This information is just a quick introduction to what you'll need to get started when preparing to care for a new cat or kitten in your home. More detailed information on many of these different topics is contained elsewhere on our web site, as well as at other sites on the web. Whenever appropriate, we'll always provide links to useful resources along with our own recommendations.
Space:
If you'd like to foster homeless kittens who need a temporary place to stay, you need to determine if you have the space. At least initially, your foster kittens will need to have their own room (with a door) away from everyday, noisy activity around the home and away from your other pets. This will need to be a room in your own house; a garage, back porch, garden shed, or similar structure won't do. The room will need to be dry and warm as well as readily accessible. In addition, having a room with wooden, tile, or vinyl flooring is a good idea if you are caring for young kittens; they can be messy and may ruin the carpeting. As a good rule of thumb, cats in your care should stay in a room you would find comfortable. The objective is not to "warehouse" kittens on a shelf, but to provide them with the space and socialization they need to learn to live with humans.
Equipment:
Obviously, a litter box is essential. If you are reusing an old liter box, it should be thoroughly cleaned with soup and water prior to its new user's introduction, both to make certain no diseases are transmitted between cats and to remove the scent of other cats from the box. Even from a very early age, cats can be very territorial and may be unwilling to use a box with another cat's sent. Other than the box itself, keeping a ready supply of litter and litter box liners on hand to change the box regularly is important as well.
What is often overlooked with young kittens is that they often require a starter litter pan, one small enough that they can easily get into without too much effort. This is particularly important for kittens just learning to use the litter box. A simple, pie plate, either a disposable tinfoil plate from the grocery store or a glass version that can be washed, will normally work just fine.
Despite having a litter box, if you are caring for young kittens, you have to be prepared for the inevitable accidents. You'll find keeping a good supply of paper towels on hand is very useful, in addition to a good enzymatic cleaner for removing odors.
Cats also are keen to have a good place to sleep. For kittens, a simple cat bed from any good pet store is fine. A medium sized cardboard box also works great - just cut open a door even with the bottom on one side and place soft bedding on the bottom (the top can be left open for easy access). Another important thing to keep on hand is a good supply of bedding (towels, blankets, etc.) that can be washed and replaced regularly. Simple fleece comforters are an excellent choice for bedding, they are very inexpensive, available at any discount store, and are made of polyester, thus easy to clean and sanitize and unlikely to harbor bacteria.
Finally, if you are caring for kittens, or if the temperature outside is especially cold, getting a space heater (one that remains cool to the touch) to keep the room warm is useful. Be sure to follow all the usual safety instructions that come with the unit, and place it in an inaccessible spot. You can also use a heating pad for the kitten bed, but only use a heating pad specifically designed for cats, and then only under the normal bedding. Heating pads and electric blankets designed for humans can easily get far too hot and dangerously overheat little kittens.
Toys:
Toys are a whole set of special equipment. All cats love to play with toys; it's a necessary outlet for their natural hunting instincts. Kittens, especially, love to play! Keeping a supply of safe toys for them to chase, tackle, and chew is important. In addition, cats love to climb and scratch. If you are able, your cats will love you even more if you can keep a carpeted climbing tree and/or scratching post around. You'll be surprised how quickly kittens will adopt anything as a toy: a shoe, dust bunny, pencil, figurine, cell phone. Having a small collection of balls and plush cat-toys they can enjoy is a good idea if you want to keep them occupied and away from your more prized possessions.
Food and Water:
Providing quality food will help keep cats in your care healthy. As general rule, if the first ingredient listed on the label of the cat food doesn't match the product name (i.e., if its "tasty tuna" brand cat food and doesn't primarily consist of tuna), it's not the best quality. You don't have to spend a fortune on boutique cat food, but definitely don't skimp on nutrition. In general, a combination of dry and wet (canned) cat food is a good balance; wet food helps maintain a cat's kidneys by providing extra moisture in the diet while dry food can be left out for regular nibbling. If you are caring for cats with medical conditions, or are caring for kittens, your cats may also have special dietary needs. Be sure to understand these needs before you take a cat into your home.
Cats will also need ready access to good, clean water to keep healthy. If the water in the dish doesn't look clean to you, it won't look very good to your cat either. Change your cat's water every day and regularly wash the water dish.
Medical Care:
Just like people, cats need good medical care. If you are providing a temporary home for a foster cat, medical care will be provided by the shelter for which you are volunteering. You will not normally have any out-of-pocket expense for vaccinations, medicine, or examinations.
On a rare occasion, medical emergencies may occur however - be sure to understand what your shelter's instructions are in such cases. Many shelters have quite limited budgets and will not be able to afford care for an animal at an outside emergency clinic. If you are prepared to undertake the expense for emergency care yourself, and you have the permission of the shelter (something you should discuss with the foster program coordinator), do not hesitate to seek immediate medical care if the life of your cat is in any danger. This is something you will need to decide when you take cat into your home; don't wait until a crisis to decide if you are able to make this kind of commitment. But don't let this precaution scare you away from taking a foster cat into your home; emergencies (hence the name) are indeed rare.
Time:
Caring for cats does take some time on your part. They need more than just a dish of food, water, and a litter box - they want to spend time with you (but usually on their own terms). Cats in your home, even if staying for only a short time as in the case of foster cats, are members of your family. Kittens particularly need to spend time with people receiving affection and playing with toys.
Commitment:
The last thing on this list, though really the most important in many ways, is being committed to providing the best care possible. Our animal companions depend on us completely for their care and deserve our commitment. Cats are living beings, not furniture or knickknacks. If you're looking for something to go with the couch or your new sweater, visit JCPenney.
Taking a cat into your home is a responsibility that should be taken seriously; volunteering as a foster parent or adopting a cat should arise from a sense of compassion and a desire to share your life with truly loving companions - who also are a lot of fun to have around!
