What if my foster cat bites me?
If any of your foster pets bite you and break the skin, causing you to bleed, you need to report the bite to a DPR Administrator within 24 hours. The teeth of the animal, not the nails, must have broken the skin. If you are unsure, please report the bite anyway.
What if my foster cat is not working out?
You are not required to continue to foster a cat if you feel it’s not working out. However, we may not have an immediate alternative foster home. We will work on moving your foster cat as soon as possible but ask for your understanding and patience. Please contact the DPR Intake Coordinator if this situation arises.
What if fostering is not working out for me?
Please do not feel bad if you realize that fostering is not for you. Fostering is only one way to contribute to Desert Paws. Contact the DPR Intake Coordinator to find out more about ways in which you can help our rescue continue to help animals in need.
Where does Desert Paws Rescue get the animals that they offer for adoption?
DPR most commonly takes in cats that have either been surrendered or abandoned. We believe that by rescuing animals before they reach the local pound or shelter helps reduce the number of unnecessary euthanasia for those local groups. Additionally, we often take in animals that have been scheduled for euthanasia because of a medical issue, or special need, which a local pound or shelter does not have the resources to provide.
What do I do if I find a cat or kitten on my own that I want to foster?
If you should happen to find a “stray” cat or kitten in your neighborhood it is important that you ensure that the cat or kitten has been scanned for a microchip. After you have determined that the cat or kitten does not already belong to someone, you can begin the DPR foster process by bringing the cat/kitten to meet the DPR Intake Coordinator in-person. Cats or kittens already in your care that have not been surrendered and approved for foster by the DPR Intake Coordinator are considered your responsibility.
Why do you ask whether the potential adopter will keep their cat indoors, mostly indoors, outdoors, or mostly outdoors?
It is important that the animals we adopt out are given the best opportunity for a long and healthy life. Cats who spend time outside are exposed to contagious viral infections, parasites, territorial feral cats, encounters with backyard dogs or wild animals, and the danger of human strangers. Once a cat goes outdoors, there is no way to protect it from all of these risks. Including this question in our application provides us an opportunity to teach our potential adopters about the dangers and costs associated with letting a cat outside.
Why do you ask if the potential adopter’s residence has a pet or dog door?
This question reiterates the point made above regarding the decreased quality and quantity of life for outdoor cats. Cats are curious animals and it will only be a matter of time before they discover this method for accessing the outside world. Once a cat ventures outdoors, there is no way to protect it from the risks that they may face, and when it returns indoors, it carries with it the potential viruses, fungi, parasites, and other small animals that it has encountered during its exploration.
Why do you ask about how the potential adopter will keep their new cat from scratching up furniture?
This question provides us with another opportunity to teach potential adopters about the risks associated with declawing. Many years ago, the Veterinarian community found it reasonable to declaw a cat who used their claws inappropriately. Today, the majority of veterinarians agree that surgical declawing should only be performed when it benefits the cat’s health (i.e., cancer).
Traditional digit amputation, laser surgery, and Tendonectomies, all carry the same complications: infection, tissue necrosis, nerve damage, and behavioral effects. The opinion of the American Veterinary Medical Association is that all of these medical procedures are considered inhumane when used to stop unwanted feline scratching.
Why do you ask if potential adopters’ existing animals are spayed/neutered, declawed, or vaccinated?
It is important that the animals we adopt out are given the best opportunity for a long and healthy life. It is also important to our organization that our community is aware of the ever-increasing population of homeless animals that result from unneutered and unspayed dogs and cats. This question provides an opportunity for us to discuss the importance of vaccinations and sterilization, and find out what has prevented them from completing these critical services.