The best things in life are rescued!

Fostering 101
SO YOU WANT TO FOSTER...
 Fantastic! Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience, and with the right tools and information, anyone can learn to save the lives of kittens. Below are tips for successful fostering. 
 
BEFORE YOU START
 Before you start fostering, make sure that you're able to commit to the kittens' needs. Things to consider:
Is your household appropriate for young kittens? Is everyone you live with accepting of foster kittens? Do you have a space for them that is safe and easy to clean? Are you able to quarantine them from other animals?
Does your schedule allow for kitten care? Depending on the age and health of the kittens, you may need to be available as often as every 2-3 hours. Will you be able to bring kittens with you to work, or arrange care for them when you are unavailable?
If you've answered these questions and feel prepared to take on the responsibility of fostering kittens, we want you!
 
PREPARING YOUR SPACE
 There are several supplies you will need to think about when fostering kittens. Casper's Legacy will provide you with all the essentials, but there are some things you will need to have in your home.
 
You'll want to prepare a home base for your kittens. It's important that this home base be quarantined from other animals, safe and kitten proof, and warm. Your home base should consist of:
 
  • A small space with a comfortable temperature and a door that closes, where they can initially be quarantined from other animals
  • A heating pad set on low, with a soft blanket covering it completely.
  • A soft blanket for them to lay on that is not directly on the heating pad so they can get away from the heat should they choose to
  • Make sure the area is kitten proof -- you'd be amazed what trouble kittens can get into. For instance, you want to make sure there is not a trash can or toilet they can fall into, a curtain they can climb, a toxic plant they can eat, a small space they can hide or get stuck in.
  • If the kittens are above 2 weeks of age, a shallow litter box with a small amount of litter
  • If the kittens are weaned, a shallow water dish with fresh water (they will not know how to lap water until they are weaning, so you should not be giving them a water dish until they are at least 3-4 weeks and weaning.)
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BRINGING HOME YOUR FOSTERS
 You’re finally ready to bring home kittens. Now the work begins.
 
Feed them
  • Kittens 0-4 weeks with no mom will need to be bottle-fed using a kitten formula. Never give cow's milk to a kitten -- this is very dangerous!
  • Kittens 4-5 weeks are weaning and can eat slurry, a combination of formula and wet kitten food.
  • Kittens 5-6 weeks plus can generally eat wet kitten food. Make sure the can says it is for kittens, and provide fresh water at all times as well.
  • Show them the litter box ASAP
  • Kittens above 3 weeks should be immediately placed into the litter box, so that they learn right away where to use the bathroom. If they are already peeing and pooping on their own, they should show interest in the box.
  • If they are not yet pooping and peeing on their own (which begins around 3 weeks) you will need to stimulate them to go to the bathroom. When they are learning to use the litter box, you can do this over the box so they associate the box with using the bathroom.
  • Kittens should only have non-clumping litter. They may try and eat the litter and clumping litter will do just that in their belly’s, which can be very dangerous to their health.
  • Show them their cozy spot
  • Place them in the area where they can be warm and comfortable. Make sure they have access to the covered heating pad, but also a way to get away from it if they get too warm.
  • Let them sleep -- kittens sleep a lot, especially neonatal kittens. Give them plenty of time to rest.
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ROUTINES ARE ESSENTIAL
 Get the kittens on a routine. Every few hours, you should be stimulating them if necessary, feeding them, and showing them their comfy spot so they can safely sleep. As they get older, you can factor in some play-time. Recommended schedule is as follows:
 
  • Kittens 0-1 weeks: bottle feeding/stimulating every 2 hours
  • Kittens 1-2 weeks: bottle feeding/stimulating every 2-3 hours
  • Kittens 2-3 weeks: bottle feeding/stimulating every 3 hours
  • Kittens 3-4 weeks: bottle feeding/stimulating every 4 hours
  • Kittens 4-5 weeks: weaning and beginning to use bathroom on their own - feeding every 5-6 hours
  • ​Kittens 5-6 weeks: weaning, using litter box - feeding every 6-8 hours
  • Kittens 6-8 weeks: weaned, using litter box - feeding every 8 hours
 
VETERINARY CARE
 Kittens are extremely vulnerable creatures, and there may come a time when your kitten needs veterinary care. It will be important that you monitor the kittens in your care regularly. If you see any signs that concern you, contact Casper's Legacy immediately.
 
Dehydration
Dehydration is deadly in kittens, causing the organs to shut down. You can tell if a kitten is dehydrated by doing a simple "tent test." Pinch the skin on the scruff of the neck. If the skin immediately falls back into place, the kitten is hydrated. If the skin forms a "tent" and takes a moment to go back down, the kitten is dehydrated.
Constipation
It's normal for a new kitten to go a day without pooping, as their body is adjusting to changes in food. However, if a kitten has gone more than two days without a bowel movement there could be a problem.
Remember that diarrhea is often a symptom of a larger issue, so if it is persistent, we may need to take the kitten to see a veterinarian to test for parasites and other issues.
Fading kitten syndrome
A kitten that is becoming lethargic or unable to breathe may be fading -- which can lead to death within minutes or hours.
As an urgent procedure, check the gums for color. If they are dry or white, a small amount of Karo syrup can be applied to keep the kitten's blood sugar stable.
If a kitten is too cold or too hot, you will need to slowly and safely get them to a comfortable temperature. Be careful, as doing so too quickly can be a shock to the kitten.
If you think the kitten is fading, contact Casper's Legacy immediately.
 
SAYING GOODBYE
Saying goodbye might be hard, but if you have prepared the kitten for a great forever home you have saved a life. Saying goodbye is often the hardest part of fostering and also the most rewarding because it means you can now save another life.
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