For Fosters

Here we offer answers to common foster issues & questions. For more information, please refer to your Welcome Email.

  • The first step for hiding, scared cats is to get them into a smaller space like a bathroom with a “hidey box” - a cardboard box set on its side and outfitted with a blanket and some toys. From their hidey box, they should be able to see all their surroundings, and since it has a “roof” for them, they’ll feel safer. You can also spritz some Feliway in the room and/or on a blanket inside the hidey box too.

    Bronwen has seen a LOT of success using toys to socialize fearful kitties. She gets boxes of these toy mice on Amazon and literally just covers the kitties in toys. It communicates a spirit of kindness that really seems to work wonders (she posted about it on Instagram here).

    A Feliway dispenser might also help.

    Ultimately you do want to handle the kitties so they get used to human touch - especially kittens. Swaddling them in Feliway-spritzed blankets when you do can be helpful in calming them. There’s no need to scruff the kitties (check out this video on fear-free handling). Even if you can just sneak in a pet or two while they’re eating, it will help them get used to being handled!

    On that note, Churu treats are often helpful - kitties will do ANYTHING for their Churus, including letting themselves be pet or handled! If they can associate being picked up with getting a Churu, they might start to like it more.

  • If you use any sort of bleach in your routine litter box cleaning, make sure you wash it off thoroughly as it can make kitties ill.

  • If you have concerns about your cat’s health (physical, behavioral, or otherwise) please submit a ticket by clicking here. This helps us streamline communication and provide our vet partners with a holistic view of all the cats in need.

    In case of emergency, please don’t submit a ticket - instead, text Bronwen immediately at 917-302-9632. We work with several veterinarians in central Brooklyn and for emergencies turn to AMC in Manhattan or VEG in Brooklyn. We also have a relationship with VERG. Appointments must be arranged in advance by Bronwen, but if an urgent situation should arise that requires immediate attention and Bronwen isn’t reachable, fosters may initiate emergency care themselves.