Issue link: https://owlkids.uberflip.com/i/1536419
Chickadee 11 Chickadee: Why did your family start fostering cats? Julie: Two years ago, our two senior cats died six months apart. We didn't feel ready for another cat yet, but we saw that TCR needed foster homes. We knew that our house was cat-friendly, and that we loved cats. So we decided to foster. C: Did you know your foster cats would end up becoming your pets? J: No, we didn't think we would keep them! But our family got attached to them, and we knew we could give them a safe and loving home. Since we had only applied to be fosters with TCR, we had to apply again to adopt the cats. Thankfully we were accepted, and now they are with us forever! Pets are a lot of work! Fostering can show you if you have the time and patience to take care of cats and adopt them into your home permanently. We spoke with Lila and James's mom, Julie, about why fostering was right for their family. • Fostering is a huge responsiblity. Some cats need to stay in foster homes for weeks or months. Many are also sick or hurt and need extra care. • Many foster cats are not used to being inside or around humans. You need to be gentle when petting or playing with them. • Even though you may only have foster cats for a short time, and you might miss them when they leave, remember that you're helping cats find their forever homes! Important Things to Consider Lila and her mom, Julie, with Princess Chonky Why We Fostered First C: What was your favourite thing about fostering? J: Meeting the cats and discovering their personalities! All cats are unique, and it's so fun to get to know them. And knowing we were helping the cats feel safer and happier felt good. C: What should people know before they foster cats? J: It's a commitment, even if you don't end up keeping them! It takes time and effort. But it is so rewarding to earn a cat's love and trust! James and Mittens