Advice for Beginners
Use proper milk that is formulated for kittens and remember to keep the kittens warm. A milk jug filled with hot water works great. Just remember to refill every couple of hours.
Most Rewarding Aspects of Fostering
The whole process! Especially watching them run and play.
Temptation to Keep Cats and/or Kittens
This is very difficult, but it's important to keep in mind that becoming the "crazy cat lady" is not that attractive. I can't keep them all, but I can help save their little lives. My husband keeps me in check with this too.
How I became a foster parent to cats and/or kittens
It just happened. I've had cats and kittens my entire life. I now get calls from local veterinarians if they have a litter that needs a temporary mom.
How I learned to care for my foster cats & kittens
I rescued an abandoned kitten when I was 18 years old. I got a call while I was at church one Sunday that the kitten was dying. So I rushed home and my dad took me and the kitten to our local vet. He started to work on the kitten and as he did, he told me how to properly care for the kitten, that he needed to be kept warm, that he needed proper food, and that it was my responsibility to help him go to the bathroom too. I felt terrible that I almost killed this kitten with my ignorance. The next day, the little guy was ready to come home. I've been rescuing kittens every since.
Lessons learned
- Kittens really are just like human babies and will take as much time for proper care.
- Use milk formulated for kittens. Get the good stuff at your veterinarian, not formula found at the grocery store. I've found that some formulas cause diarrhea.
- Keep kittens warm with a hot water bottle or a heating pad on half of the bedding. It's important that they can move away from heat as needed.
- Help kittens go to the bathroom after each feeding. Sounds gross, but it's very important. A damp cotton ball rubbed in the area is very effective. Chaffing? Diaper cream works on kitten bums too.
