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Hello to all the fellow cat lovers and aspiring foster parents! Fostering cats is a rewarding and heartwarming experience that allows you to make a positive impact in their lives. Whether you’re a first-time foster carer or looking to refine your skills, we’ve got a treasure trove of cat foster care tips to help you provide the best care possible. From feeding and grooming to socialisation techniques, let’s embark on this whisker-filled journey together!
Our 7 Cat Foster Care Tips
1. Creating a Safe and Comfortable Space:
When welcoming a foster cat into your home, create a dedicated space that offers security and comfort. Set up a cozy bed, provide hiding spots like boxes or cat trees, and ensure they have access to fresh water and a litter box. It’s important to give them time to adjust to their new environment before exploring the entire house. This post on cat separation anxiety may also help you identify and manage this common issue.
2. Balanced and Nourishing Meals:
Feeding your foster cat a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for their overall health. Consult with the rescue organization or your veterinarian to determine the appropriate food and feeding schedule. Stick to a consistent routine and avoid sudden dietary changes that may upset their sensitive tummies.
Often cats and kittens come from pounds and you have no idea what they have been eating. The sudden change in diet when they get to you can cause diahorrea. If it is small kitten it’s a good idea to have some high quality food like the Royal Canin kitten food on hand for when they arrive and then transition them bit by bit to what you normally feed. Of course cats can react to even the best quality food if there is one ingredient they have issues with. Adult cats generally cope better with changes to diet than kitens. I have a variety of wet and dry foods on hand to give them to try until I find what they really like.
3. Grooming with Gentle Care:
Regular grooming helps maintain a cat’s cleanliness and keeps their coat healthy and shiny. Use a soft brush or comb suitable for their fur type to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Some foster cats will not let you touch them for weeks. Or if they do they are frozen in a state of fear. So they may not be open to being brushed. Cats and kittens are usually very good at cleaning themselves so it’s not usually an issue. Having a flea comb to check for fleas is often more important so you can brush those out and treat appropriatley.
4. Socialisation: Love and Trust Building:
Building trust and forming a bond with your foster cat is a vital part of their socialisation. Spend quality time with them, engaging in gentle play sessions and providing plenty of love and affection. Respect their boundaries and let them approach you at their own pace. Patience is key, as some cats may be shy or fearful initially.
Some cats will come to you for pats and want to be all over you from the get go. Other cats will hide in cat cubes and hidy holes and show no interest in playing for a few days to a few weeks. If they let you pat them then just do that to start with. Even if it’s with a cat toy stick not your hand. Sit with them and talk to them so they get used to your voice. Don’t force them to do anything. Sit with them when you bring them food. If they start to eat in front of you that is a good sign. If they start to move into your pats that is a good sign. They often won’t play with the normal cat toys on a string but will play with a plain piece of string or a shoelace. The gtinest things are super rewarding with the shy ones.
5. Environmental Enrichment:
Keeping your foster cat mentally stimulated and physically active is essential for their well-being. Provide interactive toys, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders to engage their natural instincts. Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom, and consider creating vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves for climbing and exploration. My cats all love the window hamocks which allow them to see the birds and coming and goings outside.
6. Monitoring Health and Vet Visits:
Regularly monitor your foster cat’s health, including their appetite, litter box usage, and overall behavior. Look out for any signs of illness or discomfort and bookingtalk to the rescue about a veterinarian promptly if you have any concerns. Stay up-to-date with flea treatments, and deworming as recommended by the rescue organisation or your vet.
7. Communication and Collaboration:
Maintain open communication with the rescue organisation or foster coordinator. They can provide valuable guidance, support, and resources. Share updates on your foster cat’s progress, behavior, and any specific needs they may have. Collaboration ensures that you and the organisation are working together to provide the best care possible.
Congratulations on embarking on this noble journey of cat foster care! Your dedication and love are making a significant difference in the lives of these precious feline friends. Remember, every cat is unique, so be patient, adaptable, and embrace the joy that comes with fostering. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to provide a nurturing and loving environment that helps your foster cats thrive. Together, let’s continue to create a brighter future for these whiskered wonders, one purr at a time!
