Kittens Are Dying in Shelters. Here's Why (and How to Help!)

[@Xoxo_bambi]

Found a kitten in the middle of the road completely alone and still with her eyes closed, She’s 7 months old now and she probably wouldn’t have made it without your videos. caring for her was stressful as my childhood cat had just passed only a few weeks before and I was just so terrified of having to experience another death. But it’s what made me fall in love with caring for kittens, as soon as I move out I’m going to try to help in any way I can.

[@Chris-m2o1s]

That was God giving you another cat to love and help!

[@epickh64]

@@Chris-m2o1s That was god giving the kittens an angel who cares for them.

[@jesekreanne]

When I fostered my first bottle babies I told the rescue "are you sure you're comfortable with me doing this? I never have before." And they said, "that's where everyone starts!" It felt like such an obvious answer but it was so comforting. 😆

[@Shadow_Banned_Conservative]

I fostered a kitten one time long ago. I didn't want to name her and get attached so I just called her "baby cat". Then the rescue group called and told us to bring her back because her brothers tested positive for a heart murmur and they were going to put the litter down. "Baby Cat" is going to turn 14 in a few months and she's doing fine. I never changed her name.

[@scarletpathcat]

A couple days before my birthday, my aunt jokingly asked if I wanted kittens and showed me a post asking for a foster. I jumped in so fast and now I've got a litter and their mama growing up so fast!

[@jeffj2495]

That is awesome. I hope they all grow up to have long and healthy lives!

[@pandazrawr3463]

Bless you!!❤

[@rebeccab2446]

I can't (currently) foster BUT I CAN 1. transfer animals from animal control to their foster homes, 2. drive fosters to vet appointments 3. pick up supplies and deliver to the shelter or to specific fosters 4. babysit for short periods at the fosters home (sometimes just 1 feeding, 1 dog walk, etc) 5. volunteer at the shelter 6. Donate supplies 7. help with TNR trapping

[@paolagrando5079]

Any help is great help.

[@whiztalula]

That is amazing Rebecca. I foster cats and I would be lost without my support drivers. Thank you on behalf of the fosterers and rescues you support.

[@ay4u1]

Thank you for the hard work Rebecca! I foster for 9 months out of the year, transportation is a BIG issue where I live. It's hard taking neonatal kittens on the bus! If anyone has a car, some time, and the ability to do some/any foster transportation it's such a big help to allow MORE people to foster!

[@rebeccab2446]

@@ay4u1 Totally! I didn't have a car when i started fostering and loved that other volunteers took that burden. Now that I currently cant foster, I am happy to help with the transportation. Different seasons of life, different ways of helping!

[@loricat5606]

This is so important, very nice!

[@sarahmeadows141]

Thank you. I rescued three surviving feral littermates in November. They are thriving now and have found their forever home with me. All spayed and neutered and incredibly happy in their new world!❤

[@paperlateful]

God bless you

[@nullethosechoes]

The "rescue" is is short sighted and makes matters worse for other animals.

[@constancedemartino2137]

I'm on a really really tight budget, but I foster because the ASPCA supports me all the way. They provide food, bedding, playpens, toys and health care. Also, I live in a one bedroom apartment with 2 resident cats, so for those who think you need a lot of space, I can tell you that you really don't. I can't foster more than 2 at a time, but even taking on two (and sometimes even just the one), makes a difference. If you're on the fence, I encourage you to go for it. The worst that will happen is you find out it's not for you. As a matter of fact, I almost stopped after my first foster crew was adopted - it was so hard saying goodbye! I thought 'this is not for me' . But once I got over it, I was back in the saddle and I've never looked back. PS- I wound up adopting one, and she is the most awesome one-eyed kitten on the planet!

[@kellyngrey4950]

You sound just like me! Tight budget, apartment, a resident cat. But it's totally possible! And yes, the best piece of advice I can give to folks is to foster for an organization that assists fully with medical supplies. Cheers and hoping for the best this kitten season!

[@Catlady1966]

I turned one of my bedrooms into a nursery. had 21 kittens with moms at one time, they kept sending me new Borns that came in because I had nursing moms.

[@AoifeNic_an_t-Saoir]

Me too!! My daughter and I are in a 2 bedroom apartment with 5 resident cats 😊 we still manage to foster by using the en-suite next to my bedroom ❤

[@suzy1750]

Do you ever worry about your resident cats catching anything from your fosters? I'm in the same position as you - one bedroom apartment - and I'd love to help but I'm worried about my own elderly cat catching something..she had a bad reaction to her last distemper booster 3 years ago so I'm not getting that done again - since she is an indoor cat only and is normally not around any other animals, it's never been an issue. So, though I'd like to foster, my first concern is for her health...not expecting you to advise on that, just wondering if you had any concerns for your own kitties and how yo resolved them?

[@constancedemartino2137]

I do worry about that - which is why I'm strict about keeping the fosters in my bedroom for the first 2 weeks. I usually let my resident cats sleep with me, so it's a little hard for them, but I make it up to them with extra play time and treats during the day.@@suzy1750

[@leslieleslie6590]

My husband and I started fostering kittens for purely selfish reasons-both of our sons were in high school and had to complete supervised volunteer work to receive their high school diplomas. It was a type of volunteer work that could be done in our home. IT WAS WONDERFUL AND VERY, VERY THERAPEUTIC AS WE CONTINUED IT DURING THE COVID OUTBREAK WHEN EVERYTHING WAS SHUT DOWN AND THE SHELTERS WERE OVERFLOWING WITH PETS. I highly recommend fostering, there is help and support out there just like Kitten Lady says, and it does not require a lot of your time but a lot of your love.

[@lylanicneven514]

I started fostering over 10 years ago. I am such a cat lover that everyone was worried that I would keep them all. Doesn't happen because when they are ready for their forever homes, I am ready for them to leave. Its hard the day they leave but my kittens get adopted quickly and I am very proud of that. Besides when the kitten withdrawal is really bad usuallt my shelter has new ones for me to foster. I love it.

[@belmum1689]

Love it, and if you adopted all those kittens you wouldn't have time or room to foster more

[@kellyngrey4950]

Absolutely! I've gotten over 60 kittens (and a couple of mommas) adopted out over the last two years. I haven't kept any, but of course I've wanted to! My mindset helps A LOT with coping with letting go. Specifically, I call my apartment an orphanage. Because it implies that it is a temporary stay. It implies that the kittens are orphans, and therefore waiting for someone to adopt them and take them to their forever home. I also call myself Nanny. So I tell them "Nanny loves you!" instead of saying "Momma loves you!" A nanny is someone who provides care for someone else's child. And that's exactly what I'm doing - providing love for someone else's kitty while they get big enough to go to their person. I also have the explicit mission "To save as many lives through fostering and adoption." Thus, if I kept a kitty, that means there would be one less spot for another kitty. I can't save as many lives if I don't have as much room. So sure, I have a few babies I really, really miss - but it fills my heart to the brim knowing I saved them and can save another baby just like them. Thank you for saving so many lives! Cheers and I hope for the best this kitten season!

[@lylanicneven514]

Yep, making sure to have room for more is the way to look at it Now I have only 2 living here and like being big brother and sister to my little ones and the Mamas.

[@kathyd7506]

Yes! I love looking forward to my next litter, what I am going to name them, etc (I foster for a group through adoption, not to go back to a shelter, so the name I pick out goes on our website). I was so excited to get my first calico, first fluffy black one, etc. That, plus getting updates from families, makes it so easy to let them go and move on!

[@lylanicneven514]

@@kathyd7506 my fosters go to Petsmart so they never go back to the shelter either. I don't get updates from the families, which is disappointing but I am told as soon as they are adopted.

[@slushbaby79]

We are fostering a momma and her 5 babies right now…and it is so rewarding!! I started last year when my son moved out, creating an “empty nest”…and found out kittens fill that nest beautifully!! 🩷💙

[@kellyngrey4950]

Thank you for fostering! You're awesome! Fostering has been the most amazing, fulfilling, and joyful experience I've ever had. Cheers!

[@petebauries2776]

I’ll make this as short as possible. I live in Fort Worth Texas. I was work (truck driver) saw 2 moving black dots on the side of a busy road. Put them in my truck in a box with. Got kitten milk. Myself and my wife never took care of bottle babies. Fast forward to now we have fostered over 30 babies. And are we pros no we learn something new with every new set. And yes you will love them but it makes you find them good homes to go too.

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

Keetons are awesome, but we must remember, adult cats who were abandoned who need new homes as well. Please consider giving one of them yours! ❤

[@rebeccab2446]

and they need fosters!

[@mitze888]

Around 4 years ago, a mother cat from a hoarding situation across the road from us had kittens in our barn. When she started moving them one at a time back, she left one kitten behind. We followed the vet's advice re: waiting for her to come back for it, but she didn't return. Eventually, we brought the kitten (eyes still closed) inside to keep it warm. We learned how to feed it, stimulate it to use the bathroom, etc. all from your videos. Our baby survived and is still thriving today, thanks to you! The SPCA took 34 cats/kittens from that home back then. But last spring, they started showing up again. I rented traps from the SPCA and started catching the ones that came onto our property and bringing them down to the SPCA (35-min drive). I caught 12. I adopted two back through their barn cat program. After three months inside our house, I put one (that I couldn't socialize) in the barn. It left and didn't return. I was able to socialize the other, and she is now our second indoor cat. However, the two cats don't get along. We also had two rescue dogs (one passed away in August). I want to help but my house is currently so chaotic.

[@cvf253]

I undertake this! Thank you for doing what you can right now. I appreciate you.

[@elliott4570]

I adopted two black kittens from the local shelter recently A good move. Mabel and Norman are both very happy

[@alishathelibra1021]

It was mentioned they're the least likely to be adopted so that's awesome! I love black cats personally 😻

[@belmum1689]

@@alishathelibra1021 Same, black cats bring good luck

[@kellyngrey4950]

It's still worth considering fostering kittens! Especially as your panthers are both still young.** It took my adult boy a year to get used to the constant rotation of kittens, but he finally figured out that they're just visitors. So once they're done with quarantine he helps me with nanny duties. **Of course you want to make sure your panthers are fully vaccinated and healthy first, and of course you'll want to quarantine the kittens. This is why I foster for an organization - because they provide all of the medical care, supplies, and vaccines. So generally when I first pick them up, they've just had their first round of vaccines, they've been given parasite medicine, and have been dewormed. I keep them isolated in quarantine to ensure they are healthy and they don't give my boy anything/vice versa. Once they're done with quarantine I let them out for kitten chaos around the house. My adult cat helps teach them how to cat - grooming, litter box use, using scratchers, how to play gently, etc. Give it a consideration. But if anything, you can always volunteer if you can't foster!

[@mimikat6609]

Thank you🥹🐈‍⬛❤️

[@rdormer]

We just sent our 50th foster off to their forever home. Do it! Even if it's just one time, it helps and you'll always remember it afterwards.

[@zabrielleholloway2662]

Congratulations and amazing job!

[@amyarnold2097]

How do you not get attached or bonded with them?

[@rdormer]

@@amyarnold2097 By keeping in mind that our home is not *their* home - not their forever home. We're just keeping a roof over their heads while they wait for their forever home to show up. Even then it still hurts a bit sometimes, but that's outweighed by the fact you know they're going to have a much better life from now on.

[@tumblebugspace]

I’m in rural northern California, and last year, we rescued some feral cats and kittens. The spay/neuter programs are underfunded and we waited four months with howling cats on our screened porch before we could get them all sterilized. I’ll inquire this coming week, Kitten Lady, because you asked. ☮️❤️🐾

[@cvf253]

Awesome. It's a great way to start helping. I'm going to look into it too.

[@gregGould]

That little cream colored kitten that walked out of the carrier directly to her hand is definitely brave and adventurous and going to be extra friendly and outgoing.

[@tee4052]

I used to foster abandoned stray kittens that i found alone, hungry and sick. I learned how to feed and pee and poop them through your videos 😊. I managed to get fosters for those kittens when i had to go back to work physically. I wish i could have the time to take care of neonatal kittens. I adopted a sick and close to dying stray kitten from a cat in my local cat colony. Hes 6 now and my cat ❤. Thank you for all you do and the way you educate people on caring for kittens and cats.

[@dalanamarie]

Thank you for creating this video. You've helped ordinary people care for countless kitties.

[@pmaschari3929]

Thank you….as a new foster mom in Springfield Ohio, I was a bit afraid but with the loving and honest guidance of the other volunteers I have been successful. Every retired person should do this…it gives you another reason to get up and do something that really matters. This has added so much to my and my friends life🥝❤

[@ScottyeGaviola]

Currently fostering 5 neonates for the first time. It’s exhausting but extremely rewarding as well knowing their little lives are safe. Seeing their little personalities start to emerge is an amazing experience.

[@violetgilkes3625]

I can’t understand why shelters have not informed and educated the public about this situation before. So glad that you informed us❤❤❤

[@a.b.6573]

We started fostering kittens this past year after our beloved cat passed w/chronic kidney disease. Thank you so much for all of your literature (videos and books!) Because of your information, we knew we could take it on. We have fostered 2 litters since then and our kittens are adopted so quickly. It has been such a rewarding experience. Thank you for all you've done!!!

[@ranamiller-owen2096]

Last August I fostered 6 4-week old kittens weaned early by their starving mama cat. They all got healthy and were adopted. The only thing holding me back from fostering again is the cost of food. It cost over twice as much to feed 6 babies as it did my 5 adults. The organization that helped me with vet care, meds and vaccines, does not help foster parents feed the little ones. I went over budget because they had fussy tummys and could only eat high quality food to not get diarrhea. I would foster again if it was not so cost prohibitive.😢

[@kellyngrey4950]

I definitely understand that. I live alone, live on a very, very tight budget. Thankfully I only have one cat - so I have more to spare on kitty food. I've also gotten lucky and have gotten donations from all sorts of directions. But I still understand your predicament. Even volunteering once a month makes a difference! The organization I foster for has volunteers that help with intake so that someone like me can pick up the babies once the volunteers get 'em ready to go.

[@phimbalance]

I always view the heartache I feel when one of my fosters gets adopted is actually selfish on my part. I endure that pain so that they can have a forever home and a long, happy life.

[@Heymrk]

Currently fostering a tortie mama and her orange quads.

[@martinabertozzi6262]

Hi Hannah! You are the reason why I started volunteering at the cat shelter of my city in Italy! From there I started also fostering kittens and this year is my third anniversary ❤ At the moment I'm fostering three kittens Nicla, Bruno and Camillo who were born with malformed back legs. Apart from this disability, they are doing great! I hope they will find their forever home soon!!! Thank you for all your work, you are such a wonderful person!

[@thisisplana]

What keeps us from fostering *more* is difficulties accommodating travel. With your help we’ve fostered 21 kittens. Our fostering room will sit empty for a month because of four days of travel at the end of that time. And then we will have to work around travel a month after that. If we could arrange to swap short-term care of litters with other local foster families, it would dramatically increase the number of weeks a year we can host and the number of lives we can save.

[@Chris-m2o1s]

THANK YOU FOR HELPING OUR LITTLE FRIENDS LIVE! We Love YOU !

[@FXalabama]

Love this. With my current set, a nursing mom and her 4 kittens, I am up to 84 fosters in the last 3 years. I’ve had weaned kittens, nursing mamas with kittens, and one pregnant mom that I got to watch give birth(it was amazing!). I love seeing them all go to their new homes and I get to go get a new set. My 2 resident cats don’t want new friends, so the fosters have their own room, while my 2 get the rest of the house.

[@watcher1245]

This is a hard thing to watch but everyone should watch it. I saved a momma cat from the streets and provided all the comfort and safety for her and the kittens. She had 5 beautiful lil furry things that grew up with us and trust me, it's a wonderful experience. All kittens and the momma too got neutered or spayed, she had 2 lil guys and 3 girls. We found foster homes for everyone including the momma cat. It was hard to say good bye but the best thing you can do for someone you love sometimes... is let them go. We did keep one, because he had really distinct features and now hes a monster of a cat. "All of my cats are neutered" The best thing we can do is help our furry friends but always remember that something beautiful can often turns into hoarding and get out of control, dont do that, if you cant separate yourselves from the kittens don't try to adopt. It's sad that so many souls are lost i know. But if you can go the extra length do it and dont forget that no matter how much time passes, they'll always remember you for saving them.

[@Italia05]

You are an absolute angel!!!! I never knew this happened! So sad 😔🥺 I have 4 cats all from shelters !! 💕🙏🏻

[@jenniferr8195]

Burn out is holding me back. I was fostering for a local rescue and received two litters of three kittens each ages within a week of each other. I volunteered for one litter and then was asked to take the second litter as well. Within one day the kittens all fell terribly sick with panluek. I was very inexperienced with this disease and literally had beg for medication, medical appointments and even just general advise and moral support. Every kitten lived, but it was so physically and emotionally draining bringing them through the panluek and then all of the secondary UTIs, eye infections, etc that they fell ill with afterwards! I sanitized what I could, threw away what couldn't be sanitized (costly for me) and when time had passed and it was safe to take in another litter, they actually gave me more panluek kittens with no improvementon any support, medicines, medical appointments, etc! And I burned out! All 12 kittens lived, got well and found forever homes, purely through at first bc of my fighting for them, and then bc of their will to live once we got past the worst of the panluek! But I just couldn't do it again, physically, emotionally and financially! I just didn't get the support or resources or even advise and encouragement that should have been available.

[@ladyventura7302]

I’m sorry to hear that happened to you but just know that you are a hero to those kittens and they lived because you helped them and they wanted to live because you were there for them at their worst time You were one of their first mamas

[@KayoEll]

I just assumed that our town was too small/ our county was too rural to have a kitten care program. Turns out, that's not the case. Now I just need to get a decluttering specialist into my house so a person can walk across the living room without tripping on boxes and maybe I can volunteer for kitten care.

[@psychotophatcat]

Oof. I feel that. I would foster all the time if my house weren't such a mess all the time. ADHD and potentially undiagnosed non-tidy OCD really kick my butt. I hope we can both improve our home situations soon so we can live our kittyful dreams! Wishing you the best of luck ❤

[@rebeccab2446]

Cats sure love boxes - you seem ready, lol. Kittens are a good excuse to declutter!

[@kellyngrey4950]

There are a bunch of helpful cleaning and decluttering videos on here! For some folks it's about executive dysfunction - it's not that you don't want a clean house, but where the heck do you start??? You're not alone!

[@psychotophatcat]

@@kellyngrey4950 That is exactly my trouble! I also have pretty severe item blindness where if something sits in one place for a long enough time, it's like I don't even see it anymore. Sometimes, when I've gotten enough sleep, and am properly medicated, I'll look around my living room like "where the heck did all this stuff come from?!" because I've just been easily navigating around it and essentially not seeing it for weeks. That's the kind of thing I'm fighting against and I'm not sure where to start, even with looking for videos! Have you seen any specific ones that helped you??

[@psychotophatcat]

@@kellyngrey4950 That's exactly my issue!! Do you have any videos or channel recommendations to help? A lot of decluttering winds up stressing me out because so much is getting rid of things, and frankly I like most of my clutter, I just need to know how to display/store it lol

[@kckc4955]

My fostering year was the best time for our whole family. We only kept one😊 and know the other six are living terrific lives in safe homes. I’m campaigning my employer to let me work from home again so I can get back to fostering.

[@thelittlebrownranch9105]

My pack loved raising Boomer for 10 weeks in 2017. He was the lone survivor of a litter of newborn kittens that were abandoned behind a stack of yard tools at my dad's house. I lost four of my senior dogs last year, so the household has been in mourning. My heart is not ready for another rescue dog, but I have been wanting to do something. After watching this video, I emailed a local shelter to get on the list of fosters for neonatal kittens. I'm allergic to cats so there is little risk I will foster fail with kitties. 👍😻

[@AC-qi9wo]

You probably will be okay, we have to get kitten at 12 to 14 weeks and my husband get use to their dander, because he is very allergic to cats, but as kitten's he A OK ❤😊

[@valeriespatorico4346]

❤ I've been fostering neonatal kittens for years. It's not hard! It's actually very rewarding. The overnight care is very short term! Come on, people!!

[@alishathelibra1021]

This Lady is My inspiration MUCH respect to ALL She does for these incredible beautiful creatures! 🙏🏾😻

[@sinimeg]

I volunteer at a cat rescue, and we accept as many cats as we can, but we’re also at our limit every time, no matter how many cats are adopted (and a lot are adopted every week, even one with Ataxia that had to be adopted with his sister. We make sure that the adopters are adequate of course)

[@DianeLaney-k2n]

Thank you! Great message to those wanting to help. Your Tiny But Mighty book was my bible when I first starting fostering 4 years ago! Now I specialize in neonates and love it! Our shelter has an "after hours emergency list" for when bottle babies come in after they close. I just bought my first incubator this year!

[@jennyhaniver8434]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your full-throated advocacy, research outreach, and education on behalf of kittens!

[@jaz1551]

I've been fostering for almost 6 years now, and love it! Thanks to you, and other TNR groups I follow. My three current fosters are heading for vetting tomorrow, and then ready for adoption. It's one of the greatest things I've ever done, and I love every single one of my fosters ❤❤

[@pangfpanic1716]

I began fostering for the shelter I work at 3 years ago. Now I'm one of two volunteer coordinators for the shelter and we are about to hold our first Kitten Shower. Fostering kittens is so rewarding. Hard sometimes, but rewarding. I currently have two 9-day-old kittens I'm fostering.

[@_ruthjt_]

Thank you for your continuous educational videos. I've been fostering for the past 3 years now. It's truly an incredible experience

[@Eurocatbaby]

The last 3 feral kittens we rescued are now foster fails. We have a total of 5 feral cats that have become the laziest house cats. We love them so much. We do TNR and feed our neighborhood ferals. If everyone would do what they can it would help so much.

[@carolinehaubrich5893]

You are the reason I started fostering last year. I knew nothing when I started. I learned from you and my local rescue. Over the last year I have fostered 30 bottle babies. I have learned to tube feed. I have become part of an amazing community. It has changed my life. Thank you 💛

[@indiansfever11]

Thank you for all the work that you do, Hannah.

[@randquadrozzi1280]

In the northeast they've been pushing spay/neuter for decades and it works but Sadly some people in places like Florida still don't seem to care and they are overrun with cat's/kittens.we had 12 at one time and it wasn't cause we wanted a cat sanctuary in our house/yard.

[@katphish30]

Some of the difference is spay/neuter and rescue programs, but a lot of it is climate. Cats breed more and for more of the year in a hot climate, and the system gets overwhelmed fast.

[@randquadrozzi1280]

@@katphish30 oh I know that but trust me in Florida a lot of people are just plain ignorant.some won't neuter especially there dogs because they say it takes away their manhood.

[@katphish30]

@@randquadrozzi1280 That's not unique to Florida either, unfortunately. Men being insecure about their balls is universal.

[@jme_fostering]

​@randquadrozzi1280 that's a general statement about a state. You're talking about a few idiots. Rescues and shelters are overwhelmed because they get NO BREAK from kitten season unlike the north. Even in TN we get a 3 month break.

[@SvengelskaBlondie]

@@randquadrozzi1280 It's quite disturbing how obsessed some people are about their dogs genitals.

[@whiztalula]

I am a cat fosterer in the UK. Health issues prevent me from being able to foster neonatal kittens but I can foster adults and seniors. This leaves my fellow volunteers able to take on the tinies who need overnight care. If you want to foster animals but don't think you can have kittens or puppies, rescue centres are also desperate for those able to care for adults. It shouldn't cost you anything apart from time and compassion to foster unless you want to contribute to costs. Where ever you are please look into fostering if you think you have the capacity.

[@coffee_pyrrha5094]

My parents have considered getting into fostering, and hopefully this can be part of the encouragement they need to actually do it. Thanks for all of your outreach and education!

[@djshiva]

I honestly think this may be THE most impactful video you have made (and you have made a lot of impactful, helpful videos). I didn't know a lot of this and obviously I am not alone.

[@KittyKraftStudio]

The apartment complex I'm at has pet fees and a limit of two cats or dogs, but they pretty lax with limiting animals as long as you're not trashing the apartment. I had two cats, two adult rabbits, eight baby rabbits, and my three aquariums and maintenance came out to fix something and didn't say anything. 😆 The eight babies were temporary. I'm the unofficial baby rabbit expert at the rabbit shelter I volunteer at. We had a group of eight orphaned bunnies last year who were about three weeks old that I raised until they were about three months (old enough to be at the shelter and the shelter had room), and I'm actually taking care of another two now that someone dropped off last week at about four weeks old. I would love to do kittens too, I've been meaning to contact our local humane society about fostering kittens. I should look into kittens after my two current wards are good to go.

[@darth_yoda]

The one time me and a friend picked up small kittens to bring to a shelter were because we found them in a hedge less then 8 feet from a major highway and after keeping watch from the other side of the road for over an hour we didn't see the mom cat even once so we went over picked them up and wrapped them in our jackets. The little dears didn't have they eyes open and they were soo cold. We then toke them to the local police station whom kept them until the danish animal rescue service could pick them up. TO many people just see kittens in a hedge and goes "Oh lets save them" With out making sure they actually need saving.

[@TheQuotia]

We should be demanding local renters allow pets without fees so more people can feel comfortable adopting.

[@spottedtime]

Definitely, especially with the rise in apartment buildings. The only reason why I see them not doing that is because there are, unfortunately people who let their pet(s) destroy the apartment or rental house and the rental owners don’t want to keep repairing the apartment or houses, every time they change renters (sometimes it’s not small repairs, but major ones, like decent part of the walls). It’s another reason why there are people out there that prevent other people from having nice things, in this case, foster cats without a fee or even having the cat(s) in the rental building (there is unfortunately rental facilities that banned pets from living there).

[@rebeccab2446]

My landlord waves fees if the animal is adopted from a shelter or we are fostering!

[@sammygirl6910]

I feel like a pet deposit is fair, but monthly fees are outrageous.

[@Allhailthegreatcatperses]

@@rebeccab2446your landlord rocks at least in this regard

[@heathergustafson4237]

Have you ever OWNED a rental?

[@dawnvalarie8104]

Okay. I didn't know. I've taken care of Felv Kittens for a few years. My big boy is 8 years now, he is my furbaby boy and will be my last Felv. I'll give the time, My heart could use the reverse cycle. Thanks for the information!

[@LadybugsOpin]

What's holding me back: My landlord is gonna charge me $250 per animal. A litter of 3 kittens (or a mom and two kittens) would cost me a flat rate of $750 just to let them through the door. I might be able to sneak them in, but getting them back out would be another story. One that has the chance of getting me evicted! Not to mention that the two cats I already have would get SUPER aggressive with them!

[@Nikkifrom1989]

My landlord knows I have one animal. I was able to get a doctors note to say it is an “emotional support animal” and the fee was waived.

[@LadybugsOpin]

@@Nikkifrom1989 Congratulations on getting that fee waived! Unfortunately, I live in a place that doesn't allow that.

[@elizabethharris7842]

Thank you! This is so important! I’ve been a young kitten foster mom for several years and there are few things you said which are worth repeating. 1) A foster parent learns as they go. Every time. I cannot emphasize this enough!! 2) You can only do what you can. If you need a break, take a break. 3) Ask for help. If this set needs something you just can’t provide, do your best and **ask for help**.. Help’s available, if you ask. 4) I call my home a school for kittens. I love them and do my best to give them the skills they need to find a loving home - good manners and grooming, how to play and feel safe, and anything else that helps them in their next home. I love each one - even the “ghost pepper” spicy ones.

[@LonerBecause]

I appreciate the knowledge

[@RosieGamgee]

honestly, the thing that's holding me back is concern for my kids' emotions. i have three kids; my youngest is in kindergarten. If we had a litter of kittens in our house, they would whine, cry, and beg to keep all of them. When the kittens were adopted, my kids would be devastated. on my own, I would love to foster! i'm a vet tech student. i totally understand how the right care at the right time can make a huge difference!

[@zabrielleholloway2662]

I'm a teacher and foster and you'd be surprised how adaptable kids are to the concept of fostering. One of my friends also fosters with young kids and they LOVE the experience. It helps knowing they get to pick up new furry friends after adoptions too ❤

[@toxic.forest]

It would be a good learning experience for your kids

[@kortneyalexis]

If I signed up to foster, I'm happy to hear that the shelter provides everything you need, but do they also take care of adoption, or would I be responsible for finding them homes?

[@paolagrando5079]

In theory it's the shelters job, but better ask before you start fostering.

[@TheCouchPotatoWatchesTV]

My shelter handles all the adoptions.

[@k-lewiseturnallriddlemusic4866]

It breaks my heart about those little angels. I pray all kittens will find homes rapidly. I will continue to support your channel and the work you do. We love the fur babies.

[@junechamberlin5184]

Thank you for all your tremendous efforts in saving kittens. Because of the wonderful education opportunities you provide here, I have been fostering kittens for our shelter for several years now. It is a commitment, not always easy, and not always successful, but the rewards are so great! I am 78 years old, retired, which gives me much flexibility in my schedule to be of help. I love having a purpose at my age, and really appreciate your guidance and dedication.

[@Unorthodoll]

Sorry I can't watch sad stuff, but I really think this is a huge issue so I made sure to like❤

[@JK-wk6hk]

I started fostering after I found your videos. It’s been 5 years now! Thank you for your videos!!

[@susanclotfelter7247]

Hannah, thank you so much for what you're doing, and at such a perfect time. I will contact my local shelter to see what I can do this summer. Might be kittens, might be puppies, and might be neither due to having a dog in my house. But I've got the space, and I've got friends who will help!

[@Iluvchknz]

I’m struggling in my community. We have always had community cats but it has gotten so bad in the past year. As people become more economically insecure which often causes housing insecurity I have found there are so many friendly strays running around. Once family pets but now homeless because they couldn’t go with their owners. Often these cats are not altered so now we have a rampant kitten problem. This winter I fed and provided shelter for no less than 10 cats. 4 of whom have stuck around. I never had any luck reaching out to any rescues for help. I know they are inundated but it’s really seems most of them are only interested in helping kittens or injured cats that can be used for fundraising . I do have access to a relatively low cost spay/neuter clinic thankfully. So I got them all fixed, vaccinated and tested for FIV/felv and currently they are in a guest house on my farm property. Unfortunately, I cat that I already feared had something wrong tested positive for FIV. I took him to my vet because he has some pretty significant muscle wasting. He got a course of antibiotics, he’s getting prescription food to help him gain weight and he’s getting all the prebiotic and probiotic immune support I can give him. This cat came to my porch and from the get go I could tell he was asking for help. He always accepted pets and cuddles. It just breaks my heart that animals but especially cats are seen as so disposable in our society. We need to do better for sure. I have 4 cats that were all adopted either from a local shelter or saved from the streets. My MIL who lives in the big house on my farm property has 11 cats. All of them are stray rescues. Some are families because a mom cat was pregnant when they were rescued and she just couldn’t rehome them. The farm house is a lovely place that is for sure.

[@jessica_8]

I just started fostering last 2 weeks, they give me a mama cat and 7 babies (3 orphans from another litter). its been a challenge and learning as much as i can. Within the 1st two weeks I tragically lost three of the kittens, and during this time. I have been in constant communication with the shelter, diligently taking them for their veterinary visits. The staff keeps reassuring me that I am doing well, yet I can’t help but feel a lingering fear that I might not be doing enough. 🥺 However, I recently stumbled upon your videos, and they have been a tremendous source of information and encouragement for me. Thank you so much for sharing your insights; they have truly helped to restore my confidence.

[@jaimeeanderson6068]

Thank you! I am on my 3rd litter today because of you! I am so grateful for your videos that have taught me EVERYTHING I know and how to ask for help for what I don't know! Bless you and keep on shining, Hannah ❤❤❤❤

[@RikiDaisy]

Thank you...I am foster care coordinator for Kitty Bungalow and we NEED Fosters. Thank you for continuing to educate the public and encourage them to foster!!!

[@neighslayer768]

As much as I love kittens, I do work full time and live alone. I also have cats that we've adopted. Can I really give some kittens the care they need?

[@RikFTK]

No, you can't. And there is no shame in that, even if Kittenlady would like you to believe there is.

[@jme_fostering]

If you have a room you can close off, you're fine. You could do a mom and babies or do an adult. Those take the least amount of work. 75% of our fosters work. It's doable.

[@jme_fostering]

​@RikFTK unless you have tried it, don't give others advice on what is doable or not.

[@paolagrando5079]

Check out with near by shelters. One might need some help that you can give.

[@rebeccab2446]

You already have cats that do fine while you are work - you can get older kittens or adult cats! It is great you live alone - more room for cats!

[@Valecat883]

I wish I could foster some kittens, but I’m too young (I’m 12). Also, we can only be home for Sunday. I go to girl’s group on Monday, dance class on Tuesday and Wednesday, swimming class on Thursday, and mixed group on Saturday. Also, I have to go to school on Weekdays. I am also afraid my parents won’t allow me to foster. I also have a cat named Arugula and I’m afraid she might hurt kittens because she only gets along with children. But I do want to be a vet for cats and dogs and help kittens when I grow up.

[@erinmac4750]

Sounds like you do have a busy schedule, but your heart is in the right place. I hope you do pursue your interests in caring for animals and wish you the best of luck with your goals. 🍀😸

[@Valecat883]

Thanks.@@erinmac4750

[@Valecat883]

Hey Guys, I’m 13 now.

[@Sid-589]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@josettenkamzy]

I am addicted to fostering! It is so rewarding sometimes sad, but it's all worth it.

[@felvkitties8]

Great video. I started fostering last year. Waiting on some more cats or kittens end of this week. For people that have found a lack of support look into a different shelter or rescue in your area. Some are better have more resources than others. Talking to current fosters is a good way to gauge if you'll get support. One thing I've learned is to tell them I need meds if I feel I need them. You're the one seeing the cats everyday advocate for them.

[@annieesther8405]

I would also encourage more people to adopt cats from shelters instead of buying them from stores or breeders, too. Freeing up funds and space in shelters could eventually lead to them being able to hire people to do this type of work.

[@CarlaWolf355]

I'm taking care of an almost 5 week old kitten. I have been hand feeding at 2 weeks old and bottle feed at 3 weeks old. He started to nibble on wet food this week during his 4 weeks old. He was so constipated we struggled a bit but finally he did gave him pumpkin 🎃 massaged him lots. We are almost out of the woods and he may survive. He was vetted at 3 weeks. I found you here on youtube and I'm learning a lot. Thank You. ❤️

[@SivrinJ]

I have fostered so many kittens because of you thank you for making such a difference ❤❤I’m trying to help as many little lives as you do

[@cavemutt]

I have experience with older cats, cats with medical needs, social issues and ones from outside that are still a bit spicy. Last year, I took in a pregnant cat, and the Kitten Lady videos helped me every step of the way. There were 7 kittens and momma had only 6 spots at the milk bar, and I was able to keep tabs on their weights and help her out a little thanks to the Kitten Lady videos. After this video, and now that I'm working from home, I likely will offer to foster kittens. 😸

[@Gizathecat2]

Two my cats came from an overcrowded shelter on the island of Kauai! They were part of a group of tuxies, panthers and one tabby, all about four months old. We adopted them from an adoption center NOAH north of Seattle. We ended up with the biggest and smallest of the kittens. Woody, the tabby and Benni, a very tiny, bunny soft tuxie came as a bonded pair. Woody is about thirteen pounds, and Benni is still a very petite seven pound girl kitty. The odd couple for sure.

[@tahoesnowlion]

Great info. Hoping this will help more fostering opportunities happen.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pmvf19]

I adopted 2 bottle fed kittend from my local shelter or should i say from a volunteer who raised them. They were 5weeks old and did not even go to the shelter for only 1 hour so i could see them and bring them home. Now they are 9months old and haveing a blast pulling my house to bits . Thanks to all foster people. I am blessed to have 2 lovely cats they are the best. best wishes xx

[@unbusylee]

Two things were “holding us back” short term from fostering more kittens the past few months and I would love some help or advice. 1) We foster failed with our first kittens and ended up adopting all three of them so we don’t have too much space to quarantine new babies currently (but will change soon!) 2) we were a little worried that new foster kittens could bring home any diseases like (FIP) that could infect our own kittens who are still less than a year old. So we are moving to a bigger place end of May, and want to dedicate a whole room just for fostering. If we do that, can we reduce the chance of any disease transmission to our kittens? I know the likelihood is small and after the quarantine time, it significantly reduces but I heard that FIP can be dangerous for months and it could potentially cause disease, which is very difficult to treat? Are few weeks old kittens exposed to FIP? How worried should foster parents be when having resident cats/kittens and sharing spaces with each other? Thank you so much in advance!❤️

[@jme_fostering]

Don't mingle the 2. You never know what fosters have and can pass on. I keep mine completely separate. After quarantine, they can enjoy the kitten room with the other. I wouldn't worry about fip transmission. Kittens can be around each other and other cats and out of the whole bunch one might get it.

[@susuCindy]

Foster two kittens currently! This is my first time fostering kittens. Shelters provide all supplies. Great experience!

[@mzjanet185]

Wonderful video. Thank you for all you do for cats worldwide ❤️ I hope this video will inspire more people to get involved with TNR & fostering

[@romystumpy1197]

I know its heartbreaking ,my daughter has opened her home ( prepared a spare room)to fostering cats and kittens,its going well, and no hardship

[@berlyvbosque]

I can't foster kittens now because I travel alot. But I actually fostered a kitten during a trip to Armenia. The kitten was sick, took her to the vet, and kept her in my hotel room. When I returned home, I took her back with me and gave her to a really good friend. She now lives with her human mom in Maryland. This is the second time I rescued a kitten during my travels.

[@Bugganox]

Thank you for this. I have been fostering for a year, and I am just starting to foster mom and babies. I've had my doubts in myself, but this has really encouraged me to keep going in any way I can.

[@tebetheia]

I would foster in a HEARTBEAT, but I rent so I am not able to. If you own a home and are able bodied, I feel there is no excuse. There are plenty of resources to help financially. Please find it in your heart to step up and do what many of us cannot

[@Da1NonlyIpkiss]

Me and my gf found a kitten outside of our house and we took him in , we took care of him for about 1 weeks and a half before he passed. I was scared to love these animals like you said but now I am more opened to go to a shelter and help. Also your channel helped a lot. Thank you

[@jenesisjones6706]

I am subscribed to Flatbush Cats. They started a fund drive to build a free Vet to Spay and neuter colony cats and kittens...then release them. It took a year or maybe 2, but they built the Vet surgery. Maybe you could organise something similar? ( I'm just an Aussie grandma, who helps out in Brisbane, and I was so amazed when Flatbush Cats ( on KZbin) reached their goal.

[@ddumbbee]

My work asked if I would be willing to foster bottle babies and i’ve been really nervous about it since this will be my first time fostering so young. Needless to say, your videos have made me feel more comfortable and confident about taking them home and giving them a chance.

[@tsoonklah]

Just lost my rescue cat Meowcolm, been wanting to foster cats now, so they get all the support and love to be healthier and happier, have a more stable path to finding their forever home.

[@sanxm-i6n]

I watched your videos for year and I hope these kittens get well ThankYou for saving them poor thing I hope they survived

[@jennawoodard8386]

💕🐱 I started fostering kittens last fall and love it. I have litters one after another. I have four right now.

[@allwinterday707]

My question is what happens after kittens are ready to be adopted? Do they go back to the shelter? Will your shelter help you find forever homes or do you need to put in the leg work? My plan is to stream my foster kittens and spread awareness and love and give people an insight on fostering. But there's the matter of finding homes that seems unclear to me. Ty for reading!

[@TheCouchPotatoWatchesTV]

My shelter will take the kittens back once they are old enough/healthy enough (8 weeks and weigh 2lbs) to get spayed/neutered/microchipped and then they stay at the shelter until they got adopted. My shelter has a foster board where they post all the available fosters, the approximate length of time they need foster, why they need fostering (too young for shelter, medical, stress etc) and any other important info. Then if you are interested in the foster, you email your shelter’s foster coordinator and they set everything up including any supplies you need. They will help you every step of the way!

[@JR-rp7vr]

I'm getting involved! You haven't posted on your Twitter for a couple years. X/Twitter has blown up. You are doing great work! Just want to remind you of how much more awareness you can bring if you post more on X/Twitter. I pray you are blessed so you can keep doing what you're doing! Yah bless!

[@blessedbeauty2293]

- My mother, sister && I TNA cats in our neighborhood. Alot ended up being barn cats, I took 4 in from my backyard. Now I have 6 cats, 2 dogs.

[@returntothyfirstlove5146]

This breaks my heart- for the kitties and those missing out on the great joy of having one or more. For any reading this who may be on the fence about adopting a sweet furball. My spouse and I never intended to have any pets- much less in the home. One was in need of treatment and so tiny and helpless so we helped. Long story short- we now are extremely happy cat parents -- of 2. They are 2 of the greatest blessings God has given us and we didn't even know what we were missing out on...much less what we wanted and even needed. Our house is truly now a home. Their addition has added so much laughter and joy we wish we could have had them this whole time! They are our babies!!!

[@mysticfox9718]

This information will be very helpful to know for anyone to know what happens in shelters. And what to do if they found a kitten by itself. And how we can help. Thank for you the info Kitten Lady!

[@Hexepresso]

I wish I could but I live in an apartment that only allows two pets. We're not even allowed to have friends over with their pets. If they find out, we can get fined and/or evicted. I love kittens, I'm a stay at home mom whose children are grown. I have all the time in the world to help save kittens and it kills me that I'm unable to because of rules. I keep hoping that "next year" will be the year we can buy our own home, four years in a row it hasn't been that time. I don't drive, so I can't transport and volunteering at a shelter becomes a problem. It makes me so incredibly sad.

[@chanelhedberg3515]

I'm am fostering my fisrt litter of 5 kittens and their mama! I was trying to just foster one cat but the ones I had set up were all getting adopted (which I love for them) and I got this crew in my home on kind of a last minute decision. But I'm so happy I did! This has been the best thing I've ever got the chance to do. The kittens are 4 weeks now and I don't think I could have made it this far without your videos to help me through. I work long hours so I need mama to help me with them but I would love to do this again once these little ones find their forever home. Once I find someone to co-foster with me while I'm at work I'll be ready for the noenates that don't have mama