Foster Program Equipment

We are slowly accumulating equipment to loan to foster caregivers.  Donations are gladly accepted, we need a lot more cages.  Currently we have eight Rolling cages and six X-PENS that are shared by more than 60 foster homes.

 

Rolling Cage

 

 Supplies and equipment provided to Foster Caregivers

The shelter relies on donations.  Sometimes food, litter, milk replacer and Bene-bac is in short supply.  Caregivers should be prepared to buy these things when the shelter is unable to provide them.

Start a collection of Foster Supplies.  Keep all your syringes for future use.  Freeze food and milk replacer for future use.  When possible, label carefully and save medications (check with judy about storage). Sterilize everything between cases using a solution of 8 parts water to 1 part bleach.

Thermometers need not be returned.  Keep the thermometer with your Caregiving Supplies.

Bottles & Nipples sterilize between cases and save for future use.  Do not return.

Medications  dewormer and vaccinations are provided as well as any necessary medications.

Bene-bac is provided for animals whose nutritional needs have been compromised.

Puppy & Kitten Milk Replacer is provided for orphans.  Cans of powder MUST be refrigerated after opening and kept frozen between cases.

Cages are provided when available.  In most cases, cages must be returned when animals are returned.  If you are willing to take cases back to back, the cage can stay in place.  Different cases require different cages.  Discuss this with Judy.  Keeping the pieces/parts together and clean is essential.  Always clean with hot water and a bleach solution before returning.

Dosing syringes   Always save syringes.  There are many uses for them.  These can be found in “Judy’s Handy Hints”.

Food is provided when available.  If you have to buy food, please spring for the quality food.  Suggestions as to brand are found in “Time To Wean” (not active yet).

Litter is always in short supply at the shelter.  There is a lot of information and handy hints about the litter box in the section labeled “Poop”                       

Scratcher is cardboard that you can add catnip to (your choice).  Kittens under six months do not react to catnip but they do like to sharpen their claws on the scratcher.  You can add the catnip if you have a Momcat, she will usually enjoy it.  You do not need to return the scratcher.  If you have had sick cats/kittens or the scratcher is soiled, throw it away before you get a new batch of foster cat/kittens.  The scratcher can not be sterilized and will harbor disease.  This is true of any other toys or kitty furniture that can not be sterilized.

Stool Sample Kit  Be sure to pick one up when you get your foster animals.  If you use one, be sure to replace it so you always have one on hand.  See “Poop” for why and how to use it.

Desitin relieves irritated genitals caused by diarrhea.  Irritation causes babies to strain in an effort to relieve pain which exacerbates diarrhea.

ASSEMBLY & CARE OF CAGES

Not all the rolling cages are exactly alike.  Specific directions come with the cages.

Food and water that is not secured will be dumped. This method works well.

A plastic container with a hole poked in it is secured to the cage with a zip-tie.  A bowl that can be removed to empty or fill is placed into the plastic container.  Stainless steel or glass should be used for feed and water because some cats are allergic to plastic and because plastic harbors bacteria.

It is best to set the food and water up on the first shelf, away from the litter box and more easily accessible for you than on the floor.    Until kittens are using the ladders, their food & water must be on the floor, secured to the cage in the same manner. 

Rolling Cages

Remove Velcro strips from casters.  Save Velcro strips.

Stand cage on its side to remove plastic bag.  Save bag.

Remove Bungee.   Save Bungee.

Remove zip-lock bag and take out directions

Put Bungee, Velcro strips and bag into zip-lock bag.

Stand cage on it’s casters.  Lock wheels.

Lift up panels to unfold front back and top of cage.

Unfold and lift out side panel.

Snap side panel into front back and top sections.

Unfold and lift out other side panel.

Snap side panel into front back and top sections.

Unlock wheels

Place shelves as shown in picture.

Ladders are marked top-middle-bottom on underside of ladder. Place them as shown against back panel.  Use zip ties to fasten them to cage.

 

Please return cage and all parts when you return the animals for which this pen is to be used.

The pen and accessories pictured here are valued at $200.00.  If it is not returned, it must be paid for.

Before return, clean cage thoroughly with soap and warm water and then spray completely with diluted bleach (8 parts water to 1 part bleach)  THEN RINSE AGAIN because bleach residue damages the finish. This is easily done in your shower stall, especially if you have a hand-held shower.

Do not submerge ladders in water.  Clean with a disinfectant spray and wipe down with diluted bleach mixture.  Allow to dry thoroughly before packing

Please save all packing and return cage just as it was when you picked it up.  IF CLEAR PLASTIC COVER IS DAMAGED, PLEASE REPLACE WITH A NEW ONE BEFORE RETURNING.

 

 

This cage folds flat to fit in your car.  Assembled, it stands 51 inches tall.  The front and back are 3’ wide and the sides measure 22”.  It rolls through doorways.  This cage comfortably houses up to 6 kittens.  Three shelves allow plenty of play space.

There are three ladders (the third one not pictured here) goes from the floor to the first shelf.  Fasten them to the side of the cage with zip-ties so that they are secure.  Always clip the zip-tie to prevent eye injury

Scroll down for more information.

X-PEN

This cage folds flat to fit in your car.  Assembled, it stands 4’ tall.  It is 4’ by 4’ square with a top and a gate.  This cage is nice for puppies or a momcat with kittens.

A 6’ by 6’ tarp placed on the floor under the cage with the extra tarp fastened up the sides of the bottom of the cage keeps the floor and surrounding area clean. 

Note the tall sides on the litter box.  For about $5 you can buy this plastic box at Target or Walmart.  Cut an access hole as shown.  The litter will not be tracked out nearly as much as with a conventional litter box.

For puppies, this cage can be made larger by using the lid as two more 2’ side panels.

 

 

For more information, scroll down

Clip the zip-tie to prevent eye injury.

Pictured here unclipped so you can see it.