KNOWING YOUR LIMITS AND SIGNS OF BURNOUT

It is important to know your limits. Unfortunately, until people take responsibility for their pets, there will always be some kitten(s) that will need care in a foster home. If we could save the world in one day, believe me, it would have been accomplished by now. You can become burned out and not recognize the symptoms. Some of the symptoms of burn out are listed below and should not be ignored:
1) always tired,
2) feelings of hopelessness,
3) feeling unappreciated,
4) getting upset or angry more easily,
5) no energy to do even the smallest tasks,
6) snapping at people or even at the kittens.

Our hearts may be in the right place and full of compassion, but common sense must also rule. After fostering your first litter, or whatever the case may be, take some time off. This may be three to four weeks or maybe more. Fostering is demanding physically and emotionally and can also tax our financial resources. Kittens can suffer at the hands of a foster who is burned out and may not be able to give the proper care needed. In some extreme cases-animals can actually be harmed. Taking care of yourself is important and should never be neglected.