Foster
Temporary Homes Lead to Forever Ones.
Cats in foster homes receive loving care in an environment that is less stressful and provides a healthy and safe place for kittens to develop and grow, or special needs cats receive the time and dedicated care for the enrichment they need.
Fostering an adult cat can be a short-term or long-term commitment. We always need fosters to work with undersocialized/shy cats, older cats who need a break from the shelter, cats on special diets, animals with medical issues, or kittens too young to be in the shelter. We often take in kitties who have medical needs involving diabetic maintenance, SQ fluids for kidney-failure cats, and more.
Cat Care Society also offers temporary care to community members in a bind who need a place for their own kitties to temporarily stay while they get back on their feet. These temporary care cats are used to being in a home, and would do best away from the shelter, which also opens up space for more cats in need.
The needs are endless, and we need you!
Who Can Foster?
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- You must own your own home or have permission from your landlord to have cats.
- If you already have cats, they must be current on their FVRCP vaccine and have been spayed or neutered.
- You must have a separate “safe room” where your foster animal(s) can stay for the first 14 days (standard quarantine period) while adjusting to your home. This must be a place away from your current pets in case your foster cat becomes sick or stressed.
- You may not introduce your foster animal(s) to your resident animal(s) until permission is also explicitly given after the 14-day quarantine period.
- All members of the household must agree to fostering a cat.
- Cats must stay indoors and cannot be declawed while in your care.
- You must be comfortable giving medication if required and able to handle any fractious behavior that might arise while the cat adjusts to a new space.
What to Expect After Your Application
Fostering Timeline
Once you apply to be a foster, we’ll reach out to you to coordinate an interview. When you’ve been approved, we’ll guide you through a virtual orientation and home inspection, and offer resources to support you in your new foster journey. Then, you’re added to our foster email list and will receive weekly updates on which cats need a foster home, and you can bring your new foster friend home!
Once you’re taking care of a foster cat, we’ll be sure to support you and the cat through check-ins and exams, offer food, litter and supplies, as well as vaccines and any medical care needed. You may also need to meet with potential adopters.
If you take in very young kittens needing bottle feeding, don’t worry; we’ll provide training for this! If you fall in love with your foster and want to adopt your foster cat (#fosterfail), you can still go through the standard adoption process through the shelter.
What Do Fosters Say About the Experience?
I have had the joy of being a foster parent for Cat Care Society for almost 30 years. It is very rewarding working with kitties, especially the ones that are shy or sick or just need some extra loving. Knowing that because you’ve spent time helping them, it will be easier for them to find their forever home.
– Karen, Cat Care Society foster
I’ve had the pleasure of fostering for Cat Care Society for over 20 years, and it really brightens my life. The furry little balls of love always appreciate your time and hard work, and they reward you with endless snuggles and entertainment!
– Teresa, Cat Care Society foster since 2001
It was an extremely rewarding experience with the cats I fostered, to help nurse them back to health, show them how to trust people again, and give them the love and care they deserve. I am very happy we gave Yuri a second lease on life and we hope to help others like him in the future again.
– Michelle, Cat Care Society foster
Open Hours
Tues–Weds: Closed
Sign up for our Mewsletter!
Shop Our Wishlists
