Hey Y’all,
You are probably reading this if you have read my book, Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens. Or maybe you came across a fun infographic I shared on social media and you wanted to learn more information about fostering. Thank you for being here to learn more about our cat community and how you can make a difference. I focus on cats in my blog, because my books are about cats. Fostering can be about many kinds of animals.
Terri
“‘Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens’ is a beautifully written story about the impact fostering kittens can have on everybody involved. This story is a wonderful way to explain the fostering process to young children and is filled with fun information and delightful pictures.”
What is fostering animals?
“Fostering is volunteering to provide temporary care for a pet in need. You may be most familiar with fostering as something people do for a shelter or rescue organization, but you can also volunteer to care for the pets of other people, such as friends and neighbors.”
Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
Cats and kittens may need foster care because they are too young for adoption, recovering from illness or injury, or learning to feel comfortable around people. A foster home gives them a place to receive individual attention while also freeing up shelter space for other animals in need.
What is the difference between fostering and adopting?
Fostering means welcoming an animal into your home temporarily, whether for a few days, several weeks, or a few months. Some animals stay until they are ready for adoption, while others need a short-term home until their adopter or transport is ready.
Adopting means making a lifelong commitment to an animal. Sometimes foster families decide to adopt their foster pet—a situation affectionately called a “foster fail.” Despite the nickname, finding a permanent, loving home is a success!
The ultimate goal of fostering is to find each animal a loving and permanent adoptive home.
What are the benefits of fostering animals?
Creating Space in Shelters
Taking a cat into your home frees up shelter space and resources for another animal in need. Foster families also provide care that can be difficult to offer in a busy shelter, especially for young kittens or cats needing extra attention.
Building Confidence and Trust
A home gives cats opportunities to become familiar with everyday sounds, routines, and people. Through patient interaction, playtime, and affection at the cat’s own pace, foster families help them feel secure. They can also encourage habits such as using scratching posts and litter boxes.
Supporting Health and Recovery
Foster families provide daily care, follow the organization’s instructions for medications or treatments, and watch for changes in appetite, energy, or behavior. This individual attention helps the organization monitor each cat’s needs.
Helping Cats Find the Right Home
Does your foster cat love a lap, chase every toy, or prefer a quiet hiding spot? Sharing these observations helps the rescue organization find a suitable adoptive family. Photos and updates also help potential adopters get to know the cat’s personality.
Inspiring Others to Help
Sharing your fostering experience gives friends, family, and your community a glimpse of what fostering involves. Your experience may encourage someone else to foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate supplies.
“I think the biggest benefit of foster programs is that the organization is able to engage with their community in a really meaningful way, which leads to better animal care, more positive outcomes for pets, a stronger supporter base, and a more connected community.
Over the last hundred years, advances in science have made it obvious that institutionalization, in all its forms, just doesn’t work for humans. There’s been a massive movement away from institutions like orphanages and hospitals. Industries are moving toward home-based and patient-centered models of care that considers each person as an individual with unique needs and wants.
What we’re learning is that institutionalization also doesn’t work for animals either. Moving toward a system that relies more heavily on foster care is not only possible, but safe, more humane, and less costly.”
Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
Plus, for selfish reasons, fostering helps you too!
A curious kitten exploring your home or a shy cat choosing to sit beside you can bring joy to your day. Fostering offers companionship and the satisfaction of watching an animal grow more comfortable in your care.
For families with children, fostering creates opportunities to practice compassion, patience, and responsibility. Include children in the decision to foster, and give them age-appropriate tasks so they can take an active role in caring for your temporary guest.
Fostering also lets you welcome an animal without committing to adoption. It still requires time and dedication, but a rescue organization can help you find a fostering opportunity that fits your household and availability.
How to start the fostering process?
Start with the websites of local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Look for their foster requirements and application, or contact them directly to ask how to get involved. Some programs offer orientation and training to help you prepare and understand their procedures.
Be open about your space, schedule, experience, and any pets already in your home. Ask what supplies, veterinary care, and ongoing support the organization provides.
You don’t necessarily need a large home or a yard to foster. A smaller space may suit certain cats or kittens, depending on their needs. The organization can help you find a good match for your household and the care you can offer.
How to become a successful cat foster parent?
1. Know What You’re Committing To
Before bringing a cat home, confirm the expected daily care, appointments, and adoption responsibilities. Find out whom to contact with questions or emergencies, and make sure everyone in your household understands their role.
2. Prepare a Welcoming Space
Set up a quiet, secure area with food, fresh water, comfortable bedding, and a litter box placed away from food and water. Add appropriate toys, a scratching surface, and somewhere to hide, such as a cardboard box. Remove potential hazards and follow the organization’s instructions about keeping foster cats separate from resident pets.
3. Keep a Consistent Routine
Provide meals and care on a predictable schedule, following instructions for your foster cat’s age and needs. Make time for play and quiet company, while allowing plenty of rest.
4. Let Your Foster Cat Set the Pace
Some cats seek attention immediately; others need time and space. Offer gentle interaction without forcing contact, and let the cat approach when ready. Ask the organization for guidance before introducing other animals.
5. Pay Attention to Changes
Notice your foster cat’s usual appetite, energy, behavior, and litter box habits. Report changes or concerns promptly, and follow the organization’s veterinary care procedures rather than trying treatments on your own.
6. Stay Connected and Share Updates
Keep the organization informed about your foster cat’s progress, and ask for help when you need it. Your observations can help them understand the cat’s personality and find a suitable home.
In my book, Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens, the family takes photos and shares updates to help the kittens get adopted. You can do the same by providing pictures and descriptions for the organization to share with potential adopters.
7. Make Room for Goodbye
It’s natural to feel attached to an animal you’ve cared for. Saying goodbye can be difficult, even when you’re happy about the adoption. Celebrate the part you played, give children space to share their feelings, and take a break before fostering again if you need one.
How are orphaned kittens unique?
In Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens, the family cares for three orphaned kittens. A picture book couldn’t cover every detail, so here’s a closer look at the extra support these tiny kittens need.
1. Warmth and Feeding
Very young kittens depend on their mother for warmth and nourishment. Without her, they need caregivers to provide an appropriately warmed space and kitten milk replacer until they are ready to transition to solid food.
Feeding amounts and frequency depend on each kitten’s age, weight, and health. Some need overnight feedings. Ask your foster organization to demonstrate safe feeding and warming techniques, and never feed a cold kitten.
Very young kittens also need help urinating and passing stool. Your foster coordinator can show you how to gently stimulate them after feeding.
2. Gentle Handling and Security
A quiet space, soft bedding, and gentle handling help kittens become comfortable with human care. Keep interactions appropriate for their age and condition, allowing plenty of time for sleep.
Children can participate with adult supervision, learning to handle kittens carefully and recognize when they need rest. Follow the organization’s guidance before introducing kittens to other household animals.
3. Close Health Monitoring
Small changes matter when caring for tiny kittens. Weigh them daily, keep records of their feeding and weight, and promptly report concerns to your foster coordinator.
Keep bedding and feeding equipment clean, and follow the organization’s veterinary care plan. Your foster team can explain which changes require immediate attention and whom to contact for help.
“Nursing kittens are one of the most vulnerable populations in a shelter for several reasons. Their immune systems haven’t fully developed yet, so they’re more susceptible to illnesses they may encounter in a shelter. Shelters are stressful for pets, and stress can further inhibit their immune systems. Nursing kittens need to be fed every few hours depending on their age, and not all kittens come into the shelter with their moms. Since most shelters are only staffed during the day, these kittens must go to foster homes in order to receive the care they need. Additionally, young kittens are in a critical period of their social development, when they need to be getting accustomed to handling by humans and life in a home, not experiencing life in a kennel.”
Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
What about fostering cats with medical issues?
Some cats need a foster home while recovering from surgery or illness. Others have ongoing conditions or disabilities that require additional support. The care involved varies, so ask the organization exactly what a particular cat needs before committing.
Understand the Care Plan
Find out which tasks you’ll be responsible for, how often they’re needed, and whether appointments will fit your schedule. Ask for demonstrations of any unfamiliar care tasks and written instructions to refer to at home.
Confirm Support and Costs
Ask who provides medications, special food, supplies, and veterinary care. Confirm whom to contact with concerns, how emergencies are handled, and whether veterinary visits require the organization’s approval.
Prepare for the Cat’s Specific Needs
Follow the foster team’s guidance about any changes to your home, such as making food and litter boxes easier to reach or providing a separate recovery area. Keep records of care and observations as requested, and report changes promptly.
Be Honest About Your Capacity
Consider the time, practical tasks, and emotional commitment involved. You don’t need to accept every placement to make a difference. Choosing a cat whose needs you can meet helps both of you have a better fostering experience.
A foster home can give a cat a comfortable place to recover or receive ongoing care. Your observations also help the organization understand the support a future adopter will need to provide.
What are the costs of fostering animals?
Costs vary by foster program. Some organizations provide food, litter, supplies, and veterinary care, while others ask foster families to cover certain everyday expenses. Before committing, ask what is provided, what you’ll need to purchase, and whether approved expenses are reimbursed.
Clarify these potential costs:
Food: Who supplies the food, including formula or special diets if needed?
Basic supplies: Are litter, bedding, carriers, toys, and scratching posts provided or available to borrow?
Veterinary care: Who pays for appointments, medications, treatments, and emergencies? Which clinic should you use, and what requires advance approval?
Transportation: Will you need to drive to appointments, adoption events, or meetings with potential adopters?
If your budget allows, donating food or supplies can help the organization stretch its resources. If you need the supplies the program offers, that’s okay, too—your time, care, and home are valuable contributions.
Can I foster if I already have pets?
Having pets doesn’t necessarily prevent you from fostering. Tell the organization about your animals, their personalities, and the space you have available to keep them separate from a foster cat.
Follow the organization’s instructions about separation and introductions. Some foster cats may eventually enjoy the company of your pets, while others may need their own space throughout their stay. Introductions should depend on health, temperament, and the foster team’s guidance.
If introductions are appropriate, take them slowly and supervise interactions. Share your observations with the organization—learning whether a foster cat is comfortable around other animals can help them find a suitable adoptive home.
In my book, Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens, the family begins introducing Oscar and Emmy to the kittens’ scent by letting them sniff a blanket. The young kittens also have a secure space in Mom’s bedroom at night.
Is fostering cats right for me?
You don’t need to be an animal expert to begin fostering, but you do need to consider what your household can realistically offer. Ask yourself:
Do I have the time? Consider daily care, appointments, and any adoption activities the organization expects you to attend.
Do I have suitable space? Can you provide a secure area and keep your foster cat separate from other pets when needed?
What costs can I manage? Confirm what the program provides and whether any expenses will be your responsibility.
Is everyone in my household on board? Discuss responsibilities, routines, and how fostering might affect your family and pets.
Can I be patient and flexible? Each cat adjusts differently, and some need more support than others.
How do I feel about saying goodbye? Becoming attached is natural. Think about how you and your family would handle a foster cat moving to an adoptive home.
Share your answers with the foster organization so they can help you find a suitable placement. If now isn’t the right time, you can still support foster animals in other ways.
How can I help if I can’t foster cats?
Opening your home is just one way to help. You can also:
Spread the word: Share posts about cats awaiting adoption and requests for foster homes.
Donate: Contribute money or supplies from an organization’s wish list.
Volunteer: Help transport cats to veterinary appointments or lend a hand at adoption events.
Contact a local shelter or rescue organization to find out what they need most. There are many ways to make a difference, even without a foster cat in your home.
“As Executive Director of one of the oldest foster based rescue organizations dating back to 1952, I see firsthand the life-saving impact fostering has. This little book has great potential to save and change the lives of not just cats but those children whose hearts and minds will open to caring for our feline friends on a much deeper level. Fostering promotes and teaches compassion, empathy, and that there is something bigger than just us. It also teaches the power of love. These important life lessons are exemplified in this beautifully written heartfelt story. Thank you, Terri, for this book!”
Extra fostering information provided by Kelly Duer (Maddie’s Fund)
All of the episodes of the "Why We Foster" podcast are sooooo good, but in their 4th episode, "The Rise of Pet Fostering: a 200 Year History" does an amazing job of explaining why pets need fostering
How far can fostering go? (article)
Five undeniable signs that fostering really is the future of animal welfare (blog)
During my research for this book, I came across this cute video. Top 10 reasons to foster cats https://youtu.be/zfpY35NxS4s