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Foster Care Manual

The Purpose of Foster Care

Foster care provides a safe and loving home for rescued cats until they find their forever families. As a foster, you play a crucial role in helping cats become confident, socialized, and adoptable. Many adopters stay in touch for years, sharing updates and appreciation for the role you played in their pet’s journey.

Fosters also help evaluate a cat’s temperament in a home setting, ensuring they are ready for adoption. If you need assistance with behavioral or socialization training, don’t hesitate to ask! CKC ensures all medical requirements—vaccinations, exams, deworming, and spay/neuter—are met before adoption.

Will I Be a Good Foster Home?

Many people worry about getting too attached to their foster pets, and that’s completely understandable! While saying goodbye can be tough, every foster makes room for another life to be saved. And if you fall in love and want to adopt—there’s no guilt in that! We love seeing fosters become forever homes, but even fostering just once makes a difference.

Transport Safety Requirements

  • Always crate your foster cat when transporting to prevent escape or injury.
  • If you need a carrier or other transport supplies, let the foster team know: foster@coloradokittyco.org
  • Early exposure to carriers helps kittens feel comfortable traveling later in life. Try leaving a kennel in their space with the door open and tossing treats inside to create a positive association.

Preparing for the Arrival of Your Foster Cat

  • Talk to your vet about any vaccinations your resident pets may need before fostering. CKC is not responsible for illnesses contracted by personal pets.
  • Your foster cat will need:
    • A litter box (one per cat)
    • Food & water dishes (separate from your other pets)
    • A quiet, private space (spare bedroom, laundry room, or bathroom)
    • A cozy bed & a hiding spot (like a box with a blanket)
  • Start them off in one small area before gradually introducing them to the rest of the home.
  • Expect shy or scared behavior at first—cats don’t like sudden changes. Adjustment may take days to weeks depending on their personality.

Introducing Your Foster Cat to Your Home & Pets

  • Keep new fosters isolated for 2-3 weeks, especially if they’ve traveled from out of state, to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
  • Let resident pets sniff under the door before direct interactions.
  • Wash hands and change clothes between handling your foster and your own pets.
  • Supervise introductions and go at the slowest animal’s pace—rushing can cause setbacks.
  • If young children are in the home, teach them how to gently handle kittens and always supervise interactions.

Cats Must Stay Indoors – Never let your foster outside, even under supervision. Cats can jump fences, encounter predators, or get lost.

Roaming the House

  • Show your foster where food, water, litter box, and safe spaces are.
  • Avoid giving full access to the house immediately—confine to a small space first.
  • Kittens can get lost or use hidden corners as a bathroom—monitor their space closely!

Feeding Your Foster Cat

  • Kittens (under 8 months) – Free-feed dry food & offer wet food AM & PM.
  • Orphaned kittens (under 8 weeks) – Require 3+ feedings per day (ask Arika for details).
  • Adult cats – ¼ cup dry food twice daily (adjust if feeding wet food).
  • Always provide fresh water and be mindful of treat size for kittens.
  • CKC provides donated food, but you’re welcome to purchase higher-quality food at your own expense.

General Veterinary Requirements for Adoption

  • All kittens will be spayed/neutered, though some may go to homes before their surgery.
  • Adopters must return them for their scheduled spay/neuter—they remain CKC property until fixed.
  • Vaccination Schedule:
    • FVRCP at 5-6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, & 16 weeks
    • Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks+
  • CKC partners with Blue Sky Animal Clinic for medical care. Always get approval from Arika before scheduling a vet appointment.

Contact the foster team immediately if you notice:

  • Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or refusal to eat
  • Scabs, hair loss, or signs of ringworm
  • Difficulty urinating (especially in male cats)

Understanding Cat Behavior & Socialization

  • Start with a small, quiet space and let shy cats come to you on their own time.
  • Observe if they’re eating and using the litter box while alone.
  • Some cats adjust quickly, while others take weeks to come out of hiding.
  • Slowly introduce them to other pets, expecting some hissing or growling at first.
  • If another pet chases your foster, separate them and try again later.
  • Litter box issues? Try moving the box to a quieter location or changing the type of litter.

If you notice straining to urinate or blood in urine, contact the Foster Team Email ASAP. Male cats can get life-threatening urinary blockages.

Adoption Process

  • CKC handles all adoption applications, agreements, and fees.
  • If a friend or family member is interested in your foster, they must fill out an application at [cokittycoalition.com](insert link).
  • Approved adopters should meet the cat in your home to see their true personality.
  • Adopters must return unaltered kittens for their spay/neuter surgery as scheduled.

Adoption Fees:

  • Cats/kittens under 2 years – $225 (Siamese: $325)
  • Cats over 2 years – $125
  • Payments can be made to Co Kitty Coalition @ 1306 Heatheridge Court, Fort Collins, CO 80526.

Saying Goodbye

We know saying goodbye is the hardest part of fostering. While it can be emotional, knowing your foster is going to a loving home helps ease the transition. If you’d like updates, feel free to ask the adopters to stay in touch!

By fostering, you’ve saved a life. And when you’re ready, there will always be another cat in need who could use your help. 💕