Fostering with PALS Animal Life Savers

What does fostering a cat involve?

When you foster, you agree to take a homeless cat into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the cat is adopted. 



Why do adoption groups need foster homes?

There are many reasons a cat might need foster care. Some of the common include:

  • A kitten may be too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until he or she is old enough to go to a forever home.
  • A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for cats until suitable homes are found.
  • A cat is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
  • A cat is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.
  • A cat has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized.
  • The shelter is running out of room for adoptable cats.
Why should I foster a cat?

Fostering a cat is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:

  • Freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another cat.
  • Giving your foster cat the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
  • Helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the cat so he can end up in the best home possible.
  • Socializing the cat to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.

How do I sign up to foster a cat?

Complete our Foster Application! If you are approved, we will work with you to figure out the right foster cat for your household. You can also contact [email protected] with questions. 

Additional Resources

Head to Petfinder for additional reading: 

Not sure you can foster a cat? and  20 Questions to Ask Before You Foster a Cat