For #Caturday I want to write a thread about my first experience of cat fostering..
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For #Caturday I want to write a thread about my first experience of cat fostering..
TLDR: Cat fostering is great, do it for a local cat charity that has good procedures, it shouldn’t cost you anything other than time, you can even do it if you already have your own cats.
After my own cat passed away, I really missed feline company, but was a bit reluctant to get another cat of my own because I am hoping to ramp up my time spent abroad during the UK winter.
#AdoptDontShop #CatsOfMastodon
1/8
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A local cat rescue charity was advertising for foster homes for their rescue cats. It’s much better for them to be in a home rather than a cage between being rescued and being re-homed. So I made enquiries and was very pleased with their process. They vetted me and my home on a video call and discussed my preferences (e.g. cat ages). I asked for a cat that wouldn’t need me to administer any tablets because I’m not good at that!
2/8
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I didn’t know that you can still foster even if you already have your own animals, which didn’t apply to me, but might to anyone reading this.
After I passed the assessment, they set up a WhatsApp group for me to communicate with the three people who run the charity. This works well because they are understandably very busy and if I have any questions whoever is available can answer them.
It didn’t take long for them to find me my first foster cat.
3/8
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After discussing her details with them I agreed to foster her. I got given everything she would need: food, bowls, litter, tray, scratching post, blanket, carrier, even toys. Being given these things has two benefits. These items stay with the cat to help them have familiar things while they settle into their forever home. It also means that cost is not a barrier to those fostering.
On the day of collection, I picked up Lavender and her things from the cattery that the charity runs.
4/8
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The charity asked me to post lots of photos and videos to the WhatsApp group and I really enjoyed capturing her during her cutest moments.
After she had had time to settle at mine, the charity started advertising for a forever home for Lavender using some of my photos. When someone contacts them to express an interest in a particular cat, the charity discuss whether they are the most suitable out of all the available cats.
5/?
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Things they take into consideration include the age of the cat, whether they would need to be the only cat in the house or need company. Other pets and children. Indoor cat or one that is used to having outdoor access.
When they found a potential family for Lavender, they sent them the rest of my photos and videos and did an assessment of them and their home. They also asked me to write a bit about her personality and the family agreed to adopt her!
6/?
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On the adoption day, I returned Lavender and her things to the cattery in the morning and the new owners would pick her up later that day. The fosterers have no contact with the adopters, which I think is good for everyone’s boundaries. If you’re considering fostering, I recommend going through a reputable charity so you don’t end up inadvertently providing a free cattery service for unscrupulous people!
7/?
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@catnip Lovely. Thanks for sharing that as we've been considering cat fostering ourselves (we're not cats so not fostering ourselves. You know what I mean) .
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@emsquared aw, I hoped it would encourage more people to do it!
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@catnip Hope the over-wintering can still happen for you at some point but yeah been missing having a cat or two around but not wanting to take one on again long term so kept wondering about fostering. Clearly a much needed thing too.