Deciding to foster a cat is a rewarding experience that provides temporary homes for felines in need.
Whether you’re fostering for a local shelter, rescue organization, or helping a friend in need, having the right supplies is crucial for creating a safe, comfortable environment for your temporary feline companion.
I’ve fostered numerous cats over the years, and I’ve learned exactly what you’ll need to be prepared. Let’s dive into the essential supplies that will help make your cat fostering journey successful.
Understanding the Basics of Cat Fostering
What Does Fostering a Cat Mean?
Before we jump into the supplies, let’s quickly cover what fostering actually involves. Fostering a cat means providing temporary care in your home until the cat can find a permanent adoption placement.
As a foster parent, you’ll be responsible for the cat’s daily care, socialization, and sometimes rehabilitation if they’re recovering from illness, injury, or trauma.
Why Proper Supplies Matter for Foster Cats
Having the right supplies isn’t just about convenience, it’s about creating a stress-free transition for a cat who may have already experienced significant upheaval.
Proper supplies help establish routines, maintain health, and create a sense of security for your foster cat. Many shelters and rescue organizations provide some basic supplies, but it’s good to be prepared with your own comprehensive kit.
Essential Food and Nutrition Supplies
Selecting the Right Cat Food
One of the most important supplies you’ll need is appropriate food for your foster cat. Ideally, you should continue feeding whatever the cat was eating at the shelter or previous home to avoid digestive upset.
You’ll typically need:
- Dry kibble appropriate for the cat’s age and health status
- Wet food (especially important for kittens, seniors, or cats with dental issues)
- Treats for positive reinforcement during training and socialization
If your foster cat has special dietary needs, the rescue organization will typically provide specific instructions and possibly specialized food.
Food and Water Dishes: What Works Best
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper dishes for your foster cat. You’ll need:
- Separate food and water bowls
- Ideally, multiple water stations throughout your home
- Shallow dishes for kittens or flat-faced breeds
Material Considerations for Dishes
Stainless steel or ceramic dishes are generally best as they’re durable, easy to clean, and won’t harbor bacteria like plastic can. Plastic dishes can also cause chin acne in some cats, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Creating a Comfortable Living Space
Litter Box Essentials
A proper bathroom setup is non-negotiable for fostering success. You’ll need:
- At least one litter box (the general rule is one box per cat, plus one extra)
- Cat litter (unscented clumping litter is usually recommended, but follow any specific guidance from the rescue)
- Litter scoop
- Litter mat to catch scattered litter
- Waste bags for scooping
For kittens or senior cats, consider a box with lower sides for easy access. If you’re fostering a cat recovering from surgery, you might need special paper-based litter that won’t stick to wounds.
Bedding and Sleeping Areas
Cats spend 12-16 hours a day sleeping, so comfortable resting spots are essential. Consider:
- Soft blankets or towels that can be easily washed
- Cat bed or cushion
- Cozy hideaway or cave-style bed for shy cats
- Elevated perches for cats who enjoy height
Having multiple sleeping options allows your foster cat to choose where they feel most secure, which is especially important for cats adjusting to a new environment.
Cat Carriers: A Must-Have for Transport
A sturdy carrier is essential for safely transporting your foster cat to vet appointments and adoption events. Look for:
- Hard-sided carrier that’s easy to clean
- Appropriate size (cat should be able to stand up and turn around)
- Secure latching mechanism
- Optional: top-loading feature for easier loading of reluctant cats
Line the carrier with a soft, washable pad or towel to make it more comfortable during transport.
Health and Grooming Supplies
Basic Medical Supplies for Foster Cats
While the rescue organization typically handles major medical care, you should have some basic supplies on hand:
- Digital thermometer (normal cat temperature is 100.5-102.5°F)
- Pet-safe disinfectant for cleaning
- Styptic powder to stop bleeding from minor cuts or nail trims
- Any medications prescribed by the vet
- Feeding syringes if you’re fostering very young kittens
- Scale for monitoring weight (especially important for kittens)
Always consult with your rescue coordinator before administering any treatments or medications.
Flea and Parasite Control
Many foster cats come with existing parasite issues, so you might need:
- Flea comb
- Rescue-approved flea treatment
- Deworming medication (as prescribed)
These items are usually provided by the rescue organization, but having your own flea comb can be helpful for monitoring.
Grooming Tools for Different Coat Types
Regular grooming helps keep your foster cat healthy and comfortable while also providing bonding time:
- Brush appropriate for the cat’s coat type (slicker brush for long hair, soft bristle brush for short hair)
- Nail clippers designed for cats
- Pet-safe wipes for quick clean-ups
- Cat-specific shampoo (only if bathing is approved by the rescue)
For long-haired cats, mat removers or dematting tools might be necessary, but use these carefully to avoid hurting the cat.
Enrichment and Play Essentials
Toys for Physical and Mental Stimulation
Play is crucial for a foster cat’s physical and mental well-being:
- Interactive toys (wand toys, laser pointers)
- Solo play toys (toy mice, balls, crinkle toys)
- Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys
- Catnip toys (for cats over 6 months who respond to catnip)
Rotate toys regularly to keep your foster cat engaged and prevent boredom. Remember that the simplest items, like a paper bag or cardboard box can sometimes provide the most entertainment.
Scratching Posts and Surfaces
Scratching is a natural behavior that helps cats maintain claw health and mark territory:
- Vertical scratching post (at least 3 feet tall for adult cats)
- Horizontal scratching pad
- Different textures (sisal, cardboard, carpet)
Providing appropriate scratching surfaces helps protect your furniture and gives your foster cat a healthy outlet for natural behaviors.
Special Supplies for Kittens, Seniors, or Special Needs Cats
Kitten-Specific Supplies
Fostering kittens requires additional specialized supplies:
- Kitten formula (if under 4-5 weeks)
- Bottle feeding kit with appropriate nipples
- Kitchen scale for daily weight monitoring
- Heating pad or snuggle disc (with no auto shut-off)
- Shallow litter box with non-clumping litter
- Soft, washable bedding that’s easy to launder
- Kitten-safe toys (no small parts that could be swallowed)
Kittens under 8 weeks need round-the-clock care and specialized feeding, so be prepared for the extra commitment.
Accommodating Senior or Special Needs Cats
Older cats or those with medical conditions may require:
- Steps or ramps to help reach favorite spots
- Orthopedic beds for joint comfort
- Raised food and water dishes
- Pee pads for cats with incontinence issues
- Extra-large or low-sided litter boxes
- Specialized medications or supplements
Always follow the specific guidance provided by the rescue organization for special needs fosters.
Building Your Foster Cat Supply Checklist
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s create a quick checklist you can use when preparing to foster:
- Food and nutrition: appropriate food, treats, feeding dishes, water bowls
- Litter supplies: box, litter, scoop, waste bags, mat
- Comfort items: beds, blankets, hiding spots
- Transport: secure carrier
- Health supplies: basic first aid items, grooming tools
- Enrichment: variety of toys, scratching surfaces
- Cleaning supplies: pet-safe disinfectant, paper towels, enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- Age/condition-specific items: kitten supplies, senior cat accommodations
Remember that fostering is temporary, so you don’t need to invest in the most expensive versions of everything. Many items can be repurposed from things you already have at home, like using clean towels for bedding or plastic containers for temporary litter boxes.
I’ve found that building your supply collection gradually as you foster different cats with varying needs is the most practical approach. Start with the basics, then add specialized items as needed for specific foster situations.
Conclusion
Fostering a cat is one of the most rewarding ways to help animals in need. By having the right supplies on hand, you create a welcoming, stress-free environment that helps your foster cat thrive while awaiting their forever home. Remember that each cat is unique, so be prepared to adapt your setup based on their individual personality and needs.
The most important supply of all is patience and love. Many foster cats have experienced trauma or abandonment, and your gentle care will help them learn to trust again. The time, effort, and resources you invest in fostering literally save lives by freeing up shelter space and preparing cats for successful adoptions.
If you’re new to fostering, don’t hesitate to ask your rescue organization for guidance—they want your fostering experience to be successful and will often provide support and some basic supplies to get you started. With proper preparation and the right supplies, you’ll be ready to open your home and heart to a cat in need.
FAQs About Fostering Cats
- How much does it typically cost to gather supplies for fostering a cat?
The initial setup can cost anywhere from $100-300 depending on what you already have and the quality of items you purchase. Many rescue organizations provide basic supplies or have loaner items available to reduce your costs. Remember that most supplies are reusable for future fosters. - Do I need to keep my foster cat separated from my resident pets?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to keep foster cats separated from resident pets for at least 10-14 days. This quarantine period helps prevent disease transmission and allows for a gradual, controlled introduction. You’ll need separate supplies for your foster cat during this period. - What should I do if my foster cat won’t use the litter box or eat the provided food?
Contact your rescue coordinator immediately for guidance. Litter box issues could indicate stress or medical problems, while food refusal might require trying different options or could signal illness. Never let a cat go more than 24 hours without eating. - How do I prepare my home for a foster cat beyond gathering supplies?
Cat-proof your space by removing toxic plants, securing loose wires, putting away small items that could be swallowed, and blocking small hiding spots where a cat could get stuck. Create a quiet, low-traffic area where your foster cat can decompress initially. - What cleaning supplies are safe to use around foster cats?
Look for cleaning products specifically labeled as pet-safe. Avoid anything containing phenols, ammonia, or bleach. Enzymatic cleaners are excellent for pet accidents. When in doubt, diluted vinegar is a safe cleaning solution for most surfaces around cats.
