Foster a homeless cat

Unfortunately thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because of a change in their owner’s circumstances, they have been abandoned or have strayed. Volunteers at The Cat Corner give these cats and kittens a second chance in life and help to create happy endings for cats across Hampton Roads and beyond.

Fostering is just one way you can be part of these happy endings for cats in your community! As a foster you take a cat into your home temporarily and provide the care and TLC it needs until it finds its new forever home. 

​Fostering not only benefits cats and kittens, it provides cat lovers with an opportunity to give back and help cats in the best way they can. Some volunteers can’t commit to owning a cat 365 days a year, others foster because they can’t guarantee that they will lead a cat-friendly lifestyle for the life span of a pet cat, others prefer doing something practical rather than donating money to the charity; all love cats and do it for the joy it brings them every day…

Whatever your reasons for getting involved we welcome those with cats in their hearts as fosters. Almost anyone can foster, you just need spare time to care for cats, be confident around cats, have a caring but practical personality, enjoy interacting with people and are happy to follow our cat care standards and charity policies. A thirst for knowledge around all things cat and happy to keep up-to-date information and complete paperwork for cats in care are also key for this role.

​In return for your time, commitment and all the TLC you can offer cats we provide everything that you and your foster cat will require:

• Cat accommodation- play pen or equipment to adapt spare room.
• Food, litter, bedding, bowls, litter trays and toys for your CC foster cat.
• Veterinary treatment for CC foster cats/kittens in your care.
• Help and training so you feel confident and happy as a foster.

Cats that may need fostering:

Mom Cats & Kittens 

We rescue a lot of mothers with nursing babies, young kittens without mothers, and neonatal kittens that need round the clock care.

Recovering Cats

We often take in cats that are recovering from surgery, aliments, and other medical conditions that would not be suitable for shelter life yet.

Senior & Hospice Cats

We try to make The Cat Corner as stress-free as possible but try to utilize foster homes for our senior cats and cats with terminal illnesses

​What are cat care standards?

There are Cat Corner policies and guidelines which have been developed with vets, rescuers and volunteers to ensure the welfare of cats and people. They refer to the general care of a cat while they are with the foster, they are straight forward and there is plenty of guidance and training to help fosters maintain great standards of care. 

​What if I have other pets?

You can foster if you have other pets but all foster cats must be kept separately. This is to protect the foster cat as well as the foster’s own pets. As rescued cats’ backgrounds are often unknown it’s important that all pets in the household remain healthy and we would recommend that a foster’s own pets are fully vaccinated and boosters are kept up-to-date.

​Can I decide on what type of cat I want to foster? 

​Sometimes it is possible to specialize in the type of cat you want to care for; some fosters prefer caring for older or nervous cats while others like lively kittens. However this may not always be possible. Our Foster Coordinator will discuss the range of cats that are in need of help with you and decide on the best foster cat for you and the best foster home for that cat at that time.

How long am i expected to foster?

We prefer that you commit to fostering your animal until an adoptive home can be found. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how long this will take. It depends on the animal’s breed, age, temperament, and the time of year, as well as how proactive you are about marketing your foster animal and attending adoption events. If you can only foster for a specific period of time, please be certain to indicate this up front to the Cat Corner representative you are working with. Sometimes another foster home can’t be found, which means that your animal must go to the shelter or a boarding facility. We prefer to avoid boarding animals because it’s both expensive for The Cat Corner and stressful for the animal. Still, if you find you cannot continue fostering your animal, contact your Cat Corner representative immediately.

what if my foster cat needs to go to the vet?

​As you signed in the Foster Agreement, vet care for foster animals must be provided by an approved CC vet. All vetting is paid for by The Cat Corner, Inc., but only if you take the animal to one of CC’s vet partners. (You will need to refer to your foster handbook for a list of approved vets or go to our CC rep.) If you take your foster animal to a vet other than an CC vet partner but have not received approval to do this, you will be responsible for paying the bill. With very limited funds, CC must utilize the partnerships we have whenever possible. This is very important, and non-negotiable.

The procedure: First, contact your CC representative to determine whether vetting is necessary. There are many ailments for which CC keeps treatment supplies on hand at the shelter (worms, upper respirator infection, coccidia, etc.). If a visit is deemed necessary, and it is a non-emergency issue, simply contact your CC representative so they can contact our vet partner to make an appointment. You are then responsible for taking the animal to the vet. If your schedule does not permit, you will need to find another CC volunteer to take the animal.

What if my foster cat has a vetting emergency?

We always want to make sure all of our animals get the very best medical care – especially in the case of an emergency. If your animal has an obvious and clear emergency (hit by car, serious fight with an animal, ingestion of dangerous object) then contact your CC contact person and inform them that you will be taking the animal to your nearest emergency vet. CC does receive discounts from some emergency vets, but you will likely just go to your nearest emergency vet. Again, as much as possible, any emergency vet visit needs to be approved by your CC rep.

What if my foster is not working out?

​CC will make every effort to ensure a good and safe foster match. However, there are times when this will fail. In this case, contact your CC representative as soon as possible. If the issues are minor, CC will work with you to address them. Many times, problems can be solved by trying a few new things and/or by giving the animal time to adjust to your home. For example, we can switch crates, switch foods, or offer simple behavioral solutions to try. We may also have a experienced volunteer work with you. Other times, an animal may simply not be a good fit for your home or lifestyle. CC will always take the foster animal back if an issue cannot be resolved. However, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours to make a plan. If that is not possible, we will make emergency arrangements. CC never wants to put the safety of the Foster person, their own animals, or the foster animal in jeopardy.

What if i do not like a prospective adopter?

The Cat Corner feels that Foster volunteers should, as much as possible, make the decision regarding the home in which their foster animal gets permanently placed. We recognize that you have probably developed a close bond with your foster animal and want to make sure he/she gets only the best home.  You will need to work closely with your CC rep to determine if an adopter is suitable. Together, you will work as a team to determine adopter suitability for your foster animal.

Can i adopt my foster?

​Yes, so long as we all feel it makes sense. But keep in mind that adopting your foster animal may mean that you can no longer foster. We’ll be sad to lose you! Think through the decision carefully so that you are not deciding to keep the animal solely because it is too difficult to let him/her go. The first few foster experiences can be difficult, as you’ll get attached and may have trouble letting go. But remember, your role as a Foster person is invaluable! As an adopter you may only be able to save one animal’s life, but as a foster parent you have the potential to help dozens of animals. You will need to work with your CC contact person to discuss whether your adoption is truly in the best interest of your foster animal.

What if i have to leave town?

Please notify us ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for your foster animal to go elsewhere while you are gone. Some foster people (who have other pets) have pet sitters who will also watch their foster animals. Others may have a boarding facility they work with. We are open to ideas, but generally cannot afford to cover the costs of pet sitters or expensive boarding facilities. If you wish to pay for these options once they are approved by CC, that is great (and can be considered a donation)! If you cannot, CC will allow you to make arrangements either with one of our boarding partners or with another Foster volunteer. Be sure to give us enough warning so that we can help you make these arrangements. Keep in mind that holidays can be difficult to find space and are expensive. The more advance time we have, the better!

What if i have an emergency and need to leave town suddenly?

Contact your CC representative right away. We will work with you to find a suitable option.

What happens if my pet gets sick from my foster animal?

To prevent this, we strongly suggest that all your pets be current on their vaccinations, use flea/tick prevention, and have the bordatella vaccine (for kennel cough). In order to prevent your pet from getting intestinal worms (which are passed through the animal’s stool) you should have your foster cat utilize a separate litter box until we are sure that any/all worms have been rid of. Pets that are current on their vaccines usually will have no problems with foster pets, or the problems that do arise are small and very easily addressed. If your animal is fully vaccinated and you follow the above protocol, but your own pet still contracts an ailment from your foster, contact your CC representative and we will determine whether or not we can pay for treatment. Do not go to your vet expecting reimbursement. Check with your CC rep to see if we have meds that we can provide you free or at cost. We will evaluate each case individually.

Can i rename my foster animal?

​In most cases, yes! Animals that were turned into a shelter, however, may have had their names for years. In that case, we recommend against giving them a new name or suggest you find a name similar to their existing one. If you have any question about this, contact your primary CC representative. 

Am i expected to buy supplies for my fosters?

Purchases made for foster care are considered donations to The Cat Corner and are tax-deductible. Keep your receipts. We will be happy to issue you a tax donation letter. If you want to be reimbursed for a purchase, you must get prior approval from your CC rep. Again, you must get approval from your CC rep if you want reimbursement. Many of the supplies that you will need for your foster is given when you first receive you foster. Other supplies like food and litter are provided by The Cat Corner and are given to you by an approved CC representative, usually on Sundays. You are expected to log supplies that you receive into the Foster Booklet. 

​How do the cats get homes?

We advertise the cats throughout the local community and beyond, and there are a number of ways we can match the right cat with the right person. If your foster cat been matched with a potential adopter you will be contacted to liaise with the potential adopter to arrange a suitable time for them to meet the cat(s). You may bring the cat to the shelter to be rehomed or liaise with volunteers at the CC to meet the potential adopter. We always carefully match the right people with the right cat by asking a series of questions so you can rest assured that once you have cared for the cat or kitten it will be very well taken care of in their new home. 

I want to foster, what's the next step?

​To determine if you are right for CC and CC is right for you, take a moment to read our Foster FAQs above. If you are ready to jump on board and join the CC Foster Team, please fill out the appropriate application:

Our Foster Coordinator will follow up with you to provide you with more info about the CC Foster Program and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sign Foster Agreement papers before getting started. This Agreement clarifies what you can expect from CC and what CC can expect from you. If you have additional questions, you may email our Foster Coordinator directly at [email protected] 

We look forward to having you join the CC family!

Foster Application