BECOME A FOSTERER OF STRAY/HOMELESS KITTENS

(These kittens once tame, generally give back 10 fold in affection and character. If you have the space and time to give, it is a rewarding experience.)

There are some basic requirements that we expect of a good kitten fosterer.

1. Must be very patient, kind and compassionate person/persons.

2. Must have enough time to be able to spend caring for all their needs.

3. Preferably some knowledge of kittens’ needs.
Create a safe environment that supports healthy growth and stimulates their playful, curious nature. Some fosterers are able to fully cover the cost of looking after kittens/cats in their care, whilst others may need some support from Manawatu Alley Cat Trust to cover some or all of the costs of food, litter, defleaing, worming and veterinary treatments. We recommend you are prepared with the following items (some of this can be provided on request):

- Food and water bowls
- Good quality food – appropriate for your cat/kitten
- Litter box
- Cat litter
- Slotted scoop
- Bed and bedding
- Carry cage
- Scratching post
- Toys, e.g. wiggle wands, feather toys, balls, shoe lace (not string as it can be chewed off and ingested)
- Grooming tools — brush, comb and nail clippers

4. Must ensure the kittens always have a clean environment…remove faeces from litter tray straight away.

5. It is no longer the way to have kittens shut away in the laundry out of site…especially for stray kittens whom have had no physical contact with humans. They need to be confined for a short time in a very large crate, in the busiest room of your house with lots of human goings on, noise and stimulation. As they become comfortable in their environment, gradually enlarge the area they have access to, with no hiding spaces, so that you can maintain physical contact.
Note:Families with children and cat friendly dogs make ideal fosterers, so long as the above applies and the children are gentle and toddlers are supervised around the kittens. It is important also that these kittens get socialisation with as many people as possible, including visitors.

6. Provide a home that has the appropriate space/environment to enable kittens’ healthy socialisation and development, and preferably with a secure backyard that will enable them to safely play and explore as soon as they have become tame enough.

7. Where possible we prefer to keep litter mates together until eight-to-ten weeks of age. Through their interactive play, kittens learn to control their clawing and biting, and to extend their acceptance of litter mates to felines outside the family.

SEE HOW TO FOSTER FERAL KITTENS!

BECOME A FOSTERER OF AN ABANDONED FRIENDLY CAT

Occasionally we come across an abandoned cat whom has been left to fend for themselves. We first determine if it is a lost cat. If not, we have them vet checked and desexed if needed and try and place them in a new forever home.

These guys are easy to foster as long as any existing animals on the property do not object too much and the new foster kitty settles in okay.

Pre-Fostering Application

Please enter your details below and an agent will get in touch with you as soon as possible

Name*

Cell Phone Number*

Email*

Address*

In a few sentences can you please tell us about yourself and your family?*

Do you currently have any other pets in your household? If so what and are they good with other animals?*

Have you had any experience with fostering animals before?*

We aim to trap kittens at a young age so they can easily be socialised with people. Being a charity that works with stray/wild cats many of these kittens have never seen a human before so they may hiss or swipe for the first few days while they adjust to being indoors. It is very rewarding but does take time and this will involve talking to them, wrapping them in blankets and hand feeding them. Are these things that you would be prepared for and comfortable doing?*

The kitten may be required to be in a crate or a playpen for the first few days of its stay. Crates may be available from the charity provided they are not in use – otherwise, do you have the means to contain the kitten in a small area where it cannot hide from people?*

Along with fostering kittens we do get friendly adults that need a foster until we can find them a home, or teenagers who are semi-tame and just need more socialising. Are you willing to help with older kittens and cats as well?*

Are you happy to provide food and litter? Otherwise we can help provide. Being a charity we use what is donated, unless a special diet is required which we will supply for.*

Do you have a car means of personal transport? This is required to attend vet appointments.*

Are you fully vaccinated? (this is a legal requirement to enter a vet clinic)*

Foster kittens and cats are required to stay indoors at all times unless there is a fully contained catio on premise. Are you able to do this?*

It is best for the cat to meet potiential adopters in an environment they are most comfortable. Are you willing to have people enter your house for adoption viewings?*

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