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Can I pick up my foster today?
Can I pick up my foster today?
Almost all of our kittens (orphans or with a mom) come from another shelter. If a group you inquire about is ready to be picked up same day, we will let you know right away. If not, we will usually update you with a pick-up time once we hear back from the sending shelter.
The goal is always the same, but the process may be different for every kitten
The goal is always the same, but the process may be different for every kitten
For every kitten in our program, the goal is for them to go to a loving home. This can be with their foster or with someone entirely different!
Since the kittens in the Neonatal Program aren't quite old enough to be adopted, they need to spend some time in foster until the meet the adoption requirements. The length of stay in foster varies depending on a number of factors – from overnight for last-minute bottle babies to 8 weeks or more for a pregnant mom. No matter the length and level of care needed, we will do our best to prepare you and provide support every step of the way.
Kitten-proofing your home!
Kitten-proofing your home!
Getting the space set up for your future foster kittens can be exciting! Keep in mind that kittens are small, fast, and seem to squeeze themselves into any nook and cranny they can find. Here is a short list of common household hazards to watch out for when kitten-proofing your home:
Reclining or rocking chairs
Toilets and bathtub drains
Doors, exits, windows and the outdoors
Balconies, landings, and other high surfaces
Dogs – kittens and mom cats cannot meet any dogs until they have graduated from the neonatal program!
Appliances, such as washers and dryers
Holes
Loose window screens
Chemicals and cleaners
Houseplants
Electric cords
Here is an example of a great set-up for a small kitten. There are no hazards (the toilet seat is down), and the kitten has space to play, eat, and potty. At this age kittens don't take up a lot of room. An easy-to-clean space like a bathroom is ideal.
Safety tip:
Even when kittens are done with their mandatory quarantine, it's still best to keep them in a safe, confined area, especially when they aren't being directly supervised. You really never know what sort of nonsense kittens will get into the moment you look away!
Adoption requirements
Adoption requirements
For kittens to be made available for adoption, in addition to meeting medical criteria, they must weigh at least 680 g/1.5 lb and must be eating on their own (they should be gaining weight consistently). Some kittens need a little extra time in foster, especially those who have overcome illness. If your kittens need a little extra time to make weight or learn to eat on their own, just let us know! You know your kittens best.
Meet and greets
Meet and greets
Once your kittens reach adoption age and weight, it is time to find their forever home. As a foster, you'll start receiving adoption inquiries from potential adopters, which you'll need to answer in order. It's up to you to schedule meet and greets (virtual meet and greets are encouraged) to give adopters a chance to get to know your kitten. From there, APA!'s trained adoption counselors will take over the hard work of screening and advising adopters.
Bidoof's story
Bidoof's story
We received an urgent email regarding Bidoof's health from a nearby shelter early in the morning. She was reported to have bad tummy trouble and was lethargic. Our team immediately sprung to action, making all of the necessary preparations to bring this kitten to our care as soon as possible.
Once Bidoof arrived, she was thankfully in much better shape than described. The lethargic kitten we were expecting was trying furiously to escape her carrier. She did need a little extra help due to her tummy troubles and low weight, but today she is a brand new cat. Bidoof has reached maximum floof and is charming every potential adopter. We have no doubt this little kitten will be adopted by the time we finish writing this summary!
Just like in Bidoof's case most of our kittens come from a different shelter. Thankfully, she was only 45 minutes away, and we were able to bring her in same day, but in the case of most of our kittens, it can take 2 to 5 days from rescue request to foster pick-up.
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