10 Things You'll Need to Foster Kittens

Fostering kittens is one of the easiest things you can do to save little lives in an era of cat overpopulation. Every year, thousands of cats and kittens are killed simply because there isn't room for them at the rescue shelters. Just by letting a foster kitten stay in your home until space at the shelter opens up, you can give a kitten a chance at a healthy and happy life.

Cats are fairly self-sufficient animals, and depending on the age of the kittens you're fostering, they won't be much more trouble. But you may still need a few supplies:

1. A Little Spare Room. Until they're old enough to be tested for feline illnesses, you'll want to keep foster kittens separated from your resident pets and out from underfoot. If you have a spare room that you can dedicate to foster kittens, so much the better, but if not, a bathroom or even a closet will work. For the safety of the foster kittens and for your peace of mind, you may want to invest in a cat playpen. These wire cat cages can be had for less than $100. Cat playpens provide generous shelter for your foster kittens and fold down to about six inches so that they can be stored under the bed when you're not fostering. The benefits of such a cage are numerous, including the ability to keep your foster kittens from getting hurt when you can't be there to supervise them as well as keeping them separated from your resident pets. Such playpens have ample room for a cat bed, food, and a litter box--everything your foster kittens need when you're not playing with them.

2. Food. If your foster kittens are still nursing, you'll need a special formula to feed them in their bottles. Cow's milk won't work and can make your foster kittens sick. Luckily, KMR Milk Replacer for Kittens is sold in any pet store and can even be purchased through Amazon.com if need be. It comes in liquid and powder form. If your foster kittens are older and eating solid food, you'll want to pick up some high protein kitten food for them.