Myth: My place is too small to foster cats and kittens—I just don’t have enough space!
Fact: Fostering cats actually doesn’t require much space. All you need is a small room, such as a laundry or bathroom, where the cats can live while you’re caring for them. Having a small space helps them feel safe & not overwhelmed by a large, unknown environment.
Myth: I can’t foster because I have other pets.
Fact: Because cats & kittens are kept separate, your pets will be away from them for the most part. Foster cats are to be kept separate from resident pets for at least two weeks before you consider a slow introduction. That way the kittens will have time to get healthy and your pets will have time to adjust to their presence in the house. You don’t have to introduce your fosters to your resident pets at all if you don’t want to! In some cases, it might be required that the foster cat is kept separate from resident pets for the entire foster period.
Myth: I won’t be able to let my foster kitties go. It’ll be too hard to bring them back!
Fact: We know it’s hard to say goodbye to adorable balls of fluff. But always remember that you’ve given them the love and time they needed to have a fantastic start to life! Saying goodbye to your fosters also means that you’ll be able to help the next cat or kitten in need.
Myth: I don’t know how to litter box train a kitten!
Fact: Kittens learn how to use the litterbox by instinct, they don’t have to be taught by us! Their feline instincts will kick in and they will already know when and where to go (with maybe just a couple of mistakes at the start).
Myth: I have a 9-5 job and just don’t have time to foster.
Fact: Fostering kittens who eat well on their own (over 5 weeks of age) does not require a full-time commitment!
Myth: Pets are expensive! I can’t afford to take on a litter of kittens.
Fact: AWL supplies everything you need to care for your foster cat. We’ll provide everything from bedding, food, toys and all the veterinary treatments and costs! If there’s ever anything on top of that like extra toys or treats, please feel free to get that for them, but we’ll give you everything you need.
Myth: I have children, so I can’t foster.
Fact: You can certainly foster kittens if you have children and many of our foster carers use it as a learning experience for their children. With supervision, children have the opportunity to learn how to care for kittens, play with and help socialize them. Always make sure your children practice good hand hygiene after coming into contact with any cats or kittens. You can also keep cats completely separate to your children if you prefer. Some need extra time to feel safe in a new environment and can benefit from child free areas.
Being a foster carer is an incredibly rewarding experience! AWL foster carers are extremely valuable members of our team, as they provide a safe and loving environment for animals while they get ready to be adopted into their forever homes. If you or someone you know would like to become a foster carer, please click the button below!
