CES PROJECT - ZARAGOZA

FOSTER HOMES

ABANDONED CATS

The urban cat colonies programme is frequently faced with the problem of

domestic cats which have been abandoned. These cats are in a state of shock or

stress and cannot survive without rapid attention.

These cats are usually abandoned for one of the following reasons:

The cat was bought on a whim, without the purchaser thinking through the

consequences or accepting the responsibility of looking after the animal for life.

Not knowing that a domestic cat should be neutered to avoid natural behaviour

which can sometimes disturb people.

Not knowing the basic needs of cats. A cat need needs protected or covered

areas where it can shelter when it wants peace and quiet; it needs to be able to

climb; it needs a cat scratcher, plentiful fresh water and a clean food bowl and

litter tray. Cats can suffer stress and behave erratically if these requirements are

not met.

There are also frequent reports of kittens being put in rubbish containers or bags,

again owing to the lack of awareness of the importance of sterilisation or the lack

of sensitivity and respect towards animals.

In such situations cats may need veterinary treatment. If they are not weaned, they

will need to be bottle-fed.

FOSTER HOME PROGRAMME

Until cats can be offered for adoption, the solidarity of members of the public who

offer temporary foster homes is of enormous value. Such homes can offer care to

the following:

Unweaned kittens which need regular bottle-feeding. Taking care of such a

small animal requires dedication and time.

Kittens which can feed themselves but need some treatment. It should be taken

into account that kittens at this stage are usually very active.

Convalescing or elderly cats which need medication, treatment or special

understanding because of their advanced age.

It is very rewarding to be able to offer care to animals which have been abandoned

or which cannot otherwise look after themselves.

Carers can tell us their preferences, availability and time limitations so that they

can help in those cases which they are best placed to deal with.

Photo courtesy of Adrian Sediles.

The foster period and socialisation stage in the home is very

important in the case of kittens.

The cats learn that people protect them and an

animal/person relationship is established which makes

subsequent adoption much easier.

Cats in these circumstances are usually exceptionally affectionate

with their adopting owner who will enjoy having a faithful

companion animal in the home.

Photo courtesy of Adrian Sediles.

For further information and details of how to participate in the

programme, please send an e-mail to:

proyectoceszgz@gmail.com

Increasing animal protection follows a growing public

awareness and is included in European, national, regional

and municipal regulations.

ZARAGOZA CITY COUNCIL

ANIMAL PROTECTION OFFICE

Edificio ambiental del Ebro

Plaza Europa 1-3, 50003 Zaragoza

Tel: 976 723 991. E-mail: proteccionanimal@zaragoza.es