Louise Shares About Fostering for Silverton Cat Rescue
How long have you been fostering and how many cats in that time?
Not sure exactly when we started fostering but it has been at least 9 or 10 years or possibly longer. We also fostered dogs and puppies. It has been so long have lost track of how many we fostered but it has been a lot. Only been fostering for SCR for a little over two years.
What was your first foster experience like/why did you begin fostering?
We received a call from a Vets office asking if we could temporarily foster a young kitty about to have her babies. And then it began. We took her in and it was amazing watching what a beautiful and wonderful mama she was. We loved seeing those tiny babies grow and become such cute little kitties, learning all sorts of new things. A wonderful experience.
Do you have a favorite age of cats to foster? If so, what makes that age special for you?
We love them all. The tiny ones are so precious and fun to watch how clumsy they are at first trying to move around and play. To watch how they grow and get better at things and watching the different stages they go through. As they grow and can do more you get to see the different personalities start to emerge. Seeing them exploring and getting more confident. Discovering toys and how fun it is to chase and play with each other. Each stage has so many wonderful times and brings us so much love and joy.
What keeps you going?
Knowing that we are giving them a safe loving home to grow and become happy, playful, affectionate, confident kittens ready for their furever homes. They give us so much love and affection in return. Sadly, there are so many that need a good safe place to be.
What do you think makes SCR special?
Vivian makes SCR a special rescue because of the way she cares so much for all the cats and kittens and how she helps as many as she possibly can. She listens to the fosters’ needs and does what she can to make fostering a good experience for both fosters and kitties.
What do you think the biggest misconception about fostering is?
Maybe that when they take in fosters, they feel they will be left on their own to care for them. If you are with a good rescue like SCR, you are never alone. Vivian will help you anyway she can. You can always ask her questions or for help if you have concerns. Other fosters are a good source of support as well.
What would you say to someone considering fostering for the first time?
Make sure you have time to give them the attention and care they need. The more time you spend with them, the more confident, happy, friendly and affection they become. Have a good safe place for them to be, with room for them to run and play. Plenty of toys and things that will help them experience new things and learn to explore. Soft some warm snuggly places for them to sleep. Try and keep the litter box and their food separate and maybe away from the play area. If they can eventually have run of that house that is good. More room to spread their wings. If you have a dog or cat that is kitty friendly, let them meet slowly and with proper introductions. You never know, potential adopters may have other pets. Also helps you see if they will be ok with other pets or better going to a home where they will be the only ones. Let friends visit with them, helps them to be less shy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help if you need it. Most of all enjoy the time you have with them. They are such wonderful little critters.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Fostering through SCR with Vivian has been amazing. She is always there if you need her. Since we spend so much time with them, we get to know them and know what the right kind of furever home and people would be best for them. Being able to do the meet and greet for potential adopters means so much to us. Seeing how they interact with the kittens and how the kittens react to them helps us make the right decision for the best home to make a successful adoption for them. After all, the kittens and their being happy in the right home is the most important thing.