Fostering for Thought

Ever have a soft spot for that starry-eyed cat or dog behind the caged door at an animal shelter? But maybe you are not sure if you can take on the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner for whatever reason just yet? Fostering could be a good option that allows you to feed your personal wants while also keeping the best interest of the animal in mind.

"Many animals are fostered. Most are dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.  Sometimes reptiles and pocket pets are fostered until a permanent home can be found," Dr. M.A. Crist, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences explains.

In the Brazos Valley area especially, there are many young adults and college students who are in a transition stage in their life due to school or other reasons. Because of this, some of us are more hesitant when it comes to making big decisions such as adopting a pet.

"Some young adults volunteer to foster an animal before adoption, especially if they provide volunteer work to a shelter or rescue organization.  Many young adults or college students who graciously provide their volunteer services do go on and adopt the animal they are providing fostering services for.  I believe this could allow the foster parent time to "bond" with the pet before making a lifetime commitment" explains Crist.

Of course there are also people who foster animals without the intention of adopting.

"If the relationship does not work out for a permanent home then the pet was housed for some time period and had human contact until new owners could be found.  Pet fostering does allow some young people to enjoy the company of a pet but yet not have a lifetime commitment if they help find a permanent home for the foster pet" said Crist.

The process leading up to fostering a pet usually consist of filling out an application and maybe attending a short orientation session. Most shelters provide the food, crate, and everything else to meet the specific needs of your animal. Some pets that need to be fostered also have special needs due to them being young, old, or sick.

"Older pets come with an established character, whereas, usually young pets are developing their character.  Older pets may have been abused in a previous environment and need extra time and care to get acquainted with the foster parent and foster household.  It is helpful to know the history of the foster pet if possible to provide the best care possible" explains Crist.

When introducing a new pet into your home there are some things to always consider. Some animals are timid or anxious before they become fully adjusted which can concern some new parents if they are unsure of this being a permanent personality trauma or problem.

"If the foster pet has not responded to the new foster home or parent within a timely period and is displaying unusual behavior or unacceptable behavior, then the foster pet needs to have a complete physical examination by their veterinarian.  The foster pet may need to be referred to a board certified animal behaviorist for further treatment.  Occasionally, the pet may need medications for their behavior which can be prescribed by the animal behaviorist" said Crist.

"The foster parent needs to decide if the foster pet is going to coincide with the existing household pet or will they be kept separate until the foster pet gets a permanent home.  Some things to consider is if the foster pet is young or old and will it get along with the household pet.  Also, does the household pet have a dominant or passive character and will it get along with the foster pet? Introductions need to be made slowly, over a period of days to weeks. The trick with kitty harmony is to introduce the felines slowly," said Crist.

Take your new foster cat to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination for a healthy pet check.  Have a prepared room with food, water bowls, a bed, and a litter box which will be your new cat's home until the two cats' get used to each other.  Do not put the food so close to the door in the beginning that the cats are too upset at each other's presence to eat.  Gradually move the food dishes to feed your resident kitty and your new cat on each side of the door to this room and this will encourage them to get used to each other's smells and eat calmly.  Once this is accomplished, prop the door open enough just to allow the cats to see each other and repeat the whole procedure.

It is good to switch out the sleeping bed or blankets between to have them get comfortable with each other's scent.  When the new cat is using the litter box and eating regularly, it is also good to let your new cat have some free time in the house while the resident cat is confined to the new cat's room.  This switch allows each to cat to experience each other's scents and the new kitty to become familiar with its new house without being frightened.   It is better to introduce your pets to each other gradually so that neither pet becomes frightened or aggressive.

"Do not force the cats to be together and do not allow interactions that fearful or aggressive because if this is allowed it can become habit and it is difficult to change.  Eventually, you can encourage them to play with a cat "fishing pole" or cat toys on a string.  Remember a litter box for each cat plus one," Crist adds, "Introducing a cat to a dog can be quite tricky as well.  Some dogs have such high prey drive that they should never be left alone with a cat.  Usually dogs want to chase and play with cats and they become defensive, afraid and sometimes injured or worse."

Using the separate room technique as described above helps the introduction.  Once the new cat and dog have explored each other's scents and are comfortable eating on each side of the door, a controlled face to face meeting is allowed.  The dog is placed on a leash, on a "down stay" on one side of the room and a person on the opposite side of the room will sit quietly next to the cat and offer food or catnip to keep the cat around them without physically restraining the cat.  Repeat this with lots of short visits rather than long visits until the dog and cat are tolerating each other's presence without fear or undesirable behavior.

The next step is to allow the cat to investigate the dog with the dog on a leash on a "down stay" and praising good behavior.  It is best to keep the dog on a leash and with you whenever the cat is free in the house during the introduction phase.  Allow the cat an escape route and hiding place and always keep the dog and cat separated when you are not present until you are quite certain that your cat will be safe.

"Be mindful that kittens are much smaller and can be easily injured or killed by a young energetic dog," said Crist, "or high prey drive dog as well as our senior cats.   Sometimes it is best to allow the kitten to become fully grown."

At the end of the day, we want always do what is best for the animal. Fostering an animal can help people decide if they have the time, energy, or accommodations needed for a pet.

"The only negative would be if the young adult or college student over commits themselves," explains Crist.  "Sometimes the foster parent gets emotionally attached to the foster pet and it can be hard knowing they have to give up the pet at the end. For most, the foster parent is eager to find a great family who can make a lifelong commitment to the pet."

ABOUT PET TALK

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.  Stories can be viewed on the Web at http://tamunews.tamu.edu.

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