hello, new & a question or two

Princemaui · New member Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 8

Hello, I'm nicole...Maui is my cat, he's a blue-point Himalayan, 2.5 years old and he thinks he's the boss!! Well, he kind of is though. So anyways, I have just started fostering, does anyone on here do this? I have had this foster for about 3 weeks. His name is Bailey and tonight someone is coming to meet him! I'm pretty sad because I already feel attached, and he's a big tabby cat, to tell you the truth I figured he would be here for a while. We have all kinds of cats on the website and I just figured people would want kittens before a big fat tabby. He is such a sweetie and deserves a good home (even if it can't be with me) so does anyone have any tips on how I should handle this tonight? Also, I gave him a bath last night, and soon after he went to the litter box and sprayed all over it and the wall. I couldn't believe it! He was just neutered on the 18th of August. He has not done that here before, maybe he was just mad that I bathed him? Thanks alot Smile

Chessmind · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 4:16 pm Post subject:

Hi and welcome to Auspet. That's nice of you to foster. Your the best

If the person(s) is coming to your house to meet him, I would suggest you have another person in the house when they come if you don't know these people/person. Just be safe when it comes to strangers visiting your home.

As for him spraying, even neutered cats can spray. He was probably just mad/upset about something. Good luck.

Mary_NH fosters cats. Very Happy

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4266

and welcome! It's a wonderful feeling and so rewarding to foster. But I would have a hard time letting any of them go. It's so easy to get attached. My cat Milo (neutered) sprays the bushes to mark his territory especially when other cats are around. They will also spray when stressed or in a new environment. PM Mary. I'm sure she has a lot of advice for you and good luck!

Princemaui · New member Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 8

well, someone else is going to be here, so thats ok. And I fogot to mention he really hated the bath, and I'm pretty sure thats why he did it.

Mary_NH · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 7:17 pm Post subject:

I foster for Siamese Rescue - I LOVE Fostering.
Unfortunately due to NH state laws I can't have potential adopters come meet my foster cats.
But I would definitely mention the little spray incident. I would also explain that you believe it was due to his bath and he was simply expressing his displeasure at that. This serves 2 purposes - a just in case so they can't come back and say you deceived them in case he does do it again, and you can also explain some of that behavior could simply be from left over hormones. It can take up to 6 months for an adult neutered cat to lose those hormones.
But things like this need to be mentioned as there would be nothing worse than having the cat in the new home for months and have it happen again and they immediately return him. I would make sure they understand he had never done it before. Could also be that he's getting used to your home and is now marking it...but keep a close eye on him.
My first foster was the hardest for me to let go of. After that it does get easier...they are never forgotten and can always bring a smile to your face. But you have given this kitty a chance at life and offered him love while he was waiting and given him good care.

Princemaui · New member Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 8

Yes, I was planning on telling them, ABSOLOUTELY. I plan on telling them everything I know about him, and everything I know about taking care of cats period! I am a control freak and want all "my" animals to be taken care of the way i would do it...and thats the hardest part. It is going to be hard with him, just because it was so unexpected. My first foster was a kitten and she only stayed about 5 days so that wasn't too bad. I have all these 'what ifs' I'm worrying about, what if he gets out, what if they don't feed him, what if he gets smacked, what if they're mean to him after they just put on a show for me... Shocked

it is going to be hard. I will also add that if she has a tiny bit of doubt in her mind, to leave him here. He had a couple big mats in his tail I could not get out no matter what I tried so I had to cut them out, poor boy...so I hope that isn't a problem for her. I can't believe you can't meet the adopters first!! why is that?

coppersmom · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:40 pm Post subject:

My big tabby boy sprays out of the litter boxes too. I have really high sided boxes now so he can just spray away! Don't know why he does it. He rarely "points down"--mostly back.

Mary_NH · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:12 pm Post subject:

the state of New Hampshire (in their infinite wisdom) states if a foster person lets a potential adopter either come meet the cat, or pick the cat up from their home, they must be a rescue group unto themselves and be subject to a yearly $400 fee and biannual home inspections. I'm not a rescue group, I simply foster for one and make absolutely no $$ doing this. I buy litter and food. I don't get the adoption fee it goes directly to siamese Rescue, they even foot all medical bills and reimburse us.
So if the state ever caught wind, possibly by an adopter who ends up unhappy with SR and turned me in, I'd be in the litterbox.
It's a stupid rule - but I have ways around it....state can't tell me who I can/can't have over for a visit Mr. Green

but I haven't done it yet.

Princemaui · New member Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 8

So if the state ever caught wind, possibly by an adopter who ends up unhappy with SR and turned me in, I'd be in the litterbox.
Very Happy

Well, Bailey was adopted last night!! I just woke up and couldn't sleep, I hope he's ok. He looked alot fluffier in his pics, but he charmed them anyways. He was adopted by a young couple who have had cats all their lives, and she was looking for a lap cat, which is what Bailey is, quite the snuggler. He really liked the guy, but he nipped at the girl Embarassed

I couldn't believe it! But I think she understood he was just not sure what was going on. If things don't work out, she can always bring him back, but what really made me deciede they were ok to take him was that the guy said at his age he's really at the point where he needs to settle down with somebody(the cat I mean, not the guy). I bawled!! Crying or Very sad

This is harder than I thought. I also buy the food and litter, Mary, and the rescue pays for all vet bills as well. All cats are checked by a vet, vaccinated and spayed/neutered. Even kittens; if they are adopted before they're old enough their adopters are responsible to make the appointment, but the charge is included in the adoption fee. I can't believe the state would try and cash in like that! I guess that's the gov't for you...so Mary how do you do it? This is hard!! I miss him already.

i_love_my_ollie · Member Joined: 12 Nov 2004 Posts: 212 Location: uk

i take my hat off to all your geat ppl that foster pets just think if it wasnt for ppl like you these poor animals would have no where nice to stay and then go to i nice home keep up th good work!!

Mary_NH · Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:06 am Post subject:

I'm sorry somehow I missed your answer...good job w/getting him adopted. Hugs you found it hard - keep fostering as it gets easier to let them go. It's about the cats - not us Your the best

I've been busy w/my latest fosters (why I missed your post about kitty getting adopted) they have been the illest 2 I've ever had. Right down to a scabby head from scratching at earmite infested ears. Never had one this bad. And a meezer in heat to go along with scab head. They've been a couple.
Don't give up fostering....good fosters are hard to find and every rescue group needs all they can get