Foster Homes: A Call to Action

Everyday, more and more cats are in need of a foster home so they can escape life on the streets. We are seeing an increase in abandonment cases, and with cooler weather approaching, we are seeing an unprecedented demand for warm and safe spaces for animals to live until they are adopted. 

Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) doesn’t operate a shelter, instead we rely on foster homes to care for cats and kittens until they find their forever homes. We would love to rescue every stray cat we come across, but unfortunately, we are limited by the number of volunteer foster homes we have. By opening your heart and your home to foster cats and kittens you are providing a safe space where they can grow and heal while waiting for their forever family.  It’s more than just “fostering” - it’s providing the opportunity for a better life for an abandoned or stray pet.

If you are interested in fostering but still have questions, keep reading! 

Do I have to pay for supplies out of my own pocket? Food, litter, vet bills, etc. 

No! RCR can provide food, litter and a bed for your foster cat if you need supplies. Vet bills are always taken care of by RCR, you will never have to worry about paying for medical bills out of your own pocket. 

How long will I have to take care of the foster cat/kitten? 

Sometimes an animal will be adopted within a matter of weeks, and sometimes it takes several months. We have found that fostering animals in a home greatly reduces their stress levels and helps RCR to get to know the animal better. We are able to tell prospective adopters exactly what kind of personality the animal has and who they would do best with as a forever home. 

I don’t have enough room in my house/apartment. I don’t think I can foster. 

Do you have a spare bedroom? An office? A bathroom? A small space to you could be a palace to a cat in need. 

I already have a cat/dog and they don’t get along with other cats. I don’t think I can foster. 

If you are concerned about your resident cat not getting along with your foster, that’s okay! It’s unlikely that cats will immediately get along, but as long as you have a space to keep them separated, that’s all they need. Check out this article for tips on fostering kittens or this article for tips on how to integrate a foster into your home if you have animals or small children.  

Okay, I’m thinking about it. What do I need to prepare so my foster cat feels comfortable? 

First, make sure that they have their own dedicated space and all the essentials they need. A small, quiet area, away from people and other animals, will help your new foster cat feel safe and get comfortable more quickly. The less “newness” they’re forced to interact with in those first few days, the less stress and anxiety they’re likely to feel. You can read more about how to set up a space for your foster here. 

Who can I contact to find out more about fostering? 

You can read more about our programs here, including who to contact to become a foster to an animal in need. 

I am unable to foster, but I’d still like to contribute. What are my options? 

There are so many ways to get involved with Regina Cat Rescue! Check out this link to see all the options available to you. 

How YOU can help stray cats

Found a stray cat and not sure what to do? Follow the steps below:

First, try to reunite him or her with their guardian.

• Check the cat's ears for a tattoo. If there's a tattoo, consult the Saskatchewan Tattoo Combination List to determine where the cat was tattooed. The clinic the cat was tattooed at can help you find his or her owners.

• Look for other ID or contact information on his or her collar.

• Take the cat to any vet clinic to be scanned for a microchip. It's free and you don't need an appointment.

• Post the cat as found in the Regina Lost and Found Cats Facebook Group and Regina’s Lost and Found Pets Facebook Group.

• File a found report with the Regina Humane Society.

• Ask your neighbours if they know who the cat belongs to and look for "lost cat” posters in the area.

If the cat has ID, you must try for 10 days to find his guardians before moving on to these next steps. If the cat has no ID, you must hold on to him for 72 hours before moving on to next steps.

Next, you can rehome him.

• Use your networks to see if there's any family, friends or coworkers looking for a cat companion.

• Post on your social media accounts to reach a larger audience.

• This may take some work but you'll be helping a cat in need find the love, attention and care he or she needs — it's very rewarding!

Or, you can keep him.

• Take the cat to the vet for a check up and vaccinations. Ask the vet about any cat care and health questions you may have. 

• Schedule the spay (female) or neuter (male) surgery for your new cat. This is best for their health, reduces nuisance behaviours (like spraying, loud vocalizations of cats in heat, etc.) and helps prevent more unwanted cats from being born.

Can’t rehome or keep him? Try supporting him outside until a rescue or animal welfare agency can help. This means:

• Getting him or her sterilized.

• Provide a winter shelter. Email us to see if we have any winter shelters available or make one yourself. There’s ideas and instructions here.

• Provide food and water. Consider using a heated water dish.

• Find more winter care tips here.

If you’ve exhausted these options and need our help, please start by completing our intake form. We’re volunteer run so it may take us a few days to get back to you. Please patient as we’re doing the best we can to help hundreds of cats in need each year.