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Everything You Need to Know to Start Fostering Cats

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If you’re an animal lover looking to make a difference, fostering a cat is the perfect way for you to help. Fostering provides temporary homes for cats in need, giving them a safe and loving environment until they find a new home. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Why Foster Cats?

  • Fostering helps save cat lives: The more people that sign up as fosters, the more homeless cats can be helped.

  • It frees up shelter space. Shelters can become overcrowded, and fostering helps reduce the strain on these facilities.

  • It helps socialize a cat. Foster homes provide essential socialization for cats, especially kittens, making them more adoptable.

  • There’s no long-term commitment! Fostering gives you the experience of caring for a cat without a long-term commitment. It’s a great way to ease into adopting a pet if you’ve been thinking about it.

How to Get a Foster Cat:

  • Research local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Each organization may have different requirements and processes for fostering. If you live in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton or Northern Kentucky, check out this list of local shelters in need of fosters.

  • Fill out an application. Most organizations require you to fill out an application form. Be honest about your experience, living situation and any pets you currently have.

  • Review foster information or training materials. Many shelters will equip you with a foster handbook or training sessions to help you understand the responsibilities and challenges of fostering.
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Foster homes provide essential socialization for cats, especially kittens.

Preparing Your Home

  • Designate a space. Set up a designated area where your foster cat can feel safe and comfortable. This could be a spare room or a quiet corner of your home.

  • Gather supplies. Stock up on essentials like food, water bowls, litter box, litter, bedding, scratching posts and toys. If you need assistance with anything, many shelters will provide you with food and any other supplies you may need.

  • Cat-proof your home. Ensure your home is free of hazards. Secure loose wires, remove toxic plants, and ensure windows and balconies are protected.

Caring for Your Foster Cat

  • Feed your cat regularly and make sure she has access to clean drinking water. Provide a balanced diet appropriate for the cat’s age and health. Follow any specific dietary guidelines provided by the shelter.

  • Give your foster cat mental stimulation and exercise. Spend quality time with the cat to help them adjust. Play with them, pet them and talk to them gently.

  • Encourage good litter box habits. Make sure the litter box is in a quiet place that your foster cat can easily access. Keep the litter box as clean as possible by scooping clumps out daily. Cats can be very particular and sensitive to smells, so we recommend not using a covered litter box, which can trap odors in.

  • Monitor the cat’s behavior and health. Note any changes in appetite, litter box usage, or behavior, and report these to the shelter. Some cats may come with health problems that require extra care. Work closely with the shelter and medical team to manage these issues.

  • Take your foster cat in for health checks. The shelter will provide the cat’s medical records and will let you know if the cat is required to come back for any additional vaccinations. Keep an eye out for signs of illness and maintain regular vet visits as advised.

  • Remember there’s always an adjustment period. Foster cats may take time to adjust to their new environment. Be patient and give them time to feel secure.

Getting Your Foster Cat Adopted

  • Send quality photos and a bio on your foster cat to the shelter. Write a fun description about your foster cat that the shelter can post on their website. This along with good photos and videos of your foster cat will help them get adopted.

  • Post on social media. Spread the word about your foster cat by creating a post with photos on social media. Include information about your foster cat and how to contact you or the shelter if they’re interested in adopting.

  • Schedule meet and greets. Follow the shelter’s protocols for meeting with potential adopters. Provide honest insights about your foster cat’s personality and needs so you can help interested adopters know if your cat is the right match.

Fostering cats is a rewarding experience that helps save lives and bring a lot of joy to your home. It’s natural to become attached to your foster cat. But remember, letting them go means you can help more cats in need.

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