A Day in the Life of a Foster

Many people are curious about what fostering really entails. Is it a ton of work? Is it hard? The answer to both is "yes, but it's worth it." Here’s a little peek into a typical day fostering a mama cat and her kittens.

Morning: Breakfast and Wellness Check

The day starts with the sound of tiny mews. First things first: breakfast for mama cat, who needs lots of high-quality food to produce milk for her babies. While she eats, it's time for a quick wellness check on the kittens. I weigh each one on a small kitchen scale and record it in a log. Consistent weight gain is the best sign of healthy, thriving kittens. Then, it's time to clean their space—fresh bedding, a scooped litter box for mom, and clean food and water bowls.

Mid-Day: Socialization and Play

Once the kittens are a few weeks old, socialization becomes a key part of their day. This means gentle handling, short play sessions with tiny toys, and getting them used to the normal sights and sounds of a home. This is the fun part! Watching them pounce and play for the first time is pure magic. It's also a critical part of preparing them to be wonderful pets in their future homes.

Afternoon: Quiet Time & Updates

Kittens sleep a lot! The afternoon is often quiet time. This is when I might have to take mom or a kitten to a vet appointment for a check-up or vaccination. It's also a great time to take cute photos and videos to send to the rescue. These updates are crucial for finding potential adopters!

Evening: Winding Down

The evening involves another meal for mom and more gentle interaction with the kittens. It's a chance to sit quietly with them and let them get comfortable climbing on my lap. This work helps build their confidence and trust in people.

Fostering is a routine of care, cleaning, and cuddling. It's seeing a terrified cat learn to trust, or watching a litter of fragile kittens grow into strong, playful personalities. Every day has its challenges, but the reward of knowing you saved lives is immeasurable. You are their safe harbor, their bridge from a difficult past to a bright future.