How do I let them go?

[Freedom]

I failed fostering each and every time I tried, feline and canine both. So you have my sympathies, but I can't guide you.

There ARE folks on here who have successfully placed cats, so they will be along to guide you.

[dc_lost]

Hi, while I haven't been a member here for a long time - I've been a pretty successful foster mom so will try to give you my thoughts on this.

I love each and every one as much as if they were my own, kiss them, and help let them know again - they are loved - most of my fosters were previously dumped at the pound by their "idoit owners!" ... I help make them loving and friendly again and feel safe.

Though, I keep in mind there is someone out there that needs them more than me - to heal their heart, soothe their soul, or find solace after a loved one of their's has moved on. I like to think that each cat picks their special person.

Spaying/neutering, shots and microchipping does costs more than the $99 adoption fee - But if they can't afford the fee, they won't take care of the animal either.

don't know if this helps ((((((((Hugs))))))) it is hard to let them go, and I do have a down day after 1 finds their new home missing their little personailities

[catmandu]

THATS A DIFFICULT DECISION TO MAKE, AND ITS NOT GOING TO BE EASY AS SADLY THERES NOT A BIG DEMAND FOR OLDER CATS OUT THERE.
I HAVE BEEN IN A ROOM OF GREAT CATS 2 TO 5 YEARS OLD, AND SEE POTENTIAL ADOPTERS WALK OUT AS THEY ARE NOT KITTENS.
I WISH I COULD HELP, BUT I HOPE A MORE EXPERIENCED FOSTER PET TALKER CAN GIVE YOU SOLID ADVICE!!
I KNOW THAT EVEN THE ANIMAL WELFARE HAS CATS WHO THEY HAVE HAD FOR YEARS , FOR THAT VERY REASON.
THE BEST OF LUCK IN FINDING FURR EVER HOMES

[jenluckenbach]

I have been a very successful foster mom, letting go of over 100 cats and kittens who have stayed with me. But, I had the aid of an organized rescue group AND these cats were always known to be temporary. On the flip side, I have too many cats of my own, I admit, and find it totally IMPOSSIBLE to let any of them go. These are the cats I made a commitment to and feel I cannot give up on them. So I can certainly see both sides of the problem.

If you feel that there is a cat among yours who would benefit from finding a new home, then concentrate on him or her. Just rehome ONE! Screen people to make sure they are a good match and do not apologize for charging a fee.

If you can do this with one, maybe you can do it with another.

FREE cats (from the newspaper ads) are not always an adopter's best choice. Play up the fact that yours have been vetted, neutered, vaccinated, etc.... Add the fact that you can describe their personality because of the close bond you have with them.

And then use your instincts. You CAN do this. And it might bring a sence of peace to your household.

[Purr-tender]

Jen, I like your suggestion of focusing on just one. Unfortunatley the freebies in the newspaper include fully vetted cats. How do I compete with that? I envy you that you have a group that you foster for. Our little town does not have a shelter for cats. There are sooo many cats here that need homes. Farm barns are often the dumping ground for many. I just hate that.

When you have a foster, does your group use Petsmart for adoptions? If not, how do they go about finding homes for yours. I did try Petsmart through another group and wasn't comfortable with it. They wanted to leave my little one in a cage through the week and I just could not do that. This group and others like it are an hour away from me. Which makes it hard for me to work with them.

[jenluckenbach]

Our rescue group does use a Petsmart adoption center. And yes, we leave each cat there for 2 weeks. It is not for ALL cats, some just can't be cooped up that long, but for those who can, it is a great opportunity for the public to see them. And 2 weeks out of a lifetime, is certainly worth finding them a great home.

We also post them on Petfinder.com. We have a shelter building where the cts may be visited. We have foster homes who allow people to come visit their cats. We advertize in the newspaper. We do 1 day adoption events. this is perfect for those cats who can tolerate a DAY in a cage, but not a full week.

If other people actually neuter their cats, get the vaccinations, test them for FELV & FIV and then give them up for free......you may not be able to compete. But, if you focus on a time of a year that there aren't a billion kittens available, that might help.

[Medusa]

When I was actively involved in rescue, I found myself in the same predicament as you're in currently. That's one reason that I found myself w/8 cats instead of the 4 that I had and was happy to keep it at that limit. (I now have 7; one went to the Bridge.) However, I did manage to successfully rehome 27 others, so I can tell you that what Jen said works to a degree: try to focus on one cat at a time. Also, I gave away a year's supply of vitamins and cat food w/every cat and I included that in the ad, which seemed to help. I know that it's an extra expenditure but I wanted to be sure that these cats were going to a responsible home and would be well fed and taken care of. Good luck.