Fostering young kittens is a fantastic way to contribute towards providing essential care for vulnerable four-legged babies until they find their permanent homes.
If you want to foster baby cats and haven’t done it before, it’s natural to have numerous questions. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions addressing common concerns about what to anticipate when volunteering as a kitten foster.
Consider fostering kittens but don’t neglect any of your in-house fur babies either. Provide your pet kitties with basic life needs and possibly a medical backup in terms of pet insurance. The best pet insurance covers a frisky feline’s basic health care during distressing health situations and medical emergencies, which is why you should contemplate purchasing a policy.
Plan ahead so your furry little ones lead a happy and healthy life. In the meantime, read on for some common FAQs regarding fostering young kittens so you can make an informed decision.
Q1: How to identify the right cat rescue team to volunteer in?
You can begin your search for a suitable cat rescue, animal shelter, or foster network in your locality by conducting a simple online search. Once you have a list of potential organizations, it’s advisable to contact them and speak to the coordinators. Engaging in a conversation with them will allow you to gather vital information to help you make a good decision.
During your conversation with the foster coordinator, inquire about the supplies they provide for foster caregivers and the potential expenses you might need to cover out-of-pocket. Additionally, discuss the extent of your involvement in veterinary care for the kittens.
This is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the rescue’s foster program and understand their expectations of foster caregivers. If, after having a conversation, you don’t feel like it’s the right match, don’t hesitate to explore other rescues until you find an organization that aligns well with your preferences and values.
Q2: As a foster caregiver, what should I provide the baby cat with?
Rescues often provide foster parents with the necessary supplies for caring for kittens. This includes food, litter, medications, and sometimes additional items like bedding, toys, and carriers. However, it’s best to clarify these details by contacting the rescue directly.
Creating a safe and healthy environment for the kittens is your responsibility as a foster parent. This involves socializing through play and cuddling to help them become comfortable around people and animals.
Transporting the kittens to vet clinics and handling potential emergencies is part of the fostering role, as kittens are delicate. If you consider fostering bottle-fed kittens, be aware that they require care 24*7, so choosing an appropriate age group that matches your schedule is advisable.
When the kittens are ready for adoption, you may be involved in selecting a suitable adopter or transporting them to an adoption center. The level of your involvement will depend on the agreement you’ve made with the rescue.
Remember, it’s always best to communicate directly with the rescue to clarify expectations and responsibilities before committing to foster kittens. If you already have pet cats at home requiring your care and attention, think about taking more responsibility.
Are your pet cats covered by basic pet insurance or the best pet insurance? Answer the above questions and check if you can strike a balance between nurturing your already-settled furballs and fostering kittens before making that decision.
