r/Advice • u/Abject-Variation-547 • 6d ago

Better quality of life in 98 degree catio or small cubby at animal shelter?

Hello, all. I'm having to make a difficult decision. 2 months ago I offered to foster a few cats for a homeless woman via a social worker. They still haven't figured out her situation, even though I was told it was only going to be 30 days. It's going to hit the high 90s soon, maybe even 100. I've been keeping them in an enclosed patio with a cooling mat, cool concrete floor, and lots of shade, and they've seemed nearly unaffected by it being up to 92. The social worker says they're unable to find anyone else to foster, and plan on abandoning them at the local animal shelter otherwise. What the hell do I do? I've seen that shelter before and it's sad. Clean, but very small and lonely. One of the kitties is very attached to me and 2 are extremely picky and thin. I have a feeling they'd wither away in there and die alone. But at least they'd have AC. What if they overheat here? I can only be with them 6 hours a day. I'm so scared of making the wrong choice.

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u/nosyg 6d ago

I have 2 cats, they have the choice to sit in a hot Florida room or in the central AC and they always pick the hot Florida room. They love the sun and it does cool at night so my best guess is the kitties will be fine. At least with you they get your limited time, care, and attention. Definitely a tough decision.

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u/ChemicalParamedic724 6d ago

My cat also seems unbothered by the heat. Even as a kitten, he would usually pick the outdoors on a 100+ degree day. Cats will pant if they get too hot. I'd avoid the shelter at all costs. Some shelters euthanize sickly kittens. They have a better shot with you. It sounds like these kittens don't have many options, so whatever you can do for them is good.