Advice for Beginners
It is very time consuming and costly. Please become very knowledgeable about caring for young kittens and cats before fostering or taking on a rescue. Be aware of what is required to care for them properly.
Kittens can become ill so quickly and even die if not looked after correctly.
Most Rewarding Aspects of Fostering
It is very rewarding to know you have saved a life when one is rescued. It is wonderful to watch them learn each day and see them grow from a tiny little ball of fur to a playful little kitten. It's great to receive the love back that you give them, and feel so good when they go to a loving home
Saddest Aspects of Fostering
It's sad when you see so many waiting out at the door that you are unable to help as it's impossible to help all of them. It's also sad when some of the kittens become ill and don't make it. If they are not helped quickly they can become very sick; you must be able to act quickly to help them.
Temptation to Keep Cats and/or Kittens
Many times we have been tempted to keep one of the kittens, especially when you have bonded with one of them, but have to be sensible when we already have several others it isn't a wise decision. Also it is a life time commitment and should be thought out wisely before taking on that responsibility.
How I became a foster parent to cats and/or kittens
I volunteered at a cat kennel a few times and enjoyed the experience of helping the cats that needed someone to love and feed them. Also, living in a rural area, so many cats are either dumped off in the country to fend for themselves, which is so difficult for them. I'm always ready with bowl of water and food for many years now, early morning at dusk and dawn feedings. Eventually keeping many myself and adopting several to good homes. It was just so rewarding knowing that many lives have been saved because food was provided for them and shelter to escape the cold weather in the winter. They are all so special.
How I learned to care for my foster cats & kittens
I learned to care for cats and kittens after many years of experience through several situations. I became knowledgeable reading about cats and learning what to do in different circumstances. After looking after many cats over a period of twenty years. I have learned so much about their needs and how to care for them.
Lessons learned
- Knowing that you made someone happy when the cat has gone to a good home. It's great when kittens have a home for life rather than being a stray outside suffering all the elements of the weather and attacks from other animals.
- I learned that it is important to provide the proper litter for young kittens and NOT TO LET THEM USE THE CLAY CLUMPING TYPE, until they are an adult as the clay can be very harmful to them if it is digested when they lick their paws. I always use a safe wheat type of litter for them for safety reasons and also it is so much lighter to dispose of and not much odor.
Franny Syufy, Cats Guide, says:
Irene Pike has made a lifetime of rescuing cats. Many readers will remember her rescued cat, Norton, who was voted 2006 Cat of the Year. Norton passed away in December of 2007.
Irene and I have corresponded by email regularly over the years, and I know her to be a selfless, admirable woman and think of her as a good friend.