Here is a post which was written to the rec.pets.cats.misc newsgroup by Kathi McDermott. It is re-printed here with permisission.

“I live in the Atlanta area. In the past two years, I have provided foster care to over 60 cats and kittens. I cannot tell you how much pleasure it has given me! My first fosters were 3 feral kittens (what a way to be initiated!) All three were quickly tamed and adopted. From then on, I was hooked!

Many people tell me they could never foster because they’d get too attached. Do they think I don’t????? I have shed many a tear when it was time to say goodbye, but I was ALWAYS involved in the adoption, and I know where all of my babies are. Most of the adopters are very nice about letting me check up. Some send me pictures and letters.

I’ve had people tell me they want their cat to have kittens so their kids can experience the miracle of birth. To these people, I say…”foster a pregnant cat”. Others tell me they just want to have a kitten around the house. To them, I say…”become a foster home for kittens”. I’ve had bunches of kittens in my home, and they were a lot of fun. They were also pretty easy to let go because there was always another one available for me.

The toughest to let go were the unsocialized, problem cats that I tamed and placed in great homes. These were the ones that captured my heart. I cried lots of tears when I let them go. I also followed up on them more often until I was sure they had adapted to their new homes.

Anyway…if you’ve ever considered fostering, DO IT!!! It’s worth every single tear. And you’re saving lives! Check with your local humane society and cat rescue groups for fostering opportunities!”