First Three Days
The first three days spent with your new foster cat are crucial for success.
One of the most common reasons a foster home is a 'one and done' is because they didn't give the cat time to decompress. It can be a scary experience for the cat and they appreciate the quiet space to settle in. TCR's cats usually come from the streets, Toronto Animal Services, a hoarding situation, been surrendered to the shelter or another foster home. They need time to get used to their new surroundings. You being in the sanctuary space with them trying to interact or play with them is another stress they don't need.
This is not the time for you to start socializing them. It sounds cruel (it's not), but put the cat into their sanctuary space and let them be for the first 72 hours. Give them food & water, clean their litter and monitor them for any medical issues. Don't try and play with them or force them to be social. It's okay to spend short periods of time with them but from a distance.
'Let them be' for the first three days doesn't mean ignore them. You still need to check on them, feed them and clean the litter. Take that time to have a chat with them so they get used to your voice & smell. This is the first, most positive step you can take for the cat. Rushing a cat to socialize in the first 72 hours can be a set up for failure for the cat and for you as a new foster home.
All TCR cats are indoor cats. You may not use a Catio, walk them outside on a lead, or take them to another location (aside from a TCR scheduled vet visit).
On the occasion you get a social cat or kittens right out of the carrier, then you can slowly test out the waters with them on Day 2. Spend short amounts of time in the sanctuary space. Start with 10 mins a few times a day. If that goes well, increase the time spent with them the next day to 20 mins a few times a day. If the cat is not responding to you, leave them alone for the remainder of the first 72 hours.
DO NOT let them out of quarantine for the first 14 days even if they are friendly.
For the first 72 hours:
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Replenish food and water, clean the litter
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Watch for any signs of illness - sneezing, eye discharge, vomiting, lethargy, etc.
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Limit your interactions with them
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Talk to them in a calm, slow voice
Gastrointestinal issues can be common. If it's due to the stress of relocating, the foster cat should be okay in a few days. If vomiting is continuous rather than sporadic contact your FC. A little diarrhea is normal, however if it's severe or lasts more than 48 hours contact your FC.
On the 4th day, you can test how the cat will do with human friends by sitting quietly with them in the sanctuary space. Don't get too close. Ignore them. Read a book, or look at your phone. If they come to you for a pat, pat them cautiously. If they do not approach you, just let them be. If you are not an experienced foster home and are still learning about cat behaviours, you may not know what to do next if they are not responding to you. Please read the Common Behavioural Issues section for the next steps.
Your FC may not contact you for the first 24 - 48 hours of you getting a cat.
Nearly every position at TCR is staffed by volunteers who have day jobs, so sometimes the communication chain can take a little while. Email them to let them know you have a new cat, or if you notice them not eating, drinking or using the litter after the first 36 hours.