Forgive my ignorance, is this something that must be done when fostering? Is it by true bathing or wiping with a cloth? - Janet:#TeamMonique from FFHound!

No worries at all Janet. I do not HAVE to wash my kittens, and I don't do all of them. There are a few reasons that I wash the kittens. One is if they are young and not washing themselves enough yet. After I have washed them, it is instict for them to re-wash themselves, it's a teaching process. Second reason is that THEY STINK! Usually because of an intestinal issue some kittens just stink. You put your nose in their fur and gak. These guys have been fighting an intestinal issue and have come out on top, but they had the stink to prove it. Also it reinforces the cleaning habit even if they are already doing it. Third reason, it solidifies me as their mom. Most kittens take me as mom because they are young and I feed them. But not all and it depends on their age. Defining myself as mom helps me with giving them meds they don't want and teaching them good habits and getting them to stick. It is not necessary for me to be seen as mom, but I think it makes life easier. Finally, they look funny and it makes me laugh a little. If that were the only reason I wouldn't do it, but they, since it helps with other things I might as well get a good laugh too! :) - Rachel Lea Fox

I was thinking yesterday that it's probably a real favor to adopters because you've already gotten the cats used to being washed in the bath/sink at an early age. - Spidra Webster

Rachel, you are truly someone I admire. Your fostering and sharing and teaching. When I get myself to three inside. My eldest is 18.5 years and obese boy will likely not last much past 12 no matter what we do. At that point I want to only foster kittens. - Janet:#TeamMonique from FFHound!

Spidra, I don't know if I would say "used to" being washed. They are not happy and the are very happy when they are done. They put up with this because I am the Mom and I really solidify that. Most people don't wash their cats after, unless they get into something and really need the bath. (i.e. Indiana who fell in the toilet right after I stood up once), but it really does help teach them to keep themselves clean. Janet, it is worth all the work. I can't wait to see photos of your foster kittens when you get them someday! :) - Rachel Lea Fox