The importance of fostering
Cats die every day in shelters due to over population,
illness or behavior issues. A good foster program allows these animals to get
out of the shelter system and into a home environment where they can get well
or their behavior can be monitored and modified.
The most vulnerable of that population is kittens. Bottle
babies (unweaned kittens that come in with no mom) are the most at risk
followed by kittens with no moms that are too young to be vaccinated. But even
kittens with their moms are at risk from exposure to illness.
So, what can you do?? 
Bug - our first (and only) bottle baby
Well, if you have a space away from your pets, consider fostering for a local rescue.
our foster room - it used to be the (unused) dining room
If you can't do that, check their website for a donation list - kittens eat like there is no tomorrow and rescues go through LOTS of food and litter.
Share their posts on facebook and twitter....good attention is always welcome.
Every little effort from all of us will make a difference....
Great post, I love how you included donating as an option because many of us can't foster but still like to help. I try to donate on a regular basis! catchatwithcarenandcody
ReplyDeleteI wish I could foster but just have way too many to fit any one else in here. But great ideas.
ReplyDeleteGreat PSA. Keep in mind, too, that even a bathroom, no matter how small, is bigger than a shelter cage! And yes, there are plenty of ways to help without fostering. Our rescue has a number of ever-increasing volunteer roles including administration and the incredibly valuable volunteer driver!!
ReplyDeletewe had a young woman who was ill and couldn't leave her home that wrote out thank you notes for us....every little bit helps
DeleteI try to collect old but clean towels, blankets and sheets from family and friends, to give to shelters. I will admit, however, that one or two of these items have ended up being used by us, when we've had to trap The 'O' Cats for veterinary care! Nothing like draping the cage to block out everything; keeps them quiet and less freaked out.
ReplyDeleteNice post at Sparklecat!
DeleteMom did a bottle baby once. It helped that she worked for a vet, so those every two hour feedings, not an eyebrow raiser.
ReplyDeleteWe'd never seen how you closed off your Foster room. Very ingenious. We enjoyed Summer's post today talking about Mom Jeanne as a foster mom. Mom hopes to see her and a kitten or two at the BlogPaws Conference in May. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder on how to help. We loved seing you featured on Summer's blog. Purrs
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to help rescue kitties - it should be easy for humans to find something they can do.
ReplyDeleteguyz....total lee awesum post///ree minderz ~~~~~~ we due chex out several shelters websitez for what mite bee on ther wish list, & yur mom iz rite....foodz for de wee onez iz all wayz ther :) ♥♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteI've got a super special former foster of yours- Isadora Calais, better known as Izzy. She is so well adjusted and easy going- nothing phases her, not even the vacuum! She's our very special girl for sure, and we know it's thanks to her awesome foster mom!
ReplyDeleteI can't see myself fostering, as I'd be a mush and want to keep them all. I do donate on a monthly basis. Again so I don't have to go to the shelter where I'm sure I would fall in love with all the kitties.
ReplyDeleteSomething else we can do is encourage all cat owners to spay and neuter their pets. Although I love seeing the kittens you foster, my heart aches for those I know cannot be saved.
Thanks for all you do!
You're so right. Even the littlest thing can help.
ReplyDeleteFor a long time, I was sure I couldn't handle fostering because I'd get too attached. Another lady who fosters talks about how she was sure of that too ... until she thought about how taking in each foster saves a life ... then the pain is changed a bit and made manageable. I don't think I could foster with Bear around and I don't have the space ... but I hope to be able to foster at some point. I like your donation idea ... I got so much stuff at BlogPaws and I've always intended to donate it and then it totally slipped my mind.
ReplyDeleteIf you are unable to foster but know someone who does, ask them what they need for the foster animals in their care. Some rescues provide food, litter, etc., for their foster homes, but a lot do not, and even the rescues who *do* provide supplies often run low. I know I spent over six hundred dollars on my fosters last year, providing supplies when the rescue didn't have any to spare, so help is always appreciated! All donations are tax-deductible, too, as long as the rescue is a 501(c)(3).
ReplyDeletepeople often don't realize that it is the little donations that make the biggest difference.. so few people can make the grand gestures, it is the little things that add up.
ReplyDelete