Fostering Kittens

kitten

Where to start and what does it mean to foster a kitten?

Do you have a little extra space in your home and a bit of free time, and some love to share? Maybe consider becoming a foster parent for a litter of homeless kittens. With the arrival of "kitten season" in early spring, animal shelters and rescue organizations are flooded with kittens who cannot be put up for adoption until they are eight weeks old. While you can certainly foster kittens on your own, it is usually best to start out by volunteering with a shelter or rescue group since they can provide expert advice and support. Contact your local animal shelter, rescue group, or feral cat organization to sign up as a foster parent. Each organization has different guidelines for foster parents, and once you begin, they will provide you with detailed instructions.

As a foster parent, you will be responsible for feeding, cleaning, socializing, and cuddling your kittens. In some cases, you may need to bottle feed, give medications or take the kittens to the veterinarian. Some groups provide you with cat food and litter, while others require foster parents to provide these necessities. In terms of space, you don't need much. A laundry room, bathroom, or extra bedroom is helpful, but a cage set up in the corner of your bedroom or den can work just fine. Depending on how old the kittens are, you'll be caring for them for one to eight weeks. Finally, unless you adopt them, you must be prepared to let your foster kittens go. It can be sad to say goodbye, but remember, you have given them a great start on life. Thanks to you, they will have a loving, permanent home with some very lucky adopters.

Find out more about kitten care

Coded by Paulina Konieczkowicz🐾