Possible pregnant foster cat -- what do we need to know first?

[ATailofTwoKitties]

Gulp. We stuck our hands up some time last year to be on the list for fostering pregnant cats/kittens for the local cat rescue, prompted by a thread here. Our first pregnant mum might be arriving tomorrow, to be housed in our student son's bedroom while he's away.

I've been warned that we'll be given a carload of stuff, so I assume that includes a pen, litter tray, bed etc to find room for.

What do I need to remove/clean/wedge shut to get the room safe for the cat? We have a cat of our own (definitely not allowed to meet the newbie) -- do we need to go round with cat-safe spray and sterilise things tonight?

Yes it's a good idea to clean. Remove any soft furnishings that can be removed and ideally get a waterproof mattress protector if there's a bed.

Hard to say without seeing the room but yes block any small gaps (open fire places/chimneys especially!). Be very, very careful with windows, unless they have a secure ventilation latch it's best to keep them closed at all times.

As you're expecting kittens at some point, ideally remove any electrical cords that could be chewed.

I wouldn't bother with any sterilising unless you've had a lot of cats in those rooms with coronovirus or similar. Just be careful about windows and gaps and of course once the kittens start playing make sure there's nothing breakable.

Mattress protector is a good thought, yes. I'll need to leave the bed in there as we can't fit it anywhere else in the house. As it's still winter, the windows can stay firmly shut.

There aren't any fireplaces etc to worry about, just the chance that they'll make a break for the doorway when we open it. Past experience says that cats nip through/over stairgates!