A person holding a tabby kitten, representing the act of fostering and care
Have you ever considered the heartwarming impact of becoming a Foster Family For Cats or kittens? If you’ve visited an animal rescue or followed feline rescue organizations online, you’ve witnessed the adoption success stories, but that’s just a glimpse into the larger picture of cat rescue. Behind every adoption, there’s often a network of dedicated foster homes that make it all possible. Rescue organizations like Seattle Area Feline Rescue operate with limited space and staff, making foster homes an invaluable lifeline. Each time a cat or kitten finds a temporary haven in a foster home, it not only receives crucial care but also frees up space for another animal in urgent need.
As someone deeply involved in fostering, I can attest to its profound rewards. Personally, I’ve fostered around 40 felines – a number that, while significant to me, is dwarfed by the incredible dedication of some long-term foster parents. Many of these fosters were tiny kittens, needing a safe and nurturing environment to grow and develop before they were ready for adoption. These little ones simply require a warm, secure space to mature and learn the ropes of being a cat. Once they reach a healthy two pounds, they can be spayed or neutered and then embark on their journey to find permanent homes. Beyond kittens, I’ve also fostered adult cats who have experienced the loss of their owners. These cats are often disoriented and frightened, needing a tranquil sanctuary away from the shelter environment to de-stress and rediscover their capacity to trust and love. Then there are the semi-feral kittens, often older, who may have spent their early lives outdoors with minimal human interaction. Initially, they might be hissy and adept at hiding, but with gentle care, consistent feeding, and patient interaction, you gradually witness their transformation as purrs replace hisses.
Seattle Area Feline Rescue has also pioneered an innovative program called Adoption Ambassadors, further empowering foster families. This program allows you to facilitate the adoption of your foster cat directly from your home if you find a suitable adopter. The paperwork and payment processes are conveniently handled online, streamlining the adoption process. While not a mandatory aspect of fostering, the Adoption Ambassador program highlights how surprisingly effective word-of-mouth, whether through your workplace or social media platforms like Facebook, can be in connecting foster cats with individuals actively seeking adoption. I’ve personally experienced success with this approach on multiple occasions.
One question I frequently encounter is, “How can you bear to give up these cats and kittens after fostering them?” Undoubtedly, saying goodbye is the most challenging part. You do form strong bonds. However, the bittersweet farewell is always tempered by the immense joy of receiving updates, photos, and stories of these cats and kittens thriving and cherished in their forever homes. Knowing you played a pivotal role in their happy endings makes it worthwhile. Furthermore, I also keep my resident senior cats in mind, who are not always thrilled with the constant influx of new kittens – fostering allows me to help many without overwhelming my own feline companions.
So, why am I sharing this? During a recent visit to the Rescue, I saw Amy, the Operations Manager, working late into the night, ensuring every cat and kitten had everything they needed. Despite her tireless efforts, all the enclosures were full. When I inquired about the availability of new foster families, the response was concerning – only one person had attended the latest foster orientation. The need for foster families, especially those willing to provide specialized care, is more critical than ever.
Currently, the most pressing needs include:
- Foster homes equipped to care for cats with ringworm.
- Foster homes with experience administering subcutaneous fluids.
- Foster homes skilled in bottle-feeding neonatal kittens.
- Foster homes adept at socializing semi-feral kittens.
However, please don’t feel discouraged if you lack experience in these specialized areas. Everyone starts somewhere! Begin with basic fostering to see if it’s a good fit for your home and lifestyle. My journey started with simpler cases before I gradually gained the confidence and skills to foster semi-feral kittens, which have now become some of the most fulfilling fosters I’ve cared for. Ultimately, my motivation stems from a deep love for cats and the profound satisfaction of providing individualized care and attention to felines in need.
Seattle Area Feline Rescue provides all essential supplies, including food, litter, and comprehensive veterinary care. All you need to contribute is a safe, dedicated space in your home. Even a spare bathroom can serve as an ideal fostering room if you don’t have an extra room available. To learn more about becoming a foster parent and to take the first step, please visit our Foster page and complete the “Foster Information” form. Your compassion can make a life-changing difference for a cat in need.
~Monica Tackett
SAFe Rescue Board Member and Volunteer
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