Most shelters will do some sort of foster training and orientation before they bring on new fosters. Because of the coronavirus and sheltering in place orders, most shelters are not able to do this now. But the need for kitten fosters is always present, now more than ever as fewer spay-neuter surgeries may be happening due to clinics operating at reduced hours.
The following is a list of instructional videos from Kitten Lady that you can watch to start learning how to be a kitten foster. When I took in my first litter of kittens, they were just found outside and I did not have a shelter to help me. I did as much research online as I could and tried to learn what to do (and what NOT to do) in order to save those four tiny lives. It worked. I have learned more since then but the basics in neonatal kitten care are still the same: keep them warm, keep them fed, and keep them eliminating!
Here are my suggested videos for an essential education in kitten fostering. There are plenty more videos to watch on her site and elsewhere on the Internet but these will get you started!
- Bottle Feeding
- Syringe Feeding
- Stimulating Kittens
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fleas
- A comprehensive list of supplies
Your local shelter or veterinarian can help you with vaccinations, upper respiratory infections, and other medical issues. Rule of thumb: if you have a concern, reach out for help! Most shelters have a network of fosters who are passionate about saving kittens and are happy to help new fosters.
