Bust More Myths, Get More Fosters

Are you hearing the same questions and excuses as you search for kitten foster parents? Here are the top seven myths we hear at the ASPCA. Share these with your staff and your foster parents so they can have the right answers at hand as they recruit friends and families!

Myth: My place is too small to foster kittens—I just don’t have enough space!

Fact: Fostering kittens actually doesn’t require much space. All you need is a small room, such as a bathroom, where the kittens live while you’re caring for them. If you don’t have a spare small room for them, you can use an enclosed playpen. 

Myth: I can’t foster kittens because I have other pets.

Fact: Because kittens are kept separate, your pets will be away from them for the most part. We recommend you keep any resident pets away from your foster kittens for at least two weeks before you consider a meet-and-greet. That way the kittens will have time to get healthy and your pets will have time to adjust to their presence in the house.

Myth: I won’t be able to let my foster kittens go. I’m worried that I’ll get too attached!

Fact: We know it’s hard to say goodbye to adorable balls of fluff. But it’ll be easier to send kittens off to a new home when you remember you’ve given them a healthy start to life. Also, saying goodbye means you are making room for more kittens who need fostering! 

Myth: I have no idea how to teach kittens to use the litter box. It sounds too hard!

Fact: You actually don’t need to teach kittens to use the litter box. Their feline instincts will kick in and they will already know when and where to go (with maybe just a couple of mistakes at the start.)

Myth: I have a 9-5 job and just don’t have time to foster.

Fact: Fostering kittens who eat well on their own (usually around 4-5 weeks of age) requires surprisingly little time out of your busy schedule.

Myth: I can’t take on the financial responsibility. I just don’t have the money to care for foster kittens.

Fact: Foster programs cover the cost of the kittens’ medical care and their supplies and toys. (Tailor this answer to your organization’s program and mention what you provide and the support your staff will give as well!)

Myth: I have children, so I can’t foster. 

Fact: You can certainly foster kittens if you have children. With supervision, children have the opportunity to learn how to care for kittens, play with and socialize them. Just be sure that your children wash their hands before and after handling the kittens. Also, keep in mind that if your child has a weakened immune system or is easily susceptible to communicable diseases, you may want to take extra precautions when they are interacting with your foster kittens.