How long do cats stay in foster homes?

The foster period typically lasts a short two to three weeks, and then the kittens are returned to the pet adoption center where they find a loving, permanent home. By fostering a kitten, you are truly helping to save a life.

Do you need a spare room to foster a cat?

A spare room is absolutely ideal, particularly if spacious, easy to clean and un-cluttered. However, if you don’t have cats or dogs of your own, you can be far more flexible about the kind of space you dedicate to your foster cat.

How does fostering a cat work?

Fostering a cat means that you work with a shelter or rescue organization as a volunteer and you open your heart and home to a cat in need. As a foster parent, you bring a cat into your home for a limited amount of time and play a major role in helping that cat to be ready for adoption.

How do you foster a cat when you have cats?

The key is to go slowly and supervise until both animals are comfortable with each other. Cats are territorial, and they need to be introduced to other animals very slowly. Moving slowly during the introduction process increases your chances for success. Some cats will always be more social than others.

How do you introduce a cat to a foster cat?

Confine your foster cat to one room with a litter box, food, water and bed until he or she is comfortable. After several days, you may leave the door open a crack so the foster kitty can interact with the resident pets under your supervision.

Is fostering cats hard?

Fostering is hard work and takes time, patience and dedication, but knowing you are raising and training a pet for someone else can be equal parts gratification and heartbreak. Beth Stern, spokeswoman for the North Shore Animal League America, has fostered several litters of cats.

How long does it take a foster cat to adjust?

We’re often asked, how long does it take for a rescue cat to adjust to a new home and family? It depends on your cat’s personality. With that said, you should see your kitty growing more comfortable around you within a week or two.

How long does it take a rescue cat to settle?

Your cat won’t be ready to go outside until they are completely comfortable in their new home and have spread their scent around. This is usually about 4 weeks, but could be longer for some shy and timid cats. Whilst your cat is settling in, they may exhibit behaviours including: Hiding.

Why would a cat need foster care?

There are many reasons a cat might need foster care. Some of the most common include: A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for cats until suitable homes are found. A kitten is 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.

What does it mean to foster a homeless cat?

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?

How long can a foster cat stay in a rescue?

Some rescue organizations allow the foster cat to stay in the foster home until they’re adopted. This is going to be more of an open-ended stay, from weeks to months. You may have new intakes who need time to be evaluated so the rescue can find the right forever home, or there may be medical issues being addressed.

How does the foster care home program work?

Administered by the Department of Health and Social Services, the program can provide some help in creating foster care homes for children who have a high chance of living in a foster home until they grow up. It is also a program that can help providing counseling service, occupational training, and other educational resources.