Fostering Kittens: What to Expect and How to Care for Them
Every spring and summer, shelters fill with kittens, far more than they can care for. Foster volunteers fill the gap. By taking a few kittens into your home, you give them the best start, and free up space to save more lives. It is demanding, rewarding and addictive.
What fostering involves
Foster homes care for kittens from a shelter or rescue. Depending on the kitten's age and health, you might:
- Bottle feed newborns every few hours. See how to bottle feed a kitten.
- Wean and litter train older kittens.
- Give medication for illnesses such as upper respiratory infections.
- Socialize shy kittens.
- Take photos and write profiles to help adoption.
- Bring kittens to appointments for vaccines, microchips and neuter surgery.
What the rescue provides
Most organizations offer food, formula, litter, a carrier, medical care, medications and 24-hour advice. Ask what is covered before you start, and the rescue's policies.
What you need
- A spare room or space that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom. See kitten safe room setup.
- A pen or cage, bedding, litter boxes, bowls, toys and a heat source for tiny kittens.
- Cleaning supplies. See cat safe cleaning products.
- A scale. See kitten weight chart.
- Time and patience.
Daily routine
- Check each kitten for health and weight.
- Feed.
- Clean litter, bedding and dishes.
- Give medicine.
- Play and socialize. See how to socialize a kitten.
- Record notes.
Health and hygiene
Foster kittens may arrive with fleas, worms, ringworm, URIs and other contagious illnesses. Keep them separate from your pets, wash hands between groups and change clothes if needed. Follow the rescue's quarantine and medication plans. See kitten deworming guide, kitten flea treatment, kitten ringworm and kitten sneezing and eye discharge.
Make sure your own pets are vaccinated. Discuss risks with your vet.
Socialization
Foster kittens learn from you. Handle gently, expose to sounds and people, and play with toys. See how to hold and handle a kitten. Shy or feral kittens need patience. See kitten socialization for shy or feral kittens.
Orphans
Neonatal fostering is intensive. It requires warmth, feeding every two to three hours, stimulation to eliminate and constant vigilance. Not every kitten survives. Many rescues give support and training. See fading kitten syndrome.
Finding homes
Take clear photos, write honest descriptions and share with the rescue. Help screen adopters. See adopting vs buying a kitten.
Emotional challenges
Fostering involves loss. Some kittens are sick, and some die. Others leave after you have bonded. Remember that you gave them a chance. Talk to other fosters. Take breaks.
Failed fosters
Many fosters end up adopting. It is called foster failure, and is celebrated, but make sure it is the right choice. See kitten or adult cat.
Questions to ask a rescue
- What supplies and medical costs do you cover?
- What happens if the kitten gets ill?
- Who do I call after hours?
- How long is the commitment?
- What are the adoption procedures?
- What are the policies for my own pets?
Preparing your household
Talk with family members, roommates and landlords before you commit. Make sure everyone understands the quarantine rules and the temporary nature of fostering. Set up the foster space before the kittens arrive, with all supplies ready. Know who to call in an emergency, and keep that number on your phone. Prepare for sleepless nights if you take newborns, and for cleaning marathons if you take sick kittens.
Making it sustainable
Start small, with one or two older kittens, before taking on a neonatal litter. Take breaks between fosters, and share the work with friends. Join a local foster community, where you can swap tips, supplies and encouragement. Many fosters say the hardest part is the goodbye, and the best part is the photo of the adopted kitten in its forever home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience? Many rescues train new fosters, and start you with easy cases. Can I take time off? Most rescues allow breaks. What if a kitten gets sick? Call the rescue straight away, since they will guide treatment and cover costs. How many kittens at once? Start with one litter, and be realistic about your time. Is it hard to give them up? Yes, but seeing them thrive in new homes is rewarding, and your home is then free to help the next ones.
When to see a vet
Foster kittens should be seen by the rescue's vet, and you should call if you are worried. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay for fostering?
Many rescues provide supplies and veterinary care.
How long do I foster?
From a few weeks to a few months, depending on age.
Can I foster with my own pets?
Often yes, with separation and hygiene.
What if I want to keep them?
Many fosters adopt, and rescues usually give them first choice.
Sources and further reading
We link to recognised organizations so you can check the basics for yourself. We have no commercial relationship with any site listed here.
- Cat Friendly Homes (AAFP and ISFM)Cat-specific care guidance and a finder for cat-friendly practices.
- ASPCA cat careEveryday care, behavior and safety basics for cats.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: pet owner resourcesPolicy-level guidance from the national veterinary association.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.