Cleaning

In order to prevent disease and parasite infestations in your home, thoroughly clean areas where the foster cat has stayed before your new foster arrives. This is especially important with any kittens. 

If your foster has any contagious medical issues, make sure to keep them in their sanctuary space and wash your hands thoroughly after you visit.

You can use a ready made bleach spray (such as Clorox Bleach Spray), or make your own with bleach/water ratio of 1:32 or 4oz of bleach per gallon of water. The bleach solution must stay in contact with the surface being sanitized for at least 10 minutes to be effective.

• Wash bedding & washable toys in hot water, detergent and bleach.

• Discard non-washable toys (those that can’t be bleached or washed in a washing machine). 

• Hard surfaces, including litter boxes, scoops, crates, carriers, walls and cabinets can be wiped using an all-purpose cleaner and then sanitized with a bleach solution. Clean up dirt, hair, feces, etc. before cleaning. 

• Food bowls and dishes should be washed daily and sanitized.

• Vacuum all carpeted areas.

If your cat has peed outside the litter box, make sure to clean it with an enzyme cleaner immediately to avoid residual odor or the cat repeat peeing in that area. (Nature’s Miracle Stain, Skout's Honour and Odor Remover works well). The Spruce has a full list of enzyme cleaners here.

If your group of kittens/cats have a case of ringworm, calicivirus, severe URI or rare intestinal parasite you will need to use a stronger disinfectant such as pre-vail or 1:40 bleach. Pre-vail is available for loan from our Volunteer Centre.

Best practice is to take a break in fostering to allow full decontamination of the environment before bringing in another kitten or cat.