I started fostering kittens in June and we ended up adopting the first three because my husband couldn't stand the thought of taking them back to the shelter, now I have 2 more who have reached the weight of 2 lbs. and I feel so sad everytime I picture taking them back. I just picture the tiny little guys in the shelter in a cage wondering what happened and why they left the only place they knew and where we and their brother and sisters are. What to do? If I keep them I would have 6 cats in a small house not to mention the vet expense, etc.This is taking an emotional toll.
2007-11-04 14:11:26 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Hello, I foster cats currently.
I have foster cats. It is sad at one point, but think of this
They are going to an even better home, and now you have space to help another animal's life.
2007-11-04 14:19:07 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fostering is terribly hard to do. I totally understand what you are going through. I was just keeping two dogs for the weekend and it just killed me to have to return them!
How are the conditions at your shelter? do the cats get play time outside of their cage? If you are happy with their facilities and their care for the cats, then bringing them back is easier.
Maybe you aren't the right person to foster, since you bond so quickly - a good and a bad thing. Your caring heart is just going to make it so very hard to return the kitties when you've nurtured them at the beginning of their life.
Fostering is just one way to help out shelter animals. Ask if there is something else you can do to help that doesn't involve getting so attached to the animals - cleaning cages, cleaning litter boxes, doing fundraising...
I'm so glad that you can see the whole picture of how 6 cats would be a burden on your household. It's wonderful that you are such a soft touch when it comes to cats. Perhaps your situation will change in the future and you can move into a place with room enough to have all the kits you want!
2007-11-04 22:23:27 · answer #2 · answered by FishStory 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound like rehabbing is for you. I have rehabbed hundreds of animals. And while it is hard to let some go back you can't keep them all.
The shelter I rehabbed for had a strict screening policy so I knew the animals had a pretty good chance of going to an excellent home.
In the years I rehabbed I have only kept 1 dog a 2 year old Basenji who is 16 now. I only kept him because I had taken him to a satellite adoption and he was attacked by another shelters dog. He wanted nothing to do with that any more. Tried 2 more times all he did was growl at everyone. 1 rabbit who lived to be old and an iguana who also lived to old age.
You just have to put it in your head these are not your cats and they will be going to good homes.
My first skunk I rehabbed I was heart broken when I had to release him but I did.
Look on the positive side if they were not rehabbed they most likely would be put down.
2007-11-04 22:21:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have fostered many cats and dogs for the shelter where I work. It isn't as difficult to take them back, as it is to see them get adopted and go home. It is tough, but you know you are saving a life and that if it weren't for you, they wouldn't have had a chance. Thank you so much for all that you do. It will be hard. But just remember, you saved them and gave them the chance to have a life, they otherwise wouldn't have had.
2007-11-04 22:21:03 · answer #4 · answered by caitiejx36 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry...This is really tough. I was fostering a cat (about 2 years old) starting in april and come to find out the owner wasn't take care of it...she had a HORRIBLE case of worms, never been spayed, never had her shots....so the girl never got her cat back, i've spent over 1500 in vet bills with this cat (including an 1100 dollar bill from her last visit as she was REALLY sick)
I feel for you thought ...it's tough being a 'foster parent' to furbabies!
2007-11-04 22:16:49 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well my darling, you may need to stop fostering. It's sad but it is not a job for everyone. I cannot even go to the shelter because I want to take everyone home.
If you are going to foster, from day one you have to know that they are not yours and THEY HAVE TO GO ON TO THEIR FOREVER HOME. If you firmly fit that in your mind maybe it will help.
And if you don't send them on to their forever homes, there will be no room in your house to foster another one. You are giving them a good start in life and there are many more who need your help
2007-11-04 22:20:49 · answer #6 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋