Foster

Our foster program is an integral part of our mission to save cats! The foster program works in tandem with our shelter to ensure that any cats or kittens that need a little extra love and attention are in the right place. Sick and shy cats are better suited for foster homes, as are pregnant moms and very young kittens whose immune systems are not fully developed.

Because of this we are always looking for more experienced and devoted foster parents to join our team and help give these cats the safe environment they need!

It is an incredibly rewarding job to see how much a cat’s personality changes in foster care when they are given the opportunity to bloom with some one on one attention.

Last Year

Total adoptions

Cats helped

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is involved in being a foster parent?

Being a foster parent involves the basics of cat care including feeding, cleaning, grooming, and playing with the cats. Foster families also need to transport their foster pets to vet appointments, and be able to take them to the animal hospital if needed. Some of our cats require special care because they are sick or frightened, and kittens and pregnant moms typically need additional time from their foster. As each cat is individual, the needs will vary.

What are the requirements for being a foster parent?

You must be 21 years of age or older.
You must have reliable transportation to bring the cat to and from vet appointments.
All pets in your home must be spayed or neutered.
The majority of our foster homes require a separate space that can be closed off from the rest of the home.

What are the expenses?

Veterinary care is paid for by The Cat Connection, provided the appointment is at our pre-approved veterinarians located in Waltham and Watertown. We can make available basic supplies such as a litter box, cat carrier, toys etc. as needed. We do ask foster families to provide food and litter if they are able to. However, we can provide it if there is a financial need.

Can I adopt the cat I foster?

It’s hard not to fall in love with every wonderful cat that passes into your home! When a foster cat is healthy and social they are considered ready for adoption and a foster can apply to adopt at that time.

I already own a cat or dog. Can I foster?

Yes. You must have the ability to isolate your foster pet from the other pets in your home. Moving to a new home can be a scary experience for cats, and introducing them to other animals can make the experience more overwhelming.

Before you bring a foster animal home, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your own pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and are spayed/neutered.

What is the time commitment for fostering?

We ask fosters to commit to the program for 6 months. Since the need for each cat varies some may be in foster care for only a few weeks, while others may require several months. Pregnant moms require a significant time commitment. We will discuss how long we anticipate specific foster cats to take before placing them in your home.

Apply to be a Foster Parent

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please start by completing the foster application. Once we receive your application, our foster coordinator will be in touch with you. We will set up an introduction appointment at your home. At that time, all of your questions can be discussed and evaluate what type of cat(s) would do well in your home.

Complete the Foster Application