No matter how small your town, there are animal shelters and rescuers who are trying to help stray cats and kittens. An option that has increased dramatically in popularity over the last decade is foster care - a humane alternative to euthanasia.

A foster home provides food and shelter until an animal is adopted. Kittens receive another absolutely critical bit of care in a foster home - socialization. Kittens develop their trust and appreciation of humans very early in their lives. If the critical time to socialize is missed, socialization may never occur at all. And, an un-socialized cat will have a much more difficult time being adopted.

A foster kitten may come to you with his siblings and his mother. If so, your job as a foster parent is to see that they have a safe, secure place of their own with food, water, a litter box and some toys. A young kitten may also need foster care if he or she is recovering from an illness.

In some cases, as a foster parent, you may also be expected to provide transportation to medical appointments. It is very helpful to your foster’s future parents for you to makes some notes about their individual personalities, quirks, and cute behaviors. A personal report on kitty really moves people to decide they want to adopt.

Finally, the most important act of fostering kittens is socialization. You should handle the kittens from the beginning. Gently stroke and talk with them several times a day.  The more time you spend cuddling and playing with them, the more comfortable they will be with people. And, the more likely they will be to find a permanent home.

Posted by Barbara.