Fostering -- A ‘bridge’ for furry friends

Benson woman enjoys caring for cats until they find their forever homes 

By Julie Parent

Jackie Coulter of Benson and one of the many cats she has fostered. Contributed photo

Jackie Coulter of Benson has a sign on her front yard that says, “You can bee the change.” Jackie is a prime example of being the change. She fosters cats for the Humane Society of Swift County, and she encourages caring adults to do the same. She knows if there were more volunteers, fewer cats would get turned away. 

Many humane societies use foster care, because they do not have a brick-and-mortar building. Most foster homes only house one or two cats. However, there have been times when Jackie has had approximately 20 cats in her small house because of the demand. 

Humane Society of Swift County Board Member Ron A. Hanson wrote recently that Lead Board Member Wendy Munsterman refers to Jackie as the “Angel in the Flesh.” Jackie has her own greeting card business and “does such a superb job of foster caring in her own home,” Wendy said. 

In addition to fostering, Jackie said volunteers are needed to drive cats in carriers to and from the veterinarian.

Jackie Coulter of Benson receives a kiss from one of the many cats she has fostered through the Humane Society. Contributed photo

According to Jackie, it is not hard to take care of cats. If they have access to food and a litter box, they can be left home alone longer than dogs. Jackie also socializes with the cats and will touch the pads of kittens’ paws frequently to make nail clipping easier. Older cats will often hide in a new environment for a few weeks. She said when you wake up and find it snuggling next to you in bed, you know it has finally become comfortable in its new surroundings.

People can foster cats whenever it is convenient for them. For example, senior citizens who go south for the winter can foster cats when they are in Minnesota during the summer. Fostering means you do not have to commit to caring for a cat for the remainder of its life, which is expected when you adopt a cat. Selecting what type of cat you would like for companionship while fostering may be possible.

Releasing a cat to go to its new home does not bother Jackie. She knows the cats are just going to be with her temporarily. She feels her home is just a “stepping stone” on the way to their permanent homes.  She is appreciative when adoptees send her updates about the cats they adopted.

Jackie and one of the cats that she fosters. Like all foster families, Jackie gives the cats a safe place to live until they can find their forever home. Contributed photo

When someone randomly contacts the Humane Society of Swift County about a cat or another type of animal, Wendy jumps into action. She would rather pick up the cat than have somebody who finds it a nuisance kill it.  If necessary, she will trap the animal. Cats are nocturnal. They will typically go into a live trap at night, especially if there is food in it. Sometimes, a female cat is pregnant or already has a litter of kittens with her. If Jackie has availability, she’ll take the cat from Wendy. Jackie temporarily puts the cat in a separate room to quarantine it. The next step is to take the cat to a veterinarian, where it is checked for a myriad of things such as worms, fleas, ear mites, and fatal diseases. The cat also receives its vaccinations. When the cat reaches the minimum weight required, it has surgery to be spayed or neutered so it does not multiply.

Fostering a cat doesn’t cost volunteers any money, because the supplies, food, and vet care are provided by the humane society.

There are a variety of reasons why cats need shelter from the elements and predators. No matter what the cat’s background is, Jackie feels finding permanent homes for them rewarding. 

Jackie said what people don’t know about fostering is that volunteering to provide a temporary home for cats until they are adopted “can be lovely experience.”

Interested in learning more about fostering? Contact your local Humane Society.