What Does it Take to be a Kitty Foster?
Interview with a PAWS Foster Mom

Fostering is the backbone of PAWS. Without our large network of foster homes we wouldn't exist. Since we do not have a physical shelter, every cat or kitten we rescue is lovingly cared for by a foster family. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we've seen the number of cats-in-need increase and the traditional shelters are closed, making the need for foster homes even greater.

During the last six months, a lot has changed for most of us. If you are now spending more time at home, maybe the idea of fostering has crossed your mind. Although you can find some information about fostering on the PAWS website as well as other sources, sometimes it is best to hear it directly from someone who has actually tried it.

PAWS recently interviewed Katy, one of our newer foster moms. Here is what she has to say about her experience.

PAWS: How long have you been fostering?
Katy:   I began fostering in July of 2019.

PAWS: What made you decide you want to foster? 
Katy:There are many reasons I decided to foster.  My number one reason is that I love cats!  I was also looking for a way for me and my family (I have a husband and two children ages 4 and 8) to give back to our community.  I have a spare room in my home, too.

PAWS: Do you need any special skills to be a foster parent?
Katy: To be a foster, you just need to have a love for cats!  When I began, I didn’t have special skills but I have learned so much about cats and kittens through the experience.  We have a wonderful network of women and men who support and help each other.  If I need help or have questions, I simply shoot an email, text or make a phone call to get the answers I need.  PAWS is also really good at placing cats with fosters who have the appropriate skills for each individual cat. 

PAWS: Is it hard to give a cat lots of care knowing that you will have to send it to a forever home?  What do you do to prepare yourself for giving the cat away?
Katy: So far, I have fallen in love with every cat that has been in my care.  I just try to remember that the cat is going to the best possible forever home we can find.  It also helps that I can share my input and opinion on where my foster cat will be going.   And, once the cat is adopted, you feel a sense of accomplishment. It is so nice to receive pictures and updates from the family who adopted your foster cat; it is extremely heartwarming.  There are so many cats that need help so it usually isn't long before the next kitty will arrive!

PAWS: What special things do you need in your home to make a good space for a foster?
Katy: I have my own cat and dog at home so I keep my foster cats in our spare bedroom which has a bathroom attached to it.  We call it the Cat Room. The Cat Room is just a regular bedroom with carpet, a comfy bed and windows.  I keep the litter box in the attached bathroom.  I don’t think you need anything special; just a safe, cozy space where kitty can feel safe.  PAWS provided me with a litter box, bowls, etc.   Over the last year I have acquired a beautiful cat tree and many toys, brushes, etc., from supportive members of my community for my foster kitties.

PAWS: How much of your time does it take?
Katy: This will all depend on the number of cats you take on and if they have medical issues or not.

PAWS: What happens if you want to go on vacation?
Katy: You can still go on vacation!  For me, I would just make sure I don’t take on any fosters right before my vacation.  Otherwise, have a trusted friend or family member, maybe a fellow PAWS friend come over and take care of your foster while you are away. 

PAWS: Does PAWS help you if you have questions or concerns about your foster cat?
Katy: Absolutely.  The volunteers are very knowledgeable and happy to help.

PAWS: What happens if you need to take your foster cat to the vet?
Katy: PAWS uses VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital.  If you have to bring them to the vet, you get authorization from PAWS and bring them in.  PAWS covers the cost of the vet bill. 

PAWS: Is fostering expensive?
Katy: Not at all.  PAWS provides you with mostly everything you need including vet care.

PAWS: What is something that you never expected about fostering?
Katy: I never realized that there were so many abandoned and homeless cats in the area! 

PAWS: How many cats have you fostered? Who are they?
Katy: I have fostered ten cats so far:  Essa, Skye, Sammy Mae, Venus, Batkins, Vampurrina, Cotton Ball, Tuna, Stache and Honeybee.

PAWS: Can you be a foster if you already have other pets in your house?
Katy: Yes!  We have our own cat and dog.  Just make sure that your own pets are up to date on all vaccinations before applying to be a foster.  Make sure you can keep your foster cat separated from your pets in the beginning until they get a clean bill of health from the vet.  My cat does not tolerate other cats so I am careful to keep them apart.  My dog loves cats!  Once I know my foster is healthy and can’t pass anything on to my dog, I slowly introduce the two to see how the cat will be with dogs.  She helps me figure out what kind of home my foster cat will do best in!   

PAWS: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in fostering?
Katy: If you have extra room in your home, a love for cats, a kind heart and some free time, fill out an application!  Fostering has brought so much joy to my life.  It is very rewarding.  My children have benefited from this as well by learning responsibility, empathy and importance of giving back to your community. 

Katy sums up her experience very well. She has done an excellent job getting the many cats she's fostered ready for adoption. Fostering can be very rewarding for both the person and the cat. Anyone can be a foster. All you need is a little room in your home, a lot of room in your heart and a willingness to accept a homeless cat into your life for a while.  

Click here to view a collage of Katy's foster kitties.

If you are interested in learning more, call 551.800.7297 and leave a message to speak with our Foster Coordinator or click here to complete our application.