Feline Foster Care

Role Requirements

As a cat foster, you will be welcoming one or multiple cats into your home. Fosters should have a deep sense of compassion and a desire to help both humans and cats. It is important that foster cats are able to be completely separate from resident animals, to reduce stress and risk of disease transmission. This can be as simple as keeping your foster in a small room. It may sound silly, but in some cases, it could even be your bathroom!

Cats eligible for fostering are recovering or are in treatment for a medical issue that would be better observed in a home. For example, cats who are starting thyroid medication or are recovering from surgery.

Responsibilities

Ensure your foster cat(s) receive the best possible care
Ensure access to proper food, water, housing, exercise, and enrichment. We will provide all supplies, such as food!
Take photos and videos
Monitor behavior and physical condition
Participate in orientation/training as required for the role
Be able to transfer your foster cat(s) to/from the shelter
Communicate with the foster coordinator

Physical Requirements

Fosters should be able to carry objects and animals weighing up to 20lbs.
Ability to spot clean litterbox at least 2x daily, and completely change out litter as needed

Emotional and Mental Requirements

Fostering is a rewarding way to support a cat in need, but it also comes with unique challenges. To ensure the best experience for both our animals and our foster families, we ask that foster families bring the following skills and qualities to their role.

Ability to maintain composure during challenging and/or emotionally charged situations
Ability to work with shelter staff and volunteers in an understanding and supportive manner.
Ability to remain positive and judgment-free in challenging situations
Sadly, orphaned newborns sometimes do pass away, no matter how hard we try. Fosters, especially those interested in bottle babies, should be prepared for potential loss.