Foster Cats....it's going to be harder than I thought to give them back! (picture included)

[gumby74]

 We agreed to foster a momma cat and her four kittens.  The kittens will be three weeks old tomorrow.  I agreed to bring them back to the shelter when they are 8 weeks old, but am already worried about how hard this is going to be.  The last time I fostered kittens, we were able to get them adopted before they needed to go back.  I don't have as good of a feeling this time around.  We will probably adopt the mama and one of the kittens, but that will still leave three gray kittens.  Is there anything I can do to make their transition back to the shelter and cages as smooth as possible? Our shelter is small and has many cats, but at least it is no-kill.  I want to give them as much freedom and access to toys while in our house, but am worried that will make it harder when they return.  Thoughts? 

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

Can you send them with the blanket or bed that they've been sleeping in, and maybe a couple of favorite toys if you have any?

[gumby74]

Good idea.  I definitely will do that.  Another question that I think might seem dumb, but does it make a difference if they go back at 6 or 8 weeks?

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

Originally Posted by gumby74 

Good idea.  I definitely will do that.  Another question that I think might seem dumb, but does it make a difference if they go back at 6 or 8 weeks?

I would think that giving them a couple extra weeks with their mom and getting a couple extra weeks of nursing certainly couldn't hurt!  Of course, you may end up having a harder time letting them go too! 

[Ladyrose]

What a great thing you're doing by fostering!  Well, it always recommended to give cats until 8 weeks to be with their mama.  It's not a dumb question at all as it happens all the time that they're given away earlier than that.