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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Foster Mum!

15 replies

Catcatcatcatcat · 07/06/2026 11:31

I’m going to be fostering a stray unneutered boy from Wednesday. I will have him for three months (when DS and his GF move into their new flat where they can have a cat) and am very excited.

He has been living as a stray for several weeks after his previous owners apparently moved house without him. Vet has checked him over. He’s about a year old, no fleas, in good health aside from being very skinny.

I just wanted some advice re when to neuter him? Should I keep him as an indoor cat even after neutering as he won’t be here long? I’m getting ready with litter tray, liners, litter, dry and wet food, dishes, scratching post, calming spray, flea spray. Grooming brush. Have I forgotten anything?

Apologies if I sound a bit manic. I lost my last beloved boy two years ago and wasn’t expecting this to happen.

OP posts:
Catcatcatcatcat · 07/06/2026 11:33

Tax Paid

Foster Mum!
Foster Mum!
OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 07/06/2026 16:34

I would get him neutered immediately. My friend babysat a rescue for me overnight in her wet room as he was un neutered. The smell was horrendous. I had a fairly stressful drive the next day to get him straight the the rescues vet in time for the snip. He stank, my cat stank. He’s now the loveliest soppiest boy living the life of Riley in his new home.

Overtheatlantic · 07/06/2026 16:39

Yes definitely get him neutered immediately. I would make the appointment before he arrives at your house. Thank you for fostering him! He’s very lucky to get a second chance as so many cats don’t. 🐈‍⬛😻

EmpressaurusKitty · 07/06/2026 16:43

You’ve had great advice on the neutering. I’d keep him inside, when I was fostering for my local rescue all fosters had to be inside cats since as you say they’re only in temporary homes.

Have you got any cardboard boxes? And toys?

dementedpixie · 07/06/2026 16:45

I would get him neutered and microchipped asap

Pixiedust1234 · 07/06/2026 16:50

Neutered asap, and get his microchip and vaccinations done at the same time.
Keep him in while he is at yours in case he runs away, he'll need to be kept in at his permanent home for several weeks too.

I can highly recommend those plug ins such as pet remedy or feliway. Even after a couple of years with our anxious rescue we can always tell when the plug ins have run out.

Edit - just seen the tax. He's beautiful! 😍

Catcatcatcatcat · 07/06/2026 18:24

Thanks everyone. Yes I have cardboard boxes (Vinter) and have ordered toys.

I will call vets tomorrow and see how quickly I can get him booked in for neutering, microchip and vaccinations.

I am very excited! 😝

OP posts:
EmpressaurusKitty · 07/06/2026 18:42

He might also like cat grass, all mine have. The Catit planter is really simple - you just put the seeds in & water on alternate days. It usually lasts a few weeks & plenty of places sell refills.

catit.co.uk/collections/cat-grass

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 07/06/2026 20:41

Ooh he is gorgeous. Black cat X2 here bias

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 07/06/2026 20:43

If you fall in love with him will you tell your DS he cannot have him . Those claws,wild eyes and devilish eyes . He's a beauty

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 07/06/2026 20:45

Wild ears that should say

Overtheatlantic · 07/06/2026 20:47

I love black cats. They are so sweet and calm, natural nurses. Always happy to escort you to the bathroom and down the stairs 🥴😻

Catcatcatcatcat · 07/06/2026 20:58

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 07/06/2026 20:43

If you fall in love with him will you tell your DS he cannot have him . Those claws,wild eyes and devilish eyes . He's a beauty

No, I am determined not to fall in love with him 😍

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · Yesterday 09:55

Famous last words……

70isaLimitNotaTarget · Yesterday 11:54

Toddlerteaplease · Yesterday 09:55

Famous last words……

Looking how relaxed that boy looks he's a Failed Foster in the making. ( Not a negative thing , just means he'll stay put ) 😉

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