Cat Foster FAQs

Congrats on your new foster! Being in the shelter can be really stressful for your foster, so the first thing you want to do is give your foster cat a calm place to relax so they can get use to their new residence. We usually recommend a bathroom or guest space so your cat feels safe. Make sure they have access to food, water, and a litter box.  

It is also VERY important to isolate your cat from your other resident pets. We say this for many reason but most importantly to keep any shelter germs or undiagnosed illness kept away from you pets. 

Cats do best with a slow introduction! We would suggest starting your foster cat in a small room like a bathroom or guest room and letting them get used to the smell of the pets in the home first.  Find more information at the following links:

• Cat Introductions (Info Sheet)

• Cat Introductions (Video)

• Cat-Dog Introductions (Packet)

Give it time. Cats can sometimes take a few weeks or more to get used to their new residence, especially if they need socializing. We often suggest a bathroom or closet to limit the possible hiding spots. Don't try to force them to interact with you by grabbing them or forcibly holding them.  Treats are a great way to get your kitty to open up. If your kitty likes treats, try putting some out when you come into the room. Toys are also a great way to bond with your foster. Teaching your foster to associate you with treats and toys is a great way to get your foster to come out of their shell. Find more information in the following handouts:

• Socialization Guide for Adults or Kittens

Check out our awesome marketing page for lots of tips and information on setting up your cat for adoption.

That happens sometimes, but don't worry! Email catmatchmaker@austinpetsalive.org and they can help suggest your cat to potential adopters.

Sorry but no. APA! does adoptions based on first come first served basis. We understand you might feel one adopter is the absolute best, but this practice helps us avoid letting personal biases get in the way of finding our cat/kittens the best home.

This is actually part of the reason our Cat Matchmakers program exists! If you have interested adopters who have missed out and are upset, point them towards cat-matchmakers@austinpetsalive.org, and we’ll help make sure that people don’t miss out on kittens over and over and over again. 

Start with an all-purpose cleaner like 409 or Simple Green. They are safe for pets and kill most germs. If you're fostering a ringworm cat check out the Cleaning section of the ringworm page for additional cleaning tips.