Mental Health and Self-Care While Fostering

This post was written by Jackie Fiorito, Karma Cat volunteer and foster.

Fostering is such a rewarding experience. However, like any volunteer work, it requires a steady mind and some personal sacrifice. Ultimately, there are some challenges people might face in their foster journey.

For beginners, the process might be perceived as overwhelming or slow-moving. As the saying goes, you must put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. The same goes for fostering, when you take care of your mental well-being, you’re much more likely to give these cats the best care possible.

Here are seven tips I recommend for maintaining self-care while fostering…

Step 1: Set Realistic Expectations

When fostering one of the most important things to keep in mind is that every cat adjusts differently.

Some cats, like my first foster, Athena, are immediately curious about their new surroundings and eager for affection. Others, like Milk and Cookie, can take weeks to even come out of their hiding places.

Be sure to understand that as long as you are providing your cats with a loving and safe environment, you are doing the right thing! There is no calendar to healing for these animals, so be sure to remind yourself that progress looks different for every animal.

Setting these realistic expectations can make the adjustment period much smoother, and can ease your concerns with cats on the more reclusive side.

Step 2: Establish Emotional Boundaries

It is absolutely normal to grow attached to your foster cat. The more time you spend with them, the more they become a part of your daily routine.

For me, sending a foster back to the adoption center is never easy. However, it is a necessary part of the job that ultimately benefits your foster. In the following weeks, it is likely that your cat will be adopted!

To maintain your mental health, always remember that fostering is temporary, but it does not make the process any less meaningful. Maintaining this mindset can prepare you for the more emotional aspects of fostering, and prevent possible burnout.

Step 3: Keep in Touch With Your Support

Staying connected with your adoption center team is essential to maintain your mental well-being and lighten the load of fostering.

While working with Karma Cat, my roommates and I have access to 24-hour support for any questions or concerns we might have. We communicate throughout the week regarding supply refills, health/behavior updates, or even sending cute photos for their social media team. Communication through Slack also allows us to stay in touch with other volunteers, so you are always connected to a community of people sharing your experience!

Frequent, healthy communication with other volunteers/organizers is another great self-care tactic to support your mental health.

Step 4: Establish a Routine

Establishing a daily routine with your foster cats can be a great way to manage both your own mental well-being and that of your fosters.

Sticking to set feeding, play, and quiet times can generate a healthy environment for your cats to build their confidence and trust with you. It also makes them great behavioral candidates for their new homes!

In terms of self-care, creating and abiding by a daily schedule can ensure you are upholding adequate care for your cats while prioritizing time for yourself too. And trust me, your cat will make sure you stick to those feeding times!

Step 5: Celebrate the Small Wins

Maybe your shy foster accepted a treat from your hand or took a nap beside you for the first time. While these may seem like small steps, they are huge indicators that your hard work and consistency has improved your cat’s confidence.

When we were fostering Milk and Cookie, their socialization greatly improved. Even though it took them time, seeing the cats repair their ability to trust has been so heartwarming. Celebrating even the smallest victories is vital in your fostering experience, as it encourages continued progress and helps reinforce the impact you are making on these animals’ lives.

Step 6: Know Your Limits

Knowing your personal limits and being able to establish boundaries with your foster team are essential tactics in maintaining your mental health.

Before each cat is placed with us, the team will send us a message detailing any health or behavioral issues a cat may have. They mentioned our second cat Mimi’s weight loss routine, and asked us if we could handle more than one cat in regards to Milk and Cookie. In both situations, my roommates and I made sure we were mentally and physically equipped with the resources to provide these fosters with the absolute best care possible.

Step 7: Find Balance

Fostering is an act of kindness that can save lives, and caring for your self is what allows you to continue doing it. It takes patience, sacrifice, and dedication but is ultimately one of the most rewarding experiences.

When you take time to recharge and reset your emotionally battery, you are not just protecting your mental health, you’re giving these cats the best possible version of yourself. If needed, take breaks in between fosters and dedicate that free time to yourself and your hobbies. This balance is necessary to your mental health, and is the best way to reward yourself for all of your hard work and sacrifice.