If you rescue kittens I will go out on a limb and say you have a giant heart. A big heart that wants to help others and the world. Unfortunately we are human and are not limitless. It’s important to not only know our boundaries, but how to let others know as well. Here are 5 ways you can create healthy boundaries and habits in rescue .
Food costs- There may be an explosion of kittens in your area and you have the space to house them, but do you have the funds to feed them healthy food? You can definitely ask your community for donations, but I suggest making a budget on what you can spend on food and litter. Do this at the very beginning of kitten season and stick by it through the year.
2.). Start small- if you are new to rescue or fostering start with one litter at a time. You are still helping make a difference. I know first hand how hard it is to turn down kittens that need your help, but you must think quality or quantity. Once you get a little experience under your belt you can take on a second litter.
3.). Sanity and self reflection- Fostering can get very fast paced. It leaves little room for ourselves. It can actually serve as a vehicle for us to actually run away from our problems. This is because we are running around doing everything we can for our fosters and forget to take care of ourselves. If you feel like this has become you, take some time to reflect and make the appropriate changes. One red flag is that you are so busy you forget to eat.
4.) Keep your hobbies- Have a life outside of your rescue work. I have seen rescue breed madness into people. I’m going to tell you right now, you cannot save them all. It will drive you mad trying to. Keep a hobby in your life that you can do an hour out of your day 4-6 days a week. This will give you an outlet to release yourself from the stress that rescue work can so often bring.
5.) Make healthy meals a priority. Do not forget to take care of yourself while taking care of others. Investing a little extra time in healthy meals will go a long way. Don’t have time? They have literal salads in bags ready to go! Takes all of 60 seconds to prepare.
Remember, you must first fill your cup before you fill others. Implementing A few self care tips and being consistent can be life changing. Take care of yourself <3
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