How to foster a cat
Learn how to foster a cat with the RSPCA and what to expect before applying. Fostering gives cats a calm home while they wait for adoption and allows you to care for a pet without the lifelong commitment.
Jump to:
Cat foster process
Register as a volunteer
If you’re wondering how to foster a cat with the RSPCA, the first step is to register as a volunteer through our platform. This allows us to learn more about you, your home environment and your availability. Once registered, you’ll be able to explore opportunities to foster a cat near you, through your local RSPCA branch or animal centre.
Apply for a cat fostering role
When you find a suitable opportunity, you can apply to become a cat foster carer. Our team will review your application to understand your home environment, lifestyle and the type of cat you may be able to support. The goal is to make sure the placement works well for both you and your new companion.
Home check and training
If your application is suitable, we’ll arrange a home visit or virtual assessment. This helps us make sure your home environment is safe and suitable for the cat being placed with you. Our team will also provide guidance and training so you feel confident caring for your foster cat.
You’ll receive advice on housing, space requirements, enrichment and daily care.
Collect your foster cat
When matched, you’ll collect your foster cat from the centre or an agreed location.
We’ll provide food, equipment and veterinary support, along with guidance on the cat’s routine, behaviour and any specific care needs. Our team will help you understand how to create a calm environment so your foster cat can settle in comfortably.
Ongoing support
Fostering placements vary depending on the cat’s needs. Some may last a few weeks, while others may continue for longer.
During the placement, our team will stay in touch and provide advice and support if needed. Your role is to provide a safe, calm space while we work towards the cat’s permanent future.
Why foster a cat?
Fostering plays an important role in helping cats recover and prepare for their future homes.
Some cats come into our care after suffering neglect or difficult experiences. Others may find the busy environment of an animal centre stressful, or need a quiet place to stay while they recover from illness or wait for adoption. Living in a foster home allows them to relax, experience normal household routines and build confidence around people.
Kittens may also need foster homes when they are too young to be rehomed. A foster environment gives them the space and gentle care they need to grow and develop before moving on to their permanent families.
For foster carers, it can also be a rewarding experience. You’re providing stability and kindness at a time when a cat needs it most, while enjoying the companionship of a cat in your home.
If you love cats but aren’t able to commit to owning one long term, fostering can be a meaningful way to help. For many people deciding whether to adopt or foster a cat, fostering offers the chance to make a real difference while giving a cat a safe place to stay.
Support we provide
When you foster a cat with the RSPCA, you’re not doing it alone. Our teams are there to support you throughout the placement.
Our teams usually provide:
Food and basic supplies
Litter and bedding
Veterinary care and medication if needed
Behaviour and care guidance
Ongoing contact with a fostering coordinator
This support helps make sure both you and your cat feel confident and cared for throughout the placement.
What you need to foster a cat
When fostering a cat, you don’t need previous experience and a wide range of home environments can be suitable. People living in flats, rented homes or busy households may still be able to foster a cat, depending on the cat’s individual needs. The most important qualities are patience, compassion and a willingness to help a cat feel safe while they adjust to a new environment.
Every fostering placement is assessed individually, but generally you’ll need to:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have permission from your landlord if you rent
- Be able to provide daily care, attention and monitoring
- Offer a safe and calm home environment
- Keep foster cats indoors while they settle
- Be comfortable following any care or behaviour guidance provided
- Attend check-ins or centre visits when required
give a cat a temporary home
How to apply to foster
If you’re ready to foster a cat with the RSPCA, the first step is registering through our volunteer platform. From there you can:
- Browse opportunities to foster a cat near you
- Apply for a suitable fostering role
- Speak with your local team about potential placements
- Our teams will guide you through the next steps and help match you with a cat that would benefit from your home environment
Related content
Frequently asked questions
-
Possibly. What matters most is whether your home environment is safe and suitable for the specific cat. Some cats adapt well to smaller homes. If renting, your tenancy agreement must allow cats.
-
No. Most foster cats live indoors during their placement, so a private garden is not usually required. Keeping foster cats indoors helps protect them and allows staff to monitor their health and behaviour.
-
Cats need enrichment, play and gentle interaction. Your centre will advise on activities that suit the individual cat.
-
Sometimes. Our teams will consider the temperament and needs of the foster cat alongside your household environment before confirming a match.
-
Foster cats need daily care, feeding and monitoring. Many fosterers successfully care for cats alongside work or other commitments.
-
Fosterers usually need to be 18 or over to volunteer independently. Younger people may be able to help with fostering as part of a family household.
-
No formal qualifications are required. Your centre will provide guidance and support to help you care for the foster cat.
-
Placements can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the cat’s needs and how quickly they find a permanent home.
-
Some cats are in RSPCA care while legal proceedings take place. These cats may need foster homes for longer periods while their situation is resolved.
-
The RSPCA normally covers veterinary care and provides guidance on caring for your cat. Your centre will explain what support is available during the placement.