When to Throw Foster Items Away

Foster supplies are meant to support a kitten’s health and safety, not last forever. Some items cannot be safely cleaned or may become dangerous over time. Knowing when to discard items helps prevent illness and injury.

When in doubt: throw it out.

Why Discarding Items Matters

Some germs can survive on surfaces for long periods, and damaged items can:

• Harbor bacteria and parasites

• Cause injuries

• Increase stress or illness risk

Replacing an item is always better than risking a kitten’s health.

Items That Should Be Thrown Away:

Items That Cannot Be Properly Cleaned

If it cannot be washed on hot and disinfected, it should not be reused.

Examples:

• Cardboard boxes

• Cardboard scratchers

• Wicker or rope toys

• Fabric items that can’t be hot-washed and dried

These items absorb moisture and germs and are not safe to reuse.

Broken or Damaged Items

Throw away items that are:

• Cracked or chipped

• Chewed or torn

• Falling apart

• Sharp or splintered

Examples:

• Cracked litter boxes

• Bowls with chips or sharp edges

• Toys with exposed stuffing

• Broken carriers or crates

Items That Have Become a Safety Hazard

Discard anything that could:

• Be swallowed

• Cause entanglement

• Cut or scratch kittens

Examples:

• Toys with loose strings or ribbons

• Items with small detachable parts

• Electrical cords or heated items with damage

• Toys that kittens can get stuck in

Items Used During Illness or Heavy Contamination

Throw items away if they were:

• Heavily soiled with diarrhea or vomit

• Used by kittens with highly contagious or fatal illness (if advised by the Kitten Alliance)

• Impossible to fully disinfect

Safety comes before saving supplies.

Items That Are Usually Safe to Keep (If Properly Cleaned)

These can typically be reused if they are cleaned correctly:

• Towels and blankets

• Litter boxes (if not scratched)

• Food and water bowls

• Toys

All must be:

• Washed with hot soapy water

• Disinfected with a 1:10 bleach solution

• Fully dried

Helpful Reminders

• Throwing dangerous items away is not wasteful, it’s responsible

• The Kitten Alliance understands that supplies wear out and break

• If you’re unsure, ask us!

Final Note to Fosters

Your job is to keep kittens safe, not to save every supply. Letting go of unsafe items is part of good foster care. If it’s broken, dirty beyond cleaning, or unsafe, thank it for its service and toss it!