Foster-based means that all of our rescued cats and kittens reside in foster homes until adoption. We do not have a traditional facility and rely on the generosity of volunteer foster families to save lives.

We are so grateful that you’re considering joining our foster team! We ask that anyone interested in fostering submit our foster application. 

Currently, we can only have volunteer fosters in Rhode Island. If this changes we will update out website! 

• Provide a safe and loving space until adoption. 
• Provide valuable information, photos, and videos for adoption bios so that the best matched home can be found. 
• Willingness to administer medications as necessary (training provided). 
• Time and desire to interact with foster cat(s) on daily basis. 
• Willingness to work with our Adoption Coordinators through the adoption process. 
• Provide food, water, and clean litter on a daily basis (supplies provided). 
• Access to email and the ability to respond to communications from the Ten Lives team.  
• Ability to keep foster cat separated from resident animals until initial vetting has been completed. A medium bathroom, guest bedroom, or office works! 

It depends! Some foster cats require care/medication every few hours, but most can be cared for while also balancing a full-time job. Our Placement Manager will work to place appropriate cats with you based on your lifestyle. 

Ten Lives is responsible for the veterinary expenses for cats in our program. We have worked hard to develop relationships with private veterinary practices who generously provide a rescue discount. We also utilize two local spay/neuter clinics. 

Yes, fosters are allowed to adopt their foster cat(s) prior to them being listed for adoption. Once a cat is listed on our website and receives adoption applications priority will be given to outside applicants. 

Thanks to generous donors and community partnerships we are able to provide supplies like food and litter. 

Yes! Many of our foster families have pets. If you do have resident animals you will need to have the ability to initially separate a new foster cat from your resident pets until the proper veterinary care has been completed. 

Absolutely! Ten Lives is 100% volunteer-powered and a majority of our fosters work full-time in addition to volunteering. We have a great group of volunteers who are always willing to help each other. 

We can’t predict how long a cat will remain in a foster home. Length of stay depends on cat’s age, temperament, and vetting status. 

Yes, many of our foster families have children and foster many types of cats! 

Foster cats may be introduced to resident pets after they have completed their initial vetting; however, interactions are not required. We advise foster families to use slow introductions and provide guidance on how to develop harmonious relationships. 

Yes! We just ask that you obtain your landlord’s approval to have a foster cat in your home. 

A majority of the cats we rescue are living difficult lives outside. Good Samaritans bring their need to our attention and thanks to community volunteers we are able to bring them to safety. We also work with local shelters and advocacy groups to help cats in need. When space allows, we accept cats from owners who are no longer able to care for them.