With shelters overflowing, fostering is even more important these days. So print out this list and give it to everyone you know who thinks they just “can’t” foster.

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“I DON’T HAVE THE SPACE”

I used to think this too. Then a cat came along that really, really needed me … and I made the space! All it takes is a small spare bedroom or office, a bathroom, or even a corner where you can set up a playpen cage, which you can borrow from UCC! While we do need foster cats to stay separate from your own cats, it doesn’t take much space to do that. And remember, whatever space you have at home is probably better than what the kitty currently has now.

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“I MIGHT GET ATTACHED”

OK, yes, you might. But no matter how difficult it is to adopt out your kitty, just knowing that you’re helping to save a life should ease any short-term pain. When you take in a foster cat, it gives us the chance to help other cats that might otherwise be brought to shelters that euthanize for time and space. It also lets us learn more about a cat’s personality, which, in turn, makes the cat much easier to adopt out. Yes, some cats are harder to adopt out than others, but be strong! You can do it! (And yes, I’ve kept one foster cat, but not the 60 that followed that first one!)

 

“MY OWN CATS WON’T TOLERATE A FOSTER CAT, ESPECIALLY AN ADULT”

If you have a separate room, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Yes, your cat(s) will know there is another cat in the house, and they may be a little upset about it at first. But chances are they’ll get over it pretty quickly, especially if you make sure you wash your hands after visiting with the foster cat and keep the cats from seeing each other if possible. Feliway Comfort Zone diffusers or Rescue Remedy flower essence can also help. Tell your cats they need to help do their part too! Eventually, they will be totally nonchalant about the whole idea of fostering. My cats no longer even bat an eyelash when a foster cat comes into the house

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“I CAN’T AFFORD TO TAKE ANOTHER CAT”

This one is easy! UCC covers all medical expenses associated with foster cats and often gets food and litter donations for the foster homes to use. However, if you buy your own supplies for fosters, save the receipts so you can take a tax deduction at the end of the year.

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“A SHELTER CAT MIGHT GET MY OWN CATS SICK”

If you follow basic health protocols, such as washing your hands between handling cats and wearing an over-shirt when handling the foster cat, you shouldn’t have any problems. A sick cat should be kept in a separate room, and bedding/clothing should be washed with bleach after use. 

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“SOMEONE ELSE WILL SAY YES. THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER FOSTER HOMES”

They won’t and there aren’t. It’s that simple. We have lots of folks who will take kittens, but very few who will take adults, and even fewer who will take sick, shy or spicy cats. Please help us! Kittens are easy for us to place. But adults need help too.

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“I ALREADY HAVE A FOSTER CAT”

All right. Well, this gets you partly off the hook. But wouldn’t your foster kitty like a friend?

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While this article is specific to cats its message applies to most other animals and rescue groups. Of course, every rescue group has different expectations of fosters, but it’s true across the board that fosters are needed and fostering is immensely rewarding.

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Want to foster for Urban Cat Coalition? Apply Here!

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