Fostering the

Journey Home

How the OHS Foster Program is Saving Lives

When Cora was found, stuck in a pipe and in desperate need of medical care, she was brought to safety at OHS Salem Campus by the construction worker that rescued her. The medical team dove into action providing lifesaving care helped her beat incredible odds. She’d been stuck without food or water for days and her tail had to be amputated. Although the team was able to save her, she would need time to recover before finding a new home. Luckily, there was a supportive foster home ready to wrap her in all the loving support she could hope for. Cora not only recovered in a peaceful, cozy home, but soon after her recovery, she found a new, loving family of her very own.  

During kitten season, a time when cat populations drastically increase due to an influx in kitten births, OHS receives hundreds of cats and kittens—many of which require medical care and supportive foster homes. Thanks to the generosity and support of our donors, OHS has the resources necessary to care for these vulnerable animals.  

Look behind the scenes to see how these vulnerable kittens move through our programs when they arrive! 

All Aboard the Kitten Train 

Stop 1: Full Steam Ahead- Kitten Arrival  

During Kitten season, cats and kittens come to OHS from a variety of backgrounds. A majority of cats and kittens are transferred in from other shelters who have reached critical capacity.  

Neonatal kittens King and Northwest arrived at OHS so young they’ve not yet opened their eyes to the world. These young kittens will need to be fed and relieved every 2-3 hours, while also kept warm as they’re not yet old enough to maintain their own body heat. Neonatal cats cannot be left overnight without being watched, so foster is essential for these babies.  

Stop 2: Staying on Track- Assessing Medical Needs  

Each cat and kitten receive a thorough medical examination to determine their best path for care. While some cats and kittens arrive in good health and are ready for adoption, others have medical or health needs that must be addressed and cared for prior to adoption. 

At just 7 weeks old, Geo is struggling with an upper respiratory infection and itchy, uncomfortable eyes. OHS’ skilled medical team soothes Geo during his exam with a warm blanket and helps ease his eye irritation with medicated drops. 

Stop 3: Pitstop: Foster Homes  

Because of limited shelter space, OHS fosters are essential for kittens too young to be adopted or those with recovery plans that will require a bit more time. Often fosters are tasked with providing daily care that is specific to each kitten’s recovery plan, it is our foster families that help these kittens grow into strong and healthy cats!  

Inky, Willow, and Winston are 8 weeks old and full of energy, but not yet big enough to be spayed and neutered. They’ll stay with a loving foster family while they grow and bounce around with all the spunky joy only a kitten can muster.   

Stop 4: Express Train Home – A New, Loving Family  

Once a kitten is old enough, received their spay and neuter surgery, and/or the medical team has approved their recovery, they will be listed on the OHS website—ready to meet their new family!  

Soup is 12 weeks old, neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated. After spending 4 weeks with his wonderful foster family, he has arrived at our Portland campus, ready to meet a loving family of his very own.   

During 2024 kitten season, starting March 2024 to August, both the Salem and Portland campuses have taken in a combined 4090 cats and kittens—with more arriving each week. You can help support them and the loving fosters that care for and comfort them by making a critical donation today—your gifts are saving lives.