Foster
Why should I foster cats or kittens?
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding and fun way to volunteer and make a difference. The cats and kittens that Whisker Mission rescues need socialization and care to prepare them for adoption. Whisker Mission offers support for our foster homes with connections to foster counselors and other foster parents available to answer questions and provide support throughout the process.
What will I need to do as a foster parent?
Foster parents are responsible for the daily care of their cats or kittens. This includes feeding, cleaning the litter box and crate, monitoring health, administering medication, if directed, and socializing them for adoption. Socialization involves holding, petting, playing with them, feeding them on your lap, and generally getting them used to human touch and different situations. We ask that you designate a single room (e.g. spare bathroom, bedroom, office) for your foster cats or kittens, as initially limiting their boundaries is critical for more rapid socialization. This also ensures they are in their safe space overnight and when you are not at home.
What if I already have a pet?
Resident pets are generally a benefit to foster cats and kittens. Foster cats will initially stay in their designated foster room, so interaction with resident pets can be managed. When/if they’re ready, positive interactions between foster cats or kittens and resident pets can help prepare them for introduction into a home with pets, thereby increasing their adoptability. We ask that all resident pets be up to date on core vaccinations.
What will it cost to foster cats or kittens?
Whisker Mission covers all medical care for our cats and kittens and can provide you with other necessary supplies such as a crate, carriers, and litter boxes. If you are able to supply food and litter for your fosters, it is most appreciated, but if not, we can provide that as well.
How long do cats or kittens stay in foster care?
The fostering interval for a cat or kitten can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the cat's or kitten’s age, medical condition, and social ability. We generally ask our foster homes to keep their foster cats or kittens until they are adopted. Arrangements can be made for vacations or other circumstances.
What if I become attached to my foster cats or kittens?
Foster families can apply for adoption of their foster cats or kittens before they are posted for general adoption. Our standard adoption screening will be conducted to ensure it is a good match.
I'd like to foster for Whisker Mission. What do I do next?
Please complete our foster application linked above.
For all other inquiries, please email foster@whiskermission.org.
Thank you for considering fostering!
Every foster home helps us save more lives and give cats and kittens the chance at a bright future.