Depressed Foster Cat

Well, as I suspected was going to happen I am fostering one of the pair of adult sister cats. She's so depressed it's breaking my heart. I fixed up the little room for her with bedding and food and toys, but it's obvious she's missing her sister. I don't know what to do for her. A friend of mine is fostering the sister. She may be here awhile until - I HOPE - we can find a home for them together - they are 5 and have always been together. I have two other cats (one who's Mister Consider Yourself At Home to fosters, the other starts out a little pissy and hissy) so I can't let her wander the apartment yet.

I just don't know what to do for her. I don't know that there is anything I can do but what I've been doing, going in regularly to pet and talk to her, but if anyone has any ideas, I'd be very grateful.

Also, if anyone knows of anyone who would give a home to two sister cats, please let me know.

Is there any way you can foster the sister in the little room too? Since that would make her happier it would be less work for you.

My place is way too tiny for both of them plus my cats and I might get in trouble re: landlords. I've been talking with a very good no-kill rescue group who may take them on and try to adopt them out together.

I think she's doing a tiny bit better. She rolled over and exposed her belly and let me rub it for a minute.

It's hard in general for a cat to come to a new place with new people so she would probably take some time to adjust even if she didn't miss her sister. It will get better. You just have to give it time and lots of attention to the kitty.

Is the rescue group that you have been talking to foster home based or will the cats stay in a cage while they're with them? If it's the latter I think they'd be better off where they are, separate.

This rescue group has a "store" that's very homey -- cushy couches and chairs, etc., so people can interact with the cats in a homelike situation. I think that would give them the best chance of being adopted together.

And I bet the sister is missing her. Since you know the other foster... why not wipe down each cat to get their scent on a baby blanket or something and swap ... so each sis gets something with the other's smell on it... better than nothing until they can be together.

She seems to be a little cheerier, and the reports from my friend are that her sister is doing okay, refusing to be bullied by the brother cats in that house (one has completely backed down and she's already wacked the other on the nose a few times ) and generally getting into things. Also, that same friend who works at the pet store where the cats were before stopped by Monday night, and that seemed to have a reassuring effect on her.

Our goal is still to get them a home together, but they're okay for now.

Will write more tomorrow or Thursday, must sleep. Thanks to all for suggestions.

Progress! They all hung out together in the kitchen for a couple of hours and no hissing! Not near each other at all, but not a hiss!

Plus -- A woman I know who's a devoted multicat owner (and is usually the one to take the "hardship" cases) said she is thinking about adopting the two sisters. I'm trying not to get too hopeful, as she has a houseful of cats as it is....