Fostering 101: What to Expect When You Say Yes

So you’re thinking about fostering kittens — or maybe you’ve already said “yes!” First of all, thank you. You’re about to play a direct, hands-on role in saving lives.

Fostering is one of the most powerful ways you can help animals in need, especially during kitten season when shelters and rescues like Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance are overwhelmed with babies who need urgent care. But if you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t worry — that’s totally normal.

Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of what to expect when you take in your first foster kittens.

Expect to Save a Life

First and foremost, fostering is lifesaving.

Many of the kittens who come to us are too young, too sick, or too fragile for shelter environments. By opening your home, you’re giving them a chance they might not otherwise have. Whether you're fostering a bottle baby, a weaned litter, or a nursing mama cat, your care is often the only reason they survive.

It’s that big. And it’s that beautiful.

Expect to Create a Cozy, Safe Space

You don’t need a big house or fancy gear. Most fosters start with a small, kitten-proofed area — a bathroom, spare room, large crate, or playpen.

We’ll help you set it up with the basics:

• Warm bedding

• Litter box and litter (for older kittens)

• Food and water bowls

• Heating pad (for kittens under 4 weeks)

• Toys and enrichment (once they’re old enough!)

We’ll also provide training, supplies, and 24/7 support — you’ll never be left on your own.

Expect a Learning Curve (And That’s Okay!)

New fosters often worry they won’t know what to do — but you don’t need to be an expert. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, from how to bottle-feed to spot signs of illness.

You’ll have questions. You’ll make mistakes. And you’ll get better every single day.

Expect Some Mess (But Not as Much as You Think)

Yes, kittens can be messy — especially during weaning and litter training. But don’t let that scare you. With a good setup and a quick daily routine, cleanup can be surprisingly manageable.

Most fosters spend about 30–60 minutes a day caring for their kittens (more if they’re bottle babies), including:

• Cleaning the space

• Feeding and tracking weights

• Snuggle time and socialization

Expect to Fall in Love

You will get attached. That’s not a sign you shouldn’t foster — it’s a sign you’re doing it right.

It’s hard to say goodbye when adoption day comes, but it’s also one of the best parts. You’ll send your kittens off healthy, happy, and ready to be loved forever — because you made that possible.

And when you’re ready, we hope you’ll do it again. Because fostering doesn’t just save one life — it opens space to save the next.

Expect to Be Part of Something Bigger

At Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance, we’re more than just a rescue. We’re a community of fosters, volunteers, and donors working together to protect the most vulnerable kittens.

When you foster, you become part of that mission.

We’ll support you every step of the way, cheer with you when your fosters hit milestones, and honor the journey — even when it’s hard.

Ready to Say Yes?

If you're thinking about fostering, we’d love to have you on our team. Whether you’re available once a year or every month, whether you’re experienced or brand new — you are welcome here.

Apply to foster here or reach out with any questions. Let’s save some lives together.