The Mutual Benefits of Fostering and Why You Should Consider It

With ever-present capacity and funding challenges, fostering is an important component of most shelters’ service delivery plan. Fostering is the temporary placement of a cat, typically in a private residence, until they find a forever home. Not only does fostering help more cats, it helps more people too! Here’s a look into how fostering is beneficial for cats, shelters, adopters, and foster parents. 

The Cat

With all the love, support, and accommodations in the world, the truth is that some cats do not do well in a shelter environment and are much better off in foster care while they wait for their forever home. Certain cats may do better in foster care for physical or behavioral health reasons, while others may just become over-stimulated from the noise and activity of the shelter. Being in foster care can also give cats who may get overlooked by potential adopters because they are shy or fearful at the shelter the time and space to let their personalities truly shine. 

The Shelter

Many shelters face capacity issues. Fostering is a cost-effective way for shelters to expand their capacity in a way that does not compromise their standards. Reputable shelters will have certain requirements of their fosters, including what the cat is fed, how it is cared for, and how often it returns to the shelter for procedures and checkups. Shelter staff can sleep well knowing the cats are well cared for, allowing them to take in and save more cats. 

The Adopter 

When you adopt a foster cat through RMFR, you are getting top-of-the-line customer service. Potential adopters work directly with RMFR staff and foster parents throughout the entire adoption process. Potential adopters start with a virtual “meet and greet” where they get to chat 1:1 with the cat’s foster parent(s). At this point, the foster parent knows the cat better than anyone, and can provide the potential adopter with all the information they need to decide if this may be the right kitty for them. If comfortable doing so, foster parents can even invite potential adopters to their homes so they can meet the cat and observe them in a home environment. 

The Foster Parent  

There are few things in life that I have found more rewarding than fostering through RMFR. It’s not always easy, it’s not always fun, but it’s always rewarding and increasingly important! As a foster parent, you take in a cat in need, nurture them, and find them the perfect home. Sure, it can be sad saying goodbye to a cat who was in your care, but the joy of seeing that cat thrive with its new family will always put a smile on your face. If you are on the fence about fostering, talk to the dedicated staff at RMFR to see if it is right for you. I promise you, it’s worth it!

Written by Zach Hudson, 2025