First Foster Feral - Should He Stay??

merlynn's mom

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Hi. This is the third day I'm taking care of the newly found foster kitten I found. He is running around and playing like crazy. He is just a cutie. I've been bringing him to work so he can be with people and get used to them. He's adjusted quite well. Considering he's only 5 almost 6 weeks old, that's to be expected.


So today one of my coworkers said that if I'm not going to keep him, he'd take him. He's always had cats and I'd trust him to take care of him. I said, that's great. I'd like to keep him until he's at least 8 weeks old so that he can be tested for FIV and Leukemia and receive his first set of boosters. I can also get him neutered at 8 weeks, so that would be awesome.

If I'm not going to keep him....that's the question. I have two other cats at home. They're both a little over 1 year old. They are hissing, which is normal. The little one has been confined to the bathroom for his and my other cats' safety.

If I keep him, I can't foster any other kitties I find. But he is sooo adorable. They all are, aren't they?!

I'm sure this man wants him b/c he is so small. But I think as a responsible foster mother, I should keep him and make sure he gets all he needs before I let him go...if I do.

Advice anyone?? Thanks.
 

bonnie1965

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I think you are doing the right thing to keep him until you know he is healthy and neutered. If the only reason this guy wants him is because he is small and cute ... well, he'll grow fast! Kittens are easy to fall in love with - they will be adults for years.

Keep us up to date on how it goes. Have you posted photos of this little sweetie yet? Thank you for fostering
 
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merlynn's mom

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No I haven't posted photos yet. I only have a PDF image and I can't post that.


And yeah, I agree. I'd feel more comfortable keeping him until at least 8 weeks. You put that in a great way; I don't want someone to take him b/c he's small and cute. He won't stay that way forever...and most people love kittens b/c they're kittens. They do not always realize the extra care they require and extra problems that can arise with a young cat.

And if they're worrying about bonding; I got my Piccolino at 6 months and he loves me. His foster mother couldn't brush him and he comes running when I take the brush out. He's a doll that little guy.

Thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.
 

houseofcats

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We never let any of our rescues go until they've been fixed, shots, etc. People have good intentions but other things can happen. Only you know if you can afford and have the room for another cat. We have 30 here and for the most part they all get along. I'm sure adding him will take a little introduction time but will work out well. Good luck with your decision.
 
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merlynn's mom

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Originally Posted by HouseofCats

We never let any of our rescues go until they've been fixed, shots, etc. People have good intentions but other things can happen. Only you know if you can afford and have the room for another cat. We have 30 here and for the most part they all get along. I'm sure adding him will take a little introduction time but will work out well. Good luck with your decision.
30 CATS!


Wow! Well, you sure don't live in a 1 bedroom apartment! hahhahaha! I'd be overrun. That's great that they get along. Yes, I know the introductions will be the "fun" part.

I am set on keeping him until I can get him his shots and neutered. I can get that done with discounts through a local rescue group. I'd really feel more comfortable if I could do that.

And a HUGE red flag popped up when I was talking/interviewing the coworker who wants the little guy. He said his last girlfriend had 5 cats - all got declawed. And he had his last cat declawed. He said, "Well, you kind of have to." I told him that I have two cats and they have scratch posts and they have never (knock on wood) scratched up my furniture. He also said he'd yell at his cat when the cat was young and that when the cat grew up he was scared of his owner.
Gee, I wonder why.

I told him that cats do not respond to yelling. It makes them fearful. But he kind of laughed it off. I wish people would do a little reading up on how to raise and discipline cats. It's not common sense and it shouldn't be. I think it would be great if all adopted cats came with a little book that explained how to raise a kitty and how to do the basics with it - discipline, feeding, etc. Hey, I'm sure there is something like that. Anyone know?

NOPE, don't think Kink's going with this character. But I need to have another casual conversation with to explain the procedure of declawing and the harm it brings to the cat. If he's going to get a cat, he NEEDS to know this.
 

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If you find the right adopter for this little guy, then by all means make room for the next little one that comes along.

I'm momofmany for a reason. All of mine were born feral and for a long time I was reluctant to let them go. Granted I have adopted out a lot of socialized ferals, but then again, I didn't let go as many as I should have. I've hit a point that I can't foster any more.

It is really hard to let them go, but remind yourself that if you find the right home, you can help that next homeless kitten that wanders into your life. This is a personal lesson that I learned too late.
 
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merlynn's mom

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Originally Posted by Momofmany

If you find the right adopter for this little guy, then by all means make room for the next little one that comes along.

It is really hard to let them go, but remind yourself that if you find the right home, you can help that next homeless kitten that wanders into your life. This is a personal lesson that I learned too late.
Very true. Thanks. We'll see what happens within the next few weeks. The local rescue group has offered to let me put him in their adoption program. So I know he'll find a great home. I promised him that I would find him the best home I could...whether it's mine or not.
 

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Fingers crossed in finding him a home - if keeping him means you can't help any more, I personally would let him go, you could have an even needier cat needing your care.
 
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merlynn's mom

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Originally Posted by booktigger

Fingers crossed in finding him a home - if keeping him means you can't help any more, I personally would let him go, you could have an even needier cat needing your care.
That is a very good point you make...
 
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