Foster information

Help us save lives

The Ark Cat Sanctuary depends on fosters to help us save lives- every cat or kitten in a foster home clears out space at the Sanctuary and allows us to rescue even more cats and kittens with nowhere else to go.

All you need to foster is a bathroom/spare bedroom, or a quiet place to keep a small wire crate and a willingness to provide some love and a safe place for a cat or kittens to grow and heal.

We provide:
     -food, litter and other supplies
     -veterinary care/medications
     -training and support

You provide:
     -love and a quiet home environment
     -socialization and daily care
     -give medications if needed
     -transportion to vaccine appts and vet visits as needed
     -regular communication with our foster coordinator

Tailored to your home

We have many different options available for fostering and can accomodate your needs as a foster whether you can foster short-term (even 48 hours can help save a life) or longer-term (a week to a month):

  • single cats
  • 2-3 kittens
  • a mom with nursing kittens
  • bonded pair of adults
  • older kitties who need a break from shelter life

    • We especially need fosters who are able/willing to:
  • bottlefeed orphaned kittens (requires around the clock feedings)
  • socialize skittish kittens

    • Call us at (928)613-2090 to learn more
    or to get started fostering

    Foster to Adopt

    Not sure about jumping straight into adoption? This is the perfect way to see if a kitty is the right fit for your home — while still giving them a safe, loving place to grow/heal. You foster first, and if it feels right… you can make it official! Fosters always get first dibs if they decide their foster cat/kitten is already home.
    ✨ We cover medical care (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.)
    ✨ We provide support every step of the way
    ✨ You provide the love and a temporary home
    It’s one of the best ways to help save lives while finding your perfect match.

    Tips for Socializing Skittish Kittens

    Teaching scared kittens that people are trustworthy and loveable can be one of the most rewarding foster experiences. Some general tips on how to gain their trust quickly:

    1) Keep them contained in a small crate initially to prevent them from hiding in places you can't find them and allow you to medicate/feed them easily.

    2) Don't free-feed older kittens unless you will be away for more than a couple hours (eg if you have to work during the day). Younger kittens should always have food available. *If the kittens associate yummy food with humans it makes gaining their trust much faster. Use special treats like squeeze-ups and yummy wet food on a spoon to gain their affections.

    3) Don't allow the kittens to dictate when you handle them. Start handling them as soon as possible- even holding a scared kitten for just a few minutes can make them feel safer with humans. Start by talking to them for a few minutes, then slowly place a pillowcase or small towel over their heads and pet them gently. As soon as you are comfortable, scruff them carefully and pick them up in a kitten burrito with the pillowcase/towel. Hold them close and pet them until they relax. Sometimes kittens will decide very quickly that people are great, sometimes it can take continued work.

    4) Don't allow kittens into larger spaces (bedrooms, larger bathrooms, etc.) until they have warmed up to people and aren't an escape risk.