What Should You Know Before Adopting Foster Kittens?
Fostering kittens is a rewarding experience that can literally save lives. Shelters and rescues are often overwhelmed with neonatal and young kittens, particularly during “kitten season” (typically spring and summer). By opening your home to these vulnerable creatures, you’re providing them with a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive before finding their forever homes. However, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Successfully fostering kittens requires commitment, patience, and a good understanding of their specific needs. So, what should you know before opening your heart and home to these tiny felines?
Understanding the Commitment Involved in Kitten Fostering
Before you even consider bringing foster kittens home, be realistic about the time and energy commitment involved. Young kittens require constant care. Neonatal kittens (under four weeks old) who haven’t been weaned often need bottle feeding every two to four hours, even overnight. This means setting alarms and adjusting your schedule to ensure they receive the nourishment they need.
Older kittens, while less demanding than newborns, still require regular feeding, socialization, and playtime. All kittens, regardless of age, need litter box training and diligent cleaning to prevent messes and maintain hygiene. Be prepared to deal with potential accidents, especially in the early days.
Beyond the daily care, consider the possibility of veterinary visits. Foster kittens may arrive with underlying health issues or develop them during their stay with you. You’ll need to be prepared to transport them to the vet for check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment if necessary. The rescue organization you’re working with should cover most, if not all, of these medical expenses, but your availability to transport them is crucial.
Preparing Your Home for Foster Kittens
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your foster kittens is essential. This starts with designating a separate, easily cleanable space for them. A spare bathroom, laundry room, or even a large dog crate can work well. This isolation helps protect your own pets from potential illnesses carried by the fosters, and vice versa.
Furnishing the space with comfortable bedding, food and water bowls, and a litter box is crucial. Provide plenty of soft blankets and hiding places, such as cardboard boxes or cat tunnels, where the kittens can feel secure. A scratching post is also a good idea for older kittens to redirect their scratching behavior away from your furniture.
Kitten-proof the room thoroughly. Remove any loose wires, toxic plants, or small objects that they might try to chew on. Make sure windows are secure and that there are no escape routes. Remember that kittens are curious and explore everything with their mouths, so err on the side of caution.
The Importance of Socialization
Socialization is a crucial aspect of kitten fostering. It involves exposing the kittens to various sights, sounds, and experiences to help them develop into well-adjusted and confident adult cats.
Handle the kittens gently and frequently, talking to them in a soothing voice. Introduce them to different people, including children, but always supervise interactions to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Play with the kittens using a variety of toys, such as feather wands, balls, and laser pointers.
Older kittens can also benefit from exposure to other animals, but this should be done gradually and under close supervision. Start by letting them sniff each other through a closed door before allowing supervised visits. The goal is to create positive associations with other animals.
Understanding Kitten Health and Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is vital for preventing the spread of diseases among your foster kittens. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling them, especially after cleaning their litter box or dealing with any bodily fluids.
Regularly clean and disinfect their food and water bowls, litter box, and bedding. Keep the foster space clean and free of debris. Monitor the kittens for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, or vomiting. Contact the rescue organization and their veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Parasites are common in kittens, so be prepared to administer deworming medication as directed by the vet. Flea prevention is also essential, especially during warmer months.
What You Should Know About Finding the Perfect Home
While the rescue organization is ultimately responsible for finding the kittens their forever homes, your insights as their foster parent are invaluable. You’ve spent countless hours caring for them and observing their personalities. You know their likes and dislikes, their quirks and habits.
Share this information with the rescue organization and potential adopters. Be honest and upfront about any challenges you’ve faced with the kittens, as well as their strengths. Your input can help ensure that the kittens are matched with families who are a good fit for them.
Be prepared to say goodbye. This is often the most difficult part of fostering. It’s natural to become attached to the kittens you’ve cared for so lovingly. However, remember that your role is to provide temporary care until they find their forever homes. Knowing that you’ve helped them on their journey to a better life can bring immense satisfaction.
Fostering kittens is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By understanding the commitment involved, preparing your home, prioritizing socialization and hygiene, and playing an active role in finding them the perfect homes, you can make a real difference in the lives of these vulnerable creatures. You might find that the reward of seeing them thrive and transition into loving homes is immeasurable.