Fostering a cat and kittens

[MackerelOfFact]

We've just been approved to take in a cat and kittens for a month or two for a local animal rescue, with a view to potentially adopting two of the kittens, or the mum plus a kitten.

Haven't had cats for about 15 years and we are 'dog people' really, so liked the idea of 'try before you buy' cats - plus they charity are desperate for kitten fosterers, so it's win-win.

Has anyone done this before? What am I letting myself in for? We're pretty excited but nervous too!

At least two or three experienced fosterers post here, Mackerel, so you'll get some informed replies.

Do you currently have any dogs in the house? And/or DCs?

I did it for 10 years, mainly older cats but the odd kittens. I loved having the cats, hated the litter trays. Enjoy.

No dogs but a few DCs! Have had a home check and the lady from the charity went through everything and seemed very happy to let us foster.

I'm just a bit freaked out about the responsibility of being left with a load of kittens! Are there any books/websites that would be good to have close to hand?

My parents were guide dog puppy walkers when I was growing up so I'm used to giving up baby animals, and I think it's a good lesson for the DCs too.

Mackerel

(Well done for fostering by the way. )

Do you know how large a litter it's going to be and/or whether they'll be being largely looked after by Mum or whether you're going to have to assist a lot with rearing (eg if Mum is young, incompetent or has been ill)?

right i foster on a regular basis for yorkshire cat rescue

they should supply you with a large cage this is handy for nighttimes when you want all the cat family where you can find them and they are safe for the night and for keeping the kids away from them for mom feeding etc

they should also supply you with food , litter tray, cat litter, blankets and towels and a form to say you can take any of them to their nominated vets for any treatment

its great fun having a little foster family and your kids will love watching the kittens get older and more interesting

you say you are probably going to keep one or two just traet the ones you are not going to keep as being on holiday with you till the rescue takes them back makes it a lot easier to take them back to the rescue

remember if mom is feeding she will need extra food

the rescue should give you plenty of advice anyway and with ours if any fosters have questions there is always someone who will answer the phone and help

also during the foster period make sure mom or kits dont get out of the house as A this is usually a condition of fostering and B she wont have been spayed the last thing a rescue wants is pregnancy so soon after kits and believe me we have just had a mommy cat who was pregnant about four weeks after she had the last lot before she came into center, she came in with 5 week old kittens

and last but not least enjoy fostering its so rewarding

Thanks issey, everything you said is pretty much what the rescue lady said, but she didn't mention a cage - she just said to restrict them to one room. I think a cage sounds like a better idea though and I think my parents probably still have one kicking around so I might make use of that. I'm worried about kittens losing themselves in the sofa or behind cupboards and things! They are supplying food and litter etc but to be honest I don't really mind buying it, once I know what brands and types they recommend.

Don't know yet what we'll be getting or when - it could be this week, it could be next year, depending when they get a batch needing somewhere to go. But sounds like there are a few waiting so fingers crossed!

bet you it will be nearer next week if we are anything to go on, as i sadi a cage is useful for nights,if you have visitors who might inadvertantly open the room door as mine got older they were let run of the kitchen, front room, landing and bathroom and at feed time because i have greedy big cats who would have eaten their food, they got to the stage where at feed time they would jump in the cage and wait, and then when i went to bed they went in the cage with the litter tray for sleep time no accidents in the rest of the hopuse that way, im off to edinburgh for a few days so havent got any fosters at the moment but i bet i will have some more next week i do kittens not moms and kittens though but basically same rules work and apply

have a look at the kittens on here

new.livestream.com/FosterKittenCam/TheArtificialIntelligenceFosters?logged_in=1383546667

Foster dad John (FDJ) does Q and A sessions.

He starts with the kittens in a cage that mum can get in and out off, then they get the cage with the door open and towels down until litter trained, then they get the whole room.

If you scroll down you will see various stages of kitten development.

Waaa! They are beyond gorgeous! Thanks for the link, looks like there's plenty of info on there.

Soo... we're getting our first little cat family later today!

A mum and two (older, weaned) kittens will be coming to stay for a couple of weeks. Stupidly excited! Popped out last night and bought a litter tray, bowls and toys, so just waiting for the little feline critters to arrive.

Did I mention we're excited?

I reckon people might just have picked that up!

:) told you it wouldnt be long enjoy