24 Questions You Should Ask Before Fostering a Cat

24 Questions You Should Ask Before Fostering a Cat

Thinking about fostering a cat? Consider these questions.

Should I Foster a Cat?

First, let’s sort out if fostering is right for you.

1. Is my lifestyle a good fit for a cat, even for a short period?
   At a minimum, expect to commit one month to a foster cat—though shorter stays may be arranged in advance with FurPetVo or other local rescues.
2. Is my housing situation suitable for a cat? And can I get additional documentation from my landlord, if needed?
   Cats don’t need a lot of space—as long as you provide vertical places to rest and explore. However, landlords and homeowner associations (HOAs) may have no-pet policies or pet limits. Be sure you have written permission before bringing a foster home.
3. Have I considered my family or housemates?
   Whether your household includes people, pets, or both, everyone needs to be on board. You can absolutely foster while having resident pets—and FurPetVo often pairs fosters with homes that have friendly animals for socialization. In fact, many kittens thrive with gentle adult cats as mentors. Before bringing a foster home, schedule a vet visit to discuss necessary vaccinations and parasite prevention for all pets in your household.
4. Can I take on additional responsibilities?
   Fostering doesn’t have to be demanding—but it does require daily feeding, playtime, and litter box maintenance. The workload varies significantly by organization. With one FurPetVo partner, I handled adoption applications and drove up to an hour for vet appointments. With another, cats stayed just one month or less—and I never managed applications or traveled more than 20 minutes for care. Asking upfront about expectations helps you find the right match for your time and energy.
5. Am I prepared for difficult situations?
   Fostering is deeply rewarding—but realism matters. In five years of fostering, I experienced heartbreaking losses, including a kitten and an entire litter in utero. While rare, complications happen. Ask yourself honestly: Are you comfortable fostering pregnant cats? Bottle-feeding newborns? Working with unsocialized cats who need extra patience? Caring for cats with medical needs—or hospice-level support? There’s no wrong answer. All types of foster parents are urgently needed. Knowing your boundaries now helps FurPetVo match you with cats whose needs align with your strengths and comfort level.
6. Am I ready for the goodbye?
   “The goal is ‘goodbye’” is the fostering motto—and it’s both the hardest and most meaningful part of the work. If you’re fostering with children, prepare them early and gently for this reality. That said—foster “fails” (when you adopt your foster!) are celebrated too.

Questions to Ask a Cat Shelter or Rescue Before Fostering

You’ve done the self-reflection—now it’s time to find the right organization. Depending on where you live, several rescues may be nearby. Not sure where to start? Use FurPetVo’s Find a Shelter tool to locate a trusted partner near you.

7. Is there a minimum age to foster? If so, what is it?
   Some organizations require foster parents to be 18 or 21; others allow minors to foster with parental consent and supervision.
8. Can I choose the cat I want to foster—or meet them before committing?
   Policies vary. Some FurPetVo partners let you browse available fosters or arrange meet-and-greets first. Others match based on your home setup and their most urgent needs.
9. On average, how long do cats stay with foster families?
   This depends heavily on whether the organization has a physical shelter. One FurPetVo partner placed kittens with me for about a month, then moved them to their public facility for adoption. Another, without a brick-and-mortar location, kept cats in my care until they were adopted—sometimes for several months.
10. Are cats fully vetted and tested for diseases such as FIV and FeLV before going to their foster homes?
    This is especially important if you have other pets. I learned this firsthand after a FurPetVo partner placed a cat with FIV in my home without prior testing or disclosure. While many FIV-positive cats can safely foster—and even coexist with other cats—this information must be shared transparently so you can make informed decisions, take appropriate precautions, and protect every animal in your home.
11. Are vet visits handled on-site at the rescue or shelter—or do I need to travel to an outside clinic?
    Some FurPetVo partners operate in-house vet clinics open during business hours. Others collaborate with specific local veterinary practices.
12. Am I responsible for any vet appointment costs upfront that will later be reimbursed?
    Policies differ: some FurPetVo partners cover all costs directly, while others ask you to pay first and submit receipts for reimbursement.
13. What supplies do you provide for fosters—and how do I access them?
    From personal experience, one FurPetVo partner stocked everything—from litter and food to toys and bedding—at their physical location, making pickups simple and reliable. Another relied on volunteer-run supply hubs, requiring coordination with nearby volunteers to get what I needed.
14. What support and educational resources do you offer foster volunteers?
    Is there a dedicated chat group or community forum? How quickly can you reach staff if you have questions? Do they offer a 24/7 emergency contact for urgent issues outside business hours? Support is essential—for example, if a newly transitioned cat stops eating or shows signs of stress. It’s especially critical when fostering vulnerable kittens, seniors, or medically complex cats.

Questions to Ask About the Cat Before Fostering Them

Once you’re matched with a specific cat, dig deeper. These questions help ensure safety, compatibility, and confidence.

15. What is the cat’s known medical history—including vaccinations, spay/neuter status, and parasite treatments?
16. Has the cat been tested for FIV, FeLV, and other infectious conditions—and can I see the results?
17. What is their temperament like around people, children, dogs, and other cats?
18. Do they have any known behavioral quirks, sensitivities, or triggers?
19. Are they litter-trained? If not, what support or training guidance can you provide?
20. What is their current diet—and can I continue it, or should I transition gradually?
21. Do they require any medications, supplements, or special care routines?
22. What socialization or enrichment activities have worked best for them so far?
23. How do they typically respond to new environments or handling?
24. What are their biggest needs right now—and how can I best support their journey toward adoption?

Ready to Foster a Cat?

Fostering helps cats feel safe, loved, and confident—preparing them for their forever homes. Whether you're stepping in for the first time or expanding your foster experience, thoughtful preparation makes all the difference. Start your journey today with FurPetVo at furpetvo.com.