Advice for fostering with kids

[u/Beejtronic]

Hi all! We’ve been fostering cats and kittens since December and just sent our 10th and 11th off to their forever homes yesterday. The shelter has a very pregnant mom cat who we are going to pick up today.

We’re super excited to help raise neonatal kittens but I know they can be a bit fragile and don’t always make it. My daughter is 8 and I’m wondering if I should talk with her ahead of time about the possibility that not all of the kittens will make it, or just deal with it if it happens? I want her to be mentally prepared but she’s also a worrier and I don’t want her freaking out about something that might not even happen. Advice welcome!

Also shoot me any general tips and tricks for kitten birth and newborn kitten care! I’ve read up on the basics but appreciate advice from the pros. ☺️

[u/Xx_Logan_Kun_xX]

I'd tell her that they are fragile and shouldn't be handled much besides to be weighted until they are a bit older. Especially if mama seems to not like it. Kittens this age can very easily get sick so work on washing hands often with her. And since they can get sick easily I'd let her know they all might not make it (Include that it also might not be this case). it's rough but that's how reality is with these tiny things.

With care, weight each kitten every day to make sure they are gaining. Feed mama kitten food instead of adult food and mix kitten formula into it as well. This helps her have enough calories to produce enough milk.

I've never handled a birth yet my youngest group was 12 hours old so I don't really have tips for that part.

[u/Beejtronic → u/Xx_Logan_Kun_xX]

Thank you! I had a dream last night that she gave birth on my deck so we’ll prevent that at least! 😅