Fostering a cat is a fulfilling activity that assists shelters in taking better care of animals. Many foster caregivers form bonds with the cats they are caring for and wish to adopt them. The good thing is that many animal shelters and rescue groups have policies that permit fosters to adopt their foster cats. Fostering a cat can be a fun experience, but the question on many people’s minds is, “Can I adopt my foster cat?” The answer to this question is yes, and most animal shelters and rescue organisations encourage foster caregivers to adopt the cats they are fostering. It is essential to follow steps before making any big decisions on the responsibilities that fostering comes with.
What Does Fostering a Cat Involve?
Fostering a cat refers to the act of caring for an animal until it can find a permanent home. Various shelters and rescue organisations depend on foster homes to look after cats. They are not only too young, sick, or recovering from an illness, but also in need of some socialising before they are ready to be adopted.
Unlike adoption, fostering comes with roles, but it is the lesser commitment of the two. Foster caregivers are required to provide room and board, as well as affection. In some instances, they may also take the cat to veterinary visits or adoption events. The reason for dealing with all this while the cat is with them is to prepare the cat for a forever home. However, caregivers sometimes get so attached to the cat that they end up adopting them. Can I adopt a foster cat if I become attached? Yes, but first, foster caregivers must provide food, shelter, and affection while ensuring the cat is ready for adoption.
Why Should You Foster a Cat?
Fostering is important in the context of animal rescue, but why consider fostering a cat specifically? First and foremost, it is lifesaving. Saving the life of a cat is easily achievable by fostering. Most shelters operate at maximum capacity, and fostering provides a solution because it enables shelter space. When you foster a cat, you are essentially providing the cat with a comfortable space to stay while waiting to be adopted.
Helping animals through fostering provides a lot of personal benefits. It allows a person to have an experience similar to that of owning a pet without the burden of a lifelong commitment. For people that like cats but aren’t ready for the permanent responsibility, this is a huge plus. Moreover, fostering can serve as a great method of teaching children responsibility as well as compassion towards animals. Can I adopt a foster cat if I decide I want to keep them? Yes, and fostering often helps people determine if pet ownership is right for them.
Fostering has one other contribution, which is to enable someone to help some of the more timid and fearful cats. Some cats have difficult past experiences and require some time to learn how to trust people. In a foster home, they receive plenty of attention along with the socialisation that they need, making them more adoptable down the line.
What’s Required to Become a Foster Caregiver?
If you’re thinking about fostering a cat, there are a few things to have in mind before you get one. To start, you need to have an appropriate physical space. You don’t need a mansion, but a quiet place is essential where the cat can calm down and feel safe. Some cats, especially those coming from an illness or shy ones, require time to warm up to their environment.
Pet supplies like food and water bowls, litter box, cat litter, toys, and bedding are also essential. Some animal shelters have these items while others expect them to be bought by the foster caregivers. Furthermore, you’ll need to change your schedule and spend time with the cat for proper socialisation and adjustment to home life.
Transportation is another thing to keep in mind. Foster cats may require visits to the vet clinics for check-ups, vaccinations, or other procedures. They may also need to attend adoption events. It’s essential to have means of safely transporting the cat.
Lastly, having patience and strong communication skills are equally important. Some foster cats might take a longer time to settle in and shelters depend on foster caregivers to update them on the cat’s wellbeing and behaviour.
Can I Adopt a Foster Cat?
If you have developed an attachment to your foster cat, the next question is, can I adopt a foster cat? Most times the answer is affirmative. Most shelters and rescue societies give foster caregivers the option to adopt their foster pets through a process referred to as “foster to adopt.” This means that you came forward to help look after and care for the cat, but even during that arrangement, there is an option to make them part of your family permanently.
This decision requires some careful consideration regarding fostering and in this case assessing if adopting your foster cat is the best decision for you. Some of the factors to consider are:
Are you fully prepared for a long-term commitment? Feline friends have an average lifespan of 15-20 years; adopting a cat will mean offering care for its entire lifetime.
Are you in a position to financially sustain a cat? Apart from the recurrent costs of food and litter, you will also need to set aside funds for routine vet visits, vaccinations, and other surprise medical costs.
Will your foster cat get along with the other pets? Some cats are very social and get along with other pets, while some are loners.
How would you handle any behavioural issues that the foster cat may have? Other foster cats may only require some more training, patience, and socialisation.
If you truly believe that you can provide a nurturing and safe environment for the foster cat, then adopting one may be ideal.
What Is The Procedure In Adopting A Foster Cat?
Every shelter or rescue organisation has its own set of procedures, however, the following steps apply to most of them:
Notify the shelter or rescue organisation – Inform them if you wish to change to a “make adoption” contract with you. In many instances, foster parents receive a special privilege when it comes to adoption.
Fill out an adoption form – Even if you have already started taking care of the cat, you might have to complete a typical fostering application. Things that may be required include details of your residence, hobbies, and experience with other animals.
Make payment for the adoption fee – Adoption fees are set to assist in paying the costs associated with veterinary care, vaccinations, and other expenditures.
Complete the required documents – After approval and payment of the adoption fee, you will finalize all the documents needed to adopt your foster cat.
Conclusion
Fostering a cat is one of the most fulfilling pet care experiences out there, quite often leading to adoption. If the bond shared with the foster cat is strong and there’s confidence in offering lifelong care, adopting could be the best choice. Care needs to be taken regarding the other responsibilities that come with owning a pet before arriving at a decision.
Regardless of whether you decide to adopt or continue fostering the cat, the impact you’re having in the life of that animal is significant. Fostering saves the lives of countless cats, whilst adoption ensures that they receive the loving forever homes they need. This blog is the answer to your question, ‘Can I adopt a foster cat?
FAQs
Generally, yes. Most shelters and rescue organisations permit their foster caregivers to adopt their foster cats. However, each organisation has its adoption procedures, which normally involve submitting an application and paying an adoption fee.
The amount of time you must foster before being able to adopt is different for each shelter. While some organisations have specific fostering time requirements, others will permit immediate adoption if the cat is ready for a permanent home.
If you cannot continue fostering your cat, it is crucial to inform the shelter or rescue organization. They will seek to arrange another foster or permanent home for the cat.
Your foster cat may be suitable for permanent adoption if it has formed attachments with you and appears relaxed in your home. However, factors such as your lifestyle, other pets, and long-term ability to care for the cat should be considered in your decision.
Yes, many people continue fostering after adopting a foster cat. It is important to ensure, however, that you have the time, space, and resources available to care for both your adopted cat and any subsequent foster animals.
