BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

Becoming a foster is both incredibly rewarding and a little daunting so we have put this info together for you to help you on your fostering journey and your journey to saving lives and breaking the cycle.

​

Providing a safe, loving home is one of the greatest gifts you can give an animal in need. Fostering is a valuable way to bring joy into a kitties life while supporting the work done by PussN Boots Kitty Rescue. 

1: Why Do Cats Need to be Fostered?
Every year, the season kicks off around September. With start cats and pet cats roaming around not de-sexed this period sees untold numbers of unwanted kittens born. These kittens go on to become more strays feeding the population issue, are euthanised before they have even started life, or die from mistreatment and lack of care, access to food and water etc.

That's where fostering comes in. As a 100% not for profit charity we do not have a location with housing for kitties and rely on volunteers to temporarily take in some of these cats and kittens. Fostering also socialises our kitties and prepares them for their forever homes as some that come into our care need a certain level of rehab and medical attention which we provide. Many of these cats and kittens have little or no experience with humans, so providing a happy home helps familiarise them with people and family life.

2: What Does It Mean to Foster a Cat?

During the fostering period—which can last anywhere from two weeks to several months—you should treat the animal as if they were your own pet. To start you will need a room that they can be kept in so they can become familiar with their surroundings. Provide comfy areas to sleep, a good spot to hide, even a carrier is ok and provide access to food and water as well as a litter tray which should be kept 1.5m away from their food and water as well as bedding. Your new arrivals will likely need some time to decompress so you may leave them alone in the room to start with visiting regularly. If they are particularly timid you may need to visit the room but not interact with them too much until they feel confident around you. Many cats and kittens that go into foster may hide for a few day or a couple of weeks and this is completely normal too. Just be patient and don't put too much pressure on them or yourself. Fostering a kitten or adult cat also entails learning about their personality, which will come in handy when their shelter or rescue pairs them with a potential adopter.

You will also need to quarantine the foster cat from your pets to start with. Your furry friends must be up to date on their vaccinations and ideally should have peaceful temperaments. Jealous or aggressive pets should not be paired with an adoptable cat, especially if the feline is skittish or has not spent much time around other animals. Introducing the foster kitties to your pets can take time and the best way to start is to crate one animal so they can see and smell each other to start with. You can gradually build up from there.

You may be asked if you can take your foster/s to the vet for their desexing, microchipping, and vaccination and you will need to worm them also. If you can't take your foster/s for this vet appointment we will organise for someone to collect them and return them.

 

Supplies such as food, litter, a carrier, and bedding will be provided however if you are happy to provide them then that is a huge help also. Just let us know what you need when you are ready to foster. Mostly we just need a loving home so we can get our kitties ready for their forever home. Vet care is 100% covered by us.

 

Once you become a foster with us you have our full support if you need it and you will be joined to our Foster Families messaging group where you can ask questions, share photos, and get involved with some of our other amazing fosters.

3: Am I Ready to Foster a Cat?
Although you might be tempted to start fostering as soon as possible, it's important to make sure you and your family are prepared so please consider the following:
 

• Family members – Fostering a cat should involve everybody under your roof. Make sure your entire family is comfortable with this commitment and that small children are tutored one how to act when in the room with the cat/s. Calm energy, soft voices and slow movements are recommended so not to startle your foster/s.

 

• Space – To start with it is good to have a closed room that is separate from the main living area and other pets to get your kitty settled and once they are comfortable they can move into the larger living space.

 

• Time – All cats need love and attention, especially foster kitties, so ensure you have enough time to spend with them and care for them.

 

• Patience – Your new kitty will probably need some time learning how to use a litter box, understanding which behaviors are acceptable and getting used to you and their surroundings. Remember, patience is a virtue!

​

Foster Kitties must remain inside at all times to ensure their safety due to investment made into them so be mindful that you can offer a safe indoor space when looking to foster.

​

4: Adoption Process

When you think your foster/s are ready to be adopted simply reach out and we will start advertising with a photo and description on our social platforms and via the website. We hold adoption events you may attend or we may set times for potential adoptors to come to your house and meet the cat they are interested in.

​

Saying goodbye is perhaps the most difficult part of fostering a cat but just remember without you they would likely be on the street or worse and now you can move on and help the next kitty in need. Your help is so gratefully received not only by us but by the cats and kittens you help. Fostering is such an important part of this process so thank you for opening your heart.

5: How Can I Take the Next Steps?

If you have considered the above and are willing to take the next step with us to help kitties in need we would love to hear from you, simply email pnbkittyrescuesc@gmail.com and we will be in touch.