Purrfect Catpanion is a 100% volunteer rescue. We rely on our amazing volunteers for trapping and rescuing, fostering cats at home, transport, fundraising and events, social media and more. There's something for everyone! If you're interested in fostering cats or kittens at your home, read our FAQ below and select 'Become a Foster'. For everything else, select 'Join our Volunteer Community'

We support our fosters and volunteers with an active chat community, training and support, and supplies if needed. Whether you are a first-time cat carer or experienced kitty pro, we will be there for you.

Foster FAQ

We don't have a shelter, so all of our cats stay in loving homes until they find their forever family. Fostering lets you enjoy and help cats without committing to them for life, and without worrying about vet bills.

It doesn't matter what your home is like, what hours you work, or whether you already have a cat or dog. We might have a foster cat that could work for you. Most of our fosters live in Hudson County, but you can be a bit further away if you have a car and can help with transport, and/or you have experience with cats that need extra care (like bottle babies, or cats who need sub-q fluids).

Can I become a foster?
Every situation is different! Once you apply, our foster team will arrange a video call with you. There will be a short virtual home tour, and a chat to see if fostering could be a good fit for your family. Here's some important things we look for:

• A small, safe space like a bathroom or spare room where your foster cat can settle in (and stay separate from your own pets at first, if you have any)

• Having at least an hour a day to spend with your foster cat. This can be playing, feeding, cleaning the litter box, or just keeping them company

• Any pets you already have must be neutered/spayed, and up to date on vaccines. Dogs need rabies, leptospirosis, and DA2PP. Cats need rabies and FVRCP. Vaccine boosters are usually every 1-3 years

• Your own cats should be indoor-only, or only go outside in a fully enclosed space

How much does fostering cost?

Purrfect Catpanion cover all medical care and special/prescription food that is arranged by us, and can help with transport to the vet if you don't drive. Fosters usually provide food, litter, and toys. If that's tricky for you, we can fundraise to help cover supplies

Can I choose what type of cat I foster?

We love our fosters to stay flexible, since every kind of cat needs help; from tiny kittens to sweet older cats. That said, we'll take your preferences into account, and will discuss the available cats with you

What if I get attached to my foster cat?

We're very happy to support you if you decide to adopt, many of our fosters do. But most of the time, the best way to deal with missing a foster cat is to take in another one. Helping your cat find their family is one of the most rewarding parts of being a foster

I don't know much about cats, can I still foster?

Totally. Fostering with Purrfect Catpanion is actually a great way to learn. You can ask our cat experts questions any time, and chat with other cat lovers in our community chat. We'll match you with a cat that suits your experience level

Do foster cats see a vet before coming to my home?

It depends on the cat. If you'd rather not take in a cat that hasn't had any vet care yet, we can try to find you a different match. But most of our cats come straight from the street (or a holding crate) into the safety of a foster home

How long will I foster for?

Most cats find a home within 1 to 4 months. Our longest foster was 8 months! If you ever need to stop fostering, just give us as much notice as you can. We ask fosters to arrange their own care if they go away for a short trip