Yay! You have some new fosters. Let’s get to know them!
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Welcome to your new foster journey!
To help us provide the best support for you and your new fosters, please complete this intake form within 24 hours of their arrival.
By documenting their current health status (weight, appetite, and any physical symptoms) and their initial temperament, you allow our admin team to flag potential issues early. This data is essential for our records and ensures we can get you any specific medications or supplies you might need right away.
Welcome Home: Your First 24-Hour Guide!
The first 24 hours are the most important for a new foster kitten. They are transitioning to a new environment, and your observations help us catch health or behavioural issues before they become serious.
Follow this guide to perform your initial assessment before submitting your Foster Intake Form.
1. The Head-to-Tail Health Check
Find a quiet, well-lit spot and gently examine each kitten:
Eyes: Should be bright, clear, and open. Look for any squinting, redness, or discharge (clear or coloured).
Nose: Should be clean. Listen for sneezing or "wet" breathing sounds.
Ears: Look for "coffee ground" looking debris (a sign of ear mites) or excessive scratching.
Mouth: Check the gums; they should be a healthy bubblegum pink.
Coat & Skin: Part the fur to look for "flea dirt" (small black specks) or any crusty patches/hair loss (which could indicate ringworm).
Hydration: Gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades. It should snap back instantly. If it stays "tented," the kitten may be dehydrated.
2. Monitoring the "Big Three"
Keep a close eye on these three indicators during the first day:
Appetite: Are they eating eagerly? If they are shy, try warming up some wet food. Record if they are "grazing" or eating full meals.
Energy Levels: It is normal for kittens to be sleepy after a move, but they should be alert when awake. Extreme lethargy is a red flag.
Toileting: Check the litter box. We need to know if stools are firm, soft, or liquid (diarrhoea), and if they are urinating normally.
3. Setting Up for Success
The "Safe Room": Keep new arrivals in a small, easy-to-clean space (like a bathroom or laundry) initially. This makes monitoring their health and toileting much easier.
Baseline Weight: Weigh each kitten on a kitchen scale (in grams) as soon as they arrive. This is the most accurate way to track their health.
Scent & Comfort: Provide a soft bed and a hiding spot so they feel secure.
⚠️ When to Call Immediately
While the intake form is for general reporting, please do not wait if you see the following:
Non-stop crying or signs of pain.
Complete refusal to eat for more than 8 hours (for kittens under 8 weeks).
Heavy laboured breathing or gasping.
Profuse vomiting or liquid diarrhoea.
Contact Amanda or Cass immediately if these occur.