Fostering for Cat Support Network

Fostering will enrich your life. It is easy and fun while giving these kittens the precious gift of love. Every spring and summer, CSN needs homes that can foster a pair or a litter of kittens or a mama cat with newborn kittens. We rescue “bottle babies” — very young kittens that need to be bottle fed because there is no mama to nurse them. Without enough homes to care for kittens until they are big enough for adoption, we cannot continue to rescue them and we need to. The living conditions for these kittens and their mamas prior to rescue is frequently horrendous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I foster just once or do I need to foster all spring and/or summer?

It is your choice. This spring we need many families to help us foster for the Maddie’s^®  Matchmaker Adoptathon  in June (refer to Opportunity #2) when many will be adopted. Helping even once is a tremendous gift to the kittens and will make such a difference.

How many kittens would I foster at one time?

This is variable and based on what you can and want to do. The minimum is two kittens and a great place to start. Some people take on a whole litter. Some homes can handle a mama cat with her newborns. Other angels feed the bottle babies!

How long do I need to foster the kittens?            

We place kittens with your needs in mind. Based on your capacity it can vary from 2 to 10 weeks. The average time kittens spend with a foster family is 2 to 4 weeks. One variable is the age of kittens you decide to foster. Kittens are adopted to their new family at approximately 9 to 10 weeks old (after they are altered).  We get kittens that need fostering from birth to 16 weeks old. If you take on bottle baby newborns or a mama cat with newborns, you may have them 6 to 10 weeks.  It is what you can and want to do.

Where would I keep the mama and/or kittens?

It is essential to confine kittens in a small space so you can monitor their food intake and litter box habits. A spare room such as a bathroom is perfect. If the mama is feral, then a cage (which we provide) can work well too.

How much time does their care take each day?

We match kittens to your time constraints and preference. This can vary from older kittens that require only a clean litter box and fresh food and water or feeding a bottle baby every 4 hours. Socialization of some kittens is critical while others are completely social and you can watch and laugh at the acrobatics.

Would I need to take them to adoptions on the weekend?

That is your choice and definitely not required. We have volunteers that transport.

How would I be able to give them up? What if I become too attached?

Our volunteers will help you through this process. It can be hard but it can also be rewarding to know that because of your dedication, the kitten has  gotten its very own forever home where it will be a star. We screen potential applicants carefully so you can be confident that the homes we find are the very best!

What costs will be involved for me?

Your costs are minimal. CSN is responsible for all medical. Our volunteers monitor the kittens and are available for all your concerns.  We recommend the food and litter that is healthiest for kittens.

Do kittens use the litter box and eat on their own?

Kittens start using a litter box as young as 4 weeks old. It is a natural instinct for cats. Kittens begin eating solid foods by 5 weeks old. Mama cats are a joy too and take on a lot of the responsibility, leaving you to just enjoy them.