Routine Cleaning While Kittens Are In Foster
Keeping foster spaces clean helps prevent illness and protects kittens. Clean litter boxes, bowls, bedding, and all surfaces regularly and whenever visibly soiled.
Always clean first, then disinfect. Disinfectants do not work on dirty surfaces.
Hard Surfaces
Floors, walls, crates, litter boxes, and food/water bowls should be cleaned at least weekly and anytime soiled.
Wash with warm water and soap to remove dirt and organic matter. After cleaning, disinfect using:
• Rescue One-Step (ready-to-use spray) for daily cleaning
OR
• Rescue Concentrate (diluted per label) for mopping or larger areas
Rescue One-Step and Rescue Concentrate are the primary disinfectants for foster care. They are effective against common shelter diseases, safer for people and kittens, and gentler on surfaces than harsher chemicals.
Important: These are different products. Always follow the dilution and wet/contact time listed on each bottle. Surfaces must remain visibly wet for the full contact time to disinfect properly.
Allow surfaces to dry completely before kittens return.
Bedding & Laundry
Replace or wash bedding at least twice weekly, or immediately if soiled.
Machine wash with hot water and detergent.
Do not use fabric softener.
Dry on high heat.
For ringworm or heavy contamination:
• Wash bedding twice back-to-back
• Use plenty of water and agitation
• Then dry on high heat
Do not shake or dry sweep bedding before washing, as this spreads spores.
Discard heavily contaminated or porous items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
Cleaning Between Litters or During Illness
After a litter leaves or after any illness, fully clean and disinfect the entire area before new kittens arrive.
Steps:
• Remove debris and hair
• Wash with soap and water
• Disinfect with Rescue
• Keep surfaces wet for required contact time
• Dry completely
Avoid dry sweeping. Vacuum or use a damp cloth instead.
Use separate supplies for each litter whenever possible.
Disease-Specific Notes
Ringworm
• Double-wash bedding
• Vacuum (do not sweep)
• Disinfect all hard surfaces with Rescue per label
• Discard porous items if needed
Panleukopenia (distemper/parvo)
• Rescue products are effective when used correctly
• Follow full label wet/contact time carefully
• Bleach may be used only in rare heavy contamination or outbreak situations if directed by the medical team
Calicivirus
• Rescue products per label are effective
Key Reminders
Clean first
Disinfect second
Follow label wet/contact time
Do not dry sweep
Double-wash fabrics for ringworm
Use Rescue One-Step or Rescue Concentrate as your standard disinfectant
