My 1st Foster

[Honey]

Hi everyone, this past summer my best friend and I decided to go and foster orphaned bottle-feeding kittens at our local ASPCA. We read that bottle-feeders are the most important to be fostered because they need constant attention, and since they're so young and weak the atmosphere of a shelter can actually kill them. They are also so prone diseases. Being in a quiet environment in a home will really help them grow.

We went into the shelter and the lady was so happy to hear that we wanted to foster. She took us to the back and told us that there were these two precious babies that were found in a box at a schoolyard. She brought in the tiny crate and she took them out and WOW they were SO precious! These two pairs of kittens (male and female) were only 2 weeks old.

My friend decided to take care of the orange female tabby named Luna, who was a strong and big eater, and I would take care of the grey male tabby named Teddy (he was cuter ). The male was sick a lot, and was a tough feeder (and this was hard for me because it was the first time I ever bottle fed a kitten), and I constantly had to go back to the ASPCA for appointments. He was lethargic, always sniffled, sneezed, had diarrhea, and his breathing was very loud and in short patterns. The assistants at the ASPCA really didn't know what they were doing, saying he's fine. After a lot of research I came to the conclusion that he might have worms. My conclusion was right after I examined his poop and saw a segment! I went back to the ASPCA explaining this and they tested him for worms, and saw he had tapeworms. He went on antibiotics, and soon made a fast recovery. He finally became an energetic kitten!

My friend and I fostered these kittens for 3 months, and they grew up beautifully and now in loving homes.

Here are some photos!
I just want to share pictures.

Teddy and Luna. As you can see, Teddy was very lethargic when we just got him.


Luna eating and being playful.




My little Teddy Bear


Teddy a bit older, after his recovery with worms.




(continued)

[Honey]

Luna older as well



Teddy at 3 months, I can only take a picture of him sleeping because he never stays still!


My last day fostering Teddy. He was such an amazing experience.


I absolutely love fostering. It's amazing how a kitten grew and became so healthy because of me.
I believe I will foster once a year now.

[Taz_Zoee]

I think it is great that you fostered and especially that you were diligent in finding out exactly what was wrong with Teddy so he could get the care he needed. It looks like you have a bright future in fostering. BEWARE....you could become a foster failure as many others here have done. That is why I can't/won't foster.

Do you have any pets of your own? I have the four you see in my signature below.

Welcome to Pet Talk!! And we love pictures. I think Teddy's little black nose is the cutest!

Edit to add: I just looked at your profile and saw the pictures of Honey. She is beautiful! She reminds me of my kitty, Taz, I had for 14 wonderful years.

[katladyd]

You did something marvelous and wonderful! I couldn't foster, I'd have 50 cats! I get way too attached.

[Scooter's Mom]

There's no way Teddy would have gone anywhere... he is too stinkin' cute! You did an amazing job! Thank you!

[Freedom]

Well done! For a first time foster, you had your hands full with dear Teddy, and you stuck by him. He sure needed you in his life at that point! Loved seeing pics of him and Luna.

Look at my siggy - 7 of the cats and 3 of the dogs are failed fosters. I can't do it! LOL

Best wishes to you, you made a difference and that is a HUGE thing!

[GILL]

Thank you so much for FOSTERING.
It is one of the most rewarding and hardest things you can do.
It is always so hard to give them up.
SO WELCOME TO OUR WORLD and again THANK YOU

[phesina]

They're just DARLING!!!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH, and GOD BLESS YOU.

[redbird]

That is so great of you and friend to foster these babies. You should be so proud of yourselves possibly saving these kitties lives. I thank you so much as I'm sure all cat lovers do.

[moosmom]

They are just PRECIOUS!!!

Fostering can be a wonderful experience. Bottle feeding can be as well, although sleep deprivation isn't one of my strong suits. But seeing these little guys grow and develop is SO gratifying!!!

Thank you for doing such a great job! They are beautiful.

[catmandu]

Thank You as well from the Found Cat Hotel.
Teddy and Luna are in such good hands now, and will we know find good FurrEver Homes where they will never be lost or hungry.
I wish that the people in my neighborhood were like this, I wonder where all these Porch Cats are all coming from.
Teddy and Luna are such great Little Cats of the Future!!
Please keep us updated as they grow!!!

[sallyandsnowx]

That's great you decided to foster and help these little kittens!

They are absolutly PRECIOUS. Teddy does look a lot healthier in the other photos then he does in the first one. They all look so playful and happy. Ughhh, so cute. Thank you for sharing pictures!

[Snickismylife]

I could never foster I would have to move to a farm to hold all the animals lol . I have attachment to animal issue but not humans