Fostering a cat under rescue status
  • what does this mean? A cat who is under the rescue status is a cat that doesn't meet general adoption criteria and normaly would not have a chance to look for a home. However the rescue cat program is in place for these cats so that these cats have a chance of being adopted. A cat under the rescue status may be on of the following:
    -cage shy (doesn't adjust to shelter life)
    -senior cat over 7 years of age (in good health)
    -hates other cats and can't cope at shelter
    -special needs (diets or medications)
    or other reasons.
    Basicaly a cat under rescue status is a cat that is being given a second chance at life.
  • 2. how is it different form a "regular" foster? The main difference with a rescue cat is that they can't return to the shelter for adoption and other methods have to be used to find them a home. (Ads in papers, posters, word of mouth, some can go to some of the special pet shops, some seniors can go up for adoption in the adoption area if they are not also cage shy). They also are potentialy a longer term foster. While some rescue cats only need a few weeks (4 weeks being minimume for most) they can be much longer term then this.
    Another factor is that some rescue may need more care then others, but generaly once they settle in they can be treated as a "guest" in the home.
  • 3. how and who gets a rescue status? A cat who is not suitable for regular adoption will be considered for the rescue status based on a number of criteria.. Ie: Is the cat healthy otherwise or can they be treated? Can the cat be handled safely in a less streesful enviroment? Is the cats special needs something someone would take on (foster or adoptor)? Do we have a rescue foster home for this cat? A cat who doesn't adjust to the shelter enviroment may be considered for the rescue program, a healthy senior who is friendly is another candidate for rescue. A cat with special deitary needs or minor medical attention for long term or life may be considered.

    OTHER INFO:
    Cat Rescue is always looking for people able to help foster rescued cats, the number of cats rescues is limited only by the number of foster homes available for them, anyone able to help is welcome even if you can only foster for a few weeks at a time, although for most rescue cats they will need at lest one month before they are ready to go for adoption at one of the special pet shop locations.
    Senior cats often only need a few weeks if they are healthy and not cage shy, but others need longer term fostering in order to be able to either get to a point where they can go for adoption at a pet shop location or are ready to actively seek a home threw the foster home.

    In order to foster you will need the following:
    -a warm spare room to isolate the rescue cat from your current animals for at least 10 days
    -litter box, bowls, etc. (we will try to provide what we can)
    -lot of love and patience to give these special cats
    -transportation (if this is a problem contact us, we have some volunteers to do transport)
    - sufficient funds in order to buy food and litter for the cats (keep receipts they are tax deductible)

    If you area able to take on any special type of rescue; for example
  • intact adult males (who are ill and need to recover before being neutered)
  • cats that need litter box problems worked on
  • diabetic cats
  • blind or deaf cats please contact us and let us know, we normally do not send these out to "regular" rescue fosters, if you think you might be able to take on an extra special cat like the ones mentioned above but are not sure feel free to call (613) 725-3166 ext 360

    The specific needs of the rescue cat will be gone over in detail when you are asked if you are able to foster them, as well as the possible length of time, some cats will need longer term then others. Rescue cats will be featured on the website, in several pet shops and vet clinics and anywhere else we are able to advertise them. Ads will also be placed in various newspaper for specific cats in order to try and locate a home for them. Foster parents can advertise their rescue cats if they wish, all adoption must be done threw the shelter however. This will be gone over in more detail at the time of fostering.

    We will ask for a photo of the rescue cat in your home to use for advertising, if you do not have access to a camera please let us know and we'll be able to work something out. A picture speak a 1000 words, and it is normally threw an image your rescue foster will first be seen!

    You can pick up a Rescue foster application at the Humane Society of Ottawa Carleton,
    101 Champagne Avenue South
    Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 4P3
    (613) 725-3166 ext. 360
    Request one via Email:     rescue_cats@ottawa.com
    Or ask to have one Faxed to you.
    Back to http://welcome.to/rescuecats

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