Everything you need to know about opening your home—and heart—to a pet in need.

cat foster resources

What is a foster home? +
A foster home provides a temporary, loving environment for cats or kittens who are waiting for their forever home or need a calm place to recover. You shelter them, care for them, and help them thrive until adoption.
How much time does fostering a cat require? +
It depends on the type of cat or kitten and their needs. Some need just a few days; others may stay with you until adoption. We will work with your schedule and the kind of foster that fits you best—whether that’s an adult cat who’s comfortable, or a newborn kitten needing more hands-on care.
How long will my foster stay? +
We hope foster pets stay until they’re adopted, which is best for them. However, short-term options are absolutely available. Healthy kittens often find homes quickly; older or medically fragile cats may take longer—and that’s okay.
What does Mercy Full Project provide to foster homes? +
Full medical care (vet visits, treatments, vaccines)

Support and advice from our medical and behavior teams

Resources for marketing your foster cat for adoption

A foster coordinator to assist you every step of the way
What are my responsibilities as a foster? +
Provide a safe, clean, caring environment

Provide food, water, litter box, shelter, toys/enrichment

Monitor the cat’s health and behavior; notify us of any concerns

Transport to/from vet appointments or adoption events, as needed

Help promote your foster cat via photos, bios, and communication with potential adopters
Can I foster if I have other pets? +
Yes! Many foster homes have resident cats or dogs. We’ll help you pick a foster that’s safe for your home and guide you through introductions and integration.
Is prior experience required? +
Not at all. No prior fostering experience needed — we provide training, support, and guidance. You’ll never be on your own.
Is isolation required if I have resident pets? +
Yes, for most foster cats, especially kittens or ones coming from shelter settings: a 10–14 day isolation period (in a separate room or quiet space) is required to reduce stress and prevent transmission of illness.
What costs will I incur? +
Your main contributions are time, love, and space. Mercy Full Project covers medical care and major supplies. You will maintain day-to-day basics like food, litter, and care environment.
Can I adopt my foster cat? +
Yes! If you fall in love and want to adopt your foster, just let us know — we’ll make it happen if it’s a good match.

Frequently Asked Questions

cat and kitten HANDBOOK
Looking to give a foster cat a loving temporary home? Our Cat Foster Handbook has all the guidance you need, from settling your foster feline to understanding their behavior and keeping them happy and healthy.

Foster Handbooks

learn more
Want to feel confident handling pet emergencies? The Pet Emergency Academy offers easy, online courses that teach you what to do when seconds matter—from choking and heatstroke to wound care and CPR. It’s a great resource for fosters, adopters, and pet parents who want extra peace of mind.

Be Prepared for Any Pet Emergency