Advice for Beginners
Do research on symptoms, doctors, holistic methods of treatment and companies that specialize in holistic medicine & food for animals. Another issue is what you feed your pet, research what you feed them. Premium food can benefit you & your cat&dog by preventing illness & high vet bills.
Most Rewarding Aspects of Fostering
I've done rescue but not fostering so much. Words cannot describe the feelings and appreciation you receive from pets that need care and homes. Giving unconditional love, always comes back to you twofold.
Saddest Aspects of Fostering
After spending time with these animals, raising them with your family in your home, it is very hard knowing that you have to give them up to someone that hopefully you can trust to love them unconditionally. It's also difficult to let go.
Temptation to Keep Cats and/or Kittens
So far I have not had that problem, as my home had a revolving door and as soon as I made sure these cats/kittens were given all I could give them, finding good homes was necessary as there were always more waiting to come to me for help.
How I became a foster parent to cats and/or kittens
I started looking at ads in the newspaper. Mary Ann is someone I met and who I adopted my first cat, and I will never forget her, she was the most giving human I have ever met. I started out with Sadie, my little tuxedo girl. With all of the cats/kittens that were passing though our lives daily, she became unhappy so I knew it was time to let go. She is with the same person I placed her with all those years ago, very happy...
How I learned to care for my foster cats & kittens
Mary Ann, the lady that got me started, taught me basics and more. I did lots of research online, with books and articles to keep up to date, made contacts with local vets, shelters, and anyone that was willing to share information and stories about what they do and what methods worked best. Also purchased proper equipment to ensure safety and proper care for everyone in our household. I research everything to this day and question something that I am not sure of. Vets are necessary, however, don't feel bad to do your own research and question their diagnosis and treatments. That is a must...I've learned that lesson hard way, and paid dearly. Spending loads of money sometimes is not the best method of treatment. I will state again, NEVER STOP - RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH....
Lessons learned
- Never place ads for "free" pets. Always charge something even if it is minimal.
- Just as you check food labels for human grade food, do the same for your pet, the order in which ingredients are listed are crucial.
- Meat-by-products are something I stay away from. Foods with corn, wheat, or rather fillers that are fattening are not a healthy choice for your pets.
- Cats need protein and more moisture in their dry food.
- Cats should be fed dry and wet food. Since more moisture is need, fresh clean water daily is a must.
- Keep you litter boxes clean, I use the Arm & Hammer brands with baking soda, works grea
