“Anyone can be a part of the solution.”
A Foster Spotlight on One of POPP’s Amazing Cat Fosters, Cristina
Because POPP is not a shelter, fostering is the backbone of Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP)’s adoption program. POPP relies on fosters to provide safe homes for pets while they wait for their forever home.
Cristina Araiza is one of POPP’s amazing fosters, specializing in fostering kittens and mama cats.
Fostering Cats with POPP
Cristina began her kitty fostering journey in 2016. At first, she was simply taking in kittens she found and keeping them. But after taking in her fifth kitten, she realized this wasn’t sustainable and started reaching out to rescues. While living in Pasco on Arbutus Ave, she saw firsthand how many stray and feral cats there are in our community. She decided to do something.
“If you don’t spay and neuter your pets, the problem only gets bigger and bigger,” explained Cristina. “These are domesticated animals, and we are humans. It is our responsibility to take care of them.”
In the beginning, she was focused on trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts. This is where you trap a feral cat, get them neutered or spayed, and then release them back to the area where they live. Feral cats are fearful of humans and are unlikely to become indoor pets due to their lack of socialization at a young age. These cats are happiest when returned to their outdoor home/colony where they’re fed by caretakers.
In 2020, the POPP Spay and Neuter clinic was opened in Pasco. Around that time, Cristina began fostering with POPP. Whenever she trapped a kitten, she would bring it into her home and socialize it until it was ready for adoption.
“I can make a difference for one. And then another one. And another one,” said Cristina. “Anyone can be a part of the solution. Even fostering just one time can make a huge difference in this ongoing crisis.”
Life Outside of Fostering with POPP
Cristina was born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico, where her love of kitties started young. She’s had cats in her life since she can remember. She loves cats’ personalities and behavior, and appreciates their simple care.
“I love that they just do what they want,” Cristina said with a laugh. “Sometimes I wish I could be a cat.”
She lives in a beautiful home in Pasco with her supportive husband and sons. Her whole family helps with fostering, from her younger sons socializing kittens to her oldest helping drive cats to adoption events.
When she’s not bookkeeping for her and her husband’s small concrete contracting business, Cristina homeschools her sons.
Cristina is also training to be a volunteer medical interpreter, providing translation services for Spanish speakers at the doctor’s office. She’s been working towards this for almost a year now and is approaching her training graduation in June, having passed her written test and now prepping for her oral test.
Cristina is fulfilled by more than just money. She is motivated by the positive difference she makes in her community.
“If there’s one message I want people to hear, it’s this: don’t look away when you see an animal in need. Helping isn’t just calling a rescue and walking away. Real help can look like fostering, adopting, getting animals spayed or neutered, or even donating to support rescue work,” said Cristina.
Fostering Dogs and/or Cats with POPP
If you’re feeling inspired by Cristina, consider becoming a foster! You can apply to be a dog foster or a cat foster.
Please reach out if you have questions.