We thought about fostering at a local cat rescue organization, but didn't know
if the size of our condo and our lengthy trips to visit the kids would be an
issue. Tony called the organization and talked to one of the fostering people,
who answered all of our questions. After pondering the topic for a few days we
decided to apply to be fosters.
Twenty four hours after submitting the application I received an email offering a FaceTime call so the organization could get to know us and get a sense of our space. At the end of the call the operations manager said she had a cat in mind that would be a good fit for us-the current foster's work schedule had changed and she realized the cat wasn't getting the attention he deserved. Later that day we received some paperwork to read and sign off on.
Coordinating with the current foster took almost a week. Today Tony and I went to pick up our new temporary feline at the rescue organization office. We came home with a cat in a kennel, a box of litter, a bag of food, a cat tree given to us by his 'mom', and one of her sweat shirts that the cat liked to sit on.
When we got home we placed the kennel in the office and opened the door. We filled the litter box, food, and water bowls, assembled the cat tree and set it in the corner of the office, then closed the door to the room so the cat could adjust to the new surroundings in his own time.
We've checked on him a few times, but so far he hasn't felt the need to leave
the cage
This sounds like a good solution for you. Had not heard of fostering cats. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWe also thought it was good for us. Our previous cats have lived several decades and who knows where I'll be in live 20 years from now!
DeleteHope he comes out to snuggle. That was a good idea to have a scented shirt for him to adjust. Lots of shelters have foster parents for cats and dogs, and some take care of critters who are healing from medical/surgical stuff before they can be adopted. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteIt's been less than 24 hours, but the only signs that the cat was on the move were some thumping in the office overnight and a deposit in the litter box.
Delete"medical attention as needed" Your time or your cost?
ReplyDeleteI still can't post as a blogger.
As long as we use one of the shelter's partners they'll cover the cost for us.
DeleteFostering can be good if you're not up to permanent cats at this stage. Fosters also have a way of becoming permanent!
ReplyDeleteYes, we're aware of that last fact :-)
DeleteWhat's your foster cat's name? I hope he likes his new temporary home with you.
ReplyDeleteso cute. a great solution, ensuring happiness for so many cats and humans alike!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeletePoor kitty. It's good you just let him decide on his own when its safe to leave his hideout. Hard on cats, as they get older, to know where they are safe and what to expect at a new place. Fosters for adult cats are so difficult to find. Great that you are doing that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. I hope the experience ends up being good for all parties.
DeleteCats are making the rounds today. This was a topic on my latest blog. Good luck with the fostering. I am sure it will turn out great.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike, don't they?
DeleteVery cool. We have friends who foster cats. It's a neat idea. I hear folks foster dogs too. Boy, I'd have a hard time giving the dog away, once I had the pup here. That said, I think this is a wonderful thing people do for pets.
ReplyDeleteI think we'll be able to send the cat to a forever family...as long as we can get another one to nurture quickly.
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