Did you have any concerns or hesitation before you began fostering, and if so, how has it played out for you?
I did have hesitation about how my cats (2 cats of my own) would get along with the fosters, but with CARE’s instruction and time we realized that the method in which you socialize cats makes a big difference. I wasn’t nervous about letting the cats go to their homes though – having four cats would be a lot for a long term commitment!
What’s your favorite aspect about fostering? Why do you do it?
I loved getting to know our foster cats. We really did enjoy having their company, winning their trust, and watching them interact with my own cats. It felt very rewarding to keep them out of a shelter environment and be able to provide them with a safe place to live before matching them with their forever home. Unfortunately, I moved into an apartment and was no longer able to foster due to the fees and pet limit.
What advice would you give to someone considering foster caregiving?
Be patient with your fosters. They all come with their own unique characteristics and curiosities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with animals, so you really need to have patience and understanding. Be knowledgeable of cat/dog behaviors, and be willing to prepare your home environment to be welcoming and safe for them. Example: One of my foster cats broke a plant pot of mine, but I didn’t see it as their fault. It was my fault for putting it on the window sill where I know the cats want to sit! Anticipate how to adapt to living with a new animal, and be willing to make changes so you can live together with all needs met. 🙂
What’s your favorite story about one of your foster animals?
One of my foster cats, Izzy, was such a sweet girl. She loved to sit in a basket in my kitchen while I cooked dinner or washed the dishes. It was sweet to always have company doing these mundane tasks, and she would give a little meow anytime I approached her.