Fostering Kittens? Here's What You Need To Know

Explanation and Procedure for Kitten Intake, Vaccines and Spays/Neuters  

If at any time the kittens are sick, Karen will make an appointment for you through Anthem Pet Rescue. This will take place at Daisy Mountain Vet Hospital, 39512 N. Daisy Mountain Dr., Suite #178 in Anthem. Karen, the Adoption Coordinator, will text you to set up a “drop off” appointment and you will need to be there between 7:30-8:30 am with your litter of kittens in a carrier with their litter name on the top. You will sign ‘release’ paperwork so the office can call you when the little ones are ready. Please do not call and ask when the kittens are ready, they will contact you. Karen makes all appointments, and for consistency the fosters are asked to contact her at (201) 739-4618 when a veterinary appointment is needed. If you make an appointment elsewhere, Anthem Pet Rescue can not cover it.

At 6 weeks old please text Jessica, the Cat Coordinator, at (602) 456-9327 and she will schedule the booster shot for them. The kittens will need 2-3 separate booster shots that are done IN-HOUSE at Jessica’s home in Anthem. It will be a 15-minute appointment where Jessica (and others who were trained by a Vet) will weigh each kitten, double check the microchip number, and give a dewormer (if needed.)

First vaccine 6-8 weeks old ( at Jessica’s home)

Second vaccine 3-4 weeks later  (at Jessica’s home)

Third vaccine (if needed) 3-4 weeks after the last (at Jessica’s home)

Depending on the weight and health of the kitten and its personal growth, when it weighs 2.5-3 pounds, Anthem Pet Rescue can set an appointment for them to be spayed or neutered at the North Phoenix Animal Clinic, 1610 E. Bell Road, Suite 108. Drop off is between 7:30-8:30 am for surgery and pick at 4 pm. Each kitten must be brought in its own carrier with its name written on a piece of tape placed on the top of the carrier. If you need an extra carrier(s) text Jessica and you can pick one up.They come back vert drugged up and need to be separate or they often get aggressive and can hurt each other.

WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE…

What to do when my kitten has DIARRHEA:

First, PLEASE text your Cat Coordinator!

When we first get kittens, they will often have diarrhea due to their change of diet. Probiotics will help their tummies make the transition easier. If they’ve taken oral antibiotics during their stay with you this will also throw off the balance of their tummy and can take up to 4-8 weeks to correct. The most important thing to watch with diarrhea is to make sure they do not get dehydrated. One way to help address hydration is to provide an electrolyte solution in place of water. Depending on the age of the kitten, rather than mixing the kitten’s powder formula with water or giving them a bowl of plain water, you can use a 50/50 solution of unflavored Pedialyte and water. Pedialyte contains an optimal balance of glucose and electrolytes that will help rehydrate the kitten and keep their muscles and organs functioning properly. Be sure to use a flavorless product and to keep it fresh according to the label’s instructions. When they have diarrhea make sure you wipe off their little bums with a diaper wipe or warm wet towel. It is safe to apply Petroleum Jelly or Desitin rash cream to help with the redness.

Please don’t wait to start applying these procedures!

What to do when my kitten’s eyes are GOOPY:

First, PLEASE text your Cat Coordinator!

Kittens can be kicked out of their litter due to an eye infection and while there are multiple reasons why eye infections occur, homeless and barn kittens are often prone to them. Thankfully, eye infections in kittens are easy to treat IF you follow the protocol. Otherwise, the conjunctiva could adhere to the cornea and prevent the eye from moving properly resulting in impaired vision, loss of function, and damaged tear production.

1.First use a warm, very wet towel to wash their eyes. Gently massage the eye with a warm compress, focusing on moving the discharge toward the inner corner of the eye to keep the eyes clean.

2.Apply topical ointment/eye drops approved by Jessica after each eye cleaning. Because the eye infection is potentially contagious through grooming and through their water and food bowls, it is best to keep the kitten isolated from littermates and other pets in the household until all kittens are fully recovered. Be sure to wash your hands before handling other pets.

IMPORTANT!

All Fosters and Volunteers should represent Anthem Pets Animal Rescue with a high standard of conduct. Please handle stressful times at the vet with grace and kindness. If a problem arises, reach out to Karen or Jessica so we can maintain our good working relationships with veterinary personnel.

Please remember that Anthem Pets is a 100% volunteer nonprofit, and like you, the coordinators are also juggling families and work. They will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for all you do!