By Heidi Tattrie Rushton
When Jennifer Bryson of Stanhope, P.E.I. gets a call from the P.E.I. Humane Society (PEIHS), she jumps into action in her role as a foster parent for neonatal kittens.
“Neonatal kittens are at such a high risk of getting sick because they are so young that it is imperative to get them out of the shelter and into a foster home ASAP,” she explains.
Bryson and her seven-year-old daughter, Presley, first heard about the program shortly after two of their three adult cats passed away. Presley wanted another cat, but Bryson was concerned about how another full-time pet would affect their ability to travel. This program was the perfect solution.
“It allows us to have cute little kittens around to enjoy, yet be short-term,” Bryson says. “It was like destiny. We had found a purpose and a way to contribute.”
Fostering with the PEIHS can take many forms, including caring for a pregnant cat, a queen and litter, orphaned neonates or one or more older kittens. The time commitment can be anywhere from one week to three months or more.
“The neonatal kittens we take into our care don't have a mom cat, so it's around-the-clock care,” Bryson explains. “The first two weeks of their lives are very critical. I have had to administer sub-Q fluids and vitamins, daily antibiotics orally by syringe and collect samples to be analyzed. I quickly realized how vulnerable orphaned kittens are.”
Bryson also helps the kittens with basic life skills, such as eating, eliminating waste, proper hygiene and socializing.
“What could be better than having little furballs learning how to walk, stumble and bounce across the floor? Presley gets down with them for tummy time, gets toys for them to bat around and gives them lots of love,” she says. “Snuggletime around here is serious business!”
When the kittens are ready for adoption, Bryson says it’s bittersweet.
“I usually shed a few tears when it's time to bring our fosters back to the PEIHS. We've raised these little kittens from a time in their life where it wasn't known if they would make it,” she says. “It does get easier with each litter and, although we miss each one dearly, we know that there will be more neonatal kittens that need our help.”
Go online: For more information on becoming a foster parent with the P.E.I. Humane Society, please go online to www.peihumanesociety.com/volunteer
