Shelters Seeking Fosters - Could You Help Raise a Newborn Kitten?

Spring is in the air and when feral cats (or even house cats who’ve not yet been spayed) get in the family way, shelters can easily become overrun. So, let’s talk about the urgent need for shelters to find fosters this time of year… But first, let’s look at why it’s important to have your female feline spayed.

For anyone who’s hesitating to spay or neuter their cat, there are several reasons why holding off can be the worst pet-related decision you’ve ever made. Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine drives home the need to have female felines spayed by four to six months – before they enter into their first heat cycle. Doing so, they have found, can reduce her chances of getting cancer by 91%. Once she hits the one-year mark, it’s reduced by 86%. See where that’s going?

Additionally, there’s the potential that over time and several heat cycles, an un-spayed feline can develop a serious uterine infection called Pyometra. Pus accumulates in the uterus and, if left untreated, it can be fatal.

If the cost of this type of surgery is holding you back, your local shelters and humane societies may be able to help. They will typically have access to on-call veterinarians or hold spay/neuter blitzes where pet parents can have the sterilization done quickly and at a substantially reduced cost. Yes, they understand the need for this type of proactive approach to curbing the population of un-homed felines and are doing everything possible to turn it around.

Now, back to those babies that need fostering. The most urgent need is typically not the cute and cuddly eight-week-old kittens waiting for adoption but the very young kittens who require 24-hour care. Particularly when we’re talking about a feral mama, young kittens can be left in a desperate situation if their mother is no longer able to care for them. Cars, dogs, wild animals, disease, and more can leave vulnerable kittens without food, warmth, or protection. And when good Samaritans step in to help out, these shelter babies then require continuous nutritional and emotional support to ensure a positive outcome.

According to animal welfare advocate Hanna Shaw (AKA the Kitten Lady on Instagram with more than one million followers), “Many of the 4,000 or so shelters in the U.S. don't have the time or resources for around-the-clock care.” With almost 1.5 million kittens arriving at shelters during the May through June time slot, Shaw advises "Shelters need all hands on deck to help out through fostering."

For those considering taking on a very young kitten, Shaw shares tips including:

• • Decide if your household is the right space for bringing in foster kittens. Do you have the space to separate them from other animals or young children?
  • Think about whether you have the time to devote to feedings that may be required every two to three hours. If you work outside of the home, would you be permitted to bring them to work with you?
  • Do you have quick access to veterinarians or shelter staff who can provide advice in the case of questions or emergencies?

As a foster, you can expect that your next several weeks will be spent raising this furry little critter and it’s completely understandable that when the time to give them up arrives, you may struggle a bit. Okay, a lot. In fact, some shelters have reported that the “return rate” can be under 10%. Meaning a whopping 90% of foster families choose to adopt their little charge. Been there, done that!

But there’s no expectation in this regard and the shelters and rescues would likely be as pleased if you chose to allow them to adopt out your foster so that you could free up space to take in others. Kudos to every foster pet parent out there. It’s a tough yet desperately needed role.