Foster Home Responsibilities
Ensure the safety of all foster cats under your care.
- Cat proof your home.
- Always use a cat carrier when transporting your foster cat. And, never under any circumstances let your foster cat outdoors.
Providing for the cats basic needs: food, water, shelter.
Periodically, ICRA can supply donated food, kitty litter, or toys; however, this is not a guaranteed provision. We do not reimburse for pet supplies, but recommend that you keep your receipts for use with your tax preparation. We have forms to help you keep track of your tax deductible expenses.Spend quality time with your foster cat.
Provide toys and spend time interacting with your foster cat.Provide basic grooming.
- Trim nails often.
- Brush regularly, especially long-haired cats.
- Consider monthly topical flea treatment as part of the grooming process to prevent flea and tapeworm infestation. (If you are seeing black specks or flea dirt deep in the fur, you’ve got fleas!)
Begin very basic training.
- It is important to train your cat to use an acceptable scratching alternative from the start.
- Don’t allow your foster cat to eat off of the table or get up on counter tops.
Observe and report any problems with the cat(s) to a Foster Home Coordinator.
Watch closely if they are using their litter box, eating and drinking normally, and if their stool is normal. Closely observe incisions following all surgeries, including spay AND neuter, each day for several days. Don’t even wait for a day once you see signs of illness or redness, swelling or oozing from an incision site. Any signs of illness should be reported to a Foster Home Coordinator immediately.Medicate animals when needed.
- If your cat is put on medications, it is important that you follow the directions carefully. Continue all medications as directed. Do not stop giving medications just because the cat looks better.
- All medications and veterinary care will be provided through ICRA. It is important that you follow the policies for obtaining medications and vet care. ICRA has set procedures in place in order to control costs related to veterinary care for our cats. If you obtain services without prior approval, ICRA will not be financially responsible.
