Foster Program – Pregnant Moms and Orphaned Kittens
By Julie Desgroseillers
It takes a special person to open their heart and homes to this special category of foster animals. These animals – pregnant mothers, abandoned or orphaned kittens and nursing mothers need a soft spot to land for 2-3 months before being placed up for adoption.
Dozens of abandoned and orphaned kittens are given a chance at life due to the extra care and attention that our foster parents provide. Feral pregnant cats are given the opportunity to give birth in a warm, dry and safe location. RAPS currently has one pregnant mother in foster care, 3 orphaned kittens and one mom with her litter of 7 kittens.
While mother cats and kittens are in foster care, RAPS provides the foster families with food, bedding, supplies and formula (if needed). The city shelter communicates regularly with the foster parent to ensure all needs are met – be it medical attention, replenishing supplies or to trouble shoot any challenges the foster parent encounters. Part of what makes the foster program so effective is the input the foster parent can provide in regards to the temperament of the foster animal. Cats and kittens entering the shelter after being fostered are quicker to be adopted because it is easier to find that perfect match.
Being so intimately involved with animals who need you to survive often creates strong bonds between the foster parent and the foster cat and kittens. It takes a very big heart and thick skin to be a foster parent – it’s easy to become attached to foster kittens and hard to let them go!
One of our most dedicated foster parents, Kati DeGraaf has played a critical role in the survival of a number of our pregnant moms and newborn kittens. She has hand-raised kittens from birth, assisted in the delivery room during emergency C-sections, helped moms deliver their kittens and bottle fed kittens around the clock. We would like to thank Kati from the bottom of our hearts for the tremendous contribution she has made to support RAPS and our no-kill policy.
One thing we have learned is kitten season can be any season! We are always looking to extend our foster program. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent to a pregnant mother or orphaned kittens, please contact Julie at julie@rapsociety.com.
