Sanctuary Space & Quarantine

Sanctuary spaces & quarantine go hand in hand. They must be done together.

Not keeping a cat in their safe space for 14 days is one of the biggest reasons why foster homes fail, and why some cats end up getting shifted to other foster homes and spending much longer in the foster system than they need to.

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).

Why does TCR mandate 14 days of quarantine?

An initial two-week quarantine period is necessary for all new cats to our program in order to monitor the health of the cat/kitten & to prevent any disease transmission to your pets or home.

Cats will often start to show signs of illness in this period. It is normal for cats to arrive at foster homes with upper respiratory infections, ear mites, feline herpes, or a host of other contagious conditions.

Even if the foster cat is the only animal in your home you still need to quarantine them in the sanctuary space. Fleas can easily infest your home, and the cats still need a space to decompress & get used to their new environment.

14 days in quarantine is no guarantee that the kittens or cats are free of contagious diseases, viruses, or parasites, but most conditions will present themselves in this time.

Why else is 14 days in quarantine so important?

The cat will feel safe and secure
You can monitor what the cat is eating
You will know if they are using the litter
You are keeping your pets safe from potential health issues
There are less spaces for a cat to hide in a smaller room
Enables ease of contact between you and the cat
Observe their behaviors and habits

Should I allow the cats or kittens I’m fostering to mingle with my own cats/pets during quarantine?

No. Your foster cat should not mingle with your pets while they are in quarantine.

You can start to 'scent swap' during this time, but they should not physically meet.

TCR cannot guarantee that all rescued cats and kittens are healthy or that they are free of contagious diseases or viruses such as: parasites, URI (upper respiratory infections), Feline Leukemia, FIV, Feline Distemper (FVP- Feline Panleukopenia), etc.

What is a sanctuary space?

One of the requirements of fostering with Toronto Cat Rescue is having a suitable cat proofed, sanctuary space, and keeping the cat in quarantine for 14 days. A sanctuary space is the most important thing you can give to your new foster. It is a place they will feel safe & you can easily monitor them.

This will be repeated again, and again and then again. You need to give your foster cat a space to decompress & feel safe even if the cat seems well adjusted and EVEN if you think they’ll be okay.

If you let your cat out of the sanctuary space before 14 days, you are setting yourself, and the cat up for failure. Successful adoptions happen when the foster cat is socialized. You cannot do this in a large space.

What can be used a sanctuary space?

A spare bathroom, spare bedroom, a cat 'cage', an enclosed dog playpen or even a large closet are all suitable spaces. The space needs to be climate controlled, cat proofed and separate from other pets and children. Small spaces would be ideally no more than 4m x 4m. Cages are encouraged especially for scaredy cats or any kittens. If using a cat cage, you may need to drape a blanket or towel over part of it to create a hiding space.

Cats feel safer and more secure in small spaces so please do not feel bad about restricting the amount of space they have. Let's repeat that. Cats feel safer and more secure in small spaces. They acclimate better in a new environment when they start off in a confined space. Free reign of your condo, or the basement is not appropriate.

What does cat proofed mean?

A secure space that has no harmful objects for the cats and controlled hiding places. You should be able to access the cat at all times. The list below is not exhaustive, cats can always find a new place to hide, or new things to play with.

Controlled hiding places are spaces the cat can hide, but you can still see and pat them. It doesn't need to be elaborate, a cardboard box, an enclosed cat bed, a rubbermaid container on its side with a towel over it.

Close and secure windows (screens are not safe nor secure)
Check for holes in walls and secure all vent covers
Secure valuables and breakables in a separate space
Secure any cupboards you don't want opened
Check the bottom of the mattress box spring for holes, block off under bed access
Check closets carefully for holes, even in the ceiling
Check walls carefully where machines/pipes are connected
Remove all chewable items - cords, cables, hair ties, etc
Remove all toxic items - plants, chemicals, laundry soaps
Keep the toilet lid closed

Why is it so important to cat proof?

Cats are smart & will find any and all escape routes and hiding places. Scared cats are DESPERATE, cunning and crafty escape artist cats. Real life examples from TCR foster cats that could have ALL been avoided include:

Removing unsecured vent covers and hiding in ductwork
Chewed/scratched through screens and escaped from home
Wedge themselves in tight spots; behind drawers, in couches
Getting into kitchen baseboards resulting in the kitchen being pulled apart to get them out
Opening cupboards and finding an escape route or access to dangerous items
Cats escaping from the house by sneaking out the door
Cats being lost in the house
Cats getting in the ceiling space

What should be in your sanctuary space?

Foster Homes need to provide the basic essentials for their foster cats. The other supplies will depend on what the cat requires. Foster Homes can also see what supplies The Volunteer Centre has in stock.

Food & water dishes
Cat toys
Litter box & scoop
Bedding
Carrier (Usually the cat will come to you in a carrier if being driven to you, you need one if you pick up the cat)
Litter (No clay clumping litter for kittens)
Wet and dry food - See the Feeding The Cat page for more specific information on what kind of food

For full details on supplies for your sanctuary space please see Foster Supplies.