2 replies to this topic

[Tiny Ball Of Fuzz]

Hello!

So, super exciting news... my family's decided to try fostering a cat! To give some background, two people in my house have slight allergies to cats, so that's why we're fostering instead of just going and getting a cat. This way it's temporary and we can see whether the two people are really bothered by their allergies. Anyways, we've applied to be a foster for a nearby cat rescue, and we're going to talk over the phone tomorrow night. I believe that rescue gives us everything we need, but we could possibly be keeping this cat if my family members' allergies don't bother them, so I have a few questions relating to both fostering and keeping a cat.

1. The rescue says that we need a separate room for the cat to start in. Does this room need to be a permanent room that is for the cat, or is it just until they are settled in?
2. What cat food is best? Is there a GA range I can go by like for hamsters?
3. What kinds of cat toys are best?
4. I've heard that some cats will only drink from a fountain. Is that true?
5. What kind of litter tray is best? Covered or not?
6. Are there any active cat forums out there?

If you have any other tips or anything, please share! The only experience with having a cat in my family is the experience of one person, and that was about 30 years ago! Thanks!

Edited by Tiny Ball Of Fuzz, 31 March 2022 - 04:44 AM.

[Sparrow]

The separate room is for a week or two to let the kitty have a safe space away from everyone else while it's getting used to the household. Once the kitty is confident and comfortable with you and your household to be in that room, without hiding, you can start leaving the door to that room open to let the kitty explore the rest of the house at their own pace.

2. For food one of the main things is that it's grain free - cats are unable to properly digest grain so looking for high quality food is very important. Nothing sold in your grocery store is going to be healthy enough.

3. A cat tree/tower is a must if you don't want to get your whole house destroyed. Cat wands are also extremely important, especially if the cat is young. You should aim to play with the kitty for at least an hour a day to let them release all of their energy and keep them stimulated. The reason why cat wands are so important is that it avoids direct contact with your hands. Never ever let your kitty play with your hands through scratching and biting. Young cats love to play attack and it can turn nasty very quickly if not addressed early on. Catnip toys are awesome, cardboard houses are also great! Aside from that, see what your kitty will enjoy - some love stuffed toys, some love to play fetch, some enjoy a moving toy that's shaped like a mouse. Have a nice, varied selection to see what your kitty will enjoy most.

4. Yes, it's not natural for the cats to drink out of still body of water. They get most of their fluids from wet cat food and so some cats will just never drink water. Some are willing to drink out if a glass but not a bowl. Majority if cats will be most comfortable drinking from a cat fountain.

5. That's personal preference. I have a selection of litter boxes, all of which are self cleaning because it saves me a lot of time, and it really doesn't make a difference if they are opened or enclosed if your kitty if properly litter trained. Some prefer to have a closed litter box as it makes them feel more secure, some will absolutely not even step a paw into a covered litter box without proper introduction to one. As a side note, a good rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat + one extra.

Best of luck with the fostering!

[AliceIII]

I think this is a very serious step. Well think before fostering a cat