Maryland Shelter in Dire Need of Fosters for Special 'Isolation Cats'
When a shelter takes in a cat that has a wound they have to take special precautions to not only keep this animal safe until it heals, but also to keep the other pets in the shelter safe from any diseases the wounded cat may be carrying.
Isolation cats are usually kept quarantined until they get a clean bill of health, which can be traumatic for a cat that wants comfort and human socialization. That's where people can step in to help.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center explains, "When a stray cat is brought into our care with a wound from an unknown source, we are required by state law to put them under a 4 month observation period to watch for potential signs of rabies. During this period, these cats cannot have contact with other animals, and have limited contact with humans.Unfortunately, this means that any stray cats brought into our care with wounds stay with us in a kennel for 4 full months before they can move into a loving adoptive home. This is period of isolation can be extremely stressful for these sweet kitties. And that’s why we need your help!"
Related: Kitten with Kennel Stress Finds Comfort with Sweet Dog Foster Mama
The shelter needs people willing to foster these precious kitties, and it's not as complicated to do this as you may think.
What You Need to Foster a Cat in Isolation
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center has a handy list of guidelines on their website, but here are a few of the things they require.
You need to keep the cat away from other animals and have no chance of escaping outside so you need two doors between them and the outside world, and either a closet or a spare bedroom or even a large animal crate to keep not only the kitty safe, but your other pets safe as well.
You should wear gloves when touching or petting the cat, and use disposable water and food dishes.
Every month an animal control officer will come check on the cat to see how the cat is doing, and the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center gives you all the supplies you need!
If you would like more information about foster opportunities, you can email them at FosterMCASAC@montgomerycountymd.gov or if you don't live in the area, check with your own local Humane Society or animal shelter to inquire if they have similar fostering needs.
No animal likes to be locked up in a small kennel with limited human interaction, and you can do a world of good by helping one of the isolation kitties feel less alone while waiting for their clean bill of health and turn to be adopted into a forever home. Who knows? They may even end up being a foster fail for your family!
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