why we can't afford to foster CKD cats anymore

I am looking at my bank account and feeling pretty discouraged. I have been fostering for two years, but the rescue recently asked me to take in a senior cat with stage 3 CKD. I checked the numbers, and it is simply not sustainable for me right now.

Between the specialized renal diet, the daily subcutaneous fluids, and the weekly vet checks to monitor creatinine levels, I estimate the cost will be over $300 a month. That is before accounting for the stress on my own senior cat, Shadow, who is already 10. I am not sure how to say no without feeling like I am giving up on the cause. Has anyone else hit this wall where the financial burden just becomes too heavy?

short answer: yes. it happens.

i have puff who has hairball issues so i know the cost of vet visits. ckd is different though. the food is expensive. the fluids are expensive. you are basically paying for a part time job.

look at finding cheap renal food options if you want to save a little. frozen raw is cheaper than kibble but you need to thaw it daily. it is a hassle but it saves money. do not let them guilt you into it.

I completely understand your hesitation, Sam. I have documented every expense for my cats, Luna and Miso, and I know exactly what a single vet visit costs when diagnostics are involved. It is a significant amount.

However, I would recommend you look at breaking down the monthly cost of ckd care to see if you are overestimating the initial setup costs. Sometimes the rescue can cover the diagnostic labs and the specialized food if you commit to the foster for a specific period. You need to ask them about their reimbursement policy for chronic care. Do not assume you are paying for everything out of pocket. I have seen rescues cover 50% of the food costs if the cat is not adoptable within 60 days.

Oh no, this is so hard! My Felix is a vocal one, so I know how stressful it is when you have a cat that needs a lot of attention! But honestly, you have to protect your peace. I remember when I was just starting out, I thought I could handle everything, but I burned out fast.

Check out foster burnout and setting limits because it talks about exactly this. It is okay to say no. You are not a bad person for protecting your finances and your own cats. Maybe the rescue can find someone with a bigger budget or a dedicated medical foster setup? It is not your job to fix the whole system!

Thanks for the links. I will look into the raw food options, but I am worried about the hygiene and the smell in the house. Shadow is sensitive to changes in routine.

The reimbursement idea is interesting. I did not realize that some rescues split the cost. I will email the coordinator and ask for their written policy on chronic care. If they do not cover the fluids or the food, I am out. I have a job, but I do not have unlimited money.

I am also reading vet tech perspective on ckd progression to understand if this cat is even a good candidate for fostering or if he is just going to decline no matter what we do. It is a lot of work for a result that might not last.