Foster 101
We appreciate your help on volunteering as a foster!! Here is the guideline to get ready before your fostering cat arrives.
Before You Start:
Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, indoor area away from people and other animals for your new foster cat. Ensuring your home is suitable for fostering is essential for their comfort and well-being.
Supplies Needed: Cat Allies Project will provide litter, food, and supplies for at least one week. If your foster cat stays longer, we recommend ordering additional supplies from Amazon or Chewy.
When Your Foster Cat Arrives:
Setting Up Their Space:
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Food and Water Bowls - Set up one area for food and another for water.
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Litter Tray - Place the litter box in a private location, away from food and water.
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Scratching Post and Toys - Include these to help your cat feel more at home.
What to Expect on the First Day?
Your foster cat may initially hide under the bed or sofa. Simply leave food and water nearby, and give them time to adjust.
Signs Your Foster Cat is Adjusting:
Exploration - The cat may start exploring and becoming more confident, seeking your attention and eating well.
Scent Marking - They may brush against you and objects in the home to leave their scent.
Grooming - Regular grooming indicates comfort in their new environment.
Potential Habits to Manage:
Be prepared for behaviors such as chewing, scratching, climbing, or loud meowing. To minimize inappropriate behavior, provide a scratching pad and toys (like an Amazon box) for them to use.
Important Reminders:
Keep the cat indoors: Only take the cat outside for vet visits or emergencies.
Protect Your Plants: ensure that toxic plants are out of reach. You can find a list of toxic plants here
Vet Visits: Take your cat to the vet immediately if they experience difficulty urinating, blood in urine, vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory distress.
Thank you for fostering! Your care makes a difference in their lives.