Fostering vs. Adopting: Should You Foster a Cat First?

Thinking about adopting a cat but not quite sure if you’re ready for the full-time commitment? Fostering a cat might be the perfect trial run. It’s kind of like test-driving a car, except the car demands treats, has zoomies at 3 a.m., and occasionally knocks things off your shelves just to keep life interesting.

Fostering not only helps a cat in need, but lets you experience life with a cat firsthand, helping you determine if you’re ready for the long haul. But is fostering the right choice for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges to help you make an informed decision.

The benefits of fostering before adopting

Let’s start with the benefits of fostering a cat before adopting. 

Temporary commitment

Fostering offers a no-pressure way to see how a cat fits into your daily life before you commit to adoption. There’s no obligation to adopt, and if you decide full-time cat parenthood isn’t for you, that’s okay — you’ll still have made a meaningful difference in your foster cat’s life.

Gaining experience with cat care 

If you’re new to cats, fostering provides valuable, hands-on experience. You’ll learn about feeding, grooming, cat health, litter box maintenance, and handling different feline behaviors. It’s a great way to help you determine if cat parenthood is something you would enjoy, have the resources for, and would be able to commit to long-term.

Getting to know different cats

Not all cats have the same personality or care requirements. Fostering a variety of different cats lets you interact with different temperaments, energy levels, and needs, helping you determine what type of cat would be the best match for you.

Checking emotional preparedness

Being a cat parent is awesome and rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges — like unexpected health issues, behavior obstacles, or surprise vomit on your carpet. Fostering allows you to see if you’re emotionally prepared for both the joys and the occasional challenges of caring for a cat.

Financially friendly

Many shelters and rescues provide, or cover the costs of, essential supplies and services for foster cats, such as food, litter, bedding, and medical expenses. This makes fostering a budget-friendly way to experience cat care. Plus, it gives you a realistic idea of the costs involved if you decide to adopt a cat permanently.

Helping shelters and rescues

Fostering offers a cat in need a safe, loving space to heal, grow, or simply rest while they wait for a permanent home. It also increases their chances of adoption and helps free up shelter space for other animals in need. It’s a win for you, the cat, and the entire rescue community.

Comparing fostering and direct adoption

Both fostering before adoption and jumping straight into adoption can work well, but which option is right for you depends on your situation. 

When fostering before adopting may be best.

• You’re unsure if you’re ready for the long-term responsibility of a cat.

• You want to gain hands-on experience with cat care before committing.

• Your current lifestyle or living situation may change in the near future.

• You want to understand the financial responsibility of cat parenthood first.

• You want to help shelters by providing temporary care for cats in need.

• You want to interact with different cat personalities to find the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

When directly adopting may be best. 

• You’re fully ready to commit to a cat for their entire lifetime.

• You understand the financial responsibility of cat parenthood and have the resources to provide vet care, food, and supplies for a cat’s lifetime. 

• You understand, and are emotionally prepared for, the joys and challenges of cat parenthood.

• You’ve done your research and are confident in your ability to meet a cat’s needs.

• You’re ready for all the quirks of having a cat in your home, such as fur-covered furniture, surprise hairballs on your carpet, and late-night zoomies. 

If you decide that jumping straight into adoption is right for you, you can search Adopt a Pet’s database of adoptable cats from shelters, rescues, and individuals.

Deciding if fostering is right for you

Fostering isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Before taking the plunge, consider these key factors to help you make an informed decision.

• Assess your time and availability: Fostering requires daily care, socialization, and sometimes extra attention if the cat has medical or behavioral needs. Make sure your schedule can accommodate this commitment.

• Consider your emotional readiness: Saying goodbye to a foster cat can be tough, even when you know they’re going to a loving home. Think about whether or not you’re emotionally prepared for those farewells. (Or, fostering might lead to a “foster fail,” where you decide to adopt your foster.) 

• Think about your long-term goals: Are you fostering to test the waters before adopting, or do you just want to help cats in need? Knowing your intentions can help you approach fostering with the right mindset.

• Check your living situation: If you rent, does your lease allow pets? Do you have other animals at home? Make sure your living environment is suitable for fostering before bringing a cat into your space.

• Understand the financial aspects: While many shelters and rescues cover food, litter, and medical expenses, some costs may still arise. Be sure you clarify with the shelter or rescue what’s provided and what you may need to pay for.

• Research the shelter or rescue’s policies: Different organizations have different expectations for fosters. Some may require regular updates, vet visits, or help with meet-and-greets for potential adopters. Make sure you’re comfortable with their guidelines.

• Be open to the unexpected: Every foster experience is different. Some cats adjust quickly, while others take time to feel comfortable. Flexibility and patience are key to making the experience rewarding for both you and your foster cat. 

Ready to foster? Check out our guide on how to become a foster parent for cats. 

Commonly asked questions

Can you foster before adopting a cat?

Yes, many shelters and rescues have foster-to-adopt programs, where you temporarily care for a cat before deciding whether or not to make it permanent. Even if you decide not to adopt, fostering still helps the cat in a meaningful way. 

What is the 3-3-3 cat adoption rule?

The 3-3-3 rule describes a cat’s adjustment period after adoption: three days to decompress, three weeks to start feeling comfortable, and three months to fully settle in. Each cat is different, but patience and a stable environment help ease the transition.

What are the responsibilities involved in fostering a cat?

Shelters and rescues typically expect fosters to provide daily care, socialization, and a safe home environment. Some may require updates, medical care, or involvement in adoption events. Expectations vary, so check with the organization.

Can I foster a cat if I have other pets at home?

Yes, but you’ll need to do a proper introduction. Keep fosters separate at first, and gradually introduce them. In some cases, keeping the foster cat separate from your other pets the entire time may be the best option.

What happens if I decide not to adopt the cat after fostering? 

As a foster parent, your role is to provide temporary care for a cat, with no obligation to adopt. If you decide not to adopt, the shelter or rescue will continue searching for the right permanent home.

Would fostering cats before adopting stress out my current cat?

It depends on your resident cat’s temperament. Some cats adjust well to new fosters, while others may become stressed. Proper introductions, separate spaces, and monitoring their behavior can help minimize the stress.

Is fostering a good idea if you’ve never owned a cat?

Yes, fostering can be a great way to learn about cat care. However, carefully consider if you’re prepared for the responsibilities, and choose a shelter or rescue that provides guidance and support for first-time fosters.

Any considerations before adopting?

Before adopting, consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. Cats can live 15 to 20 years and require daily care. Make sure you’re fully prepared and committed before making it official.

Resources 

“Top 5 Benefits of Fostering an Animal in Need.” ASPCA, 16 June 2022, www.aspca.org/news/top-5-benefits-fostering-animal-need.

“6 Things to Know Before Fostering a Cat.” Kinship, www.kinship.com/cat-lifestyle/6-things-to-know-before-fostering-a-cat. 

“Fostering for Thought.” VMBS News, 10 June 2010, vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/fostering-for-thought.