Cat & Kitten Foster Caretaker

Foster families take care of one or more cats or kittens as they await adoption! You could provide socialization for under-socialized kittens or simply host a temporary resident who needs somewhere to go. The benefit of foster homes is that we get to know the personalities and behaviors of cats outside of a cage or shelter environment, and make room for the intake of other cats in urgent need.

Various types of fostering are available, but some general requirements stand:

• Age requirement: 21 years old or older with valid ID
• Residence within approximately 30 minutes of Pikesville, MD
• Own your home or have permission to have cats from landlord and leaseholder if not yourself.
• Have a separate room (bathroom or spare room, must be air conditioned/heated and well-ventilated) to keep the cats in for an initial adjustment period, or until full vetting is performed. This period could be a few days to four months depending on temperament and vetting status of the particular foster cat(s).
• Provide a safe and sanitary environment, including disinfecting surfaces, particularly if fostering kittens.
• Ensure any supplies used for kittens other than those that are brand new are thoroughly disinfected before use.
• Have reliable transportation and be willing and able to transport your foster cat(s) to and from appointments in the Baltimore area - including, but not limited to, Pikesville and Ellicott City.
• Be comfortable conducting meet and greets, preferably in your home, with approved adopters only (no random people!) You will be given guidance on this front when it becomes a reality.
• Be able to provide attention to your foster cat(s) regularly to ensure adequate socialization, particularly important with kittens.
• Communicate any out-of-town trips or other obligations which could conflict with having one or more foster cats clearly and as soon as possible.
• Pass a criminal background check.

We regret that we cannot accommodate service hour needs. NMC can provide donated food and litter and other basic supplies. All foster cat medical needs will be handled through our veterinary partners. Any additional expenses you incur during the course of your volunteer work may be tax-deductible.