Thinking of fostering, short term. Cobham, Surrey.

[Eliz+Cats]

Hi,

I'm considering fostering but am not sure that what I can offer would be of use to anyone, so I'd really appreciate any comments from folks here before I try approaching a rescue centre.

I have a room that could probably take one or two kitties, short term. It's a small conservatory that overlooks garden and fish pond. (It's actually the studio where I do my work, but I am taking a break from my work for a number of months, and so can clear all my stuff out of there.)

My understanding is that, because it's kitten season, rescue centres are pretty full at the moment, so I wondered if I could offer to foster a cat or two to free up some space.

We have 3 cats of our own, but the fosters would be kept separate (unless short term turned into longer term and it was clear that all the cats could get on well together). No children. Cat-loving DH.

I think I have a reasonable knowledge of cat care (have had a multi-cat household for the past 30 years). And I have experience of diabetic cats (giving insulin shots and doing home blood glucose testing).

I'd be home most of the day and so can spend time with the kitties.

Do you think it's worth my contacting a rescue centre? Do I have anything useful to offer them?

Thanks,

Elizabeth

[Kay]

I'm not involved in rescue myself, but you and your potential fostering arrangements sound ideal to me

there are probably quite a few rescues in your neck of the woods who will be delighted to have you on board

[booktigger]

If you lived closer to me, I'd definitely be arranging to come and see you, so I'd definitely speak to a couple of rescues

[Crewella]

I have no say in such matters, but you sound perfect to me! Good for you!

[greenkitty]

Your set up and experience sound perfect, I'm sure any rescue would be delighted to have you foster for them. Good luck and come back and tell us how you get on

[Eliz+Cats]

Thank you SO much for your comments, and your support.

Okey dokey, I'll contact some local rescues. (And will let you know how I get on....)

Thanks again,

Eliz

[pandorawarlord]

I would contact the Blue Cross, as you are in Surrey you could help the Greater London border area. Past you in Sussex is the rspca and cp who seem to cover most of that area

[Eliz+Cats]

I would contact the Blue Cross, as you are in Surrey you could help the Greater London border area. Past you in Sussex is the rspca and cp who seem to cover most of that area

Thanks for the suggestions. That's very kind of you.
Eliz

[Eliz+Cats]

Hi folks,

Well, I got in touch with Woking RSPCA branch and am now fostering two feral kittens.

They've been here almost a week (and were thought to be around 8 weeks old when they were caught). For the first three days they'd just hiss and spit every time I went near their cage (a dog crate). But then it seemed to dawn on them that when I was around food appeared in their bowl.
Initially they wouldn't eat while I was in the room. But now they will eat even while I'm still putting food into their bowl, and will eat if I hold a spoonful of food for them. I'm trying a few gentle strokes of their backs while they're eating. They're not thrilled about being touched, but the food is quite a lure...

I'm aiming to move them into a larger dog crate today, as they've grown quite a bit in this past week. Also they are playing a lot and could really do with some extra space for their games. I'm hoping that they will come to tolerate physical contact soon, and at that point I'll feel more able to let them out into their room.

They are beautiful kittens, dark tabby with white chests and paws, a boy and a girl. They should grow into handsome cats. So, if they can be socialised sufficiently their good looks will hopefully tempt a prospective care-giver to give them a furever home...

Will let you know how they get on....

Thanks again for the encouragement, folks.

Eliz

[Crewella]

That's brilliant - I'm so glad it worked out, and under your care I'm sure the kittens will come round.

[greenkitty]

What a lovely update, I'm sure you'll find the experience of socialising these two thoroughly rewarding and it sounds like you're already winning them over