Where do all these kittens come from?
Many are born to feral moms in backyards, parks or in abandoned buildings. Some are found in or under parked cars or in tow yards, and a few have been found on roofs! Others are abandoned in boxes at the door of our city shelter.
What do I do if I find an orphaned kitten?
First, wrap the kitten in a blanket and keep it warm. Then call SFACC (628-652-8885) and see if they are open. If they are, bring the kitten in right away. It they are closed, keep the kitten warm until the shelter is open and you can bring it in.
What is it like to foster?
Our fosters report that having little kittens around makes you smile inside and out! And there are lots of ways you can foster.
A TKR foster can care for a couple kittens, a whole litter, a nice mom and kittens or a feral mom and kittens. Some fosters bottle feed 10 day old kittens, others socialize shy and scared kittens, and many “just” provide a warm bed, regular food, and lots of love. Some choose to foster once a year, some twice a year and some have been fostering for 10 years. We have foster situations to fit almost anyone’s schedule and TKR accommodates any emergencies, vacations or work travel that may come up.
TKR appreciates any way fosters are able to help. Singles, families with kids, couples, all are welcome to consider fostering!
Can I foster kittens if I already have a pet in the house?
Yes! Most of our fosters have pets. If you have a spare room or bathroom, that is a good spot for kittens. Or we can provide an enclosed kitten tent with viewing panels for the kittens to live in.
How much does it cost to foster?
Nothing! TKR will provide you with all the food and supplies you need.
I live in a small place, is it possible for me to foster?
Of course! Kittens don’t need a lot of space. TKR can provide a nice mini kitten tent (about 5 feet circumference) for the kittens, if needed.
What is a bottle feeder kitten?
It is a kitten too young to eat on its own. Fosters feed the kittens special kitten formula from a mini baby bottle every couple hours. TKR provides bottles and formula. Training is provided to those interested in doing this rewarding work.
Am I responsible for finding my foster kittens a home?
No. Unlike most other rescues, once TKR foster kittens are big enough to be adopted they are brought back to SFACC. Then they are put up for adoption at SFACC.
What is a feral cat?
An unsocialized cat who lives outside and cannot be socialized to live in a home.
What is the difference between SFACC and the SPCA?
San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SFACC) is your city shelter, paid for with your tax dollars. It’s the only shelter in SF to provide lost/found services for the public’s missing animals. SFACC shelters any type of animal bought to them–hamsters, birds, farm animlas, injured wildlife, you name it–and finds homes or rescues for these animals.
SPCA is a privately funded facility that mostly adopts out cats and dogs, and does not provide loss/found services or take in all animals brought to them by the public.
Is Toni’s Kitty Rescue a nonprofit?
Yes, TKR is a 501(c)(3) and has been since 2003. All donations to TKR are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Consult your accountant.
How do I adopt one of your kittens?
Visit one of TKR’s partners in San Francisco to adopt a kitty raised by Toni’s Kitty Rescue. A list of our partners can be found on our ADOPT page.
Why Spay or Neuter?
Spaying at an early age prevents diseases of the ovaries and infections of the uterus, which are a major cause of illness in unspayed pets. Spay/neuter surgeries also help prevent aggressive behavior towards other animals, roaming in search of mates, and spraying in cats. And importantly, it is estimated that millions of homeless and unwanted cats are euthanized each year in the U.S. Often these animals are the offspring of beloved family pets.
Where can I find low cost or free spay/neuter in San Francisco?
The SF SPCA offers free or deeply discounted spay/neuter for low-income SF residents. They also spay/neuter feral cats for free. For more info call them at (415) 554-3030.
On the third Thursday of each month, a free mobile spay/neuter clinic operated by the Peninsula Humane Society comes to SFACC (1419 Bryant St., SF). It’s first come, first served (no appointments taken) and you are asked to arrive between 8-9 am. One pet per family. Surgery is performed by a licensed veterinarian. For more information, please call the Peninsula Humane Society at (650)-340-7022, extension 387.
