To find a foster parent who can care for your cat, consult with your vet, pet rescue organizations who foster pets in your area and friends who might help you. A foster parent is someone who can temporarily care for your cat if you are unable to do so. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, but sometimes circumstances may make it impossible for you to care for your pet for a short period of time, during which a foster parent can help you until you can be reunited with your feline friend.
Find a Veterinarian
Visit your vet and other local veterinary practices. Ask if they work with anyone who fosters animals in your area. Many vets work with foster parents if they offer animals for adoption and also may work with local animal rescue organizations as well. Speak to all of the staff in the offices because they may be willing to foster your cat for you or know of someone who can.
Contact local veterinary schools in your area because a veterinary or vet tech student may help foster your cat. You can find a list of accredited veterinary schools or veterinary technology programs through the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Contact Animal Rescue Organizations
Speak with representatives who work for your local animal rescue organizations. You can find a list of rescue organizations in your area through Adopt-a-Pet.com. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also has a list of local shelters with adoptable pets.
Rescue organizations usually have a network of volunteers who foster pets for them. They may be willing to care for your kitty, depending on your circumstances and how long you need your cat fostered. These organizations may require a small donation for their services, so check with one of their representatives to see what this donation might be.
Use Social Media
Contact your friends, family members and animal rescue groups through various social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Ask them if they are willing to foster your cat. Instruct your friends to spread the word about your need for a pet foster parent. They may know someone who can temporarily care for your cat. Specify whether or not you can provide a fee for the fostering of your cat or if you can provide the supplies necessary for her care.
Tips
Search social media for any announcements of local pet adoption events through shelters or rescue groups that you can attend. During these events you may be able to speak with some local animal foster parents of the pets up for adoption who can help you.
Verify the Foster Parent
When you find someone willing to foster your cat, visit their home to determine if it will be a good fit for your cat, recommends the Humane Society of the United States.
- Speak with the prospective foster family to determine if they have other pets and small children who may not get along with your cat.
- Bring your cat over for a few visits prior to see how she copes in the new environment.
- Ask the foster parent for veterinary references.
Tips
Create a written agreement stating how long the person will foster your cat and whether or not you are able to provide for her supplies and veterinary care during that period.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Las Vegas, Susan Paretts has been writing since 1998. She writes about many subjects including pets, finances, crafts, food, home improvement, shopping and going green. Her articles, short stories and reviews have appeared on City National Bank's website and on The Noseprint. Paretts holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.
