, litter, medical, etc.), others may only offer medical assistance. Even if you signed up to foster through a program that provides everything, if you can afford it, you should at least provide the basic essentials like food, litter and toys. Rescue and foster groups mostly rely on donations, and if you can provide for your foster animals, that means it doesn’t pull away from other fosters who can’t provide.
Food- Quality nutrition is essential for the animal’s health and wellbeing.
Medical expenses- While many rescue organizations cover the cost of medical exams, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering, foster parents may still need to pay for medications, treatments, and emergency veterinary care. These expenses can add up quickly, especially if the foster animal has pre-existing health conditions or requires special medical attention.
Basic supplies (bedding, litter, toys, and grooming supplies)- These items provide comfort and entertainment for the animals, helping them adjust to their new environment and feel at home. While some rescue organizations may provide basic supplies, foster parents should be prepared to purchase additional items as needed to meet the specific needs of their foster pet.
Transportation (veterinary appointments, adoption events, or meet-and-greets with potential adopters)
Always ask your foster program which costs you will be responsible for before committing.
Can I foster if I already have pets?
For regular fosters, having other animals in the house can be really helpful by being a good model for how to be a pet. There is usually a 2-week suggested period before introducing fosters to your pets to make sure there’s nothing contagious the foster animal will spread.
How the foster animal gets along with other animals is important to share with the organization for when looking for an adoptive family.
For fosters with medical issues, they will probably need to be kept separately from your pets.
In my book, Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens, the family has two pet cats. They slowly introduce their cats to the three foster kittens by letting them sniff their blanket. The very young kittens stay in a secure area in Mom’s bedroom at night.
Is fostering cats right for me?
Fostering cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for animal lovers looking to make a positive impact on the lives of these furry companions. However, before jumping into fostering, it is essential to consider various factors to determine if it is the right fit for you.
time commitment (daily care, feeding, grooming, and socialization, as well as possible veterinarian appointments, administer medication, and attend adoption events to help them find their forever homes)
financial commitment (at least some supplies will come out of your pocket)
patience and compassion (be understanding and willing to work to help cat overcome their past traumas and become loving and adoptable pets)
emotionally challenging (saying goodbye to a cat that you have bonded with and cared for can be difficult)
Fostering animals is a compassionate and impactful way to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. By opening their hearts and homes to these furry friends, fosters provide them with a second chance at a happy and healthy life. Whether fostering for a few days, weeks, or months, the impact of this act of kindness can be life-changing for both the animals and the foster families involved.
How can I help if I can’t foster cats?
You can support fostering in other ways besides fostering. Follow foster groups on social media and share their posts to help them, donate supplies or money, volunteer to help transport animals to or from vet visits, and help out at adoption events.
“As Executive Director of one of the oldest foster based rescue organizations dating back to 1952, I see firsthand the life-saving impact fostering has. This little book has great potential to save and change the lives of not just cats but those children whose hearts and minds will open to caring for our feline friends on a much deeper level. Fostering promotes and teaches compassion, empathy, and that there is something bigger than just us. It also teaches the power of love. These important life lessons are exemplified in this beautifully written heartfelt story. Thank you, Terri, for this book!”
Extra fostering information provided by Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
All of the episodes of the "Why We Foster" podcast are sooooo good, but in their 4th episode, "The Rise of Pet Fostering: a 200 Year History" does an amazing job of explaining why pets need fostering
How far can fostering go? (article)
Five undeniable signs that fostering really is the future of animal welfare (blog)
During my research for this book, I came across this cute video. Top 10 reasons to foster cats https://youtu.be/zfpY35NxS4s