Bringing a new feline into your home can be an exciting but also nerve wracking experience. If you haven’t owned a cat before, you may not know if you’re ready to commit to cat ownership. One great way to see if you are prepared for the “cat life” is through fostering cats. It’s the perfect way to help out your local shelter while also brushing up on your cat skills. Fostering may bring a whole new set of questions to your mind, including some myths surrounding the foster process. Read on to find out more about fostering cats from The Refined Feline, makers of modern cat furniture.
Myth #1: You’ll Only Foster Cats That Are Sick
A huge myth circulating around fostering cats is that all the ones in need of foster homes are sick. This could mean they’re in need of continual care, or are aging quickly and need hospice care. Although there are some cats who need a quieter environment to recuperate, that’s not all of the foster situations. Most fostering involves kittens, sometimes very young to weaned age. The shelter gets inundated with young kittens every spring and summer, and even year round in warmer climates.
Kittens often need love and playtime to become socialized young adults before they are adopted. Adult cats who need fostering can also be healthy and just need a temporary space to stay. Shelters can become very crowded and seek fosters to lighten a load of care at their main facility. Also, shelter environments aren’t always well-designed for cats, especially older buildings. With all the smells and constant activity, cats have a hard time showing their true personalities when adopters come around. Being at your home, however, they will be relaxed and open up. You’ll get to know their personality and help match them with their forever home.
Myth #2: It’s Expensive To Foster Cats
Most people would assume that fostering would involve some level of expense. However, when you foster for a rescue or shelter this is not the case. You will get all of the supplies you need to take good care of your foster cat. The shelter will supply a litter box with cat litter, food, and whatever else you may need. Any type of veterinary care your foster cat will need while they’re with you is paid for by the rescue or shelter as well. There may be some traveling involved, as you’ll probably need to drive them to vet appointments, but that is all. Plus, you get an unlimited supply of snuggles and cuddles free of charge!
Myth #3: You’ll Adopt All The Cats!
It’s easy to get attached when you first start fostering cats, but it doesn’t mean that you have to adopt them all. The term “foster fail” refers to when fosters can’t quite give up the animal they fostered and end up adopting them. This isn’t always a bad thing though! If you bond with your foster cat, you can follow your heart.
Fostering cats is an opportunity for everyone to help as many cats as possible. For kittens, the job of getting adopted is relatively easy, because, c’mon, it’s a kitten! Who doesn’t want a fluffy ball of adorableness? If you start getting attached to your foster kittens, just know that they will find loving homes quickly. Then, you will be available to help more cats!
Myth #4: Fostering Cats Is Too Demanding
Yes, sometimes fostering cats can be a little much on top of your busy schedule. You can set the limits yourself though and work with the shelter on your availability. All different types of fosters are needed in shelters. Fostering can be long term or short term. You can also let the shelter know how much time you’re able to put in. For example, newborn kittens without a mom will need to be bottle fed every couple of hours which is a lot of work. An older kitten or cat may just need some love and a place to decompress. Be vocal about what you’re comfortable with & don’t be afraid to ask for help or a break when you need it. Shelters are going to be flexible when it comes to your needs, as you’re helping them save lives.
Myth #5: You Need A Lot Of Room To Foster
Not having enough room in your home is another big myth about fostering cats. No matter how much space you have in your home, it will be more than sufficient for fostering. A spare bedroom, bathroom, or even a designated corner of your home can be used to foster cats. You’ll just need room for food, water, and a litter box. Some cat furniture like a scratching post, toys, and a cat tower or cat shelves to climb would be ideal!
Most foster cats will feel the safest in a small space in the beginning. They might also have to be kept separate from your resident pets at first. If you only have part of a room available, the shelter can give you a large kennel or playpen for fostering cats. An entire room will provide them plenty of space for all the essentials. It will typically be more space than what they’re used to in the shelter as well.
Fostering cats is a highly rewarding experience, no matter if you’re a novice or a pro. Every shelter is grateful for any amount of help you can offer. It goes without saying that the cats are grateful as well. Opening your home to the world of fostering cats helps not only the cats but even yourself!
