The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) is calling for volunteers to provide critical care for neonatal kittens in need of foster homes. Over the past year, CPSV has supported the foster care of more than 400 kittens, many of which arrived at the shelter just days after birth, requiring round-the-clock attention to ensure their survival.
Chloe Harcourt, CPSV’s Foster Care and Animal Behaviour Coordinator, emphasized the urgent need for volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare and have time to dedicate to fostering.
“Neonatal kittens are entirely dependent on their mothers, and without proper care, they cannot develop or survive. Foster carers play an essential role in giving these tiny kittens a chance to grow and eventually find loving, permanent homes,” Harcourt said.
To support volunteers, CPSV provides comprehensive training through an information session, along with 24/7 support. Additionally, all necessary supplies—such as bedding, bowls, toys, litter, and free veterinary care—are provided to ensure the kittens’ well-being while in foster care.
One such kitten, Shadow, arrived at CPSV with his two brothers at just three days old. Suffering from several serious health issues, Shadow required immediate and dedicated care. Now, at seven months old, Shadow has made a full recovery and has been adopted into a loving home. CPSV hopes that with more volunteers, other kittens like Shadow will have the same opportunity to thrive.
“The ideal foster carer is someone who can commit to constant care for a short period,” Harcourt added. “They should live within 20 minutes of the shelter and be prepared for night shifts, as neonatal kittens often need bottle-feeding throughout the night.”
CPSV continues to encourage individuals with the time and passion to come forward, as the need for fostering remains critical to the survival of these vulnerable kittens.
Related Topics
Is Grooming Stressful For Cats?
