Foster FAQ
What is a typical foster placement?
Most foster groups are kittens sometimes with a mom sometimes without. When at all possible we like to keep the kittens with their moms until they are 8 weeks old. Adults will sometimes be placed in a foster home for medical reasons such as a cat that has been hit by a car or is rabies quarantine.
How long will I have my fosters?
Every situation is different. It’s possible to have 8 week old kittens that are healthy/friendly and ready to show for adoption and they can be with you a very short time. You may also receive a pregnant mom that may not deliver for 2-3 weeks. The kittens will then be with you for at least 8 weeks until they are ready to start showing for adoption. Other situations, such as rabies quarantines can be up to 6 months. When you receive a call to see if you’re available to take in a group, please be aware we like to keep the fosters in 1 home until they are adopted. If you don’t feel like you can make a commitment for the necessary amount of time it’s best to wait for another group.
Do I have to keep my fosters separate from my own pets?
Yes. All animals are vetted before going into a foster home but it’s not unusual for a cat/kitten to have parasites and/or an upper respiratory infection. By exposing the fosters to your own pets, you are putting your own pets at risk. Also, if you have a mother cat with kittens she can be very protective and may go after your pet to protect her babies.
Are the cats/kittens friendly?
MWHS works with both friendly and semi-feral cats/kittens. Semi-feral cats/kittens have been born outside without human contact they are often very shy and will hide if given an opportunity. Because many other shelters will not take in semi-feral cats/kittens, these groups are what we are the most in need of foster homes for during kitten season. We always try to start new foster homes out with 1 or 2 “typical” litters before moving to semi-feral groups. Raising semi-feral kittens can be challenging but the rewards are amazing if you have the time and patience to devote to these special cats.
When is kitten season?
Cats can have up to 2 litters per year. Kittens are generally born starting in the spring and the season continues through the fall. It’s not impossible to get a call on a winter litter but it is unusual.
How are the cats/kittens adopted?
We expanded our shelter several years ago and now are very lucky to have a kitten room. The intent was to bring the kittens into the kitten room when they reached 8 weeks of age. This is still something we try to do as much as possible, but because of the overwhelming need for placement of kittens during kitten season this can be very hard to do.
Generally the kitten room is filled to the brim with kittens, and they often spread out beyond into other rooms of the shelter. This means that fosters need to be able to bring their groups in to be shown during our adoption hours. Adoption hours are Wed/Thu evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sat/Sun Noon – 4:00 p.m. We do not expect fosters to be there for all adoption hours but it is important they are shown frequently, especially when kittens are at their most adoptable between 8-10 weeks of age.