Taking in a mom and kittens is an amazing experience. You'll get to watch the kittens grow up and learn new behaviors, like their first pounce, hiss, meow and purr! Many of our fosters love these groups and take them time and time again.
Caring for kittens that come from a shelter environment (which is where we rescue all of ours from), requires diligent monitoring, as they may have been exposed to cat-specific illnesses prior to entering our care. As long as you're observant and prepared, you should have no major issues caring for these adorable balls of fluff.
Read more about caring for moms and kittens in our foster manual:
Starting at 4 weeks old, kittens should be vaccinated every 2 weeks with an FVRCP vaccine, which protects them against three major cat-specific viruses. This is essential, because it will ensure their immune systems are well-developed prior to being adopted. When you pick-up your foster kittens, you will receive a copy of their vaccination schedule as well as instructions on how to sign-up for vaccine appointments.
At around 8 weeks and two pounds, kittens are ready for spay/neuter. This is a legal requirement in order for them to be adopted. It's important that kittens are fixed as soon as they're ready so that there's no delay in them finding a permanent home!
Mom cats are also ready for adoption once they've been spayed. Occasionally, they need a couple extra weeks in foster care before their mammary glands are dried up enough to undergo surgery.
Kittens are not tested for FIV/FeLV and are not old enough for a rabies vaccine until they are three months old. The adopter will be responsible for any required medical care post-adoption.
All cats and kittens are up-to-date on vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped prior to adoption.