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Foster kitten information

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Kitten Foster Guide

Thank you for helping foster kittens. You are giving them a safe place to grow until they find their forever homes.

First 24 Hours With Your Kitten

Follow these steps to help your kitten feel safe and comfortable:

  1. Create a quiet space: Set up a small, safe area with a bed, food, water, and a litter box.
  2. Keep them warm: Young kittens need warmth. Use blankets and keep them away from drafts.
  3. Offer food and water: Follow feeding instructions based on age. Make sure fresh water is always available.
  4. Limit handling at first: Let the kitten adjust. Keep interactions calm and gentle.
  5. Watch for signs of illness: Check for sneezing, not eating, or unusual behavior.
  6. Contact us if needed: Call (904) 529-4733 if you have concerns.

What is fostering?

Fostering means caring for kittens in your home for a short time. Some kittens are too young to be adopted, and others need help getting healthy. You help them grow and get ready for adoption.

What you will do

  • Provide food and clean water
  • Keep kittens clean, warm, and comfortable
  • Help them learn to play and feel safe
  • Monitor their health and bring them in if needed
  • Return them when they are ready for adoption

Supplies you need

  • Kitten food and bottles (for young kittens)
  • Litter box and litter
  • Soft blankets or towels
  • Toys for enrichment
  • A carrier for transport

Keeping kittens healthy

  • Wash your hands before and after handling kittens
  • Keep their space clean
  • Watch for signs of illness:
  • Sneezing or runny nose
  • Not eating
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Diarrhea

Non-Emergency Symptoms

Watch for these signs:

  • Sneezing or runny nose
  • Not eating
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Diarrhea

What to do:

Emergency Symptoms

Seek immediate help if you see:

  • Hit by car or trauma
  • Animal attack
  • Seizure
  • Not responsive
  • Severe illness or distress

What to do:

Staff must approve all after-hours care.

If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact the foster team: (904) 529-4733

Feeding kittens

0–4 weeks (bottle babies):

  • Feed kitten formula every few hours
  • Keep them warm—cold kittens cannot eat

5+ weeks (older kittens):

  • Start eating wet food
  • Always provide clean water and a litter box

Helping kittens grow

  • Play with them daily to build trust
  • Gently handle and socialize them
  • Use a calm voice to comfort them

Saying goodbye

When kittens are healthy and ready, they will be placed for adoption. It can be hard to say goodbye, but you helped them find a loving home.

You can always foster again and help more kittens.

Thank you

Fostering saves lives. We are grateful for your care and compassion.

You are a kitten hero.