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          Why Foster?

You don't have to adopt to change an animal's life forever. If you’re looking for a way to help, but do not want to adopt at this time, fostering is an experience like no other. Fostering gives cats a safe, loving place to land while they wait for their forever home — and it gives you the joy of their company without a lifelong commitment. All it takes is a little patience, a little space, and a lot of love.   Sign up today!

Why Fostering Matters

Hart 2 Heart doesn't operate a shelter. Every cat in our program lives in a home or a partner pet store (short-term) — and that home could be yours.

When you open your door to a foster pet, you're not just giving them a place to sleep. You're giving them a real chance. Cats in foster homes are more relaxed, better socialized, and far more likely to be adopted quickly than cats living in a shelter environment. Your home becomes their bridge to something permanent.

You will contribute to saving the life of an animal that otherwise may not have had a chance to survive. Sometimes these animals are abandoned, surrendered by owners for personal or financial reasons, or are too young, need time to recover from illness or injury, or need patience and a relaxed environment to be re-socialized before being placed in a forever home. Being in a loving environment gives our foster animals a better chance of being placed more quickly.

Who Needs Fostering?

Foster care isn't one-size-fits-all; you can choose the experience that fits your life:

  • Healthy cats and kittens — animals ready for home life who need a warm, safe place to wait
  • Mama cats with or without newborns — mothers and litters who need a quiet, secure space to grow
  • Medical fosters — cats recovering from illness, injury, or surgery who need rest and gentle care
  • Fearful or shy cats — animals who need patience and a calm environment to learn to trust again
  • Long-term fosters — cats with special needs who may stay longer and reward you with an extraordinary bond

What you'll learn — and why it matters

As a foster parent, you'll get to know your cat in a way no one else can. Their personality, their quirks, what makes them happy, what they're still working through. That insight is invaluable to us as we search for their perfect forever home — and it often means the difference between a good match and a great one.

Many of our foster parents become their cat's most important advocate. Some even become their adopter.

What we ask of you

Fostering is rewarding, but it's also a real commitment. Here's what to expect:

  • A safe, contained space for your foster cat, separate from any resident pets
  • Food, litter, toys, and basic daily supplies (we recommend budgeting for these as part of your fostering experience)
  • Time, attention, and patience — especially in the first few days of adjustment
  • Basic knowledge of animal care, or a willingness to learn — we're here to help

What we handle: All veterinary expenses, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, and any medical treatment your foster cat needs. You focus on the love. We handle the rest.

You won't be doing this alone

We provide guidance and support throughout the entire foster process and are always available when you have questions or concerns. We also invite you to join our private Facebook group for Hart 2 Heart foster parents — a warm, active community where fosters share stories, ask questions, and cheer each other on.

Ready to open your home?

Fostering is a temporary commitment — but a lifesaving one. You never know when a cat will come through our doors and need exactly what you have to offer.

Browse cats currently in need of a foster home. 

Thank you for considering becoming a foster. It means more than you know — to us, and to every cat waiting for someone like you.

Fill out a Foster Application

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